10 Best-kept Hair Care Secrets From Around The World

By: | Last Updated: March 31, 2020

Hair rituals are passed on through generations. Certain countries have their own unique hair rituals for keeping hair healthy. So we did our research and compiled the top 10 hair care secrets from around the world.

Over the years, people have searched for various ways to get long, thick and beautiful hair. I’m sure you’ve seen some pictures of various people from all over the world with healthy and voluminous hair. 

You’ve also probably wondered what they did to get that beautiful hair so that you can, perhaps, also try it out. Sometimes it’s genetics. But people in certain areas of the world have their own go-to products.

Moroccan argan oil is probably the most well-known of all. But there are some not-so-popular ingredients that you can just find at the shop or order online. Maybe you already have them at home. 

Read on..

1. Morocco – Argan Oil

Morocco argan oil for hair – Curling Diva

Let’s start with the most popular in the list – Argan oil.

The Argan tree is native to Morocco and Argan oil is made from kennels taken from this tree. This oil is commonly used by the people of Morocco because of its ability to keep hair healthy. You can use it as a conditioner or a hair mask. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that keep your hair soft and shiny. It also makes hair manageable and easy to style. 

The anti-oxidants also help prevent scalp issues such as itchy scalp and dandruff. Argan oil is great for protecting the hair from harsh conditions (harsh weather, hot tools, sun exposure, etc) it is exposed to every day. 

Thanks to its growing popularity, you can find Argan oil virtually anywhere. 

2. Jamaica – Cactus Oil and Black Castor Oil

Jamaica black castor oil cactus oil – Curling Diva

Pretty much everyone knows just how much castor oil is great for healthy hair growth and it is also great for protecting hair from harsh weather. 

The main difference between the usual castor oil (the yellow one) and the Jamaican black castor oil is the color. Jamaicans prefer to roast the castor beans first before crushing it and this gives it its dark brown to black color and burnt smell.

Another hair care practice common among Jamaicans is the use of the cactus oil.

Obtained from cactus plant, Cactus oil is great for fixing heat-damaged hair. The Jamaican tuna plant, more commonly known as ‘prickly pear cactus, thrives very well under the scorching Jamaican sun. The oil is made from cold pressing prickly pear seeds. Jamaicans simply peel the cactus plant and use the gel for their hair, similar to how you use aloe vera for hair. 

3. China – Rice Water

hair care secrets from around the world - China using rice water for hair growth

Using rice water to wash their hair has been one of the ways Chinese women maintain healthy long hair. It’s a common practice in Japan and Southeast Asia too, where rice grows abundantly.

Rice water contains anti-oxidants and other compounds that promote healthy hair growth. 

Hair growth is a process that happens and progresses on its own but rice water contains nutrients that can make your hair healthier so that it grows faster. 

To use rice water for hair growth, you can either use fermented rice water or non-fermented rice water. It is also not recommended that you leave the rice water for too long, especially if you are using fermented rice water.

4. West Africa – Shea Butter

West Africa shea butter for hair – Curling Diva

The karite tree from which shea nuts is obtained is native to the African continent, with most of it being produced in West Africa. Traditional African societies have long discovered the various health benefits of applying shea butter to hair, hence why it is widely used there. 

Shea butter can be used in its natural form and it can also be found mixed in with other hair care products. It helps moisturize dry and damaged hair.

Generally, shea butter is most effective in its raw form. It is great for soothing itchy scalp and treating dandruff. 

5. Japan – Camellia oil

japan camellia seed oil for hair – Curling Diva

Dubbed as the ‘holy grail of Japanese hair care’, Camellia oil is derived from the seeds of the camellia japonica tree. It’s known locally as ‘Tsubaki oil’, as that’s the Japanese name for the Camellia flowering plant. 

It’s been used for centuries by Japanese women and Geisha’s, which is said to give them beautiful skin and long shiny hair.

Cold-pressed Camellia oil has many hair and beauty benefits and this is why it is used a lot in the cosmetic industry. It contains nutrients and antioxidants which makes it a great moisturizer for hair. The chemical composition of the Camellia oil is similar to that of sebum, which makes it penetrate the skin easily.

6. Amazon – Yucca

Yucca is a tropical root vegetable that is found in many Latin American countries. 

This natural product has domestic, health and beauty uses. 

One of those beauty uses has to do with hair. The Yucca plant contains vitamins C, B and A and other compounds that protect your hair from UV rays and also encourage hair growth.

7. Australia – Eucalyptus oil

The eucalyptus tree is native to Australia. Eucalyptus oil is gotten from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree. 

It is a great remedy for hair lice because of its antimicrobial, antifungal and herbicidal properties. 

You can also mix it with other oils that are great for hair growth. It is a great choice for maintaining hair health and making an itchy scalp feel better.

8. Colombia – Avocado

Colombian women are known for using avocado on their hair to make it healthy. 

Avocado is usually mixed with something else, such as an egg white and this makes hair soft and shiny while promoting hair growth. 

If you’ve got dry or frizzy hair, this may be just what you need to save your precious locks.

9. The Philippines – Aloe Vera

hair care secrets around the world Philippines aloe vera – Curling Diva

One of the ways Filipino women maintain the beauty and health of their hair is by using Aloe Vera. 

There are also so many ways you can apply it. 

First method is to apply it directly to your hair and rinse after a while and you can also apply an aloe vera mask

You can also choose to mix it with some other hair-care oils.

10. Japan – Seaweed and algae

The Japanese seaweed is also called Funori. 

For a very long time, it has been used by Japanese women to prevent hair loss. 

It is usually in powder form and it can also be purchased as a haircare product. You can also mix it with hair oils and other hair products.

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