Help for 4c Afro hair - No more harmful products

[forevergrateful1]

I have 4C afro hair, I have an illness called Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism) and my hair in the middle particularly fell out so do struggle to style. I’m trying to grow my hair back and keep it healthy.

I’m seeing studies about using braiding hair and black hair products causing harm to black women. I’m feeling stuck. I want to grow my hair back without using things that are going to harm me.

Any advice of hair routines, styles and products brands for things like shampoo and conditioner.

I really don’t want to put a wig on as I don’t feel like I look nice with straight/ looser textured hair.

Jamaican black castor oil rubbed into the scalp is supposed to support hair growth. I tried it for a while after post-partum thinning and it did work, but that also could have just been down to it naturally growing back.

I also hate wearing wigs but more because I find them uncomfortable than anything. You can get some amazing natural-style wigs though. I have a friend who swears by them (simply because she’s too lazy to actually style her own hair every day) and they always looks great.

I have started using Batana Oil as I had a couple of completely bald patches at the front of my head and breaking edges which got worse during the menopause and all the stuff I was using to grow my hair back wasn't working. I have to get it straight from a company that imports it from Honduras as Amazon don't sell the real stuff, and it has to be100% raw Batana oil as some companies are selling fakes, but this one has really worked for me and my hair started growing back after a couple months of use. I've been using it now for 6 months and I can honestly say it has worked for me but do your research to check if it will works for you. I has a distinctive coffee like smell but it isn't a strong smell

@forevergrateful1 I found doing this pose for 5 mins per day helpful for hair growth:

https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/legs-up-the-wall#how-to-do-it

I originally started doing it for stress relief but then found it had a welcome side effect!

Cheap and cheerful products I use on my hair: organic coconut oil from Lidl, grapeseed oil from Sainsburys, almond oil from Morrisons. I like shea butter too.

@HelloDolly23 Would you be happy to share a link to the oil that you buy?

https://www.azureboutique.co/

You can look at the reviews etc on Youtube so you get a good idea of the product. Once ordered it takes about 4 weeks to get to you but you can track the order but nothing seems to be on the tracking until it gets through customs. I've ordered it three times and I've received each package.

Thanks @HelloDolly23

There have been a few articles in the last week on toxic (cancer-causing ingredients and hormone disruptors) synthetic hair:

www.independent.co.uk/news/health/hair-extensions-safety-cancer-chemicals-b2918077.html

https://www.voice-online.co.uk/news/world-news/2026/02/13/hair-extensions-cancer-fears-grow-after-scientists-find-they-are-linked-to-dozens-of-hazardous-chemicals/

The voice article mentions a safer alternative.

After many years of relaxing & braiding my hair I have some large bald spots at the side of my head. Products that I use & would recommend to you is Black caster oil (I put mine in a coloured bottle with a pipette) and then use daily on my scalp but not on my hair. Batana oil is also good (if possible try & buy an organic tub or oil) I also use Palmer’s Deep Conditioning Protein Pack every 6 - 8 weeks. After shampooing I apply it & then put on a clear shower cap & then my heated cap (I do recommend buying one if you don’t have one already) you can buy one from Amazon.
if possible try not to use hair straighteners or use your hair dryer on a high heat.
If you want to braid your hair you can wash the synthetic hair with Apple Cider vinegar & plain water in a bowl. Some salons will do this for you but will charge or you can do it yourself at home.
I hope this helps & good luck with your hair journey!