Getting to Know Ajaa’ Naturals Hair Care

As a natural hair product lover I’m always on the lookout for new lines to hit the market. A few years ago as I walked through Perimeter Mall here in Atlanta, I stumbled upon a natural hair and beauty store called Ajaa’ Naturals (pronounced Ah-jay). Ajaa’ Naturals is a not only a black owned hair and beauty line, but more importantly it is a line created by Jennifer Richards. Wife, Mom, and upcoming Natural Beauty Brand Boss, Jennifer is fully backed and supported by her loving family that includes her husband, two young daughters and her brother. Every interaction with Jennifer and her family has been nothing short of a positive experience. They are a down to earth, loving, and good spirited family. My interactions with Jennifer have been positively eye opening and every conversation with her has filled me with a renewed spirit. We all need to surround ourselves with people who leave us better than they found us and I’ve continuously found that in Jennifer.

I could #Bossmom swoon all day so let’s get back to the story at hand. Saying I was excited about finding Ajaa’ Naturals in Perimeter Mall would be an understatement. Typically shopping for new natural hair products is an experience that only happens within big box stores like Walmart, Target, or Ulta. The opportunity to have a local store dedicated solely to natural products was something I didn’t realize was badly needed in our community. Not only could I shop for products but I could also receive instore assistance and be given consultations and product knowledge from friendly, dedicated sales associates who, get this, know and understand the products! Who knew that existed?! You don’t find that at your local big box stores and this takes the product shopping experience to another level. I also appreciate the fact that although Ajaa’ Naturals has a robust line, it’s not overwhelming. Jennifer was able to create a selection of products that work but don’t feel overwhelming with choices. Each plant-based product follows the basic principles for healthy natural hair by being free of parabens, mineral oil and synthetic colors. Check out the list below for the Ajaa’ Naturals hair care products that I’ve come to know, love, support, and use on my own natural curls.

Lavender & Honey Coconut Moisturizing Shampoo

• This super moisturizing shampoo not only detangles, but also leaves your hair soft, clean and bouncy without that ‘stripped-clean’ feeling. Made with ingredient goodness such as African Black Soap, castor oil, palm oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, and yucca root. I will be totally honest, when you first pour this shampoo into your hands the watery and clumpy consistency and may throw you off a bit, but this shampoo creates a great lather on your scalp and removes product buildup.

Honey & Sage Intense Deep Conditioner

• I am a deep conditioning girl! If I don’t stress anything else, I stress the importance of deep conditioning your curls to keep them hydrated and healthy. I have truly fallen in love with this whipped texture consistency deep conditioner. Now, if you are on a strict no-sulfate regimen I must inform you that this deep conditioner does list Behentrimonium Methosulfate within the ingredient list. However, as a curly girl who needs to know if I’m using harmful ingredients in my hair I’m relieved to tell you that this sulfate does not cause buildup and is non-irritating to your scalp. Behentrimonium Methosulfate is commonly used in co-washing shampoos/conditioners as it is known to provide a great gentle slip. Also within the ingredient list are honey, avocado oil, grape seed oil, castor oil, olive oil, neem seed oil, and sage that gives this conditioner it’s antiseptic properties. I typically deep condition for 30 minutes to one hour using a plastic cap and heat, but once I rinse with cool water this deep conditioner leaves my curls feeling as if wash day is complete! I almost feel as if there’s no need to follow up with any other products. My hair is left feeling soft, hydrated and my curls have an amazing bounce to them.

Hibiscus Silky Leave-In Conditioner

• It’s not often that I find a light-weight leave in to essentially ‘prime’ my curls for styling. Luckily, Ajaa’ Naturals has one leave-in that they offer that does just that! The Hibiscus Silky Leave-In conditioner aids the Honey & Sage Intense deep conditioner by further softening my curls without weighing them down. Looking at the ingredient list my eyes are immediately drawn to marshmallow root and argan oil. My hair personally LOVES anything with Marshmallow root and argan oil so this combination is a huge plus for me! Teaming up with Marshmallow root and argan oil are also ingredients such as infused hibiscus water (hence the name), aloe barbadensis, wheat germ oil, castor oil, lemongrass, sage, lavender, and silk amino acids.  I have to say that out of all the hair products that Ajaa’ Naturals offers, the long lasting pleasant scent of the Hibiscus Silky Leave-In Conditioner really sets the tone for me.

When it comes time to style your curls, Ajaa’ Naturals has 3 options to choose from

1. Herbal Hair Milk

• I’m not much of a hair milk natural but I do understand that Hair Milk has it’s place in the curly girl world. Ajaa’ Naturals Herbal Hair Milk provides the benefits of softening hair, defining curls, and retaining moisture with a silky smooth finish. Beneficial ingredients to note are aloe juice, organic babassu oil, wild harvested apricot kernel oil, pumpkin oil, macadamia oil, hydrolyzed oat protein, and rosemary seed extract

2.   Intense Moisture Cream

• Since hair milk can be a little too lightweight when it comes to styling my curls, I decided to partner the Herbal Hair Milk with Ajaa’ Naturals Intense Moisture Cream. This rich and creamy styler reminds me of a whipped butter more equipped to handle the frizz that comes with dehydrated curls. The Intense Moisture Cream contains ginger to promote hair growth and can be used as a daily moisturizing cream on wet or damp hair. A little goes a long way with this styler and leaves my wash-n-go hydrated and full of bounce.

3. Nourishing Hair Butter

• Ajaa’ Naturals Nourishing Hair Butter is my go-to styler for hydrated twists when I want to rock a protective style for a few days. Thicker in consistency than the Intense Moisture Cream, this butter will seal in the moisture on your twist outs and braid outs or even acts as a sealant for your wash n go. Ingredients include organic shea butter, mango butter, organic cocoa butter, almond oil, olive oil, avocado oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, honey, lemongrass, sage, and thyme.

Let’s not forget…

Herbal Oil Hair Growth Stimulant

• For those of us naturals who know and love the immense benefits of scalp massages, Ajaa’ Naturals offers a light-weight oil that promotes hair growth. Essential oils such as orange, rosemary, thyme, and sage give this oil a pleasant aroma and help when relaxing and literally massaging your mind. The rosemary thyme reduces hair loss and the sage aids in promoting hair growth. I typically use this oil at least twice a week for a 5 minute scalp massage and always at the start of my wash day to promote blood flow to my hair follicles.

Detox Shampoo Bar

• I must admit, I’m new to the shampoo Bar life but I was intrigued to see amongst the list of ingredients Bentonite Clay and Kaolin Clay. The Ajaa’ Naturals Detox Shampoo bar does just what it says in it’s name to detox and clarify your hair strands of impurities from the atmosphere and product buildup. It was much easier to use then I assumed it would be and has an extremely pleasant fresh scent.

I must note, since coming across Ajaa’ Naturals store in Perimeter Mall a few years ago there have been a few changes. The first one being that last year Jennifer and her family decided not to renew their lease at their Perimeter Mall location and have since had their grand opening at their new Cumberland Mall location! Also, their skin care line has increased to now include products for men as well as brand new body powders. Last but not least, I’m excited to announce that I have recently became one of the 2019 Ajaa’ Naturals brand ambassadors! Be sure to stay tuned for more Ajaa’ Naturals product reviews as well as tutorials and store announcements.

-Xo