If you’re on the hunt for the best natural haircare products for Afro-textured hair, first and foremost you should know it’s OK if your chosen products aren’t 100% 'natural'. Personally, I’m all about products containing natural nourishing oils, therefore I tend to focus less on the other ingredients in the formula as I know what my Afro prefers.
With that said, when it comes to the best hair treatments, “natural hair products are beneficial for Afro hair because they are gentle and don’t contain chemicals that can cause irritation and damage,” says Rachael Sey, trichologist at Cherub London. “Natural ingredients usually contain vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that strengthen the hair. In addition, many natural haircare products like shea butter and argan oil are essential for promoting health and preventing damage in Afro hair.”
Dr. Kari Williams, Director of Education for Cécred, also notes “a healthy scalp and hair routine should consist of a gentle shampoo for removing dirt, excess oil and product buildup without stripping natural oils. Conditioner and natural oils also help hydrate and seal moisture into the hair shaft.” Ahead, I’ve shared my recommendations for the best natural hair care products for Afro-textured hair with a variety of ingredients and price points.
Vanese is a freelance beauty and lifestyle journalist and content creator. She has a thick 4C hair type and tends to look for natural haircare products packed with oils for maximum moisture and hydration.
6 of the best natural hair care products for black hair, reviewed by a beauty expert
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RRP: £29 for 236ml
This hydrating shampoo from Cécred is packed with nourishing and antioxidant-rich ingredients that your hair will love, from bioactive keratin ferment, known for reducing hair breakage, to an African oil blend that supports hair’s elasticity and boosts shine. The hydrating shampoo is a great wash day choice as it lathers well, nourishes and detangles the hair.
If that wasn’t enough, it’s also infused with the brand’s signature long lasting perfume, combining notes of oud, Australian sandalwood, warm musk and violet leaves. Packaging-wise, it also looks super luxe and makes for a great addition to any shower line-up.
Buy if: You like a shampoo with a luxurious lather
Avoid if: You’re on a budget
RRP: £28 for 140ml
This silicone-free, vegan and cruelty-free leave-in conditioner helps to detangle hair and protect its moisture levels. This is thanks to its jam-packed formula, which includes aloe vera and amla for deep conditioning.
This is a do-it-all leave-in conditioner that not only helps to protect the health of your hair but acts like one of the best heat protect sprays, protecting hair from temperatures up to 230°C, which is a must-have when using heat to style your hair. Use on blow-dried or naturally air-dried hair then style as you please.
Buy if: You like multipurpose products
Avoid if: You’re sensitive to strong scents
RRP: £9 for 88.7ml
Pattern’s Styling Cream is free from silicones and SLS/SLES. The formula is enriched with ingredients your hair will love from shea butter, cacay oil and sweet almond oil. The oils in particular nourish the hair and prevent breakage and damage. Simply apply the styling cream to wet or dry hair for best results. You can also apply it whilst doing protective styles, such as braid outs and twist outs.
Buy if: You have a kinky, curly or coily hair type
Avoid if: You don’t like too many oils in your haircare products
RRP: £9.45 for 75ml
This intense hair mask is great for medium to thick hair and provides deep hydration and conditioning; your hair will instantly feel moisturised after just one use. This mask is also ideal for use after taking hair out of protective styles, such as braided hairstyles, when you need to restore moisture.
The formula is enriched with argan oil to enhance elasticity and linseed extract, which is best known for helping to improve the appearance of hair. The mask should be applied 1-2 times a week and left on for 5-7 minutes before thoroughly rinsing.
Buy if: You like a mask that doesn’t have to be left on for too long
Avoid if: You prefer fragranced products
RRP: £6.99 for 385ml
This has been one of my favourite go-to shampoos for those weeks when I’ve used too much heat on my hair and need to repair and strengthen it. The formula doesn’t contain sulfated surfactants, so I find it to be non-stripping. The brand has just unveiled its new and improved formula, which is claimed to protect hair from excessive loss of lipids and proteins, which results in frizzy hair and breakage. The formula lathers well on wet hair without drying it out, plus has a citrusy-fresh and woody scent that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Buy if: You have dry and damaged hair
Avoid if: Your hair is on the oilier side
RRP: £42 for 50ml
Cécred’s nourishing hair oil is truly one of a kind; it’s enriched with a blend of 13 luxurious oils and plant-based extracts. The silicone-free formula adds much-needed nourishment and a natural-looking shine to hair.
Sea buckthorn, moringa, castor and golden jojoba are just a few of the oils infused into the formula and that seal in moisture. Like other Cécred products, this hair oil also features the brand’s signature fragrance.
Buy if: You’re after a nourishing hair oil
Avoid if: £42 is out of your budget
How we tested the best natural haircare products for Black hair
Tester Vanese has a naturally Afro hair type, therefore a lot of the products included have been part of her everyday routine for over a year. The ones she wasn’t as familiar with before working on this guide were used as part of her wash routine over the course of two months.
She wanted to include formulas that were packed full of hydration and specifically designed for kinky, curly and coily hair types. She found that it was super important to thoroughly look through product ingredient lists. While not every product featured is 100% natural, she’s happy with the overall formula of each one.
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