The natural hair care industry has come a long way in the past five years. What was once regarded (and grossly underestimated) as an “emerging” or niche market (led and appropriated by white enterprises) has now forged ahead to become one of the most lucrative and fastest-growing sectors in cosmetics. We’re talking about a multimillion-dollar industry with Black women-owned businesses finally sitting high and mighty at the forefront of this now prospering market.
From hydrating butters, conditioners, cleansers, masks, and damage-reversing oils, we round up the best repairing hair remedies for African type 4 'fros. Homegrown and worth every coin, scroll down for our must-have summer picks.
For: Dryness
My Natural Hair Moisturising Butter
A versatile anti-itch, buttery blend suitable for daily use and infused with the best 4C coil-nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut, olive jojoba, and sunflower oil to deeply moisturize, soften and define your curls.
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Mosara Hydrating Butter
A rich leave-in conditioning cream specifically made to protect African hair from seasonal elements. Enriched with coconut, avocado, castor oils, and shea butter, it doesn’t just offer surface-level moisturization, it also locks moisture within.
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For: Breakage
Afrobotanics Deep Penetrating Moisturising Conditioner
Loved by naturalists all around, this deep conditioning butter consists of a powerful trio of rich oils: baobab, moringa, and marula. Together they offer a healthy dose of antioxidants (vitamin C and E), shielding coils from free radical damage, all while providing dry and brittle hair with a hefty moisture boost.
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Shuruba Ethiopian Hair Butter
A hair treatment passed on through many generations, it’s cherished for its abilities to stimulate hair growth while protecting your scalp and coils from the sun's damaging rays. In it, you’ll find a mix of milk and natural oils to improve shine and provide hair with the best nutrients.
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Bu.ke Deep Repair Mask
If you’re struggling with breakage or shedding, you'll love this deep repair treatment as it works to deeply ‘penetrate the hair shaft’ to moisturize and repair damage from the inside. Star ingredients include Kenyan purple tea and argan oil with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help foster better scalp and hair health.
Shop it, here.
For: Washday
Anim Naturals African Black Soap Clarifying Wash
Made for an irritated, itchy, and sensitive scalp, this gentle cleanser contains the holy grail African black soap. It offers antibacterial and antifungal benefits, cleansing the scalp without stripping it of natural oils, while drenching it with corrective nutrients to create a prime environment for hair growth.
Shop it, here.
For: Growth
Native Child Hair Growth Stimulating Castor Oil
100% cold-pressed castor oil to get your hair growth back in motion. Rich in vitamins and proteins, this natural emollient leaves a protective barrier on strands, leaving them soft, moisturized, and nourished. Use it to curb dryness, frizz, dullness, or dandruff — the benefits are endless.
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Kinky Matters Secret Hair Recipe
The best-kept secret for a flourishing mane. What began as a homemade family concoction in the 90s has evolved into a best-selling bathroom cabinet must-have for afro-haired girls. Made with shea butter, extra virgin olive, castor, and vitamin E oils, this formula provides all the TLC to repair, soften, strengthen, moisturize and soothe both your hair and scalp.
Shop it, here.