While it’s always a good idea to shop from Asian-owned hair brands, with May being Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we can’t think of a better opportunity to support some AAPI-owned hair brands. One way to show these amazing businesses some love is by buying their products.
Shopping from these businesses not only helps the founders but it also builds solidarity with the AAPI community, which has been the target of on-going violence and racist attacks. So, without further ado, here are five AAPI-owned hair products to shop today and every day!
Kulfi Beauty Everyday Headband
Looking to step up your headband game? You need to add this chic knotted headband from beauty newcomer, Kulfi Beauty. The ‘90s Bollywood-inspired beauty brand was founded by Priyanka Ganjoo with the goal of celebrating South Asian beauty and their hair accessories are just as colorful as their beauty products.
Promising review: Kim says, “ I ordered the orange one, and will be happy to wear this with Spring and Summer coming. It fits comfortably and is well-made.”
Shop: Kulfi Beauty Everyday Headband, $15.00
Insert Name Here Deep Wave Iron
Achieving mermaid-worthy waves will be easier than ever thanks to Insert Name Here’s Deep Wave Iron. A first-ever hot tool for the Gen Z-friendly wig and extension brand (which was co-founded by ColourPop alums, Sharon Pak and Jodynn Wynn), this millennial pink waver features tourmaline-coated hot plates to help minimize hair damage as well as an easy-to-read LCD screen. Able to heat up to 450° F, this iron comes with a heat resistant glove for protection for burns.
Promising review: Karen says, “ Love this waver! It has different heat temperature options and even tells you digitally the current temp of the waver. This tool is my go to for beach waves. After you’re finished add some sea salt spray for that extra crisp beach wave texture!”
Shop: Insert Name Here Deep Wave Iron, $72.00
Shaz & Kiks Back to Your Roots Scalp + Hair Prewash
Show your scalp and locks some love with this creamy hair mask created by Indian-American sisters Shaz Rajashekar and Kiku Chaudhuri of Shaz & Kiks. Featuring a blend of 20 nutrient-rich Indian herbs, oils, and flowers, this prewash will nourish, strengthen, and moisturize your hair from root to tip before even stepping foot into the shower. Best of all, it’s available in two different versions for thin, flat-to-normal hair and dry, frizzy, or curly hair.
Promising review: Alex says, “This prewash makes my hair super fluffy and with tons of volume at the roots. It feels tingly in a really nice way on my scalp. It smells good and my hair feels cleaner for longer. I plan on buying this forever.”
Shop: Shaz & Kiks Back to Your Roots Scalp + Hair Prewash for Dry, Frizzy, or Curly Hair, $38.00 for 90ml
Utiles Beauty “The Hairtie”
If anyone that knows their way around a hairtie, it’s celebrity hairstylist Josh Liu. After all, the man is the creative genius behind Ariana Grande’s signature gravity-defying ponytails. His “Hairtie”, from his recently launched hair accessory line Utiles Beauty, is a must-have for creating snatched, long-lasting ponys or even the perfect messy bun. Not only is it made for a super-stretchy and soft nylon blend fabric, but it’s available in four diverse shades ranging from blonde to black that work for all hair types.
Shop: Utiles Beauty “The Hairtie” — Black, $15.00
Chunks Large Claw
Get in on the claw clip trend with this funky hair clip from Chunks, an indie hair accessory brand founded by Tiffany Chu. This claw clip has a rounder body and extended grippy teeth to ensure it stays put in your hair all day long. Plus, how cute is that black-and-white checkerboard print!
Promising review: Jane says, “This clip is a masterpiece! First of all, it is stunning. I never fail to get a compliment when I wear it. Second, it is the nicest clip I have ever owned. It actually holds my fine hair ALL DAY LONG. I will definitely stick to only buying Chunks clips. They are a little pricey but a great investment!”
Shop: Chunks Large Claw, $16.50
Reviews have been edited for length and clarity.
What AAPI-owned hair products are you currently obsessed with? Share with us below!
