Sisters Dr. Amaka and Dr. Onyeka blaze a path that comes natural. Licensed pharmacists with their own all-natural hair and skincare line called Omalicha Naturals
The tangled, kinky, greasy, knotted self-fulfilling journey into natural hair [and skincare] for Doctors Amaka Ugbome and Onyeka Ihezie actually began in chemistry class. While the two sisters -- both attending Hampton University at the time -- discarded product after product, unpleased with their results, they noticed a familiar chemical on the label of their relaxer. It was sodium hydroxide, also known as lye, the same compound they needed goggles and gloves for in their lab class. Startled by their discovery, the sisters began to research more, untangling a hairy mess of misinformation, tied into years of unknowingly damaging their scalps. Several studies, including one conducted at Rutgers University in 2017, have shown Black women have an increased risk of breast cancer, and fibroids when using relaxers.
“That was the defining moment for us,” said Dr. Onyeka, exhaling. “With that knowledge, it was like you know better you have to do better.”
“We started forming our own products and really formulating them, not just mixing things together d.i.y-style, but actually applying the principles of science and making sure things are stable and preserved well,” Dr. Amaka recalled. “At that point, we were just giving it away, we were like, ‘hey can you try some, see if it works for you?’ Tell us what you like, tell us what you don't like.”
Its been ten years since their initial discoveries and now, Dr. Amaka, 33 and Dr. Onyeka, 32, are both licensed pharmacists with their own all-natural hair and skincare line called Omalicha Naturals. In August, Omalicha (which means beautiful in Igbo) Naturals was chosen to be featured on Walmart’s website, and have their products placed on shelves in the near future. The brand currently boasts items such as the manuka aloe facial cleanser (Dr. Amaka’s favorite), a sweet rose brightening serum for hyperpigmentation, grapefruit citrus burst hydrating shampoo (Dr. Onyeka’s favorite), plus a complete bundle of goods for men’s beards. Looking back on the days when they shared their creations solely with family and friends and dished out healthy hair advice on their blog, “Omalicha Curls,” both sisters are elated at how far they’ve come. Now, they are the tour guides, following in the footsteps of their Nigerian grandfather’s way of life and utilizing their formal Pharmacy school teachings, to provide education to men and women who want to take a natural hair care or skin care journey.”
Find out more about these phenomenal women in the full interview — by Christopher Harris