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This one is for the naturals.
During that time, my hair has been long, short, bleached, and heat damaged.
Yes, it took me over half of my waking weekend hours to style my hairwhich is unacceptable.
I thought to myself, “There has to be another way.”
Plus, there are so many new innovative brands that didn’t even exist when I first went natural.
These are the 10 that I keep in the current rotation.
For a pre-shampoo treatment that doesn’t make a mess.
Full disclosure: The original Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!
deep conditioner is one of my all-time favorites.
I smooth about four pumps of the clear gel onto my hair, focusing on the ends.
Then I put a clear shower cap on and head to bed (sexy, right?).
In the morning, I rinse the product away with shampoo.
It’s the perfect swap for my usual hot-oil treatment routine, which can be messy and greasy.
For detangling knots and matted spots.
In my life, single-strand knots are the enemy.
I like to use it on dry hair before I shampoo.
I’m able to separate the knotted parts with my fingers.
No need to turn to the scissors, which has happened more than once.
Oh, and it’s important to note that this entire line of products smells like birthday cake.
And the collection will soon be available at Walmart stores.
For getting rid of flakes between weekly washes.
I have a very flaky and dry scalp.
I just part my hair and apply to the scalp.
Then, I massage it in.
The gel leaves my scalp with a tingling, refreshed feelingand no flakes.
This product is also great for protective styling, where you’re wearing braids or extensions long-term.
For cleansing product buildup (a natural can’t live on co-wash alone).
Yes, I shampoo my hair.
A lot of women with natural hair have given up on shampoo and are on a strict co-wash routine.
However, my dry scalp needs to be clarified at least twice a month.
After rinsing, my hair doesn’t feel squeaky clean or dry.
For those who need to wash multiple times a week.
While this was a hit for me, I have to say that my boyfriend loves it even more.
For days when you want to treat yo' self to an extra moisture boost.
This year Kerastase launched a line of products catered to curly girls.
The collection includes a mousse, cleansing conditioner, and leave-in creme.
But for my naturally kinky strands the star is the Masque Curl Ideal ($63,kerastase-usa.com).
The perfumed product is a medium-weight conditioner that softens curls after a few minutes.
For hydration and softening before you style.
This Mielle Organics Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk ($16,mielleorganics.com) has changed the game.
My hair tends to dry out before I can meticulously twist and style every section.
And in my case, dry hair means a tangled, shrunken mess.
I use this milk as a leave-in conditioner to keep my hair moisturized.
In fact, the entire line of Mielle products is going in my Afro hair Hall of Fame.
I also love the Babassu Oil Shampoo and Conditioner and the Almond Mint Oil.
For defining ringlets without the crunchy, flaky finish.
The 5-piece collection includes a low-lather and a no-lather cleansing conditioner, a deep conditioner, and styling creams.
When I tested the line, my favorite product was the Hi-Defining Custard ($28,sephora.com).
The slippery gelee has a silky texture that doesn’t feel sticky or crunchy when it dries.
Once I combed through the section with myTangle Teezer, disorganized curls clumped together forming smooth ringlets.
For sealing in moisture and adding extreme shine.
A friend of mine recommended the Obia Naturals line of products.
This thick styling product is made with shea butter, but it isn’t hard or clumpy.
It locks in moisture, defines my curls, and adds a level of shine that is unparalleled.
For refreshing curls when water is not an option.
I only wash my hair once a week.
So by day three, my strands are dehydrated and brittle at the ends.
This mist just instantly makes my hair feel softer and moisturized.
For re-twisting when you want that extra volume and stretch.
I like to use it when I restyle my hair during the middle of the week.
Plus, it smells divine!
