The journey of embracing natural hair in Nigeria has always been complex. Many Nigerian women possess type 4c hair, known for its tight coils, coarse texture, and susceptibility to shrinkage and damage. This hair type, while beautiful, often requires intensive care and maintenance. Historically, the difficulty in managing 4c hair led many Nigerian women to […]
2 months ago
The journey of embracing natural hair in Nigeria has always been complex. Many Nigerian women possess type 4c hair, known for its tight coils, coarse texture, and susceptibility to shrinkage and damage. This hair type, while beautiful, often requires intensive care and maintenance. Historically, the difficulty in managing 4c hair led many Nigerian women to opt for chemical relaxers, seeking easier styling and reduced maintenance. However, the late 2010s brought revelations about the potential health risks associated with long-term relaxer use, including links to serious conditions such as breast cancer.
This revelation triggered a gradual shift in attitudes. More Nigerian women began embracing their natural hair texture but they gravitated towards established foreign brands, because even existing local brands, for instance, Nature’s Gentle Touch, were not popular. However, a handful of innovative Nigerian hair care brands have persevered, carving out a niche in this emerging market. These ten companies have survived and thrived, offering products tailored to the unique needs of Nigerian hair textures.
1. Natural Nigerian
Founded in 2011 by cosmetic chemist Ifeamaka Umeike, Natural Nigerian has been instrumental in introducing and popularizing natural hair care practices across the country. At the heart of Natural Nigerian’s philosophy is a commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s abundant botanical wealth. Their innovative formulations showcase the power of indigenous ingredients, with standout products featuring Red Acalypha and a variety of locally-grown herbs.
The brand’s cultural roots run deep, influencing every aspect of its identity. This is beautifully exemplified in their choice of brand color—a soft, earthy green that evokes both the lushness of nature and the vibrancy of Nigerian culture. In recent years, Natural Nigerian has expanded its offerings to include skincare products, further cementing its position as a comprehensive personal care brand for Nigerians.
2. Nature’s Gentle Touch
25 years ago, industrial chemist Chike Ikenja recognized a gap in the African hair care market and took action. He founded Nature’s Gentle Touch, pioneering a brand dedicated to meeting the unique needs of African hair at a time when such specialized products were scarce. The longevity and continued success of Nature’s Gentle Touch speak volumes about its efficacy and relevance.
The brand’s sophisticated packaging and marketing have cultivated an image of international prestige, often leading consumers to mistake it for an import. However, Nature’s Gentle Touch proudly remains a homegrown Nigerian success story, showcasing the potential of local entrepreneurship and expertise. Operating under the umbrella of Recare Limited, a leading African skincare company also founded by Ikenja, Nature’s Gentle Touch continues to expand its product line. Their range now includes high-quality conditioners, moisturizers, and several other hair care solutions, all formulated with premium ingredients to cater specifically to African hair textures. For those seeking a comprehensive hair care experience, the brand’s flagship store in Lagos, Nigeria, offers not only their full product range but also professional styling services.
3. Avila Beauty
Avila Beauty, a household name in Nigerian skincare, has successfully expanded its reach into the realm of hair care under the leadership of founder and CEO Temitope Mayegun. Renowned for adhering to quality standards, Avila Beauty has earned the trust of consumers and regulatory bodies alike. The brand’s products, including its hair care line, have received full approval from all relevant regulatory authorities, underscoring their commitment to safety and efficacy.
The range includes innovative products tailored to address various hair care needs. Standout items include their nourishing Aloe Vera Hair Butter, a potent anti-dandruff shampoo, and a selection of essential oils designed to promote hair health. These carefully formulated products leverage Avila Beauty’s expertise in natural ingredients and scientific formulation, promising the same level of quality that has made their skincare line a staple in Nigerian homes.
4. Amari Haircare
Founded by Glory Ama, Amari Haircare is redefining the haircare industry with its innovative, oil-free formulations. The brand leverages cutting-edge science and tested ingredients to deliver transformative results for all hair types.
Whether you’re combating specific hair challenges or simply looking to enhance your natural hair’s vitality and appearance, Amari Hair Care offers a royal treatment that’s as effective as it is beautiful, making it an ideal choice for women proud to embrace their natural hair.
5. Ten-Q Beauty
Ten-Q Beauty was born in 2019 from the personal journey of its founder, Ladejobi Oluwabukola. Frustrated by her struggles with a receding hairline and persistent dandruff, and unable to find effective solutions on the market, Oluwabukola took matters into her own hands. Her quest for healthier hair led her down a path of extensive research and experimentation, ultimately resulting in the creation of her hair care formulations. The success of these homemade products in addressing her personal hair concerns became the catalyst for Ten-Q Beauty. Oluwabukola’s mission evolved from solving her hair issues to helping other Nigerian women overcome similar challenges.
