By Nancy Chandia

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South Africa is rich in indigenous plants and herbs that often make it into our skincare but not so much hour haircare. When it comes to searching for new additions to your haircare routine, these are three we cannot ignore. While they are affordable, they are also effective in tackling various haircare challenges from dry scalps to grey hairs.

 

Rooibos

Rooibos, the flavoursome herb mostly enjoyed as tea, is also an amazing hair elixir. It’s rich in antioxidants that will help protect your hair from sun damage and slow down the greying process. Rooibos also gives your hair rich coppery tones and has been used to soothe dry, irritated and sensitive skin. You can incorporate rooibos into your haircare routine by using it as a hair rinse after a deep condition. Make a strong cup of tea and cool and follow your usual wash day routine. After deep conditioning, slowly pour the rooibos tea into your hair as a final rinse. You can use an applicator bottle for better ease. Massage the liquid into your hair and scalp. Let it sit for 10 minutes and rinse it out. You can also add 50ml of apple cider vinegar to this rinse for added benefits.

 

Aloe Ferox

Aloe Ferox gel is a powerful ingredient with moisturising, anti-aging and antibacterial properties. A cousin to the much-loved Aloe Vera, Aloe Ferox is said to be a more powerful antibacterial and antifungal gel. Aloe Ferox gel is excellent for moisturising your hair and scalp. It will also help to prevent a dry, flaky scalp. A simple Aloe Ferox gel and water hair spritz can transform your dry hair in a matter of days. If you do try this, don’t forget to lock in the moisture with hair oil or butter. Need to add a new butter into your routine? Our third indigenous ingredient might be your next to-go product.

 

Mafura Butter

Mafura butter is derived from the cape chestnut, a tree native to South Africa. It’s very similar to shea butter in its light consistency and earthy smell. This little-known butter is finding its way into high-end skincare products. Mafura butter is high in vitamins E, A and K which are essential for hair health. Mafura butter is excellent as a local substitute to shea butter albeit more expensive. It is also an excellent addition to whipped hair butters and creams. Mafura butter does have a lower melting point than shea butter, meaning it pairs well with a harder butter like cocoa or mango butter in DIY hair butters.

 

Incorporating local natural haircare ingredients into your haircare routine can be highly beneficial as these ingredients are readily available and not subject to high shipping costs or ever-changing exchange rates. Have you used any of the above in your haircare routine?