Last week I read a blog that said some black women are using Crisco (yes, the shortening we use to fry chicken) to moisturize their hair.

I decided to try it.

Before you say I’m crazy, let me explain. Using food on my hair is nothing new. Over the years I’ve tried mayonnaise and eggs as a conditioner, olive oil as a hot oil treatment and apple cider vinegar as a rinse.

I’m not afraid to dash into the kitchen and whip up a concoction in the name of beauty. I’ve found that using edible items in my hair has made it shinier, softer and more manageable.

Here’s how I used the Crisco:

I shampooed then towel-dried my hair. Afterwards, I used a small dollop of Crisco (straight from a freshly opened can) and rubbed it through my damp hair.

At first my hair had a white film, but a few minutes later the oil dissolved. After my hair dried completely, it had a nice sheen and felt a little softer. I think with continued use the shortening could moisturize thick, dry hair.

I wouldn't use it as a daily moisturizer, but I’d use it after I shampooed to seal in moisture.

Here’s what I liked:

The shortening has no smell and dissolves quickly. It’s inexpensive (a 16 oz. can is about $3). It's made from vegetable oil (soybean and palm oil) and glycerides, which soften hair, not animal fat. It's not greasy, and a small amount goes a long way.

I wish I could offer definitive instructions for using Crisco to moisturize hair, but I found none online. In natural hair it seems to work well, but if your hair is relaxed, I’d test a small area first.

So, there you have it. Anyone else brave enough to try Crisco as a hair moisturizer?

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