by Kara of NaturalCurliesTV (pictured above)
I remember watching Kimmaytube on YouTube as she was discussing the pH balance of hair and how it is important to use products that are close to the same ph as our curly hair which is between 4.5 and 5.5. Using hair products that are similar in pH cause the cuticle to remain closed, thus reducing frizz, increasing shine and softness. As soon as I heard this, I was scouring British Curlies Website, (back then this was the only place us UK naturals could get US products from) for the Ph balanced hair products.
The only pH balanced products I found during that time were from the Komaza Care product line. So, with my uncontrollable product junkie self, I purchased the shampoo, conditioner, leave-in, moisturizer and styler from the Califa Care line which is for thick kinky hair. I wasn’t playing! I wanted my hair to grow and be healthy.
After the first use, I realized products that are predominantly made with natural ingredients suited my hair. It was amazing. My hair had never felt so good. Purchasing those products was the best decision I could have made in my healthy hair care journey. I noticed a tremendous difference in the softness, pliability and increased health to my hair.
To be honest, this all happened by accident. I didn’t suddenly wake up one morning and say ‘I will only be using products with natural ingredients.’ But I guess this is why it is called a natural hair journey, as different paths lead us in new directions. I also began researching some of the chemicals commonly used in hair ingredients and realized that some are extremely toxic and potentially harmful to overall health if used consistently over a long period of time, which many of us do! At that point I stopped thinking about my hair and started thinking about whether I wanted to put myself at risk of cancer or hormone imbalance.
Even though natural products are more expensive, I think the investment is worth it. I am okay with spending a few extra pounds/bucks on products if it means I am protecting my health in the long term.
So these are some of the product brand changes I have made:
| Past | Present |
| Organic Root Stimulator | Komaza Care |
| Doo Gro | Bee Mine |
| Patene Pro V relaxed and natural | Kinky Curly |
| Herbal Essences | Giovanni |
Have you changed over to 100% natural hair care products? How did it affect your hair care regime?
Kara is a London-based health professional who teaches individuals with physical and mental health disabilities how to live independently. She is also an active natural hair vlogger. You can find her on YouTube at NaturalCurliesTV and Instagram @NaturalCurlies
