About Us
Natural Ingredients for Natural Products
The mission of OBIA Naturals is to produce pH-balanced, vegan, and herbal-based natural hair and body care products for women and men. Our eco-friendly line works in all hair textures because our products are science-based — pH balanced for naturally curly hair, and just as effective on transitioning and relaxed textures. We serve customers who care not only about the way their hair looks and feels, but about the knowledge behind healthy hair maintenance.
Company Origins
Our Story
Presented with the “2015 Best Emerging Brand for Type 4 Natural Hair” by the editors at Naturally Curly, OBIA Naturals is focused on producing vegan, pH-balanced, non-toxic hair and body care products that offer a natural alternative to conscientious consumers. The OBIA Naturals journey began in 2012, when Obia Ewah decided to use her dual bachelor's degrees in Chemistry and Biology to start a hair and skin care line that addressed her sensitive skin needs.
On the path to becoming a doctor, it was during Obia's third year of medical school when she fell ill and started becoming more conscientious of the foods she ate and the products she used on her hair and body. As part of her quest to live a healthier lifestyle, Obia decided to shed her relaxed tresses for her naturally tightly coiled texture. Known as the “Big Chop,” Obia's newly embraced coif left her needing the right combination of products to tame her thick hair without jeopardizing her overall health with toxins. A former chemist for private-label cosmetic manufacturing companies, Obia recognized the void in the market and began tinkering with her own formulas using the natural ingredients she had spent years studying at the University of North Texas.
In 14 years, what started out as botanical blends for friends and family has blossomed into a global business of pH-balanced, herbal-based vegan products that do not contain mineral oil, sulfates, petroleum, alcohol, silicones, honey, beeswax, goat's milk, or any animal protein. Membership in the Society of Cosmetic Chemists enables Obia to attend seminars regularly and stay on the pulse of the latest beauty industry studies and research. Using science-based technology, OBIA Naturals products have developed an award-winning reputation for high-quality formulations composed of easily absorbed natural humectants that nourish all hair textures and skin types.
A well-respected beauty industry thought leader, Obia Ewah uses educational Instagram clips and DIY YouTube videos as a platform to inspire and educate women on the science behind healthy hair. Obia's passion for quality ingredients has propelled OBIA Naturals to the forefront of the natural hair movement, with features by top beauty influencers and magazines such as Forbes, Business Insider, and Essence. OBIA Naturals distribution past and present includes Wal-Mart, Target, Sally Beauty, CVS, JC Penney, Albertsons, Giant Eagle, Discount Drug Mart, Bed Bath & Beyond, HEB, Amazon.com, beauty supply stores, and salons in over 21 countries. OBIA Naturals was a finalist for Small Business of the Year by Amazon in 2019.
Did You Know?
Obia (pronounced “oh-bee-yah”) means first daughter in the Lokaa language, our founder's native tongue. Obia is from the Yakurr people of Nigeria, located in Cross River State — and yes, she is the first daughter of her family!
Meet Our Founder
Watch Obia's natural hair journey to learn more about our founder and formulating chemist, Obia Ewah.
Product Tutorials
See our products in action — step-by-step tutorials from wash day to styling.