Any woman with Afro hair knows that finding a hair product that works just right is a real challenge. With our hair prone to extra sensitivity and coming in a variety of textures, it can take a number of experiments with different hair routines before you find THE one. The worst thing – these experiments often happen to the detriment of our hair. After all, hair products are often packed with chemicals that build up and damage our hair’s health in the long run. But even if we exclude the more synthetic products, there is still so much choice available on the market that it may be hard to know where to even begin looking.
Well, to figure this out for you as much as for myself, I decided to give a try to the brand that I’ve been hearing about a lot on social media – “Chebeauty”. Over the course of three months, I’ve tried all of the products available from their range to see how they work individually but also how they complement each other. The results were not what I expected for sure!
Read on to find out more about how my experiment went and whether it’s worth a try.
Table of Contents
As I’ve mentioned already, I came across “Chebeauty” about three months ago via a social media platform – Instagram to be more exact. I was on a mission to find a black-owned brand which makes natural products that are safe both for my 4B hair as well as for the environment. My goal – healthier, longer, detangled hair. After some scrolling through the feed, I noticed that the same brand – “Chebeauty” – kept popping up and with raving reviews at that. It’s safe to say I was intrigued and immediately set out to find out what all the rage was about.
So first things first – I wanted to know what the brand actually stood for so before trying it, I did a little research. What I learned was that “Chebeauty” positions itself as a haircare brand that empowers black women to embrace and celebrate their heritage. Therefore, all of “Chebeauty”‘s products are designed with this concept in mind and work perfectly with Afro-textured hair. In fact, they are rooted in native African haircare traditions, which have been successfully used on Afro hair for generations and continue to be locally popular to this day. By drawing on the experience of African and more specifically, Chadian women, “Chebeauty” makes sure that we, African-American ladies, no longer have to compromise on our natural hair’s appearance – or at least that’s the promise.
Furthermore, each “Chebeauty” product targets the most common issues we as women with Afro hair have to face on our haircare journey. Whether it be the lack of moisturization or issues with hair dryness and breakage, “Chebeauty” products offer the perfect solution to keeping your hair in its best shape. Even better news is that all of Chebeauty’s products are made from all-natural, high-quality ingredients sourced directly from the Republic of Chad in Africa and manufactured in the United States. This means that both the authenticity of the products and the standards that meet the US requirements are maintained.
With all this, it’s no surprise that there is a huge community of women hyping these products up. Their website is full of 5-star reviews by verified recurring buyers, who share the progress they’ve made and how obsessed they are with the range. Plus, as I’ve mentioned before, the “Chebeauty” community is all over the social media platforms and you can also tell that they are really invested in making black women feel confident about themselves as individuals and not just about their hair.
Now, all of this sounded very promising – in fact, a little too promising to sound true. So naturally, I was thinking what you must be thinking right now which is “This sounds cool, but what about the actual products?”
Well, let’s find out!
While “Chebeauty” seems to be constantly growing and the brand is soon to announce the launch of their new product line, their key products at the moment I’m reviewing their brand are: Chebe Powder, Chebe Hair Butter, Chebe Paste, Chebe Hair Oil, Fermented Rice Water and Karkar Oil.
These products are promoted individually as well as in bundles. In fact, there are plenty of bundles to choose from based on what it is exactly you want to achieve with your hair, which is super convenient. However, since I wanted to try out ALL of their products, I opted for getting the individual products. In the following paragraphs, I’ll go through each individual product, its ingredients and benefits and also which products complement them best – basically everything you need to know before trying for yourself.
Product 1: Chebe Powder Review
Chebe Powder is the product at the core of the majority of “Chebeauty”’s products – hence the name of the brand. An ancient hair care remedy that has been used for generations by the local women of Chad in Africa, its unique healing properties have been the secret behind their lustrous hair for centuries and only recently began gaining popularity in the West.
Various ingredients that make up Chebe Powder’s herbal formula are perfect for preventing breakage as well as deeply nourishing and fortifying hair, resulting in gorgeous, waist-long locks just like that of Chadian beauties. In fact, the little manual “Chebeauty” sent me with the products gave information on how each ingredient contributes to the beneficial properties of the product.
