In business, buzz and marketing can work in the favor of one brand over another. Sometimes a brand can be doing the best they can and producing perfectly amazing products, but for some reason that shine, that glow-up, that buzz remains elusive. In the hair and beauty world, this is where I come in. If you’re looking for something new and exciting that’s got exactly what your hair needs, look no further. I’ve personally tried a long list of fabulous natural hair product brands — some new, some not-so-new, some with new collections or products you’re sleeping on and should take another look at, some you may never have heard of. All deserve your attention and support, and I can say that because I have personally tried and tested their products and they’re worth it!
This list was SO EPIC that I had to break it into sections. So these are just the indie natural hair brands that I’ve tried and would recommend from A to E. Othher Without further ado, check out this list. And if I missed your favorite, I may not have tried it yet — tell me all about it in the comments below!
New and Not-So-New Indie Natural Hair Brands to Discover, part 1 — from A to E
A
Alikay Naturals
One of my favorite indie brands is created by a former fellow blogger! Rochelle Graham AKA BlackOnyx77 created the first product of her Alikay Naturals line in 2008. Today her products are available everywhere from Target to CVS and beyond. Her lemongrass leave in is amongst my favorites!
Anita Grant
Fun fact, Anita Grant was the first brand to advertise here on Afrobella, 11 years ago! As far as I know, she was the first mixtress, and first brand to focus on ingredients like rhassoul clay for natural hair hair. She’s still holding it down in the UK and doing her thing, creating excellent products for hair and skin.
Ann Carol Beauty
The product line of celebrity trichologist Dr. Kari Williams, Ann Carol Beauty is an intentional tribute to family hair care tradition and centers on hair health. I adore her hair oils, and Dr. Kari is wonderful! Click here to read an interview I did with Dr. Kari when the brand launched in 2015.
Anu Essentials
Created by natural hair and perfume expert Anu Prestonia, Anu Essentials came about from her decades of experience with natural hair as one of the first salon owners and celebrity stylists in the space. Anu’s products are excellent, and Anu is an amazing natural hair and beauty guru (and generally amazing woman)!
Aunt Jackie Curls and Coils
I’ve been told about this brand by so many people! Most recently, my friend Felicia Leatherwood told me that I’d love the conditioner. She was so right! That Fix My Hair Intensive Repair Conditioning Masque is awesome for my natural hair texture’s needs. This brand has great products at a great price point.
B
Bekura Beauty
Intense moisture and high quality ingredients. Everything I’ve tried from Bekura Beauty has been fantastic. Their hair products focus on “purifying cleansers, buttery treatment masks, & quenching moisturizers.” The Y.A.M Nectar Hydrating Hair Nourisher is divine, pure honey for my hair!
Be Kekoa
To me, Be Kekoa is one of the most special brands on this list because I truly know where it is from and the intention and heart that goes into the product. Pure mana from Huahine — click here to read all about where their tamanu oil comes from! Cocomanu is a great first product to try from the brand.
Belle Butters
Indie mixtress Tasha Burton uses the best ingredients for her supremely moisturizing hair and body butters. I love her fragranced products, like that mint chocolate butter. In winter my hair loves her Unyevu Butter. If you’re looking for an amazing whipped shea butter, look no further!
C
Camille Rose
Camille Rose makes SO many great products, it can be hard to know where to begin. The variety of fragrances and ingredients can be overwhelming, but in a good way. There’s something for every natural hair type’s needs in this comprehensive line.
Cara B Naturally
Made with love by a pair of sisters, Cara B Naturally is intentionally dedicated to gentle natural hair care for kids of color. If you have a little one and you’re looking for products, most definitely check out this established independent brand.
Cher-Mere
Cher-Mere is one of the first brands dedicated to natural hair and skincare that ever came to my awareness. Originating in Trinidad, their ingredients include the herbs and tinctures I grew up knowing and respecting.
Chubby Curls
As of right now, Chubby Curls makes but one product — Chubby Curls. It’s a “super-hydrating, heavenly-smelling hair butter” that comes in a variety of fragrance options. My hair LOVES this hair butter and it’s great for wash and go styles as well as twists, braids, bantu knots etc!
D
Darcy’s Botanicals
Described as “handmade delectables for hair and skin,” the names of Darcy’s Botanicals products might make you hungry. The Madagascar Vanilla Styling Butter remains one of my favorites in terms of fragrance and texture.
Darshana
If you’re looking for a shampoo and conditioner that won’t leave your natural hair feeling stripped and squeaky clean, you might fall in love with Darshana. Their Natural Moisturizing combo makes my hair and scalp feel clean in the best way!
Dornee
Dornee is primarily a bodycare brand, inspired when entrepreneur Torrian Denise sought to make therapeutic skincare products for her mother who was suffering with cancer. In addition to phenomenal bodycare, Dornee also sells “hair luxuries” focused on repair, and the ingredients she uses are excellent.
E
Earth’s Nectar
You can find Earth’s Nectar at Sephora, among the natural hair brands holding it down at Sephora. I first discovered them at Cosmoprof and it’s been a love affair ever since! I’m especially into the Jojoba and Tea Tree Scalp Oil.
EDEN Bodyworks
I’ve been a fan for years and have done some of my proudest work with EDEN Bodyworks. Jasmine Lawrence is an entrepreneur I admire tremendously. You may be familiar with their Tea Tree Peppermint or Jasmine Monoi varieties — now they’ve added Citrus Fusion to the roster and they’re also making body products!
Entwine
Entwine makes excellent natural hair products that really speak to a variety of needs, but their main principle is HYDRATION. So essential for healthy natural hair! Their products are raw and pure, and the Epic Hydration Curl Reviving Mask is incredible.
Especially Hair
This independent hair brand is all about sustainability and simplicity. Their Moisture Foundation product worked perfectly for my hair texture, and gave my coils so much life and nourishment! If you have dry hair issues, check them out.
That’s part 1 of my list. Part 2 coming soon! If you can think of an indie natural hair brand that I’ve missed, please let me know in the comments below!
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