Finding the right hair care products for your hair has been a struggle for way too long. We’ve all been there, scanning shelves filled with products that weren’t made for our kinks, curls, and coils. But guess what? Some incredible African female pioneers have stepped up and changed the game! These women saw the gaps in the industry and said, “Nah, we deserve better.” And they delivered!
From shampoos and conditioners that nourishes the hair, to creams and styling products that cater to every texture, these African hair care entrepreneurs have revolutionized the way we care for our crowns. So, let’s give them their well-deserved flowers while diving into their stories.
Meet the African Hair Care Pioneers
These Black women in haircare are not just making products, they’re changing the narrative. They’re proving that African hair is worthy of high-quality, specialized care.
They’re educating people on how to care for their curls, coils, and kinks without harsh chemicals. They’re making hair care accessible, fun, and effective. And let’s not forget, they’re building Black-owned hair care brands that cater specifically to us.
Farida Yahya – Lumo Naturals (Nigeria)
After struggling with managing her own coils, she decided to create a solution “Lumo Naturals”. This African hair care brand is dedicated to specialist products that cleanse and treat natural hair without the dryness and breakage.
Their conditioners? Pure magic. Their shampoos? Game-changers. If you’re looking for a brand that gets what your curls need, Lumo Naturals is it!
Rachel Kobo – The Fro Avenue (South Africa)
If you’re a South African natural hair lover, chances are you’ve heard of The Fro Avenue. Founded by Rachel Kobo, this brand is all about celebrating and caring for natural hair textures.
From deeply nourishing hair creams to kids’ hair products that make wash day a breeze, Rachel is making sure the next generation grows up knowing their curls are everything.
Michelle Ntalami – Marini Naturals (Kenya)
Michelle created Marini Naturals, Kenya’s first haircare line for women with natural and Afro-textured hair. And when I tell you this brand gets it, I mean it!
Their conditioners are packed with moisture, their men’s hair products cater to beards and curls alike, and their overall range is a must-have for anyone serious about hair health. Michelle is leading the charge in African hair care brands changing the game, and we are so here for it.
Getty Choenyana – Oamobu Naturals (South Africa)
Getty Choenyana traded in her mechanical engineering career to become a force in the African hair care industry. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality, locally sourced products for natural hair, she founded Oamobu Naturals, a brand rooted in the power of indigenous African ingredients.
From nutrient-rich oils to deeply moisturizing conditioners, her brand focuses on harnessing Africa’s botanical wealth to create products that work with, not against, textured hair. Getty’s science-backed approach is proof that haircare can be both natural and effective.
Shereen Makhanye - Nubian Nature (South Africa)
Nubian Nature is a Premium South African natural hair-care range, created by Shereen Makhanye for African hair from natural and/or organic exotic African indigenous crops.
The unique combinations are inspired by African crops that are rich in beautifying nutrients, consciously sourced and responsibly harvested. By harnessing these crops she was able to capture the earthy goodness of nature whilst providing high quality products that give an authentic African Experience.
Antsa Ramaroson - Curly Aho (Madagascar)
Antsa Ramaroson is a true pioneer of the natural hair movement in Madagascar. With a deep passion for haircare representation, she created “Curly Aho”, which has been instrumental in pushing for greater education and awareness about caring for textured hair.
Through her work, she’s creating spaces for women to embrace their curls and kinks with confidence. Her advocacy for natural hair solutions and access to high-quality products has been a game-changer in a region where representation has often been lacking.
Grace Oriaghan - Shanyi Organic (Nigeria)
When it comes to haircare, finding products that truly work for all hair types can be a challenge. That’s exactly why Grace Oriaghan created Shanyi Organics —a brand that caters to everyone, whether you have locs, curls, relaxed, or natural hair. Shanyi Organic is all about quality, nourishment, and versatility.
Grace has carefully formulated products that work for men, women, and children, making it one of the few Nigerian brands that truly understands diverse hair needs.
No matter your hair journey, growing out natural hair, maintaining locs, keeping curls defined, or caring for relaxed hair, Shanyi Organic has something for you. Grace Oriaghan isn’t just selling hair products; she’s changing the game, making healthy haircare accessible to all.
Conclusion
These women didn’t just create hair care brands, they built legacies. They changed the way black people view and care for their hair, proving that our strands deserve high-quality, tailored solutions. Whether it’s through hair-nourishing conditioners, curl-loving creams, or effective scalp treatments, they’ve made African hair care better for all of us.
So, next time you’re reaching for your go-to shampoo or styling gel, take a moment to appreciate the black women in haircare who made it all possible.
Before You Go…
We appreciate you taking the time to read this blog to the end, and we hope you found it helpful. Please allow us to introduce ourselves quickly.
Shanyi Organics is a brand focused on providing high-quality, safe, and effective hair care products for men, women, and kids. Our products are infused with Ayurvedic herbs and African botanicals to promote hair growth, with the general goal of catering to every hair type, style, and texture.
Explore our hair care products here, or send us a DM for personalized recommendations!