This one is for the new naturalistas. I know the natural hair community makes our hair seem complicating but trust me- you only need SIX products when you embark on your journey. Below, I've comprised a list of the products one needs in order from least important to most important.
Note: Many natural hair care products work double duty so that's always a plus!
Note Note: The items marked with (CG) are Curly Girl friendly
Note: Many natural hair care products work double duty so that's always a plus!
Note Note: The items marked with (CG) are Curly Girl friendly
6. Styler
Styler products are exactly what they sound like- products used to style one's hair. These includes gels, pomades, and curl enhancers.
Some examples of stylers:
Some examples of stylers:
- Eco Styler Gels (CG)
- SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie (CG)
- SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk (CG)
- Kinky-Curly Curling Custard (CG)
- Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding
- Miss Jessie's Stretch Silkening Creme
- Cantu Shea Butter Hair Dressing Pomade
5. Oils/Butters
Oils and butters are perfect sealants for natural hair and by sealants I mean products that seal in the moisture of the hair.
Some examples of oils and butters:
Note: Mineral oil and petroleum are okay sealants but also block moisture from coming in and out of one's hair resulting in dryness. If you're a new natural, try your best to avoid these ingredients. If you are a natural hair veteran that has been using petroleum and mineral oil and it has worked for you, then carry on. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Some examples of oils and butters:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) (CG)
- Coconut Oil (CG)
- Castor Oil
- Shea Butter (CG)
- Avocado butter (CG)
Note: Mineral oil and petroleum are okay sealants but also block moisture from coming in and out of one's hair resulting in dryness. If you're a new natural, try your best to avoid these ingredients. If you are a natural hair veteran that has been using petroleum and mineral oil and it has worked for you, then carry on. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
4. Leave-In
Leave-in conditioners keep the hair moisturized after the wash process.
Some examples of leave-in conditioners:
Some examples of leave-in conditioners:
- Kinky-Curly Knot Today (CG)
- Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream
- Giovanni Organic Hair Care Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner (CG)
- Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner
- Oyin Handmade Hair Dew (CG)
3. Conditioner
I'm always surprised when I meet a natural who shampoos more than conditions. Natural hair is naturally dryer than other textures so it is imperative to restore moisture especially after shampooing (if you don't practice the CG method). If you're new to this natural hair world, make sure to incorporate cowashes to your regimen and minimize shampoo use.
Some examples of conditioners:
Some examples of conditioners:
- TRESemmé Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner (CG)
- SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner (CG)
- Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner
- As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner [doubles up as a cleanser]
- Suave Naturals Conditioner (CG)
2. Cleanser
Many naturals underestimate how important it is to cleanse our hair. Whether you use sulfate shampoo or strictly cowash, never ignore product build up or an itchy scalp.
Some examples of cleansers:
Note: Some naturals have suggested baking soda alone as a cleanser but I would not personally recommend it. Baking soda is a 8.3 on the pH scale (base) while the hair and scalp score around 4.5 (acidic). People have also recorded a loosening on their texture over time while using baking soda for their hair.
Some examples of cleansers:
- Sulfate shampoo
- Sulfate-free shampoo (CG)
- Cowash (CG) [it is not recommended to strictly wash with conditioner if you use silicones or products that include mineral oil or petroleum]
- Apple Cider Vinegar(ACV) Rinses (CG) [does not remove silicones]
- Clay washes (CG)
Note: Some naturals have suggested baking soda alone as a cleanser but I would not personally recommend it. Baking soda is a 8.3 on the pH scale (base) while the hair and scalp score around 4.5 (acidic). People have also recorded a loosening on their texture over time while using baking soda for their hair.
1. Water
And coming in at number one is... WATER! Sorry to disappoint you folks but it's true. Water is the single most important "product" we need in our healthy hair regimen. Drink it up and apply it to your hair daily (this is debatable). Water is indeed the best moisturizer for your hair so be sure it is the first ingredient on any product that claims to be "moisturizing."
Do you agree with this list? What products do YOU consider imperative for someone just returning natural? Leave a comment and let me know!