Cantu products in Kenya: what each one does and how to use them

Cantu is a name almost everyone with natural hair in Kenya knows. The tricky part is the range: three styling creams that look nearly the same, plus a shampoo, conditioner and masque. Here is what each Cantu product does, which ones you actually need, and a simple routine that uses them.

What Cantu is good at

The range is built around shea butter and made for curly, coily and dry hair. The shampoo and conditioner are sulfate-free, so they clean without leaving coily hair stiff and squeaky. Cantu products are rich, which suits thick, dry hair best. If your hair is fine or gets weighed down easily, use smaller amounts.

The range, product by product

Wash: Cantu Cleansing Cream Shampoo

Cantu Shea Butter Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo is creamy and sulfate-free, made for dry, curly and natural hair. Focus it on your scalp and let the lather rinse through the lengths. Our guide to the best shampoo for natural hair in Kenya compares it with other brands.

Condition: Hydrating Cream Conditioner and Deep Treatment Masque

Use the Cantu Hydrating Cream Conditioner after every shampoo. Once a week, or whenever your hair feels dry and rough, use the Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque instead. It is made for dry, damaged hair that breaks. Leave it on for the time on the tub, and a shower cap helps it work into the hair.

Moisture and curls: Moisturising Curl Activator Cream

Cantu Moisturising Curl Activator Cream is the everyday moisturiser of the range, for dry, frizzy, curly hair. Use it on wet hair after washing, and to refresh your curls mid-week. If you only buy one Cantu styler, make it this one.

Definition and shine: Define and Shine Custard

Cantu Shea Butter Define and Shine Custard is for curl definition and shine. It works well for a defined wash-and-go or a twist-out, and you can layer it over the curl activator if your hair needs both moisture and definition.

Rich curls: Coconut Curling Cream

Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream has coconut oil and shea butter, and a richer feel than the other two. It suits thick, very dry hair, especially for twist-outs and braid-outs.

Which Cantu styler should you choose?

• Dryness is your main problem: Moisturising Curl Activator Cream.
• You want curls that stay defined: Define and Shine Custard.
• Thick, very dry hair that loves rich products: Coconut Curling Cream.

You do not need all three. Pick the one that matches your hair, and add a second only if something is missing.

A simple Cantu routine

• Wash day, every one to two weeks: shampoo the scalp, then conditioner or the masque. Detangle in sections with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while the conditioner is in.
• Style on wet hair: curl activator through each section, then custard or curling cream on top if you want more definition. Twist, braid or leave as a wash-and-go.
• Mid-week: mist your hair with water and add a little curl activator to the ends. Seal with a light oil if your hair dries out quickly.
• Every night: satin bonnet or satin pillowcase.

For detangling and drying in more detail, follow our wash-day routine for natural hair in Nairobi.

Questions we get asked

Is Cantu good for natural hair?

Yes, especially for thick, dry, curly and coily hair. The range is built around shea butter and the shampoo and conditioner are sulfate-free. If your hair is fine, use smaller amounts so it does not feel heavy.

How much are Cantu products in Kenya?

The Cantu products in this guide cost roughly KSh 900 to KSh 1,300 each. The live prices are in the list above, and delivery is free on orders from KSh 3,000.

How do I use Cantu Coconut Curling Cream?

Apply it to wet, detangled hair in small sections, smoothing it from root to tip. Then twist, braid or leave your curls as they are, and let your hair dry fully before you take the style down.

What is the difference between Cantu curl activator and curling cream?

The Moisturising Curl Activator Cream is mainly for moisture and everyday curls. The Coconut Curling Cream is richer, with coconut oil, and suits thick, very dry hair and twist-outs. The Define and Shine Custard is the one for definition.

Which Cantu product can I use as a leave-in conditioner?

From the Cantu products we stock, the Moisturising Curl Activator Cream does the daily moisture job best. If you want a separate leave-in, the African Pride Olive Miracle Leave-In Conditioner works well with a Cantu routine.

---

See every product on our Cantu page, shop by need for hair growth and breakage, or read our guide to the best hair growth oils in Kenya. Same-day delivery in Nairobi before 5pm, and pay on delivery with M-Pesa or cash.