My hair is like my child. Like many, I spend hours watching YouTube tutorials, reading product reviews and trying new protective styles. In fact, I would consider collecting products as one of my top hobbies. Like many of you, I am on a college student budget and the products that my hair craves can add up. As I fill my cart each shopping trip I see about $50 leaving my pocket in under an hour. Some of you may not understand and think I’m going crazy; But, my hair, my crown, deserves nourishing products and so does yours. While caring for our hair we need to be conscious that our dollars are well spent. Since we are in this curly revolution together, below I shared accessible products by black-owned brands that you can purchase at Target. Splurge on!
Miss Jessie’s
In 2004 there were barely any products specifically for the health and care of ethnic hair. To change that, two hair stylists, sisters Miko and Titi Branch, developed products that took the industry by storm. Inspired by their grandmother, Miss Jessie Mae Branch, the duo created their products after the realization that there weren’t any products that catered to the many different hair textures of their clients. Now, Miss Jessie’s is one of the top known natural hair care brands.
Try: Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo $11.00
Shea Moisture
I’m sure you’ve come across these products on the shelves of many major retailers like Walmart and Target. These products were established in 1912 by Sofi Tucker, and years later they are still holding firm to their eco-friendly and organic ingredients. Through time they have created products for men, women, and children. Also, they are known for the variety of products they have catering to the needs of different hair types. There is no doubt you won’t find the perfect product for your collection. Shea Moisture products are a staple to every naturalista’s stash.
Try: Shea Moisture’s Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie $10.19
Mixed Chicks
Mixed Chicks is not just for bi-racial women. Founders Kim Etheredge and Wendi Levy, both of black and white heritage, have been determined to nourish and protect curly manes around the world. This brand has the likes of many celebrities including Halle Berry. Mixed Chicks products have an abundance of moisture and will provide great definition to your tresses, just ask Halle.
Try: Mixed Chick deep conditioner $13.99
Alikay Natural
In 2007, When the founder Rochelle Campbell chopped her hair off to seek her healthy hair journey, she went through many issues. Like many, she struggled to find products in the market that weren’t filled with false promises. So, she turned to her own kitchen and made it her laboratory. After, finding the perfect concoction and having her friends and family try it, she knew her product was a success. Soon after, she noticed the potential and high demand from her many YouTube followers. Thus, her first creation Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil went on sale. This may seem like it happened over night, but it took many vigorous hours of researching to find the perfect ingredients.
Try: Alikay Natural’s Knots Be Gone Hair Detangler $14.99
The Mane Choice
What I love most about The Mane Choice products are that the CEO and Founder, Courtney Adeleye, focuses on formulating hair essentials that work from the inside- out. All her products serve to improve health while beautifying the hair. Her products are birthed from her passion for health. As a Registered Nurse, her specialized medical knowledge made the natural hair community buzz. Her empire grew as customers desired her unique products that are not only good for your hair, but for your body too. Talk about black girl magic.
Try: The Mane Choice Hair Growth Oil $11.99
Carol’s Daughter
Lisa Price, CEO and Founder of Carol’s Daughter, makes her products with love. This ethnic beauty brand reaches out to their customers on every major social media outlet, showing that they have excellent customer service. There are many reasons you need to invest into this company. Aside from them being black owned, their Hair Milk Collection will have you smelling like paradise!
Try: Hair Milk Nourishing and Conditioning Cleansing Conditioner $11.99
Design Essentials
You can depend on this company to satisfy your cleansing, conditioning and restoring needs. Design Essentials caters to both natural and relaxed hair, which makes them unique. This brand is committed to provide the innumerable types of hair with the vitamins and proteins needed for healthy hair growth and styling. They also aim to educate the hair community on proper ways to use their products and cater to their own locks. This is remarkable because we all love to learn more about our hair, right?
Try: Design Essentials Edge Tamer $8.29
Curls
Ready to end your struggle with dry curls? CURLS offer rich creams and conditioners that will make your curls pop. Add a product or two from CURLS to supplement you on your healthy hair journey. Also, watch out for significant growth from this company in the near future.
Try: Bluberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner $11.99