Have a look for yourselves:
Mahllaba Soubiane seeds
Seeds of a type of cherry tree that is native to Chad, this ingredient is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Cloves
Known for its high levels of nutrients that can add to the growth and strength of hair, cloves are also great for keeping hair loss in check by promoting thicker hair growth
Lavender croton
Another ingredient native to Africa and Chad in particular, lavender croton is known for its medicinal purposes, more specifically for healing and restoring damaged hair
Missic stone
This unusual ingredient is added in order to give chebe its signature musky scent
Samour resin
Also known as acacia gum, this ingredient is known to soothe irritations
Do be warned that this is a bit of a DIY product – meaning that you have to combine it with something else in order for it to ready to use. “Chebeauty” suggests to mix it either with a hair butter or oil of our choice or to try it in combination with another “Chebeauty” product.
Out of curiosity, I tried using it both with my favorite coconut oil and separately with “Chebeauty”’s Chebe Hair Oil, twice each just in case.
I’d say while I did really like the results in either case – my hair was immediately easier to manage and glossier, too. But I can see how the double Chebe combination might be more effective in the long run, especially when it comes to healthy hair growth so I suggest you experiment for yourself.
Best combinations to consider
Things to consider
There are no side effects against Chebe Powder per se but there are certain precautions you should take into consideration.
First of all, it’s important to avoid applying Chebe Powder to your scalp, since it may cause irritation if your skin is exposed to it for too long. Secondly, don’t use it – or other Chebe products – more than once a week, since they might quickly lose their effectiveness as the hair becomes too accustomed to them.
Product 2: Chebe Hair Butter Review
“Chebeauty”’s signature product, Chebe Hair Butter also happens to be the company’s best-seller. It has Chebe Powder’s qualities and benefits in combination with some others that are brought in through the addition of other ingredients. More specifically, this product promises to moisturize your hair, prevent hair dryness and breakage as well as stimulate hair growth. I mean, what’s not to love?
Upon opening the jar, what I immediately loved about it is its really creamy texture – not too thick not too liquidy, explained by a wide combination of different kinds of butters and oils. A huge bonus for me was, of course, an all-natural formula just like all of “Chebeauty” products.
You can see the ingredient list below:
Chebe Powder
Chebe powder, traditionally used in Chad, a country in Africa, is a mixture of cherry seeds, cloves, lavender crotons, stone scent and resin tree sap.
Cocoa Butter
Forms a protective barrier over the skin to trap moisture.
Cupuacu Butter
High in Vitamin E and beneficial for dry and damaged hair, promoting deep, long-lasting hydration.
Shea Butter
Authentic extract from the nut of the African shea tree. High in fatty acids and Vitamin E, which acts as a natural moisturizer.
Cera Bellina
Thickens and solidifies hair follicles from root to tip.
Olive Oil
Has a very soothing effect on hair, thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help to moisturize and soften hair.
Overall, I must say I used this product for the longest time – for two out of the three months of the experiment. It was like my base for all the other products if you like. To test how effective it was with hair breakage, I even cut my split ends ahead of starting the treatment. And…I think it actually worked! I honestly can’t tell whether it’s all on Chebe Hair Butter alone – or whether it’s due to the combination of different products, but I haven’t cut my tips since and no split ends in sight! My hair definitely looks and feels softer. I wouldn’t say my hair has grown a ton, but it definitely does feel stronger, which is very important for me in the long run.
Best combinations to consider
Things to consider
“Chebeauty” has the same precautions on all of its Chebe-containing products so consult the Chebe Powder section for that. Additionally, it’s important to look into each individual product’s ingredient list to see if there is anything you might be allergic to. Otherwise, there are no potential side effects to be expected.
Product 3: Chebe Hair Paste Review
Chebe Hair Paste is a modern interpretation of the more traditional, Chebe Powder paste made by the native women of Chad. With a thicker, more clay-like consistency, I can kind of see why it is not necessarily as popular as the Hair Butter option: after all, it is a little messier than the Hair Butter option, but on the upside, it does feel more substantial per single use.
“Chebeauty” promotes it as being more intended for locking the moisture in for longer and a great product to make your natural hair texture more manageable, giving it a more defined bounce. Check out the ingredients for this one:
Chebe Powder
Used for centuries by women in Chad to maintain exceptionally long, resilient, and natural waist-length hair
Ostrich Oil
Eliminates split ends and restores a natural and healthy shine to hair
Rosemary
Enhances hair growth, thickness and cellular production
Peppermint
Stimulates circulation to the scalp, which helps with thickness and follicle depth
Lavender Oil
Has antibacterial properties, which stimulate the cells and boost hair growth
Tallow
Traditionally mixed with Chebe powder due to its wonderful benefits for keeping hair hydrated, soft and healthy
It must be said that I used Chebe Hair Paste after I started using the Chebe Hair Butter, so as I mentioned, it might be combined effect of the two but I definitely noticed the difference. I especially love how much more defined my 4B curls are. Definitely worth a try though as I’ve said already – be aware of the fact that it is a little on the messier side.
