Okra for fast hair growth



Hi All,

When I was growing up my grandmother, who was Jamaican, used to have Okra with steamed fish. It would be on the table in a serving bowl and when it was taken out it was slimy and smelly. To this day I cannot bring myself to try it! I'm pretty adventurous when it comes to food. I love my chicken foot soup and ox tail and Sushi is a staple in our house. Hell Ostrich burgers wouldn't put me off but I don't think I could every try the slimy goo that is Okra. My friends at school used to tease me that you can make it into a drink! Yeuch!

However I recently found out that you can use Okra (externally) on your hair! I kid you not Okra can be used to stop breakage and encourage super fast hair growth. I had to check this our and did a little research.

According to Mr Wiki:

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus Moench), known in many English-speaking countries as lady's fingers or gumbo, is a flowering plant in the mallow family. It is valued for its edible green seed pods. The geographical origin of okra is disputed, with supporters of South Asian, Ethiopian and West African origins. The plant is cultivated in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions around the world.

What is it that makes Okra good for your hair?

Okra is a good source of vitamins A, B complex (B6, Thiamin) Vitamin B, C and E, iron, zinc and calcium. It is rich in fiber, low in calories and fat free. Okra also contains high amounts of Folic acid.

This makes it a great conditioner for mistreated damaged hair replacing lost nutrients. It is also wonderful for dry relaxed hair.

I found lots of recipes online on how to make Okra gel. But if you don't fancy messing around with this there are several hair products in the market the contain Okra:


  • Sisay International sell a whole range of products including an Okra cleanser (rather than shampoo), a conditioner, moisturiser and okra jelly . I am head over heels for their Okra Hair milk which I have been using while I am transitioning. 
  • Lush sells a hair conditioner for dry damaged hair. Lots of Great online reviews for this high street product.
  • Shescentit also has a breakage control Okra conditioner.



Have you made your own or tried any Okra products?

Although I still wouldn't eat this I am definitely a convert and use it on my hair daily. How about you?

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity
Leilu




References:
^ National Research Council (2006-10-27). "Okra". Lost Crops of Africa: Volume II: Vegetables. Lost Crops of Africa. 2. National Academies Press. ISBN 978-0-309-10333-6. Retrieved 2008-07-15.

Sisay International

Lush



6 comments

Pinkcaramelle said...

Okra? I would never think about it for hair growth!
I love it in all the dishes it comes in but never use it externally. It's not easily accessible in the place I live currently but I may give it a try.
Thanks for the info.

AfroDeity said...

When I started looking into it, it made sense eventually but I would never have thought. It is along the same vein as a flax seed gell for your hair. Great stuff though. Works wonders ad now I am hooked. Check Out Sisay International, they are in the Netherlands!

Moderne Meid said...

In my family we eat A LOT of okra, maybe on a weekly basis or so. If you have the right recipe and the right stew you will love it. Yeah it's slimy but it's not that bad! This is great information.

A friend of mine ACTUALLY made an okra gel very recently and here is her tutorial; it's amazing because I had no idea you could use it on hair. http://caribbeancurls.wordpress.com/2012/08/26/diy-okra-ochro-hair-gel/

It's awesome that you're stocking Sisay now (and they're from NL!). I'd love to try okra containing products at some point, I want to see what it's about.

AfroDeity said...

Hi Moderne Meid,

I just started stalking Caribbean Curls. Lots of great info and her hair at the end of her tutorial was awesome! Nice Curls!

Yes, Sisay in right here in the EU!!!

I love the Okra Hair Milk, totally addicted.

rachel welch wigs said...

I am actually quiet fond of okra. However I was not aware of anything like this.
I really like it. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing piece.

Sophia said...

I wish for the great of success in all of our destiny endeavors