Black-Owned Beauty Brands Review
Black Business Month may have passed, but we need to continue to support black-owned businesses that are changing the cosmetics industry. As a Black woman it's so inspiring to see Black-owned beauty brands flourishing and showing that black beauty matters too. It's not just catering to women but men as well and now is the time for the Black community to appreciate their bodies and feel recognised for their achievements.
The struggle to find the right hair products for my hair has always been a struggle, especially having such thick and curly hair. I never appreciated my hair because I didn't know how to maintain it. Now I am discovering so many amazing Black-owned hair products that has made so much difference. If you know me then you know how much I used to straighten my hair as a teen and it was the worst thing I could have ever done to my hair. I lost that bounce in my curls but since changing my hair routine, I love it
One of the brands which I use a lot is Cantu Coconut Curling Cream which I tend to use after washing my hair. You just run it through damp hair and let it work it's magic. It's also good to use when your hair is dry just to add moisture. For the best effects use a shampoo suitable for your hair texture. Recently, I've started using Shea Moisture Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration shampoo as my hair has been getting so dry with my current shampoo. To be honest I only bought it because it was cheap! Shea Moisture has done wonders for my hair and it smells amazing. I know most people tend to get the Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine shampoo and I must say it's quite effective for most, but I'm just not feeling the hibiscus scent. However, I certainly recommend it to you if you have curly hair and you're looking for something with frizz control.
Shea Moisture is an African-American brand that has been on the market for years and recently established $1 million fund to support black-owned/small businesses. So far they have invested $200,000 and help businesses excel in the midst of the pandemic. Not only are they helping rebuild the Black community, but they have set up a Social Justice Coalition with a purpose to fund and advocate for black female-led social activism e.g. the right to education, voting and police reform. Shea Moisture pledged to award five $20,000 US grants and one $20,000 UK grants. It's inspiring to read about what the brand has achieved and it will surely encourage other well-known brands to do the same.
Ors is another brand that has been about since the 90s and their olive oil hair polisher is a product I swear by. My hair used to be so frizzy, but since using this polisher my hair looks more sleek and shiny. They also have a heat protection spray that I used to use in the past when i used to use the straighteners a lot. It really made a difference otherwise I would have damaged my hair.
A brand I only started using a few years ago was Sacha Cosmetics which was founded by Kama Maharaj in Trinidad and Tobago, my mum's native country. My mum loved to use their lipstick so whenever we used to go for holidays you'd always find us in Pennywise similar to Superdrug but bigger. The brand was in fact the Official Cosmetics of the 1999 Miss Universe and 2000 Miss USA pageants and was created to cater to all women of colour. At the moment I'm loving their bronzer which I mostly use as a highlighter as it's very pigmented, however it gives a natural glow.
Finally here are some upcoming Black-owned brands I'd like to shout out:
I'm Just Glowing:
This unique skincare brand was founded by @prolificrenz who custom makes his products to suit all skin types. You'll find a lot of personalised skincare products online but not with these amazing results and prices. I will definitely be trying the Glowing Butter and African Black soap.
Afrocenchix:
A 100% vegan natural afro hair brand run by inspiring women Rachael and Joycelyn that encourages a healthy hair regime using raw shea butter and their products including full set hair care for braids, natural hair and an Under the Wig set specifically for those of you that slay in your wigs! This set has everything you need to make your hair feel brand new underneath including a shampoo, conditioner, hair cream and scalp oil.
The Curl Bar London:
This is the cutest salon which has featured on Vogue as the best salon out of 17 to visit post-lockdown. I've never been to salon to style my natural hair but this has gotten me excited to try! The Curl Bar is based in North London but it is well-known by its international clients. The CEO @niathelight created this brand in thought of empowering women to be themselves and teach them to love their natural hair. You can also expect relaxing scalp massages.
Now i can't forget to mention some restaurants because I love my food and food from Black cultures especially! Here are a few some of which I've been to and some I need to go to...
Ma Petite Jamaica:
This vibrant Caribbean diner based in the centre of Camden will make you feel like your away on a Caribbean island as soon as you enter. You'll feel a cool breeze and hear tunes of soca, reggae and dancehall music. Ma Petite Jamaica hands down make the best jerk sauce I've ever had and their rice and peas is actually nice. I've had rice and peas from other restaurants but none of them were cooked to perfection like theirs. I would highly recommend!
Happy's Bakery:
Happy's Bakery named after the talented cake artist Heather Moradeyo's beloved pug, Happy will make your mouth water with their unique bespoke cakes. You can order cakes for birthdays, weddings, gender reveals, you name it. Heather has baked for 5 star and Michelin star restaurants so expect high quality cakes. Check out her Instagram page for some food porn.
Roti Joupa:
Roti Joupa is the place to go if you love roti like myself. This Caribbean cuisine offers authentic Trinidadian dishes such as buss up shut, if you know you know; curry goat, aloo pie and pholourie and macaroni pie. It's take away only but totally worth the trip with branches in Shepherd's Bush, Finsbury Park and Clapham.
Thank you for reading! Please share and let our Black brothers and sisters be uplifted and seen.