Best combinations to consider
Things to consider
“Chebeauty” has the same precautions on all of its Chebe-containing products so consult the Chebe Powder section for that. Additionally, it’s important to look into each individual product’s ingredient list to see if there is anything you might be allergic to. Otherwise, there are no potential side effects to be expected.
Though not a side effect per se, be warned that this is NOT a vegan product since it contains tallow and ostrich oil.
Product 4: Chebe Hair Oil Review
Having a completely different texture than both Chebe Hair Paste and Butter, Chebe Hair Oil is best at sealing in moisture and adding a natural shine to the hair strands. It also provides protection from environmental factors like UV rays and pollution.
The ingredients are quite similar Chebe Hair Paste, though the tallow’s absence is reflected in a thinner texture. Have a look at the ingredients:
Chebe Powder
Used for centuries by women in Chad to maintain exceptionally long, resilient, and natural waist-length hair.
Ostrich Oil
Eliminates split ends and restores a natural and healthy shine to hair.
Rosemary
Enhances hair growth, thickness and cellular production.
Peppermint
Stimulates circulation to the scalp, which helps with thickness and follicle depth.
Lavender Oil
Has antibacterial properties, which stimulate the cells and boost hair growth.
Olive Oil
Has a very soothing effect on hair thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help to moisturize and soften hair.
I used this oil for a month before switching to Karkar Oil and I must say that I prefer the latter a little more than the former. I did like what it did for my curls – they had a healthier glow to them and I felt much better knowing I didn’t have to put on a separate hair mask for UV ray protection. But you have to be aware that unlike Karkar Oil, Chebe Hair Oil shouldn’t be applied to the scalp, which, in my opinion, makes the Karkar Oil stand out more. I would personally recommend Chebe Hair Oil more as a side product either to Chebe Hair Paste or Chebe Hair Butter to enhance their qualities.
Best combinations to consider
Things to consider
“Chebeauty” has the same precautions on all of its Chebe-containing products so consult the Chebe Powder section for that. Additionally, it’s important to look into each individual product’s ingredient list to see if there is anything you might be allergic to. Otherwise, there are no potential side effects to be expected.
Though not a side effect per se, be warned that this is NOT a vegan product since it contains ostrich oil.
Product 5: Karkar Oil Review
Karkar Oil, just like Chebe, emerged as a traditional remedy used by women in Chad and Sudan. “Chebeauty” promotes it as being the perfect choice for boosting the health of both your scalp and your length, while also serving as an anti-fungal treatment. Basically, what this means is that any kind of irritation – such as itchiness, flakiness or dandruff should be eliminated over time. Furthermore, “Chebeauty” promises that Karkar Oil will help boost blood circulation to the scalp, stimulating hair growth from the very root of your hair as a result. You can see the ingredients below:
Sesame Seed Oil
Prevents the build-up of fungus and bacteria, which helps reduce dandruff and scalp dryness while keeping it well-moisturized
Tallow
Traditionally mixed with Chebe powder due to its wonderful benefits for keeping hair hydrated, soft and healthy
Ostrich Oil
Eliminates split ends and restores a natural and healthy shine to hair
Honey Wax
Has high levels of Vitamin A, which locks in moisture and straightens tips
There are two ways to apply it according to the “Chebeauty” manual – as a regular hair oil and as a hot oil treatment. Personally, I went with the hot oil treatment option. I must warn you – be very careful to let the oil cool down a little after heating it up – it’s some dangerous stuff if mishandled.
Other than that little precaution, I must say that this is one of the products I loved the most! I could definitely see how much glossier my hair became. But most importantly, it helped eliminate the intense itchiness I felt in-between washes! My scalp is quite sensitive so this was honestly such a relief. Definitely recommend it to anyone dealing with scalp irritation.
Best combinations to consider
Things to consider
As per always, make sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients listed. Otherwise, while Karkar Oil is generally considered to be safe for most people, it is important to test a small area of your skin before using it on your hair or scalp. If you experience any allergic reactions such as redness, itching, or swelling, discontinue use immediately and consult a doctor if necessary. Also, as mentioned above, be careful when using it as a hot oil treatment.
