So I did an all local washday!

So on the back of my recent luxe washday post, I thought I’d do a local version. Yup, I challenged myself to use only local products from start to end using what I already had in my bathroom/closet (like I don’t need an excuse to go shopping guys!).

For clarity, when I say local I mean the independent/smaller kind of brands and not the stuff in Clicks/Dischem (although brands like Afrobotanics, My Natural Hair etc., would be exceptions) if you know what I mean. To be honest, it wasn’t that much of a challenge – we have some pretty awesome homegrown stuff. Even though I know I haven’t nearly used and tried all the local products out there, the only “challenge” I had was choosing between different local options but in the end I went with these guys because I thought they’d work well together…

Cleansing

Treemendous Tea Tree Shampoo (R70) – this product is packed with oils (neem, pepperpmint, tea tree, jojoba, rosemary  – I could go on) and has been in my bathroom for quite a while – probably on its 6th or so use. I don’t have scalp issues but it does say that it also soothes the scalp. It has no parabens, sulphates and is cruelty free. But probably most impressive is that 98.97% of the ingredients are of natural origin. I’ve said it here before but I’m not a fan of minty kind of smells for my hair but I can easily look past it for what this shampoo delivers. PS the easiest place to buy this is probably Dischem.

Conditioning

I went in with a double DC again – protein first and then moisture…

Kimberly Grace Transitions (R235)- ah, such an old fav – I reckon I’m at least on my 3rd or so tub. This DC’s main claims are growth and anti breakage and is aimed at women who are transitioning but is superb on my natural hair and would be for relaxed hair too. Coconut oil is the second listed ingredient and shea butter and macadamia oil aren’t far behind. It’s quite thick and concentrated so leave enough water in your hair for it to spread well. Directions say to keep it on for 30 mins but I do an hour (they say you can do overnight too) – shower cap & doek – y’all know how it goes. When I rinse this stuff out my fro feels so soft as if its melted!

Curl Chemistry (R80) – I’ve already told you how much I love their Curl Activator and the DC is pretty good too. I’d say it also has some protein but overall is more on the moisture side (gylcerin, castor seed oil, olive oil and argon oil). You’d be had pressed to find something better smelling!

Styling

Nubian Nature Carrot Hydrating Custard (R120) – I feel like I grew up with this brand and I cannot believe how far they’ve come. I really like that they have some unique oils I haven’t seen in very many other products like baobab oil (strengthens and moisturises), carrot oil (stimulates growth) and avocado oil. It looks like custard and in applying I use it lightly concentrating on my (damp) ends but works on dry hair too.

The Perfect Curl Style (R199) – this brand doesn’t need any introduction “a leave in with cashmere proteins and botanical extracts to nourish curls and helps protect against frizz” the bottle reads. I apply it in small sections root to tip & gives my curls an extra bit of hold. I bought min at Defhairnition but online or Candi & Co is probably easiest.

Suki Suki Naturals Intense Mango Butter (R180) – I did a full review here and they are definitely in the luxe category of local brands. It’s max moisturisation and quite heavy so I melt about half a teaspoon in my hand and gently press it into the ends of my hair and the front – taking care not to disturb my curls.

How did it all turn out?

(day 2)

(day 8)

I loved this washday and it felt pretty cool walking around with a head of hair nourished and cared for by a whole basket of local brands. And I was able to stretch this wash and go for 10 days which is pretty long for me (also, because I’m lazy!).

I’m definitely going to do another local washday post like this so if there’s anything specific you want me to throw into the mix, let me know below…

Be kind to your hair!

W