Someone asked me recently if I could name my favorite natural hair companies. I started typing out a list of the usual suspects, the mainstream choices…but then stopped myself. I do still use the most mainstream natural hair products, but I do still very much enjoy supporting the up and comers. The new entrepreneurs who reach out to me to review their products. Their packaging may not yet be slick but the product has heart and soul in it.
In the 5 years which I’ve been doing this here blog (yes! 5 years in August!) I’ve been lucky enough to be the first mention of quite a few products like this, and I’ve directly gotten to see the growth of so many small businesses. One of my entrepreneur friends recently called it “The Afrobella Effect,” meaning that after I blogged about her business, she began to recieve much more press attention and get many more sales. I laughed when she said that, but it is an AWESOME feeling, knowing that exists. I really hope that I can do that for these small businesses too. Because their products rock and they deserve it!
Without further ado – five up and coming natural beauty companies you need to put on your radar!
Tasha of BelleButters is that rare and special kind of business woman. She recognizes the power of social media and is a true spokesperson for her brand. If you ever have a question about her products, hit her up on Twitter. And follow her for tips on natural hair, and finding the best products for you – amidst the rest of her engaging conversation and bits of wisdom. Tasha is cool people, and she makes AMAZING natural hair and body products. Click here to browse her Etsy shop, where she sells whipped butters for skin and hair. Her Unyevu butter (that’s Swahili for moisture) is awesome for ashy elbows and knees, and divine for twists and other intricate natural hair styles where moisture and hold are necessary. Shea, mango, and avocado butter + neem oil, apricot kernel oil, and sunflower oil. The scent is mild and pleasant. I think I’m gonna try the mint chocolate butter next!
CUSH stands for Color Us Simply Holistic, and that’s what this hair and skincare company keeps as their watchwords. The company was created because of the founders’ concern about the preservatives and chemicals being used in cosmetics, so CUSH Cosmetics products are all natural – made without synthetic preservatives, colors, fragrances, and ingredients like petroleum and mineral oil. If you like highly scented shampoos and conditioners, look elsewhere. If you like products that really WORK, I recommend Cush’s Hydrate Me Leave In Protein Conditioner. It’s got detangling power galore! The Mango Pomade with Wheat Germ Oil smells like heaven and makes my hair feel divine. It’s just $13, and a little goes a very long way! Click to check out Cush Cosmetics.
I discovered this up and coming natural bodycare at a recent Chicago natural hair event. From the minute I tried their Face Polish, I fell in LOVE. It’s an awesome winter-into-spring exfoliator. Made with shea, aloe vera, mango butter and jojoba beads, this polish smoothes skin and leaves your face feeling supremely moisturized after. It’s become a part of my current skincare routine. I use the face polish, then rinse, spritz my face with witch hazel, and then spritz with rosewater. So fresh and so clean clean! The After Affects has a wide range of face and body products, click here to browse the full lineup.
— Jaas Beauty.
I discovered Jaas Beauty at this year’s America’s Beauty Show, and I’m so glad I did. Owned by Eugene and Serah Wengerd, a very sweet interracial couple that have made research the backbone of their company. Having learned about the benefits of neem oil and Indian herbs, they flew to India and spent much time doing research on the herbs and oils for skin and hair that are most respected in their culture. Jaas Beauty makes four products right now — Hair and Scalp Butter and Hair Moisturizer, and Body Butters for Normal and Dry skin. Their range is small, but their products are incredibly effective. Their hair and scalp butter is helping me step up my hair twisting skills, and giving me the moisture I so desperately need. Loving everything about it.
If you’re seeking an incredibly moisturizing and highly fragranced bath experience, you need aSili Bath and Body products in your life. Handcrafted body oils, body scrubs, bath salts and body butters that come in an enticing array of scents. The brand is known for offering customized fragrances for clients. I was blessed with a jasmine-scented white floral body butter and body scrub at a recent Chicago natural hair event, and I love the uniqueness of the fragrance. Check out aSili Bath and Body for a fragrant experience of your own!
Those are five of the best up and coming natural hair and bodycare companies I’ve been lucky enough to experience recently. See anything you’re dying to try?
