Back to school and game-changes in the Afro hair industry
I can’t believe it is already September and back to school! I wish these game-changes existed in the Afro hair industry at this time! I remember a couple of years ago (just a couple not more) when I was younger, I used to call that period of the time: the novelties season, because I used to be in a new class with a new teacher, new friends; carrying new books and new stationery. I really enjoyed this time not only for the novelties at school but also because my mother always made sure that I started the year with a bang: new clothes, shoes and hairstyles.
Talking about hairstyles, I had long, kinky and thick hair, that was most of the time braided. As much as I enjoyed having my hair braided in various protective styles, I disliked wearing it in ponytails, buns or two puffs on the side. Not that I was not cute with these but because of the occasional pain endured with all the accessories used to achieve that protective hairstyle. The rubber bands and barrettes tangled in my hair, pulling it down and stretching out it too much, leading to hair breakage and inevitable tears!
As most of us can testify, it could be difficult to handle your hair if you don’t
- Know how to take care of your hair
- Have good hair practices or techniques
From the afro comb to “ouchless” hair clamps, Black people have always been creative and innovative in terms of accessories for their types of hair. We have selected 6 hair accessories proudly black-owned and created. Some of them have even been patented.
All these accessories were made to ease our life and help us to manage our hair. They allow creating beautiful hairstyles without causing headaches by cinching, pulling, ripping or tearing the hair out. No more pain this year!
Here below are the 6 inventions that we found to be game-changers in the afro hair industry. We are sure you will love and adopt them not only during the back to school time this September but also beyond.
Carlyclip
Product description
Hair clip made from nylon durable, flexible and adjustable material
How to use
- All types of hair especially kinky, curly, locks, natural and textured hair types.
- Excellent for sleek hairstyles, working out, transitioning to natural hair, casual and professional hairstyles.
Advantages
- No metals, hinges or jagged surface
- Rounded teeth to safely and securely hold the hair in place
Tutorial
Let’s see how easy is to set up the Carly clip.
The brain behind the brand
According to the website
Carlyn Ray is a young lady who had a hard time finding a hairstylist to do her natural hair. She opted for a professional bun hairstyle but could not find ponytail holders that would hold her textured hair in place without breakage or slippage. Out of frustration and tired of using many Bobby pins, she decided to create her own ponytail holder. This is how the CarlyClip was born.
Buy Carlyclip
Carlyclip on social media
Rocyalox
Product description
Spiral hair ties made from plastic with animal characters
How to use
- All types of hair especially kinky, curly, locks, natural and textured hair types.
- Excellent for sleek hairstyles, working out, transitioning to natural hair, casual and professional hairstyles.
Advantages
- No hair loss around the edges
- No breakage
Tutorial
Let’s see how easy is to set up the Roxyalox.
The brain behind the brand
As written on the website
Entrepreneur Charmin Edwards was unable to find anything on the market to properly hold and adorn her braids. Quite by accident, she would envision and develop the perfect, healthy hair tie accessory for all hair types – now known as the Rocyalox brand. While washing her car one day, the ribbon in her hair slid out, as usual, not knowing how she would keep her hair from getting wet. She pulled her cell-phone car charger from the socket, wrapped it around her hair, and thus the inspiration for Rocyalox was born.”
Buy Rocyalox
Rocyalox on Social media
PuffCuff
Product description
Circular design locks in lightweight, high impact-resistant ABS plastic.
How to use
- All types of hair especially kinky, curly, locks, natural and textured hair types.
- Excellent for sleek hairstyles, working out, transitioning to natural hair, casual and professional hairstyles.
Advantages
- No hair loss around the edges
- No breakage
Tutorial
Let’s see how easy is to set up the PuffCuff.
The brain behind the brand
As stated on their website by Ceah Leah, the CEO and founder
“I discovered that it was impossible to find accessories to accommodate the thickness and texture of my hair. I became determined to find a solution. It was then that the concept of the PuffCuff was born. But I wouldn’t let myself imagine that I could be the one to invent, manufacture and retail it myself. So here I am! PuffCuff LLC was launched in August of 2013. The first PuffCuff was available for purchase in February of 2014.”
Buy PuffCuff
- PuffCuff Family Pack (7 PCS) Ebay
- PuffCuff Micro Pack – 1.5 INCH (5 PCS) Ebay
- PuffCuff Original – 5 INCH (1 PC) Ebay
- PuffCuff Mini Pack – 2.5 INCH (3 PCS) Ebay
- PuffCuff Micro Single, 1 Piece – 1.5 INCH Ebay
- PuffCuff Mini Single 1 Piece – 2.5 INCH Ebay
- PuffCuff Junior Single, 1 Piece – 3 INCH Ebay
- PuffCuff Mini Clear pack – 2.5 INCH (3 PCS) Ebay
- PuffCuff Round Hardcover Carrying Cases – 2 sizes Ebay
- PUFFCUFF ORIGINAL CLEAR- 5 INCH (1 PC) Ebay
- Curlyselection
- Sallybeauty
- Lecurlshop
PuffCuff on social media
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube
Snappee™
Product description
Long-lasting, tangle-free hair tie, made out of Soft, Stretchy Material
How to use
- All types of hair especially kinky, curly, locks, natural and textured hair types.
