Does Chebe Powder Really Promote Hair Growth?

Discover the African beauty secret to growing a beautiful, thick, and healthy mane.

Reviewed by Madison Dufour, Barber & Cosmetologist Madison Dufour Madison DufourBarber & Cosmetologist facebook_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by Medha Deb, Integrated MA Medha Deb Integrated MA linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
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Chebe powder for hair is gaining attention slowly for the immense benefits it offers. This beneficial ingredient promotes hair nourishment, boosts hair growth, keeps it healthy and shiny. If you have tried supplements, hair oils, and home remedies to maintain healthy locks but did not get promising results, you must try chebe powder. Read on to know more about the benefits and risks of using chebe powder for hair.

protip_icon Know Your Ingredient: Chebe Powder

What Is It?
A powdery substance obtained from the Croton Zambesicus or croton lavender plant.

What Are Its Benefits?
It strengthens and conditions the hair, repairs damage, prevents hair breakage and boosts hair shine.

Who Can Use It?
All except those with a sensitive scalp.

How Often?
Once or twice a week.

Caution
May cause irritation and inflammation if you have a sensitive scalp. Consult a doctor in case of adverse effects.

What Is Chebe Powder?

Chebe powder is a simple blend of indigenous herbs known to be beneficial for hair growth and hair repair.

The famous Croton Zambesicus or Croton lavender plant is the parent ingredient of chebe powder. Its origins can be linked to a particular tribe of the Chad Republic. The said tribe used chebe powder for hair in their traditional customs. The women of this tribe have waist-length 4C-type hair, making chebe powder quite popular for modern use.

The intense deep conditioning effect of chebe powder can be attributed to its cassia, natural henna native to parts of Asia and Africa. This popular African hair care ingredient nourishes dry scalp and repairs damage. It also provides nutrition to hair follicles and strengthens hair.

The chebe powder also contains shebe seeds, missic stone, cloves, samor resin, and soubiane seeds. You can mix the powder with oil or even add it to your regular hair cream. Note that you get the best results when you use the chebe hair powder in its raw form. Chebe powder is known to work for 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, and 4C hair types. The powder helps prevent hair breakage and gives a nice bounce.

But does chebe powder help with hair growth? What does the research say?

Key Takeaways

  • Chebe powder can prevent hair breakage, add bounce, and maintain hair health.
  • The powder in its raw form can be mixed with oil or added to a hair cream.
  • It is most suitable for curly or coily hair for its super hydrating formula.

Chebe Powder And Hair Growth

The use of chebe for hair growth in powdery form has been a topic of debate for quite some time. The benefits of chebe powder have more to do with hair retention than hair growth. From a dermatological perspective, hair growth is the occurrence of small new bulbs beneath the scalp. There is no research stating that any natural ingredient, including chebe powder, may actually promote hair growth. Factors like your DNA and body hormones determine your hair growth. Any alteration you desire would warrant a dermatologists prescription (1).

While chebe powder may not help with hair growth, it could aid hair retention by preventing hair breakage. It also may create an illusion of thicker hair. It helps with hair maintenance and aids in hair loss prevention. Many women use it for retaining their hair length and for hair restoration.

Chebe powder is popularly used in a hair treatment that has important benefits. We have discussed them below.

Advantages Of The Chebe Powder Treatment

1. May Maintain Scalp pH

Woman with a healthy scalp pH due to chebe powder
Image: Shutterstock

A healthy scalp is crucial for healthy hair. The ideal pH level of a healthy scalp is between 4.5 to 5. Any deviation from this range can lead to scalp and hair issues, including dandruff (2). Anecdotal evidence suggests that the alkaloids in Chebe powder may help restore the scalp’s pH balance. A pH-balanced scalp keeps harmful microorganisms away from it and reduces the risk of flaking. It does not secrete excessive oils, promoting healthy hair growth. Lastly, a balanced scalp will absorb nutrients easily from hair care treatments and reduce the risk of hair breakages.

protip_icon Did You Know?
The higher the pH of the scalp and hair, the more prone to frizz and breakage your tresses become (2).

2. May Help Fight Inflammation

Close up of inflammation on woman's scalp
Image: Shutterstock

Scalp inflammation is characterized by tender, red, and dry skin. People who use an excess of hair care products or those who do not wash their hair enough could be prone to scalp inflammation (3). Massaging your hair with chebe powder can instantly remove any product buildup. The powder also heals the scalp by nourishing the hair follicles and offers natural hair care benefits.

3. May Offer Deep Conditioning

Woman applying conditioner and chebe powder to her hair
Image: Shutterstock

Mixing a teaspoon of chebe powder with your regular conditioner can offer better deep conditioning results. Leave the conditioner and chebe powder mixture on your hair for at least 4 hours before rinsing. Your hair will look shinier and become stronger.

You can also use the oil to moisturize between two washes. Gently mix some chebe powder with an oil of your choice and apply it to your hair in between washes. If you want the chebe powder to have its best effect without leaving the hair greasy, use less oil than powder.

4. Helps Retain Hair Length (Type 4 Hair)

It is often believed that women with type 4 hair cannot grow long hair. However, this is not true. Chebe powder is known to reduce hair breakage in women with hair type. It also may help retain their hair length. Although Chebe powder is not traditionally classified as a hair texture powder, its ability to strengthen and nourish the hair can significantly improve the texture over time.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Type 4C hair seems to grow slowly as it is prone to breakage and tends to undergo shrinkage, which makes it seem shorter than it actually is.

