The natural hair movement has firmly taken root in South Africa. From protective styles to wash-and-go routines, more and more South African women are embracing their natural curl patterns and textures — and actively looking for products that work without requiring a trip to a specialty store or an international shipping wait. The good news: Clicks and Dis-Chem now stock an impressive range of natural hair products across every budget. Here is the definitive 2026 guide, organised by hair need and hair type.
Understanding Your Hair Type First
Natural hair in South Africa ranges from wavy (Type 2) to coily-kinky (Type 4C), with every variation in between. The most effective products depend on your specific curl pattern and porosity — not just your hair "type." A quick guide:
- Type 2 (wavy): Needs lightweight moisture without weighing waves down. Look for products labelled "light hold" or "wave enhancing."
- Type 3 (curly — loose to tight curls): Benefits from curl-defining creams and gels that provide structure without crunchiness.
- Type 4A/4B (coily): Needs rich moisture, detangling products, and leave-in conditioners. Benefits from the LOC or LCO method (Liquid, Oil, Cream layering).
- Type 4C (tightly coiled): The most moisture-thirsty curl type. Requires the richest creams, butters, and oils. Shrinkage is significant and styles need extra hold.
Low-porosity hair (cuticle tightly closed) benefits from lightweight, liquid-based products and heat to open the cuticle for moisture. High-porosity hair (cuticle raised) needs heavier creams and sealers to lock in moisture before it escapes.
Best Shampoos for Natural Hair at Clicks and Dis-Chem
SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Shampoo (R180–R220)
SheaMoisture is the gold standard in the natural hair community for good reason. Formulated without sulphates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, this shampoo cleanses without stripping the natural oils that coily and curly hair desperately needs. The coconut and hibiscus variants are particularly popular in SA. Available at both Clicks and Dis-Chem.
ORS Olive Oil Moisturising Shampoo (R80–R120)
ORS (Organic Root Stimulator) is one of the most affordable and effective ranges for natural African hair in South Africa. The olive oil shampoo is sulphate-free, intensely moisturising, and available in both Clicks and Dis-Chem at an extremely accessible price point. Excellent for 4B and 4C hair types.
Cantu Cleansing Cream Shampoo (R120–R160)
Cantu's shea butter-based cleansing cream shampoo is beloved in the SA natural hair community for its moisturising wash experience. It is low-lather (which some find adjustment is needed) but delivers exceptional moisture retention. Available at Clicks.
Best Conditioners and Deep Treatments
Imbue Curl Restoring Conditioner (R120–R150)
South African brand Imbue's conditioner is formulated specifically for African curl patterns and is now available in most Clicks stores. The slip (ease of detangling) is exceptional — a critical feature for 4B and 4C hair during wash day. The price point is excellent for a locally made, curl-specific product.
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque (R200–R250)
For weekly or bi-weekly deep conditioning, this masque is transformative for high-porosity and damaged natural hair. Mafura oil (from the African mafura tree) is an excellent emollient for African hair textures. Apply on wash day after shampooing, cover with a plastic cap, and leave for 30–45 minutes for maximum penetration.
Schwarzkopf Gliss Kur Aqua Revive Conditioner (R60–R90)
For budget-conscious naturals, Schwarzkopf's Gliss Kur range available at both Clicks and Dis-Chem offers surprisingly good performance. The Aqua Revive variant provides good moisture without silicones and is excellent as a cowash (conditioner-only wash) option for those who wash mid-week between proper wash days.
Best Leave-In Conditioners and Moisturisers
Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream (R120–R160)
One of the most consistently recommended leave-in conditioners in the South African natural hair community. The shea butter base provides moisture and slip, while the protein content supports strength. Works particularly well as the "C" step in the LOC method for 4A to 4C hair.
ORS Olive Oil Incredibly Rich Moisturising Hair Lotion (R90–R120)
This affordable leave-in lotion is excellent as a daily moisturiser for protective styles (braids, twists, wigs). It penetrates quickly and does not leave residue on the scalp — a common complaint with heavier creams. Available at both Clicks and Dis-Chem.
Best Oils and Sealants
Jamaican Black Castor Oil — Various Brands (R80–R200)
Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) has become a staple in the South African natural hair community for scalp health, edge care, and length retention. It is thick, highly effective for sealing in moisture as the "O" in the LOC method, and particularly beneficial for fine 4C strands prone to breakage. Both Clicks and Dis-Chem stock multiple brands — look for Sunny Isle or ORS JBCO.
Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula with Vitamin E (R70–R100)
Palmer's has been available in South Africa for decades and remains one of the best-value natural hair oils on the market. The coconut oil formula is available as a spray, oil, or cream — the spray is excellent for refreshing styles mid-week and adding shine. Available at Clicks, Dis-Chem, and most major supermarkets.
Argan Oil — Various Store Brands (R60–R150)
Both Clicks and Dis-Chem stock their own store-brand argan oil treatments that offer exceptional value versus premium brands. Argan oil is particularly good for Type 2 and Type 3 hair — lightweight enough not to weigh down curls while providing frizz control and shine.
Best Curl Definers and Styling Products
Eco Styler Coconut Oil Styling Gel (R80–R150)
Eco Styler gel is the go-to for wash-and-go styles, twist-outs, and braid-outs in the South African natural hair community. The coconut oil variant is cruelty-free and provides a firm hold that dissolves cleanly without white cast or heavy flaking. It is available at Clicks and Dis-Chem. Pro tip: apply on soaking-wet hair for best definition and minimal crunchiness.
African Pride Olive Miracle Curl Defining Pudding (R90–R130)
This cream-gel hybrid provides excellent definition for Type 3 and 4A curls without the stiffness of a traditional gel. The olive oil base ensures the style feels soft while maintaining shape throughout the day. Available at Dis-Chem.
Building a Sustainable Natural Hair Routine on a Budget
You do not need to buy every product on this list. A complete, effective natural hair routine requires:
- A sulphate-free shampoo (once a week or bi-weekly)
- A deep conditioner (weekly on wash day)
- A leave-in conditioner (after every wash)
- One sealing oil (to lock in moisture)
- A styling product that works for your curl type
Five products — one from each category — is a complete routine. Start there before adding anything else. The biggest mistake new naturals make is buying fifteen products and not knowing what is and is not working. Master your routine with five items first, then add or swap based on your specific results.
Budget tip: Both Clicks and Dis-Chem run regular promotions on haircare. The Clicks ClubCard and Dis-Chem Benefit Card both offer cashback on purchases. Stock up during sales — natural hair products have long shelf lives.