I have lived in Australia for over 18 years now and this question never gets old. I remember when I first came here there were practically no hair salons where I could get a hair dresser. The worst thing was that my aunt was one so almost every weekend, I remember visiting her salon. Coming to Australia and the stress of not having anyone doing my hair, was not too bad as I knew what to do with my hair. However, I underestimated how difficult it was to get products and so that was where the struggle began.
I had relaxed hair when I came here and I tried to maintain it on my own for some time. When I suddenly removed a clump of hair during one of my relaxing periods though, I thought that these chemicals can’t be good for me. I have been natural ever since.
Over the years
Over the years though I think that the hair care industry here in Australia has come a long way. I don’t worry too much about my hair as I always have someone I can speak to get it done. Most times I do it myself because I really don’t want to pay $150 or more just to get a style which may not last for a long time. I had to invest in getting some salon products such as a hair-dryer, straightener, curling iron and who can’t forget the lovely curl rods. I would like to add the steamer on the list because I have low-porosity hair which means that’s one of the best ways to add moisture to my hair.
If you don’t know what low-porosity hair is, you can always go back to my link in the beginning.
Products galore
There are many shops nowadays where you can get products, some I have visited and others I have no idea about but hey I know with any African shop you can always get what you want.
After discovering my hair type and what I need, I decided to target businesses that provide the type of products that are great for natural hair.
If you don’t want to walk into a shop you can always order them online without having a high cost like it used to be back in the day if you had to order internationally.
Sydney
Afro puffs -You can get products from them and even order them online. They stock many products and you don’t have to order international brands as they tend to have them.
Afro goods – You can order any type of hair product you want. You can even get some great deals from their shop.
Saint curl – Another great resource where you can shop for your natural hair products
Nature’s hair and beauty supply – I have actually been to this shop and they stock most things that you need. If you want hair of any type they have it.
The curl store-They have all types of curly hair products and I mean some I haven’t heard about, which means you have options.
4 my curls – This is also a great website to get the products that you want. Not sure where it is based, however I have just included it in the Sydney list.
Melbourne
sm cosmetics – Another great resource where you can get your products from.
Afro trends -You can get your hair and skin products and also get your hair done.
Brisbane
Curly wurly -Another great resource to get products that you require for your hair.
Adelaide
Flora African Shop Australia – They do sell many African products including food. Therefore, if you are based in Adelaide you have somewhere to go.
Perth
Ebony and Ivory – You can get all hair products, weaves, wigs, black opal makeup and many other items that you would like.
If you are based in Canberra or Northern Territory, don’t fear you can get any of these products from any of these places mentioned above and best of all the shipping costs will be a lot lower than usual.
Now just note that many of these places should have items for both men, women and children. In terms of products it will depend on which one you use.
As mentioned earlier though, it’s best to stick to a specific product and use it for a period to see the changes on your hair rather than use too many products. In terms of budget the products range from cheaper to more expensive brands.
Now this list is not exhaustive, the main reason some businesses may not have been listed is that some do not have websites, therefore depending on where you live, you can explore your city and let me know if there are any other shops that you have come across that provide products.
Let me know if you used any of them.
2 replies on “Where to get products for black hair in Australia”
Awesome article! I’m a naturalista myself but I’m based in SA and I face the same struggle. It’s not necessarily the lack of products but rather the lack of places to get the correct products for natural hair… There is an increased presence these days though. Its good to know that I’ll be able to maintain my hair if I’m ever in Australia.
Hi Lexy, I think it’s because most people would only use relaxers and many companies catered for that hair type. We live in a time where we are lucky to have options for natural hair.