Award-winning actress and celebrated humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha was recently announced as the first-ever South African brand ambassador for Creme of Nature, joining American actress Keke Palmer who was named chief brand officer for the iconic haircare brand in October 2024. Speaking at the recent Johannesburg launch, a visibly elated Nomzamo said the brand partnership with Creme of Nature was organic and a natural progression because she’s always believed in wearing her authenticity on her sleeve.
“I’m so honoured to be a part of a brand that is inclusive and diverse – one that doesn’t speak at us, but speaks to us,” shared Nomzamo. The Shaka iLembe executive producer, whose hair’s always red-carpet ready, indulged a few of our haircare questions below.
READ MORE: The Confidence Issue Just Dropped – And Nomzamo’s Got It On Lock
Best Haircare Routine
First things first, I use the sulphate-free Creme Of Nature Argan Oil Moisture & Shine Shampoo that doesn’t strip my hair of its moisture, followed by the Creme of Nature Moroccan Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Hair Treatment. I’ve never had my hair feel as silky and soft as it does now. I follow that up with spraying some Creme Of Nature Argan Oil Leave-in Conditioner to ensure that each strand is moisturised.
On the days when I’m going in really hard, I include the Creme of Nature Argan Oil Style & Shine Foaming Mousse, twist my hair into little bantu knots, wrap my silk scarf around my head and go about my day. On some days I lather the Creme Of Nature Pure Honey Yoghurt Mask, ensuring that every strand is covered, then wear a shower cap to create heat. Now you know why ‘wash day’ can take up to 24 hours [chuckles].
Earliest Hair Memory
I have two. My mom burning my ears with a hot curler and saying: ‘Don’t worry!’ and then doing it again. The trauma from that experience runs deep, so I don’t want any heat around my ears. My second was when I was going for my first big chop. There was a popular kwaito group at the time, Aba Shante and all the female members had what we called brush cuts. I remember my dad sitting me down in the barber’s chair, the barber approaching me with clippers and me asking: ‘Baba, uzongenza iAba Shante?’ (Dad, am I getting an Aba Shante hairstyle?) [chuckles].
READ MORE: What Type of Hair Porosity Do You Have? And What Products Might You Need?
Trusted Haircare Tips
If you happen to find a favourite hairstylist, make sure that they have ‘nurturing’ hands – they must understand that hair is sacred and sensitive. If you wear your hair naturally, ensure that your hairstylist cares and understands your texture and natural hair in general. My second tip is to hydrate your hair. Hydration, for me, is super important because the African sun is unfavourable to our hair. Always listen to whatever your hair responds to.
Hair Non-negotiables
I’m not a fan of heat on my hair – something I cannot avoid because of the work that I do. I always insist on the heat being low – that’s a non-negotiable. I also don’t want tension on my hair – so no tight braids for me. Guys, it’s 2025, we honestly don’t need to suffer for beauty. There are solutions that help us love our hair without enduring any suffering – under the guise of living up to beauty standards.
READ MORE: The Exact Ingredients For Better Hair Growth, According To Experts
Zandi Zinganto.
Top Two Favourite Hair Products
Asking for top two only is stretching it – I have so many Creme of Nature products that I’m obsessed with [chuckles]. The Creme Of Nature Argan Oil Leave-in Conditioner tops my list – it gives my kinks and coils such a pretty texture and makes my beautiful curls pop. And of course, the Creme Of Nature Honey Edges because edges gotta to be laid, sometimes [chuckles]. And the Creme Of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment is really, really good!
Let’s Talk Hair Confidence
After my skin, my hair is my greatest and favourite accessory. I love experimenting with my hair – I think everybody knows that about me. And the funny part is that my face changes with each hairstyle. I believe in playing with different textures and testing just how much my hair can move around. In these ways, my hair contributes to my identity and confidence. I would say it adds to who I already know I am.
Catch Nomzamo Mbatha’s cover story in the July/August 2025 issue of Women’s Health (Confidence Issue) on shelves now – or get the digital copy. Happy reading!