Cocoa Coils, a blogger, shared how chebe powder promoted thickness and improved curl definition in her personal blog. She said, “The first time I reapplied the paste, I could tell immediately that my hair had grown longer and stronger and the curls at the back of my head were more defined. By the time I did my second application, my hair felt so soft to the touch and was as moisturized as it was on day one (i)!”

Let us now understand the various ways in which you can use chebe powder for your hair.

Using Chebe Powder On Hair

  • As A Deep Conditioning Mask
Woman massaging her scalp with oil and chebe powder
Image: Shutterstock

Mix chebe powder with any oil of your choice and apply the mixture to your damp hair evenly, so that every strand reaps the benefits. Damp hair is more porous and allows the mixture to seep in easily. After application, massage the scalp gently to let the mixture penetrate the scalp and boost blood circulation. Leave the mask on for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the active ingredients to deeply nourish the hair and repair damage. You can consider wearing a plastic cap as you wait. Rinse the hair with cold water to seal the hair cuticles, locking the nutrients in the hair.

  • As A Hair Scrub

Mix chebe powder with a few drops of coconut oil or any essential oil of your choice. Divide your hair into different sections and rub the mixture on your scalp. You may also apply it along the sections of your hair, starting from the roots to the tip. Massage the scalp for about 10 to 15 minutes. Ensure you do not rub the scalp too harshly. Leave it for another 10 minutes. You can consider wearing a plastic shower cap as you wait. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Then, wash your hair with a mild shampoo and apply a good, hydrating conditioner.

  • As A Styler

Dampen your hair with a spray bottle. Add some water to half a teaspoon of chebe powder to get a muddy consistency. Apply the paste to your hair, starting from the roots to the tips, and wash off after an hour.

  • As A Protein Treatment
Woman applying an egg and chebe powder hair mask
Image: Shutterstock

Combine a teaspoon of chebe powder with a couple of eggs and mix well. Massage the hair and allow it to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.

These are different ways you can use Chebe powder. However, not all Chebe powders that are available in the market are effective. Some are packed with harmful additives and chemicals. So, purchasing the right product is essential. In the next section, we will discuss the tips to buy the best Chebe powder for hair. Read on.

How To Choose A High-Quality Chebe Powder For Hair

  • Choose brands selling Chebe powder, sourced from Chad or other regions known for their history in preparing Chebe powder. Manufacturers in these areas are most likely to make Chebe powder blending the right ingredients.
  • Pick Chebe powders made of natural ingredients such as Croton, clove, and lavender. Read the ingredients list to ensure the contents before purchasing.
  • Choose a product that is free of additives, synthetic fragrances, and other harmful ingredients that may cause allergic reactions and hair fall.
  • Go for Chebe powder that comes in air-tight packaging or opaque containers to protect the ingredients from sunlight.

Infographic: 4 Reasons The Chebe Powder Treatment Is Good For Your Hair

Chebe powder is an herbal powder that has been used in Africa for many years to promote healthy and shiny hair. It also helps strengthen the roots, prevents hair breakage, and offers many more benefits. Check out the infographic below to know more about why it should be included in your hair care routine.

4 reasons the chebe powder treatment is good for your hair (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

You can rely on chebe powder for hair strengthening and growth. Chebe powder has significant benefits for women who experience hair breakage. Its all-natural ingredients provide it with many benefits that range from maintaining the scalp pH to removing any scalp build-up. Chebe powder can be used as a deep-conditioning mask to make your hair smooth and shiny or as a protein treatment to strengthen your hair and improve overall hair health. While more research is needed to fully understand its benefits, it is safe to use in moderate amounts. If you experience any adverse effects, limit its use and seek medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does chebe powder have side effects?

Chebe powder does not usually have any side effects. However, if you have a sensitive scalp, it may cause scalp irritation and inflammation.

Why can’t you put chebe powder on your scalp?

Chebe powder is not a hair growth product. It is used to style and condition the hair. That is why chebe powder is mainly used on the hair strands and not on the scalp.

How does the original chebe powder look like?

The original chebe powder may look dark brown in color. It may also have white specks throughout.

Should I wash my hair before applying chebe powder?

Chebe powder should be applied to clean and damp hair. You may wash your hair a few hours after applying the powder.

Can I mix chebe powder with leave-in conditioner?

Yes, you can mix chebe powder with a leave-in conditioner. It will help you deep condition the hair.

Illustration: Does Chebe Powder Really Promote Hair Growth?

chebe powder_illustration

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team


Learn about the amazing advantages of using chebe powder for your hair. Take a deeper look at how this natural African herb can boost your hair health and overall well-being.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Genetic prediction of male pattern baldness
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5308812/
  2. The Shampoo pH can Affect the Hair: Myth or Reality?
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4158629/
  3. Hair Cosmetics: An Overview
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/
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Madison Dufour
Madison DufourBarber & Cosmetologist
Madison Dufour is a licensed and practicing barber and cosmetologist with 10 years of experience, as well as an entrepreneur running several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog. After working behind the chair for several years, she felt the calling to start the non-profit Barber in a Bag that teaches basic hair cutting skills in street and slum communities in South America.

Read full bio of Madison Dufour
Arshiya Syeda
Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Medha Deb
Medha DebCommerce Editor
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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