Frequently Asked Questions

No. Sanyu is rooted in African Type 4 heritage — that is our soul and where our deepest expertise lives — but the ritual is made for every texture and porosity. Coily, kinky, curly, wavy and straight hair all benefit, as do low, medium and high porosity, and natural, relaxed, transitioning, loc'd and braided hair. The Angel portal then personalises the ritual to your specific hair identity.

Ten botanicals are cold-infused over weeks rather than blended from fragrance oils, there is no synthetic fragrance and nothing hidden, and every batch is handmade in small quantities in East London, Eastern Cape. It pairs centuries-old African hair knowledge — chebe, black cumin, castor — with modern formulation.

Every product is handmade in small batches in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Nothing is outsourced.

The Signature Oil (50ml) is a lightweight scalp-and-strand treatment that feeds the scalp and moisturises. The Growth Balm (220g or 300g) is a chebe-based sealant and pre-poo that coats and protects the length. Used together — oil first, balm to seal — they form the complete LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) method.

Apply 4–6 drops to the scalp and massage in circular motions, ideally on damp hair after washing. Use nightly for the first two weeks, then 3–4 times a week.

Warm a small amount between your palms until it melts, then apply section by section as a sealant. It also works beautifully as a pre-poo treatment left on for 30–60 minutes before washing.

The Ritual Duo pairs the 50ml Signature Oil with the 220g Growth Balm — the full ritual in one set, oil first then balm to seal. If you're new to Sanyu, start with the Signature Oil or the Ritual Duo. You can also take the hair quiz to get a personalised recommendation.

Chebe (Croton zambesicus) is a plant used for centuries by Sara and Basara women in Chad. It is a length-retention agent rather than a growth stimulant: its powdered leaves coat the hair shaft, reducing porosity and breakage so you keep the length you grow. Healthy retention — not faster growth — is what gives the long, strong hair chebe is known for.

No. There is no synthetic fragrance, and nothing is hidden — the formulas are built from botanical oils, butters and plant infusions. Any natural scent comes from the ingredients themselves.

Nothing is ever tested on animals. The Signature Oil is fully plant-based. The Growth Balm contains lanolin (derived from wool), so the balm is not strictly vegan — we'd rather be honest about that than mislabel it.

The formulas use gentle botanical ingredients and no synthetic fragrance, and are suitable for family use. As with any new product, do a small patch test first. If you are pregnant or have a sensitive scalp or a medical condition, check with your healthcare professional before use.

Hair care rewards consistency. Many people notice softer, more manageable hair and less breakage within the first few weeks, while length retention becomes visible over several months of regular use. There is no overnight fix — the ritual works with your hair over time.

Yes — that's exactly what it's designed for. The oil restores moisture to the scalp and strands, and the chebe-based balm seals that moisture in and reduces breakage along the shaft, which is where most length is lost.

The Signature Oil nourishes the scalp and supports a healthier environment for growth, and many use it gently along the edges. Sanyu is a cosmetic hair-care ritual, not a medical treatment — for a diagnosed condition, please see a professional.

Yes. We ship nationwide through Pargo, with two options at checkout: collect from a Pargo pickup point near you, or door-to-door home delivery.

Delivery is free within East London on either method. Pargo pickup-point delivery is free on orders over R350. Otherwise standard Pargo rates apply and are shown at checkout.

Choose your nearest Pargo pickup point on the map at checkout. When your parcel arrives, Pargo sends you an SMS with a collection code — bring it to the point to collect at your convenience.

You can pay securely with card or instant EFT through PayFast, or by direct bank transfer (EFT). Bank-transfer orders are confirmed once payment reflects.

Unused, unopened products can be returned through our Pargo self-service returns portal. See the Shipping page for full details and to start a return.

The Angel Circle is our loyalty portal. Members move through three tiers — Seed, Bloom and Royal Angel — as they journey with us, and get a private hair journal with personalised AI tips, early access to new batches, and rewards on every order.

If your order included an Angel QR card, scan it or enter the code at the Angel portal to activate. You can also sign up directly at sanyubotanicals.co.za/angel.