When it comes to time-tested remedies for growing long, healthy natural hair, few traditions are as revered as the use of Chebe powder.
Originating from the Basara Arab women of Chad, Chebe powder is a blend of natural herbs and seeds that have been used for generations to promote hair retention, moisture, and strength. Now gaining popularity in the global natural hair community, it’s considered a secret weapon for anyone looking to grow longer, healthier hair.
What Is Chebe powder?
Chebe powder is made from a mix of ingredients including lavender croton (a local plant), resin from the mahleb tree, cloves, and other indigenous herbs. These ingredients are dried, roasted, and ground into a fine, brownish powder. What makes Chebe powder unique isn’t just the ingredients, it’s how it’s used in traditional Chadian hair care rituals.
How it work
The primary benefit of Chebe powder is its ability to deeply moisturize and strengthen the hair shaft. It doesn’t actually promote hair growth from the scalp, but it does prevent breakage and split ends, two of the biggest barriers to length retention for textured hair. The result is longer, stronger hair over time, especially when used consistently.
How to use Chebe powder
- Start with damp hair. Lightly spritz your hair with water or a water-based leave-in conditioner.
- Apply a carrier oil. Use oils like olive, coconut, or castor oil to seal in moisture.
- Mix and apply the Chebe powder. Blend the powder with a bit of your carrier oil to form a paste, then coat your hair strands from root to tip (avoiding the scalp).
- Braid or twist your hair. Once the powder is applied, braid or twist the hair to keep it protected.
- Leave it in for several days. The treatment can be left in for 3–5 days before rinsing and reapplying.
Why naturalistas love it
Chebe powder offers a holistic, low-manipulation approach to hair care that aligns with many natural hair goals: length retention, moisture, and strength. It’s especially popular among those with 4B/4C textures, where dryness and breakage are common concerns.
Whether you’re looking to reconnect with ancestral beauty practices or simply want to nurture your hair naturally, Chebe powder is a powerful addition to your haircare toolkit.
