Natural Hair Styling Tools from Black Owned Brands

Updated April 7, 2023

Afrotextured hair is in a class by itself. Compared to other hair types it is less dense around the scalp, tightly coiled, and adaptive to hot climate. Having less density around the scalp helps in regulating body temperature. The structure of afrotextured hair (i.e., tightly coiled, dense) affects the growth pattern and styling options. It grows upwards and outwards into an afro and more readily forms into a locking pattern. Afrotextured hair also requires more moisture and is fragile.

Using the right tools is important. In this post we review natural hair tools that detangle, lift, and gather from black owned brands. Twist combs and curl sponges are also featured. Go directly to any of the following.

  1. AfroPicks
  2. Detangler Combs and Brushes/The Unbraider Brush
  3. Hair Gathering Tools
  4. Twist Combs and Sponges

Some of the following are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means at no cost to you, Shop With Leslie will receive a commission should you use the links in making a purchase.

AFROPICKS

Afropicks lift the hair up, away from the scalp and are great for detangling.  Though patented in 1970 in the United States, the afro pick dates back thousands of years.  You can find afropicks at the following. 

  • Afropick (advertisement) offers a diverse selection of afro picks that include salon grade combs made of anti-static plastic, metal, and sandalwood.  A variety of patterns are available. 

Afropick products are also available at Target (advertisement).

  • Afropick products are also available at Macy’s (advertisement)





Say YES to Afrotextured Hair!


Detangler Combs & Brushes / The Unbraider Brush

Detangler combs have wider teeth and larger spaces between them. Detangling brushes have flexible bristles and are designed to be gentle on the hair.


  • Cocopie Curls (advertisement) has decorative wide tooth combs made of resin. 

  • Grace Eleyae has curved and wide tooth comb and detangler brush at Sephora (advertisement). 





  • Brush With The Best has detangler brushes in several colors.  Bristles are widely spaced to prevent breakage.  Brushes are also available on Amazon (advertisement).



  • Ntrgold offers sandalwood afropicks where you can choose the coating on some styles.  


Hair Gathering Tools

Hair gathering tools for afrotextured hair are big and flexible enough to accommodate the density, and flexible to prevent breakage and hair stress.



  • Disax Designs (advertisement) has extra large, colorful, and African print scrunchies.  Scrunchies are sold individually and as packs.  Silk, velvet and solid colored scrunches are also available.


  • Joyful Heads (advertisement) offers culturally themed bun wraps that are flexible and stylish.  These are great for locs and box braids.


  • Puff Cuff (advertisement) has banana clips that keep your hair in place without tension.  There are many clips from which to choose from original to teeny. 


  • YGN offers a set of satin puff pulls in two sizes.  Puff pulls come in a set of three. 

Twist Combs and Curl Sponges

Twist combs and curl sponges enhance and style coils.



  • Nudred has diverse curl sponges that include those with big and small holes, and a curl sponge with handles for changing out the sponge. 

In reviewing these natural hair styling tools, I hope you find one or more that work for you.

Happy shopping!

ALSO, Shop With Leslie has Etsy and Redbubble stores with merchandise celebrating culture and enterprise.   Proceeds go towards supporting this blog. Check out our Etsy merchandise at ShopWithLeslieBlog (free shipping).  Find my Redbubble merchandise here, ShopWithLeslieRedbubble.  A mixture of products is provided below.

References
  1. Carefoot, Helen.  “Silk pillow cases may provide some hair and skin benefits, but they’re not miracle workers.” 6 April, 2021. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/silk-pillowcases-hair-skin-benefits-myths/2021/04/05/a7dcad7c-866a-11eb-82bc-e58213caa38e_story.html
  2. Cornwell, Paul., & Malinauskyte, Ernesta.  “Defying damage:  Understanding breakage in afrotextured hair.” 30 January, 2020.  https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/research/biology/Defying-Damage-Understanding-Breakage-in-Afro-textured-Hair-567425551.html
  3. Heywood, Felecity.  “The afro comb:  Not just an accessory but a cultural icon.” 7 July, 2013.  https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/shortcuts/2013/jul/07/afro-comb-accessory-cultural-icon
  4. Sandeen, Del & Miller, Nigella.  “What to know about dreadlocks:  A guide.”  9 December, 2020.  https://www.byrdie.com/locs-or-locks-400267
  5. United States Patent Office “USD217997S”  7 July, 1970. https://patents.google.com/patent/USD217997S/
  6. Wikipedia.  “Afrotextured hair.”  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro-textured_hair

Your Privacy Rights

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.