Get in the loop
Having afro hair is the best. It’s so versatile - it can be braided, left naturally curly and can be short or long depending on shrinkage that day. It might no flow and move in the wind, but I can rock a top knot, cornrows or tight curls –whenever I want. Just look at all the afro hair on the catwalk, it's inspiration overload!
That's not to say it doesn't have its challenges. Natural Afro hair needs a lot of love, regular trims, conditioner and LOTS of moisture - so products are key, even if you're just looking for the best products for curly hair. And while the beauty industry has traditionally ignored afro hair, the power of the very vocal consumer, is seeing a rise in products being created to style and nurture afro hair.
A few campaigns have helped along the way, like SheaMoisture’s recent #Break the walls campaign, which really addressed the lack of diversity in the hair market, while challenging the industry to do better.
That said there are some products that do a fantastic job, and really cater for natural hair. Here’s my wonder list and if you want more recommendations, head over to Powder:
Wash/condition:
Mizani 25 Miracle Milk, £13.95
This is EVERYTHING when you have natural hair. After detangling, I like to plait my hair, so whether I’m blow-drying or just plaiting it wet, this product feels like an extra layer of conditioner and protection. It’s light too, and sprays on easily.
Kevin Murphy Young.Again.Rinse, £22
I love this product. It smells amazing and really conditions my hair. If you have afro hair, conditioner is a must. Every black girl’s shower cupboard will have tons of shampoo, but no conditioner, because it’s the first product that we run out of!
Weleda Special Oat Replenishing Conditioner, £10.50
I find this works better when my hair is not coloured because of its super thick consistency. It can be a bit harder to brush out, but I love to leave it in overnight for ultimate moisture.
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt, £39
I thought this one wouldn’t work with afro hair because I expected the sea salt pieces to get tangled (they didn't), but it really cleanses the scalp and I love that.
Good for curly afro hair styling:
Fact: Tangle teezer really works, because it detangles without tugging.
Bumble & Bumble Curl Defining Creme, £23.50
This one gives a nice crisp feeling, and make my curls super defined. I love running it through my hair when I want that extra definition, especially if my curls are popping on the day I want them to keep their form.
Aveda Be Curly Conditioner, £21
Aveda products just work for me. I love that they have ranges that I can use depending on whether my hair is curly or straight. This curly conditioner is ideal if you want to just give your curls a bit of definition. I always have an empty bottle at home, because I use every last drop.
Weleda Revitalising Hair Tonic, £10.95
Again, I love Weleda. It's a great choice if you're looking for natural products. With naturally afro hair a dry scalp is the number one enemy, so conditioner and oils are a must, but I like this tonic too for when I don’t feel like oils. I part my hair in sections and apply it directly onto my scalp.
Good for straight afro hair styling:
Aveda Smooth Infusion Conditioner, £6
This one is great when I’m blowdrying my hair, it makes blowdrying my hair so much easier because things don'y get tangled up.
Philip Kingsley Elderflower and Rhubarb Elasticizer, £19
Philip Kingsley is amazing! His products are so good. I like them because a bit like Moroccan oil (which I love) these products are widely available and you can use them in European hair or Afro hair. I feel like afro hair products have suffered from being on that shelf at the back of any chemist, but these products are always at the front so everyone can get them.
When I have colour in my hair:
Philip Kingsley Pure Silver Conditioner, £21
This conditioner goes the extra mile when I have colour in my hair.
Sukin Nourishing Conditioner, £6.50
I’m obsessed with this new Aussie brand I’ve found. It super gentle, so perfect if you have a sensitive scalp, but it also adds volume and shine.
