To me, there’s never been a better time to have natural hair. When I first started my natural hair journey, I remember being surprised at the options actually available to me at the drug store. To be clear, I think the beauty aisle is still lacking for afro-textured hair.
What’s even better is that many of the brands that have become part of my rotation are Black-owned. Despite Black consumers being responsible for 11.5% of total beauty spending, Black-owned brands only make up 2.5% of revenue in the beauty industry, according to a report by McKinsey. Considering all the wonderful Black-owned products out there, especially ones that use natural ingredients, that definitely needs to change.
All of the brands I’m recommending use natural, nourishing ingredients rather than harsh, drying chemicals like many “mainstream” hair care brands.
Here are some of the best Black-owned hair brands and the products I personally swear by:
Kinky Curly
This is the first brand to become a staple in my routine. Knot Today leave-in conditioner and detangler is a miracle product. The knots literally melt out of my hair and my hair stays moisturized for days. In combination with the Curling Custard, I get the softest, most-well defined twist-outs and wash & gos, never crunchy.
What I really love about this brand are the ingredients. My hair can’t tolerate drying alcohols and Kinky-Curly products are free of alcohols, silicones, and petroleum. Both Knot Today and the Curling Custard contain marshmallow root, which provides incredible slip and hydration. Kinky-Curly was launched by Shelley Davis in 2003 and can be found in major retailers like Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart.
Curly Proverbz
Farida Sharma, aka Curly Proverbz, is the first natural hair YouTuber I started following. Her recipes for oils and masks using Ayurvedic herbs like henna and alma helped take my hair from dry and damaged to finally retaining moisture and length. That’s why I was so excited when she launched her own brand, the Curly Proverbz Collection.
Her Henna and Aloe Masque is a must have. It is the perfect combination of strength and moisture and leaves my curls bouncy and defined straight out the shower with no product. If you’re interested in trying henna and don’t want to jump in with a straight henna mask, this is the product for you. The Fenugreek Elixir oil is great for sealing in moisture without leaving my hair greasy. I’ll be using the Amla and Bhringraj Masque and the recently launched The Golden One pumpkin oil on my next wash day.
Mielle Organics
Founded in 2014 by Monique and Melvin Rodriguez, Mielle Organics has become one of the top natural hair care brands. The brand has a very extensive range of products.
I use the Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil daily on my edges and have begun to see an improvement in the growth. I also switch between the Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Mask and the Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner for a once a month protein treatment. Both products provide my fine hair with protein without being overpowering like a lot of other protein treatments.
Camille Rose Naturals
I just love the smell of Camille Rose products. The smell and texture of all the products feels luxurious. I especially love the Algae Renew Deep Conditioner which is extremely moisturizing and the Almond Jai Twisting Butter which I use for twist-outs on blown out hair.
The brand was started by Janell Stephens in 2011, who was initially looking for a cure for her children’s eczema.
Sunday II Sunday
This newer brand is perfect for the those who want to not stress about their hair while working out. Founded by Keenan Beasley, Sunday II Sunday makes products that help you stretch your wash day, I regularly use the Root Refresh Micellar Rinse Dry Shampoo Alternative With Apple Cinder Vinegar after a workout. I love that it’s not drying like typical dry shampoos and that it’s specifically geared towards those with kinky and curly hair. It also smells like an apple Jolly Rancher, which is nice!
What are your favorite Black-owned hair products? Share them in the comments!
This blog post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Please note that I only recommend products that I personally use and believe in.
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