Crowning Glory: Celebrating Our Natural Black Hair Textures With Proper Hair Care
Black Women are leading the charge in a growing beauty supply industry, fostering community, and reclaiming ownership. We discuss it here!
By: Jayla Smith
For Black women, our hair is more than just strands; it’s a powerful expression of identity, culture, and resilience. In a world that often favors straight hair, it’s essential to celebrate and appreciate our natural textures. Understanding and caring for our hair can be a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Let’s explore how to love our hair, the best products for our textures, and why going back to basics is so important.
Celebrating Our Unique Textures
Every hair texture is beautiful, whether tightly coiled, wavy, or anything in between. Loving our natural hair is a vital act of self-acceptance. Our hair reflects our heritage and individuality, so take the time to appreciate your unique curls, coils, or waves. Recognizing the beauty in our textures is the first step toward self-love.
The Power of Quality Products
Finding the right products is essential for nurturing our natural hair. Brands like Aunt Jackie’s offer a range of affordable options designed specifically for our needs. Their Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner and Curl La La Defining Curl Custard are excellent for keeping curls hydrated and defined. These products celebrate our textures without harsh ingredients, making them ideal for everyday use.
Another fantastic option is Jamaican Black Castor Oil, a beloved staple for generations. Known for its nourishing properties, this oil can promote hair growth, moisturize the scalp, and strengthen hair strands. Incorporating it into your routine can enhance shine and improve overall hair health.
Going Back to Basics
Sometimes, the best solutions come from traditional practices. Going back to basics means embracing natural ingredients and time-tested methods. Consider using simple, DIY hair masks made from avocados, bananas, or honey to provide deep conditioning. These ingredients are rich in vitamins and moisture, perfect for revitalizing dry or damaged hair.
Understanding the importance of a proper hair care routine is essential. Regular cleansing, conditioning, and moisturizing can maintain healthy hair. For example, incorporating a co-wash can keep curls hydrated without stripping them of natural oils.
Connecting with others who share similar experiences is another key aspect of loving our natural hair. Join online communities or local groups focused on natural hair care. Sharing tips, product recommendations, and personal stories can empower and uplift each other. Representation matters, and seeing others embrace their textures can inspire you to do the same.
Celebrating Your Journey
Your hair journey is personal and unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to caring for natural hair, so take the time to experiment and find what works for you. Celebrate each step of your journey, whether it’s learning to love your curls, mastering new styling techniques, or discovering products that nourish your hair.
Prioritizing your natural hair is an essential part of self-care. When you take the time to nurture and celebrate your hair, you’re also affirming your worth and beauty.
By recognizing the power of our unique textures, utilizing quality products, going back to basics, and connecting with our community, we can truly celebrate the beauty of our hair. Remember, your hair is an integral part of who you are, wear it proudly, love it fiercely, and always remember that it is beautiful just as it is.
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The Power of Black Women-Owned Beauty Supply Stores in 2024
Black Women are leading the charge in a growing beauty supply industry, fostering community, and reclaiming ownership. We discuss it here!
Janell Stephens, founder of Camille Rose Naturals
By: Jayla Smith
For years, beauty supply stores in predominantly Black neighborhoods have been run by owners who often do not reflect or understand the communities they serve. But in 2024, a growing number of Black women are reclaiming ownership in the beauty supply business, ensuring that these stores better represent and serve the needs of Black consumers.
These women are redefining the beauty supply store experience by offering not only products but also education and empowerment. Their stores have become community hubs where customers can find culturally relevant products and resources, along with guidance on hair care, skincare, and more.
Camille Rose Naturals
One significant example is Janell Stephens, the founder of Camille Rose Naturals, who transitioned her product line into storefronts across the country. By creating her own beauty supply chain, Stephens is challenging the dominance of non-Black-owned stores in Black communities. Camille Rose Naturals doesn’t just focus on profit; it emphasizes the importance of customer care and cultural pride, giving people a place to buy products that cater specifically to their needs.
These Black women-owned beauty supply stores often double as community spaces where customers can feel seen and valued. By hiring staff who share the experiences and challenges of their clients, these businesses offer a level of trust and relatability that is often missing from other stores. The success of these businesses has led to an increase in Black ownership, paving the way for more inclusive beauty experiences while also fostering economic empowerment in underserved communities.
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Natural Hair Products: Meraki Organics, A Black Owned Natural Hair Care Brand
Meraki organics is a Black owned natural hair care brand that offers something for every hair type! Each product is infused with crystals like Amethyst and Rose quartz, known for their healing and spiritual aspect. Learn more here!
Amber Makupson, Owner of Meraki Organics
By: Emily-Ann
This year has been a roller coaster with mixed emotions and self evaluation on your life choices. Some took this opportunity to learn a new skill(s) while some did some tlc. Others have chosen to reconnect with personal goals and set themselves up for the coming year.
I did some digging and found a black-owned hair product company that is serving up some self-love, which she uses as the main catalyst to launch her successful brand. Amber Makupson, is the CEO and founder of Meraki Organics. Founded in 2018, this mom is featured in magazines publications like Oprah, Elle, and Sheenmagazine.
