When I was younger, I relaxed my hair to make it sleek and softer. But I realized it was expensive and time-consuming. So, I decided to cut my hair and let it grow naturally, and now, I use water and eco-friendly hair products like shea butter and oil to make my hair softer.  

I also avoid using heat on my hair because it is damaging and uses energy. Most hair ties are not eco-friendly, so I use satin or organic cotton hair ties instead. When I want to change my hair color, I use natural hair dyes that are washable.

Going natural with our hair is good for the environment, and it lets me embrace my natural, beautiful black hair as an African woman. Instead of using harmful relaxers that can cause burns and sores on our scalps, it is better to appreciate the beautiful texture of our hair and let it grow the way it naturally does. 

You can take care of your natural hair without using harmful chemicals. Eco-friendly products like cloves, shea butter, oil, and aloe vera are great for promoting healthy hair.

Here are some tips for sustainable hair care: 

Choose products made with environmentally friendly materials and ingredients: 

Avoid chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and formaldehyde. Use products with proteins, vitamins, essential oils, and fruit extracts. Use hair combs made of wood or bamboo instead of plastic brushes. They are better for the environment. 

Make your deep conditioning treatments using natural ingredients: 

Honey, avocados, and coconut oil are household items used in several ways. Find the most suitable components to mix for your hair type. 

Recycle and reuse your shampoo and conditioner bottles: 

Recycling and reusing your bottles and containers may seem obvious to some, but we often overlook the importance of these small actions. It can make a significant difference if we take the time to wash and recycle our empty shampoo or conditioner bottles after each use, and by choosing to reuse or recycle these empty containers, we are reducing packaging waste.  

You can also reuse empty shampoo bottles and containers by storing little items like hair ties and makeup brushes. 

Look for products with environmentally friendly packaging: 

Using hair care products that come in environmentally friendly packaging is as essential as choosing products made with eco-friendly materials. Many cosmetics companies now offer environmentally friendly packaging and provide information about their packaging materials on their websites. It is great that many companies are selling refillable containers, which is a big step toward reducing waste. 

In summary, select hair care products that do not contain harsh chemicals such as sulfates and parabens for your natural hair care. Stick to a natural hair care routine and choose hair care products from organic ingredients. Synthetic chemicals found in hair products can end up in our water systems through the sewer, even in lesser amounts, and can harm aquatic life. 

If product containers are not sustainable, they contribute to air and environmental pollution due to their odor. Embracing natural hair in Africa allows us to celebrate our unique beauty while being environmentally conscious.