Natural Conditioners for Afro Hair
Effective conditioners for afro and curly hair don’t have to come at the price of your health. Sabrina Henry investigates the best natural and organic alternative conditioners for afro hair.
One great thing about embracing a sustainable and natural lifestyle is the fact that we get to fully valorise and enhance our inner beauty and features. That includes every aspect of our routine: skin, nutrition and hair. Ruth Campbell is a freelance makeup and hair artist with 9 years experience, but nothing has been as challenging to navigate as finding natural products for her afro hair. Quoting her words in The Earth Issue, shopping products became much harder once she realised that “the chemicals she was using to maintain her hair were toxic for my health and the environment.”
Her first step for a natural hair care lifestyle was to give up relaxing her hair. This means honestly assessing the state of your hair and letting the natural texture of your curl shine through. It often includes chopping a few inches off to speed up the process. This also helps to maintain the overall shape of your hair and keep it even. Clover Hope wrote for Grist, sharing that behind her choice to give up relaxers, there was also a financial need. It meant “freedom from exorbitant salon fees”. But “after leaving that world behind, however, she found herself in desperate need of products that would do justice to her newfound natural texture.”
Afrocenchix Founders: Joycelyn Mate and Rachael Corson
Let’s take a step back and look at what is in hair relaxers? As highlighted by Ruth Campbell, in her study about the effect of hair products used by Black women on their health, she tested 18 US afro hair products across 6 categories. Campbell found that they contained 45 endocrine disrupting and asthma-associated chemicals. For the unaware, endocrine glands affect your mood, development, the way your organs work and your metabolism, amongst other things. Suffering from asthma can seriously affect your life. To make things worse, the study also found that 84% of the detected chemicals were not listed on the product label.
A previous study conducted by Black Women for Wellness linked cancer, infertility, uterine fibroid and respiratory disorders and the onset of early puberty to the use of some of these products. Ingredients they have listed to avoid include; Ethanolamine, Sodium Hydroxide, Calcium Hydroxide, DMDM Hydantoin, Fragrance, Sulphate and Parabens. These are scary facts and it’s clear that a kinder alternative should be replacing these products that risk our health. We did some research, and found natural and ethical brands that are perfect for enhancing your hair’s natural curls and texture. We promise you’ll give up toxins and gain definition and softness. Investing in natural conditioners to treat your hair will save you quite a lot of money too!
4 Natural Conditioners For Afro Hair
Swirl Silicone-Free Conditioner, £ 14.95, Afrochenchix
This 100% cruelty and silicone-free conditioner has been formulated to give the ultimate slip without the silicones. Focusing on making your detangling sessions shorter and pain-free, it delivers moisture to freshly cleansed hair. It’s eczema friendly and contains avocado oil, aloe vera concentrate and coconut extract which all work together to retain your hair’s hydration. It also decreases frizz and leaves your hair feeling smooth and moisturised.
Untangled Solid conditioner, £11, Ethique
This solid conditioner, which comes in a refreshingly low waste and plastic-free packaging, is as perfect for adults as it is for children. It’s gentle and non-irritating formula contains cocoa butter, coconut oil and mandarin. It smells great too. It also doubles as a non-foaming all-over wash for super sensitive skin.
Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner, $11.79, Aubrey Organics
This Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner is made with 75% organic ingredients and is silicone, gluten, paraben, phthalate, and cruelty-free, phew. Did we mention it’s vegan too? The conditioner helps to restore and hydrate hair that is brittle, dry, and dull, leaving it softer, shinier and well-nourished.
Creamy Cafe Latte Leave-in Detangle Conditioner, £14.35, Anita Grant
Anita Grant’s best selling, award-winning conditioner is a perfect choice for detangling extremely dry naturally curly hair. Pure Brazilian coffee oil stimulates the follicles while Organic Fijian virgin coconut oil nourishes your hair. In addition, organic and unrefined, Ghanaian black cocoa butter conditions each coil, spiral or curl.
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Disclaimer: The content of this article is for general advice only and should not be used as a substitute for professional healthcare or beauty advice. We make every effort to ensure we only recommend safe products however you should always do a patch test when trying new products. This post may contain affiliate links.
