Namibian Beauty Essentials for Healthy Hair

The coldest of winter chills has been engulfing us over the last couple of weeks and judging by weather patterns over the last few years, we still have a while to go before winter finally makes way for warmer weather.

For now, The Weekender compiled a list of a few wonderful Namibian beauty products that should be on your bathroom shelf for healthier hair this winter.

This new kid on the hair care block is must-have for strong and luscious locks this winter. O’Nature contains four essential oils: Castor, coconut, olive and almond. These ingredients promote growth by strengthening weak/damaged hair, softens the hair and adds shine, gets rid of dandruff, repairs split ends and stimulates hair growth.

“O’Nature is a local brand of essential oils manufactured in Namibia. It’s manufactured by an export approved Namibian pharmaceutical company,” Maria Immanuel ,who is the co-founder of the brand, says. Together with her partner Selma Shipanga, they developed the product three years ago to specifically cater to the natural hair industry.

“We saw that more Namibians were starting to embrace managing their natural hair and while natural oils are some of the best remedies for natural hair, there was no one solution product in the market. Especially for hot oil treatment,” Immanuel says.

The best way to use this hot oil treatment is to use it as a treatment after the removal of braids but before washing to cleanse the scalp. You can also use it as a daily moisturiser, even when you have braids or a weave to ensure a healthy scalp.

“We have found out that men are also using it for their beards to add shine. And men with panga styles also finally have a product to maintain their hairstyles,” Immanuel notes.

O’Nature is available in Windhoek at Du-Key Salon opposite OK Supermarket (old Tre), Hair City Wholesale opposite Trans Namib and Mirage Hair and Beauty Shop at Walvis Bay. Alternatively, it can be bought online at onaturecosmetics.com

At the moment, the O’Nature business model caters to the salon industry. “We are introducing a hot oil treatment at salons so they can diversify their services. Many clients want to go to a salon, sit and have an oil treatment. Clients are willing to pay between N$60 and N$100 for that. So salons can increase their revenue by doing oil treatments and also selling to their clients,” Immanuel explains.

This model is designed to supply salons directly so they get the product at an affordable price.

I’ve been using the Afrorage coconut massage oil for quite some time now and the product is amazing, to say the least. While I used to rely on products to moisturise the scalp, most leave a greasy layer, instead of actually moisturising. This scalp massage oil smells heavenly and with Afrorage products being 100% natural, this product is also perfect for your little ones. It’s great as a daily scalp massage and contains the benefits of almond oil, wheatgerm oil and peppermint essential oil blends. Another great thing about this massage oil is the packaging which makes for easy application in getting to hard to reach areas of the scalp even when you’re sporting braids or a weave.

After years of struggling with receding edges as a result of extensive pulling by hairdressers with no regard for ethnic hair, this magic serum has done wonders to restore said edges.

After months of using it, I’m keen on making it an essential part of my hair care regiment as the results are incredible.

Containing only one ingredient, Oombeke, or as it’s scientifically called, Ximenia, this hair serum is 100% organic and contains many nutrients like Vitamin C, E, fibre, calcium, protein, minerals, plus a hetero geneaus collection of bioactive compounds which stimulate the roots of your hair. It’s perfect for a dry scalp and to get rid of an itchy scalp.

Creator of the product Inotila Mwafongwe says that for best results, a drop of the serum is usually enough to moisturise the scalp and hair.

“We usually advise that you part your hair in sections, place one or two drops on the palm of your hand and apply it directly to the scalp,” she advises. Once you comb out your hair, the oil will spread though to your hair as well. For those with fine hair, however, the serum is best used as a treatment. “People with fine hair put in the oil for a few hours, cover their hair and wash out the oil later,” says Mwafongwe. This is ideal as using the oil in any other way will weigh it down.

For those who love false eyelashes or lash extensions that tend to damage your natural lashes due to the use of eyelash glues which sometimes contain harsh chemicals, this serum aims to restore the health of natural eyelashes. With its producers promising “thick, dark, longer lashes in a completely natural way”, the serum is scentless and very light and its moisturising effects are immediately noticeable.

The serum can be used consistently every night before bed. It contains 100% essential oils which promote hair growth and is GMO-free. Mi-Lash is cruelty free, having been tested on human volunteers. To buy your very own eight mililitre tube, visit 264online.com

While the stereotype of all natural-haired people being Shea butter obsessed still persists, I only recently decided to try out this famous product that has the world gushing about its benefits. It was only right that I buy my first tub from Zodidi Gaseb, who is undoubtedly one of the pioneers in the natural hair revolution in Namibia. The African Naturals unrefined Shea butter is 100% natural and nourishes, moisturises and conditions hair. Introducing this Shea butter to my hair care routine has had me seeing a great improvement in the health of my hair – it’s really as worth it as they say. It can either be used as a daily moisturiser or as a substitute to your conditioner. Simply coat shampoo’ed hair with Shea butter, cover with a shower cap and leave on for a few hours for deep conditioning. This will also aid in repairing cuticles and adding shine to hair.

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