When starting on your hair journey, there’s an overwhelming amount of do’s and don’ts to follow, which can take the fun out of the process. From buying paraben free shampoos, deep conditioning your hair every Sunday night, monthly trims and making your own concoctions with ingredients from your fridge. It can all be a little overbearing.
Anab Esse, founder of Nomadic Hair Care, knows the struggles all too well having dealt with hair shedding. This experience is what led her to start her own brand, Nomadic Haircare. After discovering the perfect blends of oils to help with her hair shedding, Anab swears by her products. We had a conversation with the organic hair care lover to find out more about this all natural brand.
1. Where did the name of your brand come from?
The name is derived from me being Somali. We are known to be nomadic people, typically living in the countryside. Being a nomad entails using only organic and natural ingredients for all aspects of living.
2. What would you say is the brand’s biggest success story/testimony to date?
I came second for Best New Emerging Haircare Brand at the Afro Hair and Beauty Awards in London. It is the biggest event I have done. I was so surprised and overcome with emotion. The whole two days were a success. I had a stall and was able to meet and greet customers and mingle with other brands such as Shea Moisture and Mielles Organic. I learnt a lot and was able to network, which will only help me to enhance my brand.
3. As you know, it can be overwhelming when starting on your hair journey, so what is one tip you would give to someone who is on their own hair journey but doesn’t know where to begin?
I would advise being consistent in your hair treatment regiment and do not stress yourself. The more you stress, the less you will achieve optimal hair growth. When you try a new product, don’t buy the entire range; start with one first and see how your hair responds.
I think it is important to look at your body holistically rather than just treating the external part. There are many factors that contribute to hair loss, such as vitamin deficiency, stress and medical issues. Finding out the source of your issue will definitely help elevate your hair growth. Knowing the root of your issue is an important aspect of that journey. It means that you can deal with the problem in the best way possible.
4. When you first started your hair journey what mistakes do you think you made if any?
I made many mistakes from buying too many different products to not looking at the ingredients. I learnt that stressing about my hair-loss was only making things worse. So, learning to trust the process, finding the right natural products for your hair type and trying to remain stress free were key. Hair regrowth does not happen overnight. Being patient, consistent and disciplined was definitely more important.
5. What is your go to protective style to retain length and thickness?
I think protective style is not necessarily the most effective way of retaining growth and hair thickness. I think low manipulation styles are key. You see, unlike protective hairstyles, that do not require your hair and ends be tucked away for protection. Instead, it works on the premise that if you do simple styles and manipulate your hair as little as possible, then you will not do unnecessary damage to your hair and will retain length. Sometimes you find people will cornrow/caneerow for a long period and do not hydrate or oil the scalp to keep it healthy or wash it while it is still in cornrow/canerow style.
My favourite low manipulation is wash and go. This can be done in various ways. The simplest way to accomplish this style is to wash and condition your hair thoroughly and once completed moisturize with leave-in conditioner. Use oils and gel to get the curls fully hydrated.
The pineapple is another protective style I often used to protect my curls whilst asleep but can be worn as style too.
6. Biggest hair myth that needs to be banished from the natural hair community?
The idea that black hair is tough and can tolerate harsh treatments should be banished. The tighter and drier the curl, the more you have to be careful with how you treat your hair. Is almost like the same viewpoint of black women being stronger. That’s a myth that ought to be placed in context. We are strong but we also are delicate at the same time. Another one is “black hair does not need to be washed as often”. We need to wash the build-up of products in order to allow our scalp to breathe and give us hair growth.
7. Are you team brush or team fingers when it comes to detangling your hair?
I would have to say team finger detangler. I know my hands will be loving to my hair and gentler.
8. What brands or natural hair content creators inspire you?
I would have to say Shea Moisture. I recognise the history and how it all began. They were ground-breaking for the Ethic Hair and Beauty products market at the time.
Shop Nomadic Haircare at nomadichaircare.com
