My personal hair story
I have now been living in Germany for 14 years and I feel very comfortable – Germany has become my home.
However, there is one area where I don't yet feel at home. When it comes to care products for my Afro hair, the selection is rather meager.
I often ask myself these questions:
- Why is there not enough choice of hair care products for 4C Afro hair in German drugstores?
- Why is there only one US brand I can buy in my city?
- Are the ingredients subject to the same level of control as in Germany?
- Why are the ingredients in some hair care products so questionable (e.g., according to Code Check )?
- Could this be the reason why I have problems with my scalp?
- Why have I never felt addressed when other websites talk about Afro hair and depict hair textures that don't match my hair texture?
No one could answer these many unanswered questions for me, so my decision was clear. I'm taking my hair's fate into my own hands and want to make a contribution to everyone out there who shares this same fate. I want to develop a suitable product that answers all the open questions and more. There are already numerous products marketed for people with Afro hair, but none of them are ideal for my hair texture.
What exactly are 4C Afro hairs?
Type 4C Afro hair refers to hair textures with a very tight zigzag pattern. This hair is prone to dryness and breakage, therefore requiring special care that provides significantly more moisture.
Caring for hair can be very tedious, which is why hair is often chemically straightened to make it easier to comb.
Having straight hair is still a beauty ideal :– )
My hair was regularly straightened during my school years. Almost everyone did it; it was just the way things were. Straightening my hair was associated with physical and emotional pain. Physically, because the chemical straightening caused burns on my scalp. Emotionally, because I felt like I wasn't myself—that I was therefore less worthy. Many Black women and men have experienced and continue to experience this pain.
Straightening your hair can also have harmful effects on your health. See the Guardian article and the Boston University study .
I rebelled at university. I shaved my head and spent my university years with very short hair. It was liberating.
Why special products for 4C Afro hair?
During my initial period in Germany, I straightened my hair a few times out of habit. It wasn't for beauty reasons anymore, but because I wanted to tame my frizzy hair. I still lacked the right hair care products, and straightening was the easiest solution.
I've been wearing my hair naturally for several years now. I still haven't found the right hair care products that meet my needs. That's why I founded Zamata Cosmetics.
What Zamata Cosmetics stands for
My story is not unique. Many Black people have similar experiences with their hair.
We are looking for products,
- that are suitable for our hair structures and their needs
- that do not harm our health,
- that do not injure the scalp
- which contain high-quality and natural ingredients,
- which we can also use for our children.
With Zamata Cosmetics, I offer products that prioritize the needs of 4C Afro hair. My brand stands for joy, elegance, and natural beauty. The products are clean, gentle on the scalp, and of high quality.
Written by Malehlohonolo Romdhani