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We know that your hair is a big part of who you are, and we fully believe that all women should feel free to flaunt their favourite styles and showcase their hair in its most natural form because you are stunning just the way you are! A huge part of being able to feel confident with your natural locks is having a great hair care routine. We know all too well that curly hair isn't always the easiest to take care of, and many of the brands that you might find in your local drug store simply don't do the trick. Luckily, we have found an excellent range of brilliant products for curly hair and will leave you feeling fabulous all day long!
Before delving into the best ways to take care of your African natural hair, let's take a look at the history of African hair care products. The history of African hair products goes back to the 1800s, when people created hot combs to straighten natural Afro hair. These combs were used widely by African women to blend into Western society with straight, smooth hair. Over time, the stigma around Afro hair faded, and African women began to throw away western beauty standards and embrace their natural hair. CJ Walker is an iconic figure, famous for her contributions to African American hair care products. Walker was inspired by fellow hair care pioneer Annie Turnbo Malone, who was the first woman to create a formula for African American hair care. The formula was designed to promote healthy growth and treat the scalp. Jump forward to the 2000s, and we see iconic figures, such as Michelle Obama, openly embracing their natural Afro hair, which has inspired more companies to create products specifically for African hair texture. There is now even a world Afro day in the UK, which takes place on the 17th of September each year.
African hair is textured differently from western hair, so the hair care practices that you use on your locks should be a little different to those used by your Caucasian friends. Here are some of our top tips for keeping your natural locks looking gorgeous!
While washing your hair every day may have become a normal part of life, this can actually be very damaging for Afro hair. Washing too much can strip your hair of natural oils and cause a build-up of products, which can be incredibly drying. Try to wash your hair just once a week if possible
If you want to keep those curls looking glossy and healthy, make sure that you have a good amount of conditioner stashed in your hair care cupboard. Conditioning your hair each time you wash it will help you achieve bouncy, healthy curls and prevent frizz.
Braids look amazing with African hair. However, they can quickly become a problem if they are pulled too tight. Pulling your braids or cornrows too tightly can damage your scalp, causing dryness/flaking and preventing your hair from growing. If you feel pain whilst your stylist is braiding your hair, ask for them to pull less tightly.
Oils should be in every African hair care protection routine. Apply a generous layer of oil to the ends of your hair each day to combat dryness and encourage moisture in your hair. The best types of oil for African hair are olive oil or castor oil- Argon oil is also a great option that is sold widely across the UK.
As promised, we have found a selection of excellent products and brands that could be great additions to your natural hair care routine.
Pattern is a brand owned by Hollywood beauty Tracee Ellis Ross and has everything that you could possibly need to care for your natural hair. The brand offers three fantastic collections: The treatment collection, the styling collection and the wash day collection. Each collection features fab products that are just what your African hair needs
Another brand that is leading the way for African hair care is Bask and Bloom. Their website allows you to filter products by hair texture, which makes it easier than ever to find the perfect products for your Afro hair.
Haircare brand, Alaffia has recently launched a brand new range, Beautiful curls, that specialises in treating curly hair. The collection is perfect for all texture types and uses plant-based formulas made from shea butter and coconut oil.
Adwoa is available to buy from Sephora or through their fantastic online site. The brand includes a range of super moisturising products that are ideal for defining your curls and battling dryness. The products in their range focus on hair with kinkier textures to make styling your natural hair easier.
If you are looking for a great black-owned business to support, put Glow by Daye on your list! Their excellent range of hair care bonnets and scarves make the perfect protection for your curls overnight or during the day. Wrapping your hair in satin bonnets or scarves is a great way to maintain healthy locks and keep your hair looking flawless between washes.
Wonder Curl knows their stuff when it comes to looking after natural African hair. Their products are organic and user-friendly ingredients to create formulas that will keep your hair in fantastic condition. Wonder Curl is black-owned and has everything you need for your Afro hair care routine.
We love Afrocenchix because they know the value of an ethical business. Not only this, but they also work with UK scientists to formulate high-quality products that are perfect for natural African hair. Afrocenchix actively supports British suppliers and have made huge contributions to African hair care.
At Sika's, we are passionate about raising awareness for the beauty of African culture. Our range of products are heavily inspired by African culture and celebrate history. You can view our full range or check out our blog for more insight into African culture.
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