Chebe Powder: Natural Hair Growth Formula or a Marketing Stunt?

"Chebe powder finally arrives in Kenya- See results in just 7 days! "
This headline has become so familiar lately, splurged across various online marketing platforms on social media with hundreds of the typical comments from potential buyers high with expectations, "I want! Where can I get it?" Chebe powder is gaining massive popularity amongst hair length chasers particularly women of African descent with natural kinky type of hair. This is owed to the fast spreading claims that the powder is the secret formula to the unusually long natural hair of the women from the Basara tribe of Chad as revealed by Miss Sahel in her YouTube video.

Natural African hair (majority being anything between 3B and 4C) is known to be curly, tangles, shrinks, breaks easily and hence rarely achieves lengths past the shoulders, let alone the waist (unless it is dreadlocks). It would therefore make perfect sense for black women to covet this magical hair powder that could possibly turn their dreams of having long, lustrous, butt length hair in to reality.

But could such fascinatingly long hair of Basara women be solely attributed to the use of Chebe powder? Does it truly accelerate natural hair growth or is it just but another marketing stunt laid out to mint cash from desperate women? Do you wonder what ingredients it contains? Or perhaps where you could buy it? Well, read on for answers to these and more.

What Makes Up Chebe?

Chebe (Chewe) is the name used to refer to the final hair premix created by the the native Basara women of Chad. It's a combination of indigenous plant and herb extracts that are roasted, pounded together in a pestle and mortar to form a powder which is then blended with natural scent oil and a carrier oil or butter. Croton zambesicus -the scientific name for Lavender croton a common shrub in West Africa is the principal ingredient in this mixture. Other additives that make up the Chadian traditional Chebe include;

• Mahlaba (Cherry kernels)
• Samour (Mastic gum)
• Misik (Incense resin)
• Cloves
• Khumra perfume oil (Frankincense)
• Natural carrier oil or butter

This mixture is applied on to wet hair parted in to sections from root to tip. The sections are then plaited and finally rolled in to a bun at the back of the head to last 5 days before re-doing the process all over.

Does It Grow Natural African Hair Long?

While there is no scientific evidence backing up any claims that Chebe powder in fact grows natural African hair longer, the compounds in its composition are favorable for promoting stronger, healthier hair which could result to minimal breakage and possibly increased length. The Lavender Croton (and other croton species)  has been used from ancient times to cure a wide range of ailments due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It's said to nourish, strengthen hair and promote moisture retention. Cloves are not only rich in antioxidants but are also anti fungal and antibacterial. Frankincense is another popular essential oil with anti stringent properties that strengthen hair roots and prevents hair loss. The carrier oil moisturizes the hair and acts as a sealant. All these create an optimum environment perfect for hair growth.

That notwithstanding, various hair types (and scalps) react differently to products. Irregardless of how religiously you use the Chebe powder formula, the way it works for the Basara womens' 3b hair might not actually work on your 4c hair in the exact same way. Despite all the social media buzz, I do not believe the Chebe powder should take all the credit for the Basara womens' long hair. There are many other factors that could be influencing this extraordinary growth. Take for example DNA; their genetic make up has an aspect of Arabic ancestry. Scientific research proves that genes do affect hair thickness, texture and length. Everyday diet also plays a key role in the health of hair. It could even be the consistent soaking of hair in oils and butters; or probably the protective plaiting techniques that do the trick. Given these variables, it is not absolute that it is the Chebe powder that elongates natural African hair. It is a major contributing factor among others that enhance it but not a 100% guarantee that it will grow your hair longer or even faster.

What leaf can we borrow then?
Whether you choose to use the Chebe powder or not, there are few essential lessons to learn from the Basara women's hair care routine that are imperative to successful hair growth. If your natural hair is to get anywhere near the tail bone;

• Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. This can never be over emphasized. Dry hair is brittle hair and one way to lessen shedding is to ensure it is well hydrated at all times. Always work with wet hair and try to seal in the moisture.
• Use natural hair care ingredients. Ditch those chemical filled, processed products. You can even make your own Chebe powder substitute with locally available ingredients. For example Amla, Hibiscus, Fenugreek seeds or Neem powders do a great job. Combine with Cloves or Turmeric. Mix with black Castor oil, Coconut or Olive oil to make the paste. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for a lovely scent. Just find out what natural ingredients works best for you.
• Protective styles are your best friend. Not only do they  give your hair a break from manipulation resulting to fall offs but also helps in sealing in the moisture. Stay away from styles that strain the hair follicles and ends. Hot combs, tongs and other heat styling technique are your nemesis.
• Eat a healthy diet. Ensure it is full of vegetables and good proteins. Not forgetting staying well hydrated. The Basara women are nomads and their diet is mostly vegetarian with camel's milk and occasionally meat.

Where can one buy Chebe powder in Kenya?

If you haven't tried the Chebe powder and would like to, there are various online merchants dealing in it. You will part with anything between $15- $20 (Ksh1500-2000) for a 50g pack. Nonetheless, you need to be careful not to fall for a counterfeit chemical engineered powder probably from China or wherever posing as the authentic product. The one reputable source for the original Chebe powder would be from Miss Sahel Vlog herself -the renowned YouTube blogger who brought Chebe powder to the limelight. Order from her website SahelCosmetics.com which ships worldwide including to Kenya.

Attaining amazingly long healthy hair is more than just applying a powder. It takes a meticulous hair care routine, loads of patience and discipline which can be a truly tough journey for some women but you don't necessarily have to travel it and end up frustrated. Love your hair just the way it is; long or short, 3a or 4b, thick or thin. You are beautiful just the way you are!
Have you tried the Chebe powder? Kindly comment with how your experience has been.