After suffering from an awful skin sensitivity while pregnant, she took her background in licensed ethical botanical treatment, and developed a vegan-friendly product line. The line is to address her hair and skin needs, she saw a wonderful opportunity to share her products with consumers. Many of us are now looking into what we put in and on our bodies as well as our mouths.
Natural Hair Products: Meraki Organics, A Black Owned Natural Hair Care Brand
Meraki organics is an impressive brand that offers something for every hair type. Each product is infused with crystals like Amethyst and Rose quartz, known for their healing and spiritual aspect. These crystals are well known to bring a new spin on self-care regimen. Who wouldn’t want to shower their hair and skin in crystals? I was initially attracted to this brand, because of the mention of Amethyst crystals. My birthstone! I also have rose quartz in my collection. What can I say, I was naturally drawn to this product line. Just in time for the holidays, it’s a great idea for a gift idea.
Her Instagram account is filled with product information and informative benefits of the healing properties regarding crystals. The benefits in your home can bring and restore balance in your body. If you would like to purchase her products or check her out, we have provided the links and Instagram account details at the end of this post.
Finding a happy balance in life makes getting through the difficult times little easier. I know with the pandemic it can be very difficult to be home, or be around family all day long. They sometimes can drive you crazy, but when you have a moment to step away, self-care can be put into practice. It’s like you are setting the recharge button. I know there are times when I need this reset button the most, especially now.
What better way to practice self-care than in the place where you wash away your worries for the day/year. Put on some meditation music and indulge in a relaxing state of mind. You do your best thinking when you are still and silent.
Share this post with family and friends and don’t forget to comment. Let us know what you are currently doing to show yourself some special attention.
Click here to view the website for purchase and information of Meraki Organics.
Her Instagram account here.
Happy holidays everyone!
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Are You Really Buying Black? A-List of Non-Black Owned Hair Care Products
Are you aware of the hair care product lines that aren’t Black-owned but are targeted to black people? We compiled a list of non-Black owned hair care products so you can shop consciously!
By: Emily-Ann
Are you aware of the hair care product lines that aren’t black-owned but are targeted to black people? You might want to do some research before you get your next restock. I myself, have purchased products thinking that I was supporting a black-owned brand, but turns out it was sold to a major company a few years ago.
Given the current times and the situation, more of our community members are actively promoting and becoming more aware of how they circulate their dollars. Companies like, Shea Moisture is now owned by Unilever. Shea Moisture was created by Nyema Tubman and Richelieu Dennis. Another well-known brand or line is Cantu is now owned by the PDC brand. Carol’s Daughter is now owned by L’Oreal, which they acquired in 2014. Check out the list of non-Black owned hair products!
A-List of Non-Black Owned Hair Care Products
African Pride
Dark and Lovely
Soft and Beautiful
Elasta OP
Beautiful Textures
Profective
TCB Naturals
Smart Perm
Pro Line
Africa's Best
Aunt Jackie's
Texture My Way
Doo Gro
African Gold
Artra
Black and White
Blue Magic
DuSharme
Five Star
Gloss 8
Glover's
Just So
Nadinola
Othine
Worlds of Curls
Sulfur8
Cantu
Carol's Daughter
Shea Moisture
Let's Jam
Mane Choice
Noticed A Change In Your Products Yet?
I noticed the change in the Deva Curl line when I bought their shampoo and conditioner which was geared toward curls with more need for moisture. I made a quick switch and went to Shea moisture for a minute, but found yet again the product switched up on me. My hair can tell the difference. Look up the lines that you are interested in and make the decision that is best for you.
Buying black isn’t just about supporting your own but knowing for the fact you are supporting men and women who do their thing in the beauty world. There are so many people already dipping their hands and filling their pockets with our needs to look and feel beautiful in a society that did not plan to celebrate our unique beauty and features.
I myself, have to do better in reading the labels and really paying attention to what goes into our beauty products. In the long run, dealing with toxicity levels in our bodies is harmful and throws off homeostasis and causes symptoms that have become normalized. It can effect the way your body detoxes to the way your body reacts to different beauty products.
What Does This Mean For The Consumer Of Color?
As you know or may not know we spend the most money when it comes to beauty. The estimated figured is around $7.5 billion dollars a year. This is twice the amount of our counter parts. Making a better decision involves being well informed and making the decision to better yourself and your well being. I rather purchase a beauty items that I know are made by us to fit our personal needs.
The needs of the people of color, I feel will be made a priority when its made by us for us. The level of understanding runs much more deeper, when a company has a connection to their targeted audience and consumer. It’s hard to relate to your audience when you have not had to experience any of the common situations or battles with hair or skin type. We come in all different shades of melanin.
It’s a sense of pride when you are supporting your own. We have so much buying power and yet we are always given the second thought. People like our girl Rih Rih are changing the way representation is seen and heard. Heck, she knocked out the competition with her Fenty show showcasing her lingerie line. I am a big fan of her makeup line as well. Let’s continue the path and make it possible to be bosses and make powerful moves in the music, beauty, education, film industry and everything in between.
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Meet Jayla Smith, contributing Writer for 247 Live Culture!