So much has changed about how Zimbabwean women lead their lives in this here teapot country, yet one constant remains – their contempt for their own natural hair.
From our mothers burning their scalp trying to straighten their hair to our sisters gluing synthetic hair onto their scalp, some things never change. Well, maybe we’re being too quick to judge, there must be a genuine reason for these choices. Right?
Well, if you do ask them, most women will tell you that their biggest excuse for shunning their natural hair is that; “natural hair is difficult to grow, and expensive to take care of.”
In addition to this notion being farthest from the truth, some simple research will reveal that there is a thriving-but-niche natural hair movement in Zimbabwe. Likewise, homegrown haircare brands have emerged to serve the needs of women looking to grow and nourish their curls.
One of these is HairDiaries; one of the few homegrown brands championing haircare products made from plant-based ingredients.
Founded in 2023 by Natasha Matipano, HairDiaries was born from a years-long journey of experimentation. Matipano started off blogging about natural haircare in 2017, after struggling to find hair products that would suit her hair type. On the blogsite, she would share her experiences in nourishing natural hair as well as Do It Yourself (DIY) tips to her readers. She also started creating handmade hair accessories, starting off with headwraps.
When the COVID-19 pandemic befell us all, Matipano started experimenting with rosemary oil for her hair; which eventually led to a natural and effective hair care solution – HairDiaries. The brand now boasts of an expansive catalogue that includes shampoo, conditioner, mist, oil, and nourishing butter.
“After blogging for 3 years, I fell in love with trying out DIY and naturally formulated recipes. I found myself trying out DIY rosemary oil in Covid era, which then led to more experimenting and finally reaching my own formulated hair oil,” shared Matipano.
With rosemary oil being the foundation of its products, HairDiaries products are 100% organic, meaning they do not have harmful chemicals that are found in most hair treatment products. This insistence on organic ingredients makes HairDiaries products gentle on the hair and scalp, as Matipano explained;
“HairDiaries is strictly plant based, I organically grow rosemary plants which I infuse in my hair oil. Rosemary oil is my key ingredient. The oil works to stimulate blood circulation to the scalp and encourages hair growth. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help to soothe scalp infection and irritation caused by dandruff.”
The oil is designed to nourish all hair types making it a versatile addition to any haircare routine. Whether you have dry, frizzy or colour-treated hair the oil provides the necessary nourishment and protection especially in protective hairstyles like braids and locs.
Rightly so, every new client that has been introduced to HairDiaries ended up becoming a loyal user of the haircare brand.
“Most clients are mesmerised at the results they get from plant-based oils over the chemical products which have been commonly used,” mentioned Matipano.
In addition to providing women with the resources they need to go natural, Matipano also hosts events dubbed ‘My Hair My Crown’. These are masterclasses, hair sessions and meet and greet events rolled into one; giving naturalistas a forum to share their experiences as well as learn from each other.
Looking ahead, Matipano to expand their product line and offer haircare solutions for men and children.
“I channelled out mostly natural hair products for women, but I am currently working on a kids haircare range and definitely polishing up our ‘BeardGang’ male grooming kit for the future,” she revealed.
In the next five years, Matipano envisions HairDiaries as a household name, synonymous with luxurious natural haircare. Her goal is to replace mainstream chemical hair brands with her natural alternatives.
The Zimbabwean beauty industry is in dire need of brands like HairDiaries, for future generations’ sake. We can no longer allow our women to fall under the weight of Eurocentric beauty standards, compromising their health in the process. Today, Natasha Matipano’s organic haircare brand seems like an alternative, but in a not-so-distant future; it should be the norm.
In that future, African women should flaunt their curls with pride, knowing that brands like HairDiaries exist solely for their hair type.
If you would like to rejuvenate your hair with HairDiaries products, you can find the brand on social media – Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter. You can also make your order directly on WhatsApp.
For those interested in starting their natural hair journey, Matipano offers a wealth of information on her blog. She also hosts a vibrant natural hair community on WhatsApp, where you can get some inspiration from fellow naturalistas.
