In 2019, Zano Mnguni, an entrepreneur from Nigel in Gauteng, noticed a common issue among his customers, friends, and family. He saw that women were using glue to hold their weaves in place, however, they complained that the glue was damaging their hairlines.
An idea sparked in his mind. He realised that while there were countless products on the market for haircare, none specifically addressed the damage caused by the glue used to install weaves.
Driven by this lightbulb moment, he founded Zee Afro Hair, a brand dedicated to creating herbal products that not only repair damaged hairlines but also empower women to embrace their natural beauty.
Today, Mnguni’s range of five herbal hair products can be found in selected Checkers and Checkers Hyper stores in Gauteng.
“It has been really difficult to access any market, let alone new markets. But with Checkers, I’ve managed to penetrate central and greater Gauteng.”
Infused with cannabis and natural oils
Their Zee Afro Hair Food and Hairline Solution is enriched with cannabis herb, which not only helps restore moisture but also revitalises and strengthens hair.
“Our products are infused with natural oils, vitamins and herbs to ensure your hair is strengthened, can withstand harsh elements and is restored to its natural beauty and shine.”
Meanwhile, the Zee Afro Herbal Conditioning Shampoo is designed to clean, nourish, and moisturise with a refreshing blend of herbal extracts.
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Turning herbs into success
Mnguni left the corporate world in 2013 to pursue entrepreneurship and the idea to start a haircare brand came from Mnguni’s experience assisting friends who owned a salon in Duduza in Nigel, east of Johannesburg. This is where he also learnt more about the ingredients in haircare products.
Initially, Mnguni sold his products through social media, salons and word-of-mouth.
“I started marketing and selling via social media platforms. Social media can be harsh but when people hear about the product being in Checkers, there’s no doubt. If Checkers can believe in it, then the whole of South Africa can believe in it.”
In 2020 he sought the help of biochemists to put his products through rigorous testing – including stability, enzyme and quality testing – with a vision to approach mainstream retail.
After knocking on many doors, Mnguni signed a deal with one of the biggest retailers in South Africa in 2022.
In less than a year, Zee Afro Hair went from supplying just five to 15 stores. Mnguni has been able to employ eight people and foresees more jobs being created as the business grows.
His small enterprise is making big strides, recently moving from its rented facility into a bigger and better factory space in Pomona, East of Johannesburg, and purchasing new machinery that Mnguni previously could not afford.
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