Why do ingredients in hair care products truly matter?
For centuries, the textured hair community has heavily relied on international hair care brands for products and knowledge.
Advertisement
However, it's time we face the truth: hair texture varies across ethnicities and races, making it essential to consider this diversity when developing hair care products.
Unfortunately, this crucial factor was often overlooked.
Over a decade ago, a cautionary tale emerged, exposing the detrimental effects of certain ingredients, such as silicones, parabens, and sulfates, commonly found in leading hair care brands worldwide.
Shockingly, the beauty industry is filled with tens and hundreds of ingredients that can disrupt our overall health, potentially leading to cancer, infertility, hair loss, chest pain, and other serious issues.
This eye-opening revelation ignited an ongoing conversation between producers, scientists, and consumers, paving the way for small beauty businesses to thrive.
Existing eco-friendly brands seized the opportunity to expand their reach and capitalise on this new knowledge, creating hair care products specifically tailored to the needs of the textured hair community.
The solution has been within our grasp all along, as we discovered the power of ancient beauty ingredients such as nut, plant, and seed oils, Shea butter, castor oil, and Ayurvedic hair treatments. These natural wonders have revolutionized the hair care industry, particularly in West Africa, proving that textured hair can flourish and thrive.
So, what is the fundamental science behind caring for textured hair?
Individuals with kinky, curly, coiled, wavy, locs, and relaxed hair often struggles with dry strands, requiring emulsions and formulations rich in nut, seed, and plant-based oils to moisturize and promote healthy growth while minimizing breakage.
It's crystal clear: ingredients do matter.
In West Africa, particularly Ghana, many individuals have had to reach adulthood without a proper understanding of hair care, depriving them of essential knowledge and access to the right products.
Although the alarm has been sounded for consumers to make informed choices, we must increase awareness about what we put in our hair.