I appreciate when you do these posts. I always find new yummy products. The After Effects is flirting with me right through the screen lol Thank you Patrice!!
while I love being introduced to new products.. you are about to make me break my new product fast!!! LOL
Thank you for doing the review Patrice! aSili, it looks like I may need those bath salts in my life. 😉
Tasha of Belle Butters studies her craft and takes it very seriously! Love her!
..and I’ll definitely be trying all of these products!
Patrice, thank you for the wonderful review! It was a pleasure meeting you at the Chicago Naturals Meet-up! If you ever need anything, please let me know!
@Tasha (Belle Body Butters) anytime =)
Thanks so much these reviews. They all look so delicious!
Aah, goodness…just when I had the PJ in me somewhat subdued- LOL! I may have to try some of these products out.
Come on by and we will ‘court you’ San Tara we love new relationships. 😉
Denise we hope you will make it over to try some of the After Affects products! We look forward to a new friend!
No Pressure BK! Love to see you visit us at After Affects though 🙂
Frencharomatherapy provides you with best and most natural skin care products, We offers Natural Face Lotion, Organic Face Cream, Anti Aging Skin Cream, Aromatherapy Essential Oils etc at affordable prices.
Thanks for the article. I actually use Asili Body Butter and I LOVE it. I was first introduced to it about 7 years ago and have been using it ever since. In fact, it has replace my need for lotion. It is a great substitute plus it leaves you smelling and feeling like no other. Everywhere I go, I always get “oooo girl, what are you wearing”? Sometimes I want to keep it a secret but I dont. I love Pamela for coming up with such a wonderful and different product. I endorse it fully!
Tonia L. Anderson
I love the article. I was introduced to Asili Bath and Body products about 7 years ago and I LOVE IT!!! Its so rich and moisturizing that nothing else compares. My favorite is Ocean Rain, is a fresh scent that gets the attention of anyone I encounter. The fact that the products are of such good quality shows that Pamela loves producing them. I am an Asii customer forever!!
I became a fan of Asili body butter last year. It’s consistency is perfect — it melts into my skin without being greasy. Great pick!
I have been using Asili for many years now and I would not trade it for any other product on the market. I have the dryest skin, but Asili takes care of that for me. The fragrance last all day, it doesnt fade like most other products. Customer for life!
Thanks so much for this list!!! I also wanted to share another up & coming company…Naturally Me. Not only is the owner a naturalista but, she is a beautiful person inside and out. Check out the company at http://www.naturallyme.us and my FAV product is the All Over Butter that you can use on your body, hair, and face!!! I use it for twist outs.
I would like to share a company that sells a few special enriching products…Crystal’s Royal Secrets
The products nourish your scalp and hair, boosting moisture and encouraging growth…Crystal also makes body oil and skin cream…
http://www.crsecrets.com
Hello, I would like to introduce myself to all of you. I am Emily Bazemore Owner and Chief Formulator of a minority company called Ayari Cosmetics, LLC. I have been developing hair and skin care products for several major companies for over 17 years. I wanted to share with you a wonderful and fantastic natural product. It is called the Elixir Polishing Mist. Made with Coconut oil, Ecocert emollient, Grape Seed Oil, sunscreen and no preservatives. This wonderful product will improve the look of dry hair while making it hydrated, silky and manageable without mineral oil or silicones. It gives you that great polished look and within two weeks of application, your hair will be noticeably improved. It is an ultra-light formula to provide split end repair and reduce frizz while protecting it from UV. The month of May will we have a special running for a 2 oz mist bottle for $3.00. After May, it will be $6.00. I also have a natural hand-made hair and body shampoo soap at the reduced price for this month. These are truly great products. It’s worth it! Website: http://www.ayaricosmetics.com Please use the contact page for additional questions or orders.
Hey, Bella, thanks for the natural beauty and hair product company mentions! If if weren’t for your listing those companies, I probably never would’ve gotten up the nerve to try Tasha Burton’s BelleButters! I don’t mind contributing to sales as a result of your reviews, so please keep ’em coming. Oh, and the Mint Chocolate Butter is the business! It reminds me of York Peppermint Patties.
I love Ojon products! I’ve gotten so many ppl (family and stylists) turned onto their hair treatments! The grease is also good for skin. Their products have definitely helped to thicken my hair and work wonders for natural styles!
WS
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