Product Review - Clicks Afri True Naturals Review

 

I think its great having so many products available for us, more choice and more options and more ways to play with and style our hair - whilst learning about our own hair for ourselves. Thinking back to when we struggled to find simple natural hair friendly shampoo - we have come a long way and thank you to Brands that keep innovating and continue to create more products and better products for all curls, kinks and coils.

I was sent the Clicks Afri True Range to try out and which is exclusively available at CLICKS stores nationwide. The range consists of:

Afri True Softening Shampoo priced at R64.99.

This product promises to gently cleanse, soften, moisturise and control frizz amongst other things. It is sulphate, paraben and mineral oil free.

The Hair Loved - that it gives a really good lather (alot of lather). It spreads easily and is easy to work with. The hair was not left feeling hard or stiff as would often be found from shampoos that lather this much.

The Hair Could Do With More of - some cleansing power, maybe. I think used with just the other products in this same range, then the level of cleansing is perfectly fine and it appears that it does indeed clean but if other products are used like butters or heavy oils, I found that it did not lift all the gunk or build up easily especially from the hair itself or ends of the hair strands (scalp was fine). I did use it once without detangling but the hair was not soft enough to detangle at this stage but rather when using the conditioner. (I detangle before shampoo in most instances)

The Hair Did Not Like - not much to say here as it did its job overall.

Overall - a fair gentle cleanser that I would use again and alternate depending on what other hair care products I have used or my hair needs.

Afri True Naturals Hydrating & Softening Conditioner priced at R69.99.

This Product promises to soften, moisturise and control frizz amongst other things. It is sulphate, paraben and mineral oil free. (yes the same promises as the shampoo).

The Hair Loved - that the product has a nice thick and rich consistency (I preferred to take the top/lid right off when using as it came out too slowly. It does help when detangling and helps the knots slip out easily. It also did soften the hair (not too much).

The Hair Could Do With More of - a better dispensing nozzle or bottle as it is quite thick. Maybe a lighter scent (scent it personal and differs from person to person) but overall okay. There is no one property that greatly stands out like and thats okay.

The Hair Did Not Like - nothing to say here.

Overall - a fair conditioner which could also be used as a detangler when mixed with water (only before shampooing as it is not great to detangle with a normal conditioner any other time as it can build up on the hair). I would alternate with a good deep conditioner or treatment.

Above: The Afri True Naturals Hydrating Curl Creme - I did use it quite a bit

Afri True Naturals Hydrating Curl Creme priced at R49.99.

This product promises to lock in and add moisture and reduce knots, dryness and hair breakage. It is sulphate and paraben free (and it does have some paraffinum liquidum which is a highly refined mineral oil used in most products out there). Whats new in terms of ingredients - Soybean Oil which is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E and promises to improve moisture retention and shine.

The Hair Loved - day ones curls and that it did give some curl elongation. Day one styling when the product was applied to clean damp hair enhanced a little and defined the curls (still some frizz). IT gave the hair some shine too (we are always seeking shine or is it sheen) and kept the curls soft as the hair dried...but....

The Hair Could Do With More of - more moisture. JHB is very dry so by day two, it becomes visible that the hair needs some more moisture. I would advise on not applying this cream to dry hair, it seems to work best on damp hair. It did allow one to lightly spritz and dampen the hair before reapplying more product when needed which is great..but....

The Hair Did Not Like - day 3 or day 4 hair which seemed to harden or stiffen a little, FOR ME (I think the product builds up and does not allow for much remoisturisation later on in the week and hair dries out - or is it the paraffium liquidium..hmmm).

Overall - a great day one product but not so great as the days go by - for me. I would have it as an affordable day one product but would plan a midweek co-wash - using a formulated creamy cleanser - to help replenish moisture in the hair. I will continue trying or cocktailing it with various leave-in conditioners to see if any other methods work better. (otherwise it is still fine just on its own for day one)

Above: The Afri True Naturals Hydrating Gel - a jello type of gel (not the hard stiff kind)

Afri True Naturals Curl Power Hydrating Gel priced at R49.99.

This product promises to lock in and add moisture and reduce knots, dryness and hair breakage. It is sulphate and paraben free. Whats new in terms of ingredients - Soybean Oil which is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E and promises to improve moisture retention and shine. (yes yes the same as the Curl Creme)

The Hair Loved - the softness of the hair on day two onwards and that the curls could be reactivated with just water. A little of this gel goes a long way. Its is of a watery consistency and spreads quickly and easily.

The Hair Could Do With More of - nothing much to add here - one should just remember that less is more when using this (o:

The Hair Did Not Like - the crunch of day one when the hair sets but this breaks up pretty easily leaving the curls soft and still defined (yes yes with a little frizz). I did not experience any flaking.

Overall - a great day 2 and onwards product - for me - funny enough - and yes I would certainly get this gel again. Less is more, for tighter curls use more and for easy on the go styling, use less. I'm not the slay and lay edges girl but I did use it once for these edges and they slayed perfectly.

Above: Day one still damp hair with the Afri True Naturals Hydrating Gel

Would I purchase this range, yes, not only because it is affordable but because it is a fair range that does deliver on caring for the hair and styling, especially Hydrating Gel. (I would of cause add a really good deep conditioner or treatment to assist in covering/meeting most of my hair care needs, I would also find a leave in conditioner to help with great moisture retention).

Have you tried this range? Did your hair love it? Did you try using the products any other way if you hair didn't like them the first time?

(Watch my IGTV for my detangling tips with the Afri True Naturals  Hydrating Conditioner)

As always - listen to your hair and thank you CLICKS.