“WENN”
Going natural is a journey of ups and downs as you explore the natural pattern of your curls and figure out which products work best for you. There are a slew of natural hair care products on the market, touting their glory and honor of hair. It’s so easy to succumb to them all and profess that you are a product junkie at your next NHCA (Natural Hair Care Anonymous) meeting, but it can get pretty pricey in your quest. But did you know many of the needed natural hair essentials come from your cupboards? Let’s explore some must haves you need to get your natural hair swag on.
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Water
Because natural hair thrives in a moisture-intense environment, it’s only natural to spray it with water. Generally, we sisters hiss at the thought of wetting our hair, like angry cats with claws out. Seriously, though, water quenches your hair’s thirst, and various natural oils work as a sealant when applied to strands afterwards.
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, also known as EVOO, nourishes and conditions the scalp by penetrating the hair shaft. Chock full of antioxidant vitamins E and A, it packs a punch in ridding you of your dandruff woes. EVOO can be used as a deep-set conditioner, scalp oil, or leave in conditioner.
Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil works well for hair loss and breakage. Made up of saturated fatty acids, it softens the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth. It can be used as a pre-poo conditioner or added to your favorite conditioner.
Argan Oil
Argan Oil is a frizz fighter. Slather a small about throughout the hair and dare to brave a humid day. It also prevents split ends, penetrates the hair shaft and hydrates dry hair. Argan oil can be used as an oil rinse after shampoo and before conditioning.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil
With it’s smokey scent, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, aka JBCO, has been hailed as the best sealant for ends. It leaves ends soft, supple and shiny, which is great for styles such as two-strand twists. JBCO can even be mixed with EVOO to get the best of both worlds.
Hair Steamers
Hui Hair Steamer is a faux, super hot shower or sticky, humid day for your hair, producing moist heat, which lifts the hair’s cuticle layers and promotes better absorption of the conditioner.
Detangling Combs
The Ouidad Double Detangler Comb is a seamless wide-tooth comb preferred by naturalistas due to its smooth travel from root to edge without rough hiccups along the way. Due to the fragile state of highly textured hair, wide teeth combs are necessary for detangling and styling purposes.
Conditioning/Sulfate-free Shampoo
Conditioning Shampoo is a sulfate free shampoo that puts all others to shame. With a wonderful smell and sudsy lather, it’s made with mild lipid and amino acid creams. This moisturizing shampoo strengthens tresses while it cleans!
Carol’s Daughter
Carol’s Daughter’s Tui Collection is free of parabens, petroleum, mineral oils and artificial colors. It is like water for thirsty tresses as it moisturizes and detangles hair for shine and easy maintenance.
Shea Butter
Cantu Shea Butter is a thick, creamy leave-in conditioner that helps combs easily glide through detangled strands. Made with pure shea butter, it works to repair damaged hair and maintain healthy locks.
Design Essentials
Design Essentials Strengthening Therapy line is sulfate free and moisture retentive. It leaves hair feeling squeaky clean and ultra moisturized. Designed for the natural hair transitioner or 100% au natural beauty, Design Essentials can appease with supple hair results.
Miss Jessie’s
Miss Jessie’s hair care products initially focused on curly management of black hair, but folk from all walks of life use the product to enhance their curly crowns. Celebs like Alicia Keys and Holly Robinson Peete highly favor this for their hair.
CURLS
CURLS targets the biracial/multiracial chick with a natural curl pattern. It helps to maintain the curl and kill the frizz that most often accompanies curly dos.
The Jane Carter Solution
The Jane Carter Solution aims to solve dry hair problems for every hair type using natural-based products, including natural butters and certified organic essential oils. If you’re curly, wavy, relaxed, natural, locked, straight or locked, this product will leave your tresses super-shiny.
SheaMoisture
SheaMoisture is known for luscious-smelling, moisture-melting, and body-building hair and skin care line. The Curl Enhancing Smoothie enhances shine and protects against heat and breakage. The silk protein adds to the silkiness of the hair.