- Excellent for sleek hairstyles, working out, transitioning to natural hair, casual and professional hairstyles.
Advantages
- Easy to remove with the Snap-Off Technology
- Snappable together
- Lifetime warranty
- Machine washable
Tutorial
Let’s see how easy is to set up the Snappee.
The brain behind the brand
On her website, natural Hair Model Keziah Dhamma creator of the Snappee™ told how everything started
“One day, I really wanted to pull it [my hair] back so I could go to the gym. And I literally was like, I wish I had something that went on and snapped. “When the idea came to her, she wrote it down and did not stop there. I started taking sewing classes and I handmade the product. I knew exactly what I wanted it to look like, and then I just started using different fabrics to see how they stretched and how they worked on my hair. After three hard years of trial and error, Snappee™ was born.”
Buy Snappee™
Snappee™ on social media
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube
My Curl Squad
Product description
A soft, flexible rollers of durable material
How to use
- All types of hair especially kinky, curly, locks, natural and textured hair types.
- Excellent for sleek hairstyles, working out, transitioning to natural hair, casual and professional hairstyles.
Advantages
- Easy to use,
- Prevent frizz, shrinkage, moisture loss, tangling, single strand knots, and friction!
- Comfortable to sleep with
Tutorial
Let’s see how easy is to set up the MyCurl Squad curlers
The brain behind the brand
Charity, also known on YouTube as “Protective Princess” told how she came out with the idea of My Curl Squad.
“I have always considered myself to be a “roller connoisseur”. The true journey with My Curl Squad actually began several years ago when I was introduced to a package of tiny spool rollers. But I soon realized a few problems with the roller. First of all, they were much too tiny to fit any significant amount of my textured hair, especially as my hair grew. Secondly, they were made from a very short-lived material and the rollers kept cracking, breaking, and snagging my hair overtime. I worked with an engineer, melding company, and a patent attorney for legal advice to create my products. Through the quantities, packaging, and sizing, my goal was to accommodate textured hair types like my own.”
Buy My Curl Squad
My Curl Squad on social media
Renewed InstaBun®
Product description
Easy slip-on headband braided bun
How to use
- All types of hair especially kinky, curly, locks, natural and textured hair types.
- Excellent for sleek hairstyles, working out, transitioning to natural hair, casual and professional hairstyles.
Advantages
- Bun loosely secured to allow you to wear it down or in different bun styles
- The cap foundation is a breathable fabric designed to absorb perspiration.
Tutorial
Let’s see how easy is to set up the InstaBun®
The brain behind the brand
Assunta is the Creator of the Renewed InstaBun shared her story and values on her website.
“I am a Hair Loss Practitioner and Cosmetologist. My goal is to create a healthy holistic approach to Hair Restoration that results in the total transformation of the mind, body, and spirit. So many women suffer in silence with a bruised self-esteem and no resolve. The Renewed InstaBun® was created to allow women to wear their hair in a braided style without the actual tension of braids. The bun is lightweight, secure, and easy to maintain. Add your favourite Scarf or headband to express your personal style!”
Buy Renewed InstaBun®
Renewed InstaBun® on social media
Facebook
Pinterest
Instagram
Youtube
It’s up to you now!
I hope you have been inspired by all the incredible stories on afro hair accessories shared with you. All the creators mentioned, at a moment of their hair journey have faced a problem concerning the management of their hair and didn’t find any satisfactory existing solutions. They came out with either an improvement of what was already on the hair market or even a totally new creation to fill in the gap and the demand. They brought such unique accessories catered inclusively to the beautiful, varied hair textures of all cultures and ethnicity, with special inspiration from Afro hair.
As said earlier, no more pain this year! We would like to encourage girls from a young to love their hair and no more be afraid to have it styled. It is time to try something new, taking care of your hair and to starting a new challenge. Along with these improved hair tools, Appfrolution, the digital hair diary would make the perfect combo to start a new hair journey. You can download the app here.
Have you ever tried any of the hair-game changers presented? If so, I would be happy to hear your story in the comment section. Also, if you plan to try one of them, which one would you fall for?
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Disclosure:
While reading this post, bear in mind that some of the links are affiliate links. If you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I link these companies and their products because of their quality and value, not because of the commission. Whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you. See the disclosure policy for info.
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