Want to know how to use batana oil on hair? Whether you have Honduran or African batana oil, the steps are the same. Both are rich kernel oils from the oil palm family, and both are used to condition hair and seal in moisture.
At JEB FOODS we make Ude Aki, the African cousin of batana oil, a black palm kernel oil from Nigeria. Here are three simple ways to use it, how much to use, and answers to the questions people ask most.
Before you start
- Warm it first. Batana oil and Ude Aki are often solid when cool. Rub a little between your palms and it melts in seconds.
- A little goes a long way. Start small. You can always add more.
- The smell is normal. Ude Aki has a strong smoky, nutty scent. That is the real thing, and it fades after a few minutes.
- Patch test first. Try a small area before first use and stop if irritation occurs.
How to use batana oil on hair: 3 ways
1. As a sealer on damp hair
This is the everyday way. Oil does not add water to hair, it seals in the water you put in first.
- Mist your hair with water or apply a water based leave-in.
- Warm a fingertip of oil between your palms.
- Smooth it over each section, from the middle to the ends.
- Twist, braid or style while the hair is still damp.
More on this in how to keep 4c hair moisturized.
2. As a pre-wash treatment
Also called a pre-poo. It coats your hair before you shampoo, so it feels soft afterwards.
- Section dry or slightly damp hair.
- Work a generous coat of oil through the lengths and ends.
- Cover with a plastic cap and leave it on for 30 minutes to a few hours.
- Shampoo and condition as usual.
3. As a scalp massage
- Part your hair into sections.
- Warm a very small amount of oil.
- Massage it into the scalp with your fingertips.
Keep it light so the roots do not feel heavy. Do not use on broken skin.
How much batana oil should I use?
Start with a fingertip per section for sealing, and a little more for a pre-wash treatment. Thick, long or very dry hair takes more. If your hair feels greasy, you used too much.
Can I leave batana oil in my hair?
Yes. A thin layer used as a sealer is meant to stay in. A heavy coat, like a pre-wash treatment, is best washed out after a few hours.
Can you sleep with batana oil in your hair?
Yes. Many people apply it at night and wash in the morning. Cover your hair with a satin bonnet or scarf. The oil is deep caramel to rich brown, so it can mark light coloured pillowcases.
How often should I use batana oil?
- As a sealer: most people reseal every two to three days.
- As a pre-wash treatment: once a week, before wash day.
- On the scalp: when it feels dry.
How to wash batana oil out of your hair
Apply shampoo to dry hair first, work it into the oil, then add water and lather. After a heavy treatment you may need to shampoo twice. Follow with conditioner.
Honduran or African batana oil: does it matter which?
Same family, different home, same job.
- Honduran batana oil comes from the kernel of the American oil palm, Elaeis oleifera. On an ingredient list it is Elaeis Oleifera Kernel Oil.
- African batana oil, like Ude Aki, comes from the kernel of the African oil palm, Elaeis guineensis. On an ingredient list it is Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil.
Both are made the same way. The kernels are cracked, cooked over a fire and the oil is sieved out. One process, two continents. So you use them the same way too. Read batana oil vs black palm kernel oil.
Palm kernel oil has been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, which concluded it is safe as used in cosmetics.
Questions people ask
Do you put batana oil on wet or dry hair?
Both. On damp hair it seals in moisture. On dry hair it works as a pre-wash treatment.
Should batana oil be warmed before use?
Yes, warm it in your palms. Grainy is normal. Warming makes it smooth and easy to spread.
Can I use batana oil every day?
You can, but most people do not need to. Resealing every two to three days is usually enough.
What is the best way to use black palm kernel oil?
The same three ways as batana oil. See how to use black palm kernel oil and the best oil for 4c hair.
Where to get Ude Aki
JEB FOODS Ude Aki Black Palm Kernel Oil, 4 oz is one ingredient and nothing else, cooked over firewood in Nigeria and packed in the USA. Scan the QR code on the lid, or visit jebfoods.com/real, to check your jar is real.
Part of the profit funds our nonprofit organization, Save All Africa Kids (saak.org).
Sources
- Cosmetics Europe, COSMILE Europe. Elaeis Oleifera Kernel Oil.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Elaeis oleifera, American oil palm. Plants of the World Online.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Elaeis guineensis, African oil palm. Plants of the World Online.
- Burnett CL, et al. Safety Assessment of Plant-Derived Fatty Acid Oils. International Journal of Toxicology, 2017.