Founders Hair Care Routine: Natural Products for Curly & Coily Hair

My Hair Routine: The Inside Scoop

Dear beloved reader, thank you for taking a moment to read the Botanical Kitchen Blog. Grab your favourite drink and settle in, because today we’re serving you something special: the inside scoop from the brain (and the head of hair) behind the brand.

A Little About Me

For those curious about how the founder relates to you, I’m Courtnae, a 30-year-old originally from Zimbabwe. Like many from southern Africa, I have an incredibly diverse ancestral mix, including but not limited to: native African heritage, European roots particularly from Scotland, and heritage from Afghanistan and India.

In simple terms, on forms I tick “mixed other,” and my hair falls somewhere between 4a and 4b texture. TBH, my hair has a mind of its own and likes to keep me guessing.

Now, I’m sharing this not because my products are only for my hair type (they’re definitely not!), but because genetics are usually part of the hair care conversation.

My Hair Journey

Growing up, the idea of non-'relaxed' hair didn’t even cross my mind. It wasn’t until my late teens or early twenties that I went natural, and it started with a realization that those chemicals are just no good for our health. That was the beginning of my journey against the many toxins and chemicals that fill the hair and skincare industry, from pesticides on farms to man-made solutions in labs.

These days, I don’t dread wash day at all. I actually look forward to taking care of me! Sure, the challenging part sometimes comes from knowing there aren’t enough hours in the day, but I do love a bit of self-care, especially when I’m getting all that gunk out and feeling the freshness in my scalp. Woiii yess, that gives me hair butterflies, hehe!

The Hair Braider Chronicles: A Cautionary Tale

Can we talk about hair braiders for a second though? I haven’t had any major hair disasters, but I’ve definitely had my fair share of edge pullers. You know the type?... The hair braiders who clearly don’t believe any hair should be left out of the equation. I’m convinced if they could, they would braid in my eyebrows and eyelashes too!

The result? Either wasting my money and taking braids out the next day or dealing with a substantially malnourished and thinner hairline. Thank goodness castor oil has come to the rescue many times. It’s basically the superhero of my hair routine.

My Current Routine (The Simple Version, Because We Don’t Have All Day)

So here’s what I actually do with my hair these days. No 47-step routine here, beloved. Just what works.

1. Cleansing

I use Castile Liquid Soap as my shampoo for thorough cleanses at least once a month. Between washes, particularly if I’ve used gel, I co-wash using 'As I Am' Co-Wash. It keeps things fresh without stripping everything out, which my scalp very much appreciates.

Every other month, when my hair isn’t in a protective style like braids, I’ll do a deep treatment using Ahuva Bentonite Clay and leave it in for a few hours. There’s something so satisfying about a good clay mask! It’s like a spa day for your scalp. For detailed instructions on how I make mine, click here.

2. Moisturizing

I keep things pretty simple, because your hair doesn’t need to be a whole science experiment. I apply Khulisayo Oil to my scalp at least three times a week, massaging it in using the Ahuva Scalp Massager or just my hands. And no, I don’t oil my hair daily anymore! I know some routines call for that, but this works for me and my hair isn’t complaining.

I also use whipped or raw Shea Butter to seal in moisture, focusing mainly on my hair tips and using my hands to work it through the rest of my hair. I find Shea butter a bit too thick to use throughout all my strands, but it’s perfect for locking in hydration where it counts.

When my edges need some extra thickening (thank you, overzealous braiders of the past), I use castor oil on them specifically. It’s been my faithful companion through many hairline recoveries. If castor oil had a fan club, I’d be the president.

Trimming my hair regularly to avoid split ends has also contributed to my hair length and thickness, though honestly I could probably do with trimming it more often. We all have those things we know we should do more, right? Like drinking eight glasses of water or spending less time on our phones ay!

Retaining Moisture (Keeping the Good Stuff In)

I maintain moisture by regularly twisting my hair at night or wearing protective styles. The Ahuva Satin Bonnet and Scrunchies have also been absolute game changers in my routine. Seriously, if you’re still using regular cotton pillowcases and hair ties, I’m sending you virtual hugs because I’ve been there, but please, beloved, treat yourself better!

A Note on Products (Less Is Actually More)

One thing that might surprise you: I don’t use 110 products in my routine. I stick to the few that work, and they’re not all Ahuva products either, which is totally fine! I enjoy supporting other brands with good ethos and ingredients. Quality over quantity has been my approach, and my hair thanks me for not treating it like a chemistry lab.

If you’d like to try my exact routine, I’ve created a Founder’s Hair Bundle that includes all the Ahuva products I’ve mentioned here. Think of it as the “Courtnae’s Hair Survival Kit.”

Thank you for reading and being part of this community!

If you have questions about any of these products or want to share your own routine, drop a comment below. I love connecting with you all.

To all my curly and coily brothers and sisters: our hair is beautifully complex. It takes time and requires that extra TLC, but let’s embrace the journey of learning what makes our crowns thrive. You don’t need a million products or a perfect routine. You just need to find what works for you and give yourself grace along the way.

Here’s to healthy hair, self-care moments & to every coil, curl and stubborn strand that does its own thing on humid days!

With love, 🤍

Courtnae

P.S. If you’ve made it this far, you deserve a medal. Or at least a really good hair day. Hopefully both.