Product 6: Fermented Rice Water Review
This might be the most straightforward product amongst the ones “Chebeauty” offers. Quite simply, Fermented Rice Water is the liquid left behind after washing or cooking rice – except, it has gone through the fermentation process. Through this process, the rice water gains numerous health properties, which are perfect for scalp and shaft treatment alike. While Fermented Rice Water has been popular in Africa and Asia for centuries, it has only recently gained popularity in the West so here I am, trying it out of curiosity.
This product has the shortest ingredient list as expected:
Fermented Rice Water
Provides your hair with all the necessary protein and inositol that helps to not only fortify your hair but also boost its hair strength
Aloe Vera Juice
Treats the scalp by decreasing itchiness and scaliness and preventing further irritation
Apple Cider Vinegar
Helps soften and detangle your hair while also stimulating a healthy scalp
As in the case with Karkar Oil, Fermented Rice Water can be used in two ways: as a hair conditioner as well as a protein treatment. As someone who was really focused on making my hair stronger and boosting my hair length a little bit, I chose to use it as a protein treatment – which is to say, I left it in for longer.
I must say that I felt the difference just in a couple of washes. My scalp felt fresher and my hair felt much healthier as well.
Best combinations to consider
Potential side effects to consider
As per always, make sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients listed. Otherwise, there is no precaution when using Fermented Rice Water.
Honestly, I think the straightforward answer to this is – for everyone looking to make their Afro hair look healthier and glossier. After all, one of the great things about “Chebeauty” is that you can find a product – or find a way to apply a product – in a way that will work with your hair. For instance, in my personal experience as a woman with just below shoulder length 4B hair, most of these products were showstoppers – but my cousin, who has short, 4C hair and started using them a month ago finds them just as appealing, though in her own way.
So the great thing about “Chebeauty” is that they try to accommodate black girls with just about any issue we might be having with our hair. As such, I honestly feel like if you more or less know what you’re going for, there will definitely be no problem with seeing improvement.
Useful sources
There’s no doubt that haircare is very personal so it’s completely understandable if you want to have a look at some other detailed reviews. I suggest you start by having a look at the case studies here – “Chebeauty” keep updating them so if you are not sure the current ones are relevant just make sure to check this page out every once in a while for new case studies.
There are also articles on specific products as well as how-to-use guides in case you want to have more in-depth information about individual products; this goes for their properties as well as usage.
Personalized Quiz
Another great feature to take note of is their personalized quiz. You can easily access it on the “Chebeauty” website – there is a separate tab for it as well. What’s great about it is that it only took me a couple of minutes, yet I gave all the essential information to get a selection of products assigned to me (though I did end up trying out all of their products anyway for the purpose of this review.) This quiz is a perfect choice for anyone who doesn’t want to risk by just ordering any “Chebeauty” product or someone who really wants to focus on a specific issue.
The Hype
I know I’ve mentioned this a lot – but it’s true! There are so many women who have been able to embrace their natural hair and
I encourage you to try it for yourself and share your results online so that other girls can learn more about these products through your personal experience. As for me, I think you won’t regret it – certainly not if you are looking for getting the healthy and beautiful hair of your dreams!
Overall, I think “Chebeauty” safely passes the test of a haircare brand to keep on your radar. So what are some of the things that I think every girl should consider before checking out “Chebeauty”:
Use of natural and organic ingredients
I know that this one is really important for me and I think it’s also important for a lot of women out there. As I mentioned earlier – if it’s healthier for you, and healthier for the planet then it’s an absolute win-win!
Lovingly handcrafted in USA with high-quality ingredients
I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks that quality is super important. With “Chebeauty”, I feel reassured about the quality of materials as well as production.
Wide range of products for different types, styles and textured hair
One of the best things about “Chebeauty” in my opinion is the fact that they cater to ALL black girls, no matter the hair type or length.
Empowerment of Black Women
I’m sure that most black girls out there care whether the company cares for them – or at least they feel more confident in using the products. I know for a fact that “Chebeauty” makes me feel happy and comfortable with my natural hair and myself, which really means a lot.
Free shipping on orders over $50
We love a good deal – and “Chebeauty” is there to offer you one! Considering how much I’m ordering with them, it’s really a bargain.
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