When it comes to treating and looking after ethnic hair, it all comes down to choosing the right products to suit your style, as well as your general hair texture and condition.
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Ethnic Hair Tip: How To Treat Relaxed Hair
Relaxed hair gives endless styling options: from ponytails, to chic updos, textured styles, and more. But take care if you’re relaxing hair at home, says ethnic-hair guru Jennifer Jackson. “It’s not the relaxer that causes damage to hair – it’s when it’s not applied properly. The biggest thing to remember is that a relaxer isn’t meant to get hair 100% straight. You must retain some curl pattern (15 to 20%) in the hair, as well as elasticity. A relaxer is meant to loosen the curl pattern, leaving your hair more manageable, and easier to style.”
Whether you prefer to let your natural curls show, or are looking to maintain the condition of your braids, try these fabulous ethnic hair brands we love.
My Natural Hair
Developed in South Africa by a group of passionate women to celebrate natural hair, the hair products from My Natural Hair have been formulated using the best natural oils and butters, and are free from harsh ingredients such as sulphates, paragons and petroleum. They can be used on natural hair, relaxed hair, braids and wigs or weaves to keep those locks well moisturised and nourished.
If you’re regularly styling your hair, My Natural Hair Strengthening Oil, R79,99, helps to lock in moisture and keep the hair follicles strong and supple – ideal for preventing breakage.
Afrobotanics Black Pearl By Pearl Thusi
Pearl Thusi is known for her lavish afro and launched her own hair range in collaboration with Afrobotanics. Her exclusive Black Pearl Collection has products that cater to the needs of natural and relaxed hair, and all products in the range are formulated using natural ingredients to protect hair from breakage and keep it strong, smooth and shiny.
Revive a bad hair day with one of Pearl’s iconic products, Black Pearl Hair Juice, R51,15 for 250ml. This product works wonders on split ends and frizzy hair and can be used daily to refresh dull, dry hair.
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The Perfect Hair
Taryn Gill left her career in publishing to start a natural hair brand called The Perfect Hair. There are three different types of ranges that focus on the key hair needs many South African women want to address. The Perfect Wave, The Perfect Kinky Coil and The Perfect Curl all deliver on moisturising and protection against breakage.
We love the Perfect Hairline Repair Growth Serum, R229 for 100ml, because it’s been specially formulated to treat and decongest the scalp, while ensuring that hair loss slows down thanks to Oleanolic Acid. It’s also formulated with coconut and grapeseed oils to deliver moisture to dry hair and scalps.
AfroBotanics
AfroBotanics is a South African natural hair brand owned by Ntombenhle Khathwane. Her hair care brand creates products specifically designed to treat dry and damaged hair, with a range of treatment options to moisturise, soften, detangle and condition curly and kinky hair.
If you’re looking for a conditioning hair treatment that’ll repair broken hair caused by blow outs, relaxers and chemical treatments, then AfroBotanics Buntu Aloe Vera & Marula Oil Hair Treatment, R52 for 100ml, is the ideal product in the range. Use it twice a week for best results.
Aunt Jackie’s Curls And Coils
Aunt Jackie’s biggest focus is to solve local women’s biggest hair care problems. The range is paraben-free, sulphate-free and contains no mineral oil or petroleum. Each product is also made with only eco-friendly preservatives – with the main aim to retain moisture in the hair shaft.
Aunt Jackie’s Purify Purify Me Moisturising Co-Wash Cleanser, R94,99 for 355ml, helps to treat dry hair and restore lost moisture, as well as keep the scalp healthy and remove any left-over residue from other products. It’s enriched with flaxseed, avocado, coconut and cleansing apple cider vinegar.
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