In Ghanaian salons, there is often a “divide.” You are either Team Natural (rocking your afro or twists) or Team Relaxed (bone straight and wrapped).
For years, we have been told that these two hair types are completely different and need separate products. You have likely seen the aisles in shops: one section for “Natural Hair” and another for “Relaxed Hair.”
But here is the secret that most big brands won’t tell you: Hair is hair.
Whether your strands are coiled or chemically straightened, the basic structure of your hair fiber is composed of keratin protein. And in Ghana’s specific climate—with high humidity in the south and dry heat in the north—both hair types suffer from the exact same enemy: Dryness.
The Myth of “Exclusive” Products
Many “Relaxed Hair” products are loaded with mineral oil and petroleum. Why? because they are cheap and make hair look shiny. But they don’t actually moisturize; they just coat the strand. This leads to the thin, limp look many relaxed women suffer from.
On the other hand, natural hair products are often formulated with richer, penetrating ingredients like Shea Butter, Castor Oil, and Coconut Oil because natural hair demands moisture to survive.
The Truth: Relaxed hair actually loves natural hair products. Because the relaxing process breaks down the hair’s protein bonds to straighten it, relaxed hair is actually more damaged and thirsty than natural hair. It needs the intense hydration that natural hair products provide.
The “Renate Routine” for Both Textures
At Renate Cosmetics, we formulate for health, not just style. That is why our core products work beautifully whether you are natural, relaxed, or transitioning.
1. The Shampoo Challenge
- Relaxed Hair: Needs a gentle cleanse that doesn’t strip the scalp (which is often sensitive from relaxer burns).
- Natural Hair: Needs a moisturizing cleanse to prevent tangling.
- The Winner: Our Moisturizing Shampoo. It is sulfate-free, meaning it cleans without stripping, making it safe for sensitive, relaxed scalps and thirsty natural coils alike.
2. The Growth Factor
- Relaxed Hair: Often suffers from thinning edges due to chemical over-processing.
- Natural Hair: Often suffers from breakage at the ends.
- The Winner: The Renate Growth Oil. A follicle is a follicle. Whether you have a perm or an afro, your scalp needs stimulation to produce hair. Our growth oil stimulates blood flow to the root, which is the universal requirement for growth.
The Verdict
You don’t need to throw away your products just because you decided to texturize or go natural. You just need quality ingredients.
If you are transitioning (growing out your relaxer), this is even more important. The “line of demarcation” (where the relaxed hair meets the natural growth) is the weak point. Using a strong, protein-rich Hair Treatment Set helps reinforce that weak point so you don’t experience breakage during your journey.
Stop buying into the division. Choose health.