You know I share all the pertinent information for natural hair on this blog. I make sure you get all the info necessary to become a successful Natural hair woman; but I sometimes feel the need to share some not-so-typical tips that make it into the natural hair news. Well, I’ve got a doozy. Many naturals are winning the fight from frizz from applying K-Y Jelly to hair during styling. Yes, K-Y Jelly.
Frizz & How To Stop It from Ruining Your Natural Hair
K-Y Jelly is a water-based, water-soluble personal lubricant, most commonly used as a lubricant for sex. It has a fragrance-free, non-greasy formula that eases the discomfort of vaginal dryness during sex. You may have already known that, or even used it before, but someone, somewhere must have read the ingredients, and said…let me try this on my hair!
What’s In It?
How did I find out about this? Well, while getting my trim over the weekend at Tiffany’s Palour, Tiffany, my stylist clued me in. She heard about it, tried it and was pretty darned impressed. What does K-Y Jelly do for natural hair? Well, it fights frizz and does it well. The reason it works so well has to do with what’s in it.
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Hydroxyethycellulose, Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Gluconolactone, Methylparaben, Sodium Hydroxide.
K-Y Jelly’s main ingredient (after water) is glycerin, a humectant, and glycerin draws moisture from outside of your hair into the strands adding much-needed moisture. K-Y Jelly also has chlorhexidine, which is a disinfectant and antiseptic and often used in hair care products as a preservative. There are other humecants and preservatives with the last ingredient being Sodium Hydroxide which is quite caustic. This is just to balance the pH or as The Natural Haven explains,
“The base (sodium hydroxide) reacts with acid to produce a salt and water. This action means if you add sufficient sodium hydroxide you can change the pH from highly acidic to low acid or neutral or basic.”
If you’ve never used it, it has a soft, non-greasy feel and does feel like a styling gel. Honestly, I picked some up today just to check it out and had to marvel at how much it felt like an ordinary gel with a lot of slip. It’s a clear, non-sticky substance that seems to work well when there isn’t too much humidity in the air.
How To Use It
Well, it can be used in a few different ways. You can add it to your own styler (cream, gel) to give it extra moisture capabilities and to fight frizz. Simply add a few drops to your own styler (once you have it in your hand) and mix well. Many opt for this way to do it. Another way is to use it as a base for your usual styler. Simply apply to your hair prior to your styler to help with frizz. Still another way is to simply add on after your own styler to help draw moisture into your hair and keep your styler fresh.
Curly Girl Method Tips For Frizzy Hair
Now, many of us opt for the generic brand of products to save a few pennies, but some naturals say they could see a significant difference when doing so. They saw flakes or stickiness, so if you are going to try this product, opt for the real K-Y Jelly to get the better effect.
What do I think?
Well, I JUST tried it so when my hair is dry, I can give you my personal take although, my hairstylist and others were quite happy with the results. I like how it feels, and the price is right for me, so I figure I will be pretty happy as well. In comparison to some other products intended for something else but used on hair, I think this one is a pretty good tip to try if you are game. With me living in such a dry climate, this may become a favorite of mine. We, shall see!
Who’s tried it or thinking about trying it? Share below Newbies!
Sabrina
