You know that moment when you’re looking at the hair of some people and you just wonder if God hates you. Or when you’re staring at hair products, checking the price tags, and wondering if you need to take out a small loan just to keep your crown glowing? Yeah, been there! That’s exactly what pushed me into exploring natural hair care alternatives using ingredients we’ve had right here in Nigeria all along.
Why I Started Making My Own Products
Listen, between the skyrocketing prices of imported hair products and my hair literally retaining a specific length even after years, I knew I had to switch things up. Plus, have you seen the ingredient lists on some of these products? I can barely pronounce half of them! Anyway, it’s been six years since I decided to go natural and I’m telling you, it has been a rocky ride. I have watched several videos on Youtube and tiktok, and I have tried replicating some of the recipes I saw there.
Here’s what’s been working wonders for my 4C hair (yes, the coiliest of coils!):
- Shea Butter (Ori): The holy grail! Our own Nigerian shea butter is literally liquid gold for our hair. I get mine from the local market in Abuja, and sometimes Aba, and the quality is chef’s kiss.
- Coconut Oil (Adi Agbon): Not the refined stuff, but pure coconut oil from our local markets. My hair drinks this up like it’s been in the Sahara!
- Aloe Vera (Ahon): Y’all, growing this in your compound is like having a free hair care supplier!
My Go-To DIY Hair Butter Recipe
Okay, let me share my favorite recipe that has my hair feeling like butter (pun intended! 😉):
- 2 cups of raw shea butter
- 1/2 cup of coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- A few drops of lavender essential oil (optional, but makes it smell divine!)
Method: Whip it, whip it real good! (Sorry, couldn’t resist!) Melt the shea butter and coconut oil together, let it cool, add the other ingredients, and whip until it looks like cake frosting.
The Results? Mind-Blowing!
Since I started this journey, my hair retention has improved dramatically. No more breakage, and my edges? Baby, they’re laying! The best part? I’m saving serious money. One batch of my hair butter lasts about two months, and it costs less than one tub of imported hair cream. As a bonus, you can add other natural products like rosemary, cloves and even thyme (I heard these work yet).
Beyond the personal benefits, making your own products means less plastic waste (we all know how many empty hair product containers we go through!). Plus, you’re supporting local markets by buying raw ingredients. It’s a win-win!
Tips for Beginners
If you’re thinking of starting your natural hair care journey:
- Start small – don’t throw away all your products at once
- Document what works for your hair (trust me, your hair will tell you!)
- Join Nigerian natural hair communities on Instagram and Facebook
- Support local vendors who source quality raw materials
The Natural Hair Movement in Nigeria
It’s beautiful seeing more Nigerian women embracing their natural hair and traditional hair care methods. We’re not just following a trend; we’re reclaiming our heritage and making it work for our modern lifestyle.
Have you tried making your own hair products? I’d love to hear about your experiences! Drop a comment below or slide into my DMs with your favorite DIY recipes. Let’s share this natural hair wisdom!
