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Humectants? Can Sombody Really Break It Down For Me?

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Humectants? Can Sombody Really Break It Down For Me? Empty Humectants? Can Sombody Really Break It Down For Me?

Post by MissyCee 9th March 2011, 7:44 pm

I've been hearing and reading lots, but I need a real breakdown. I know glycerin falls into this category, but how does castor oil? I've also seen that we shouldn't use it in the winter, why? I just can't grasp the whole story/theory.

thanks ladies!!! Smile
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Post by Ambitious_Tiff 9th March 2011, 8:13 pm

Humectants pull moisture. They will either pull moisture from the air if the humidity is above 70% or they will pull it from your hair is the moisture is unavailable in the atmosphere. Whether you should use it in the winter is relative. I've had no problems with dryness at all... Very Happy HTH!
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Post by Madeaj 9th March 2011, 8:19 pm

Castor is a humectant because of the Ricinoleic acid. It is also emollient and a lubricant. It is used in formulations, sometimes in the place of mineral oil because its so thick. I use it in lotions, conditioners, and lip balm. (it can also be used as a laxative Shocked ).

Glycerin is a common one I think most people use this as humectant and castor oil for its emollient abilities.

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Post by Ambitious_Tiff 9th March 2011, 8:23 pm

Btw, castor oil has anti-fungal and germicidal properties.
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Post by Lynnieluve 9th March 2011, 8:29 pm

Honey is also a humectant.
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Post by MissyCee 9th March 2011, 10:01 pm

Thanks again!!! I haven't had any problems with dry hair either, so I was very confused. I've been using honey and castor oil all winter with no problems. I just got some glycerin to add to my aloe vera gel spray. I guess since it's warming up, I shouldn't have any problems??
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Post by creolebeauty1 10th March 2011, 12:13 pm

i wanted to ask that i brought some vegetable glycerin last summer and i thought since it was warming up i should start putting into my mix but i read somewhere that summer doesn't really mean humid Sad i'm very confused now im watching this thread for some answer
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Post by Ambitious_Tiff 10th March 2011, 3:15 pm

Humectants have hydrophilic molecules, which means "water seeking" or "water loving." Therefore it will attrach moisture from the area where the water content is highest. The reason people say not to use humectants in the "winter" is b/c we equate winter with dry air. This is not the case everywhere though. Just like summer doesn't automatically equal humidity. For example, if living somewhere with an arid climate (think like certain areas of Arizona or New Mexico), than the air is not particularly moist. Therefore use of a humectant may have the opposite result. Moisture will be pulled from your hair b/c there is none available in the atmosphere. Basically, the optimal time to use a humectant is whenever the air is moist and the humidity in the air is more so then in your hair. Man, I feel like such a nerd, lol.
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Post by MissyCee 10th March 2011, 4:03 pm

Okkkkkkk, I think I've got it. So today in this rain, it will work great and not draw moisture from my hair. This area is not dry but it has it's times. I think my spritz will work well. Thanks ladies.!!! cheers
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Post by krazy coils 10th March 2011, 4:10 pm

creolebeauty1 wrote:i wanted to ask that i brought some vegetable glycerin last summer and i thought since it was warming up i should start putting into my mix but i read somewhere that summer doesn't really mean humid Sad i'm very confused now im watching this thread for some answer

It depends on where you live. I'm in Georgia and it is extremely humid here in the summer but for someone who lives in Las Vegas its hot and dry with no humidity. If you live in a dry area with no humidity then humectants may present a problem for you in the summer.

ETA: I didn't see that Ambitious Tiff already explained this.


Last edited by krazy coils on 10th March 2011, 4:12 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : typo)
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Post by Ambitious_Tiff 10th March 2011, 4:41 pm

MissyCee wrote:Okkkkkkk, I think I've got it. So today in this rain, it will work great and not draw moisture from my hair. This area is not dry but it has it's times. I think my spritz will work well. Thanks ladies.!!! cheers

I'm gonna go with "most definitely," lol. No problem. Very Happy
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Post by naturalhair429 11th March 2011, 12:28 am

Just to add a little somethin' to the mix, keep an eye on the dew point. The higher the dew point the more moisture that is in the air. If the dew point is low it's a clear indicator that there is not enough moisture in the air to be pulled to your hair therefore air will draw the moisture from your hair resulting in dry hair.
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Post by creolebeauty1 11th March 2011, 8:34 am

YAYYYYYY i'm in GA too so this summer im a glycerin it up lol thank you ladies Smile
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