The brand prides itself in using plant-based raw materials, and carefully sourcing the finest butters and oils from across West Africa. This dedication to quality ingredients ensures that each product is not only effective but also celebrates the rich natural resources of the region. The brand’s passion for promoting healthy hair is immediately evident upon entering its flagship store in Ibadan. The space is a haven for Nigerian women seeking comprehensive hair care solutions, stocked with an array of products designed to address a wide spectrum of hair concerns.
6. Deeza Organics
Founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Anu Mayaki, Deeza Organics has rapidly established itself as a cornerstone of the Nigerian beauty industry. Unlike traditional beauty brands, Deeza Organics occupies a unique niche, serving as a vital link between nature’s bounty and the world of natural cosmetics. Deeza Organics focuses on sourcing and providing the purest, most effective natural ingredients for both established and emerging Nigerian cosmetic brands. This focus on raw materials ensures that local cosmetic manufacturers have access to top-quality, unadulterated ingredients.
Deeza Organics boasts an impressive array of natural oils for hair, including lavender, peppermint, tea tree, and more. Their collection of natural butter is equally impressive, featuring raw shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango butter, among others. Each ingredient is meticulously sourced from trusted local and international farmers, ensuring that customers receive products that are not only natural but also ethically and sustainably produced.
7. African Naturalistas
Founded in 2012 by Atilola Moronfolu, a certified trichologist and expert cosmetic formulator, African Naturalistas emerged as a response to a gap in the natural hair care market. Moronfolu’s keen insight revealed that existing products were expensive for many women and also often incompatible with African hair textures. This realization sparked a mission: to create a brand that would offer effective, affordable, and tailored solutions for African women embracing their natural hair. African Naturalistas has since offered a diverse range of products designed to address the multifaceted needs of its clientele.
What sets African Naturalistas apart is its foundation in trichology—the scientific study of hair and scalp health. This scientific approach, combined with Moronfolu’s expertise in cosmetic formulation, ensures that each product is not just a beauty treatment, but a solution grounded in hair health science. From nourishing shampoos and deep conditioners to specialized treatments for specific hair concerns, African Naturalistas is an excellent choice for natural hair care.
8. Aby Naturals
Launched in 2020 by Ebegbuna Abigail, Aby Naturals has grown as a natural hair care staple in Nigeria. This young brand has quickly made its mark in maintaining and enhancing hair health. Each product in their line is thoughtfully formulated, drawing upon the properties of natural ingredients to address a spectrum of hair concerns and promote overall hair wellness.
What sets Aby Naturals apart is not just the efficacy of their products, but also their striking aesthetic appeal. The brand’s packaging design testifies to its attention to detail, marrying functionality with beauty. Each product boasts a visually stunning presentation that elevates the user experience, making hair care not just a routine, but a luxurious ritual. Beyond their standard offerings, Aby Naturals has gained particular renown for their specialized hair treatments. These products have garnered a loyal following, with satisfied customers frequently sharing their positive experiences across social media platforms.
9. Shanyi Organics
Founded by Grace Oriaghan, Shanyi Organics is a boutique hair care company dedicated to harnessing the power of nature’s finest ingredients. With a passion for purity and a commitment to sustainability, Shanyi Organics crafts luxurious, plant-based products that nourish both hair and soul.
For anyone looking to embark on or enhance their natural hair journey, Shanyi Organics presents an enticing blend of beauty, nature, and effectiveness, promising a hair care experience that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is beneficial to the hair.
10. Naturalistas Life
Founded by Sandra Obianujuaku, Naturalistas Life has quickly emerged to empower the natural hair care community. This brand stands out for its holistic approach to hair health, offering a range of products specifically formulated to address scalp conditions and promote robust hair growth. Visually, Naturalistas Life captivates with its regal purple branding. This color choice is more than aesthetic; it’s a statement of the brand’s mission to treat each customer’s hair as the crown it truly is.
Naturalistas Life’s philosophy is a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those with natural hair textures. This insight has led to the development of a product line that goes beyond surface-level treatment, delving into the root causes of common hair concerns. One of the brand’s standout offerings is its specialized range of shampoos and conditioners tailored for individuals dealing with alopecia. This targeted approach demonstrates Naturalistas Life’s commitment to inclusivity and its recognition that hair care is not one-size-fits-all.
