The Search for Black Hair Care in Thailand
When it comes to Black hair care in Thailand, it is almost non-existent. You cannot find it in person, and even online the few products labeled as Black hair care are often not what the Black community would truly consider Black hair care. While researching, I came across Lazada and Expat Beauty Hub (a Black-owned shop). Lazada listed products that looked suspicious, and Expat Beauty Hub seemed promising, so I placed an order there out of sheer hope.
Their site promised delivery within two to three business days. After a week with no package and no reply to my emails, I reached out again. Still nothing. Eventually, I noticed the owner was very active in a Black expat Facebook group. I left a polite comment explaining my order issues. Within minutes, she replied publicly, redirecting me to WhatsApp or Messenger and insisting she had already been in contact with me. She had not.
What followed was weeks of back and forth. Messages went unanswered, and when I did receive replies, they rarely addressed the actual problems. I was told a “shipping manager” would contact me, but instead I was given tracking instructions that did not work because the last four digits of my phone number were entered incorrectly. Instead of my number, Expat Beauty Hub had entered theirs, which meant I could not track the order or receive driver calls.
After hours of trying to reach the delivery company myself, I finally got through on live chat. The representative confirmed the phone number was wrong, updated the system, and promised the package would arrive the next day. When it did finally go out for delivery, the driver even sent me a photo, except it was not my package. That was another hurdle to resolve.
Days later, the package arrived, three weeks after my order. I was relieved, but when I opened it, my relief turned into disappointment. The products were packed in a used, fake Chanel plastic bag. The items themselves were not what was pictured on the website. They felt low-quality, like knockoffs. To make things worse, one of the items was missing.
When I reported it, the owner promised to send the missing product immediately with tracking details the next morning. Two days passed with no update. After following up, I was told she was in Hua Hin and would send the information once back. Eventually, I received a tracking number, but when the item arrived, it was the wrong color. This time, my messages went unanswered.
Throughout the entire process, I tried to make it clear that the core issues were not just about the products, but about communication. Emails went unanswered, shipping delays were unexplained, and critical details like my phone number were entered incorrectly. Despite everything, I never received an apology.
It took nearly a month to receive my full order, and even then, it was not complete or correct.
Looking back, I realize the very products I had ordered from Expat Beauty Hub were available on Amazon. I had avoided Amazon to save on export fees, but the experience taught me a hard truth: sometimes, you really do get what you pay for.
Tips for Black Hair Care in Thailand
If you’re moving to or living in Thailand, here are a few lessons from my experience:
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Bring as much as you can with you. Pack extra shampoos, conditioners, and styling products in your luggage. They will last longer than you think.
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Have family or friends mail items. While international shipping costs can add up, it is often more reliable than depending on local online shops.
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Check Amazon first. Even with export fees, you may still get authentic products, better service, and guaranteed delivery compared to smaller sites.
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Be cautious with local marketplaces. Platforms like Lazada sometimes list suspicious or knockoff products. Always check seller reviews before buying.
- Have family or friends bring items when they visit. It is easier to purchase the items at home, put them in a suitcase and pay the baggage fee with the airline.
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