Supporting Black-owned businesses has been highlighted this year to promote racial equality. When it comes to natural hair care products, there are many Black-owned brands but sadly, some brands founded by visionary Black women like SheaMoisture, The Mane Choice, and Carol’s Daughter have since been scooped up by major global beauty companies. To truly show some love to Black-owned hair care brands and small businesses, we have rounded up eight brands, mainly dominated by Black women, that have a product for every type and texture.
Tailored Beauty
Keya James, founder, and CEO of Tailored Beauty began her natural hair journey in 2011 and found that she couldn’t find products with healthier ingredients for her hair. This led her to mix her homemade shea butter which is now sold as Everything Butter. Tailored Beauty was launched in 2015 and is known not just for the Everything Butter but also its Golden Herbal Collection Moisture Penetrating Deep Conditioner Treatment.
Mielle Organics
With over nine years of experience as a registered nurse, founder, and CEO of Mielle Organics, Monique Rodriguez began her natural hair journey after suffering from heat and color damage in 2014. She began creating homemade products which became the foundation for Mielle Organics. The brand is known for the Detangling Co-Wash and the NatruallyCurly Best of the Best winner, the Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk.
Alaffia
Although Olowo-n’djo Tchala moved to the United States in 1998, it was only in 2003 that he founded his beauty brand Alaffia. This brand provides products for the hair and skin, using one staple ingredient: shea butter. Alaffia sources shea butter through cooperatives in Togo. The brand also has The Alaffia Foundation that empowers African communities through the advancement of fair trade, education, sustainable living, and gender equality.
Curls Dynasty
Founder and CEO Nickie Nougaisse started Curls Dynasty in her kitchen in 2014 after several disheartening experiences on her haircare journey. She created its first product, a mixture of oils called the Organic Oil Blend, and since then, she’s expanded the brand’s offerings to eight products.
TGIN
Founder of Thank God It’s Natural or TGIN, Chris-Tia Donaldson, took an interest in natural hair care in 2002. After years of research, she started TGIN and the brand prides itself on the organic ingredients on products that never contain parabens or phthalates, and are cruelty-free. In 2015, Donaldson was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36. During her treatment, she learned that having money could make the difference between living and dying. She created the TGIN Foundation to advocate for women experiencing financial difficulties, who are undergoing treatment and address the health disparities due to race and socio-economic factors.
Oyin Handmade
In 2001, Jamyla Bennu created Oyin Handmade with her husband after experimenting in the kitchen and Oyin Handmade was founded. The word ‘oyin’ means honey in Yoruba, a native Nigerian language and honey is the staple ingredient of many of their products. The brand is known for its Honey Hemp Detangling & Moisturizing Conditioner that uses the humectant and hemp seed oil to condition hair. Oyin Handmade also has body care products, including a natural deodorant.
Alikay Naturals
Rochelle Graham-Campbell, founder and CEO of Alikay Naturals is the one who made the L.O.C method famous – a three-step process to moisturize curls using a liquid or milky leave-in, oil, and cream. The brand sources natural and organic ingredients for its products that cleanse, condition, and strengthen curls. Alikay Naturals’ Honey and Sage Conditioner is known to soften and restores dry hair by combining hydrating powers of honey with babassu, sage, and extra virgin olive oils.
Qhemet Biologics
Qhemet Biologics is a clean, plant-based haircare line founded and owned by an African American historian with 4C hair. Inspired by African, Mediterranean, and Ayurvedic hair care traditions, the products are carefully crafted with premium ingredients to provide the moisture and nutrients needed to nourish, strengthen, and grow kinky, coily hair. Founded by Felis Butler in 2004, Qhemet Biologics currently sells 11 products to wash, style, and condition even the driest hair.
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Boitumelo Masihleho is a South African digital content creator. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes University in Journalism and Media Studies and Politics and International Studies.
She’s an experienced multimedia journalist who is committed to writing balanced, informative and interesting stories on a number of topics. Boitumelo has her own YouTube channel where she shares her love for affordable beauty and lifestyle content.
