10 Products for Natural hair

So yesterday a lady came up to me and told me she loves my hair and asked what products I used. I told her, but she said she has used some of them and they don't work for her. So I decided to make a post of what to use and how to use it. I have learned in my 2 years of being natural that finding what works for your own hair is important and using too many products could be harsh to your hair and also be mean to your wallet. I like to keep it simple, and if you just did the big chop or are still transitioning, all the products you see on youtube and other sites may be overwhelming (It definitely was for me).

This is the list of the few things I use:

1. Tresemme Flawless Curls Conditioner

This is one of the cheapest products I use and I love so much. I use this to co-wash (that's when you use only conditioner and not shampoo). It really softens up my hair and is really good for wash-n-goes. Also very good in detangling. I use it almost everyday, at least 3 times a week. You don't need to go far and wide to get this, you can get this from your nearest Walmart and Target.

2. Shea Butter

Shea butter is the fat extract from the nut of African shea tree. It is also a very good hair moisturizer. I mix it with castor oil and coconut oil because of its thickness. The mistake I believe people make with shea butter is using it on dry hair, it just makes your hair a sticky mess. Only use this after you wash or co-wash your hair. Seal in the moisture with any oil of your choice (olive, castor, coconut, jojoba etc) and your hair will be soft for the rest of the day. I use this for wash-n-goes, right before I braid or twist and even when I get a blow out. Shea butter is also really good for the skin. There is no need to go to Africa to get this, just check out your nearest African store.

3. Castor Oil

I found this in my mum's drug cabinet and decided to mix it with my shea butter and it did wonders. Castor oil is very thick so you are not suppose to use too much of it. Also use on only wet hair. The water helps it to ease down the thickness and allows it to spread easily. I also heard its good for facial cleansing but I never tried it. This could be found in any drug store.

4. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Apart from mixing this with shea butter, I use this to seal in moisture. I use this everyday to keep my hair from drying out. I also use it to base my scalp. Just scoop one index finger of coconut oil and melt it thoroughly in your hand. Coconut oil is not meant to be slathered on. It is light and spreadable which means a little of it goes a long way. You can get this at GNC or MOM's organic market.

5. Giovanni Direct Leave-in-Conditioner

This is another everyday product I use. I use it right before I use shea butter and oil. I also use it whether my hair is wet or dry. It is a good moisturizer and it also smells nice. It is also just as good for relaxed hair. I get all my Giovanni products from MOM's organic market and they could also be found at Target.

6. Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo

I am not too much of a shampoo person. I probably shampoo my hair once in 3 weeks, I prefer co-washing. But when I do shampoo, I use any of Giovanni's shampoos and right now I use the Tea Tree Triple Treat shampoo. It is really good in washing out excess products and doesn't have harmful chemicals in it like sulfate and paraben.

7. Giovanni Smooth as silk conditioner

I use this conditioner after shampooing. Very good for detangling and it smells nice.

8. Spray Bottle

I use my handy-dandy spray bottle when I'm too lazy to actually co-wash my hair. I mix water and a little bit of conditioner in it. Makes my hair soft before I put in leave-in conditioner and oil. You can buy this for less than a dollar at Walmart

9. Loose-Tooth Comb

Because natural hair is tightly curled and can easily break, it is way better to use a loose-tooth comb to prevent breakage. Also remember, NEVER COMB DRY HAIR. This is one of the questions people ask me when they see I'm natural; "how do you comb it?" And I always reply "I never comb it dry, I only comb it when its soaked in water and conditioner and trust me its a breeze."

10. Water

Finally, last but not the least, Water. Your natural hair and water are best friends. Do not deprive you hair of water. One of the best parts of being natural is my hair looks even nicer when I get beaten by the rain. You use water to shampoo, condition, moisturize, detangle or just to activate the curls. You can get this from your faucet :D

I promise that this is all I use in my hair. I'll keep you posted on any changes or product reviews.

Coco