Being a newbie on the natural scene, I can’t say I’ve really tried a wide range of products just yet, but here’s what I use to keep my current tresses soft, well moisturized, and managable:
From left to right:
1. Hask Placenta Plus no-rinse instant hair repair with olive oil - Used twice a week after washing and conditioning. I’ve been using this for about two months now and thus far I see a difference in how well my hair maintains its own moisture and resists breakage. I recommend this ONLY if your hair is in need of repair, which mine was.
2. Olive Oil nourishing sheen spray - Used as often as needed between washing to keep my hair from looking dull and dry. I’m VERY big on olive oil (for both cooking and hair/skin care), but find it too heavy sometimes. This is a lighter alternative and does not contain heavy a fragrance. Highly recommended.
3. Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural daily oil cream moisturizer - Despite its title, I only use this when my hair is extremely dry, ie. the morning after I’ve forgotten to wrap my hair the night before (*lol*) or am opting to blow dry my hair. It’s pretty heavy so I don’t recommend it for daily use, unless your hair is a moisture hog or the place you spend most of your time is extremely dry.
4. Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural intensive moisturizing shampoo - Used twice a week, and contrary to the directions, I only lather and rinse. No need to repeat because no matter how “moisturizing” the label claims it is, I know my natural oils are much better for my hair. Plus, no need to add a whole bunch of gunk in the process. While this shampoo is relatively “light” and rinses well, no sense adding second layer to what it leaves behind already.
5. Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural intensive moisturizing conditioner - Used in conjunction with the shampoo of course - twice a week for the recommended 5 minutes. Also relatively “light” and great for detangling use.
NOTE: I am no more partial to Pantene’s Relaxed & Natural line than I am to any other products. I just happened to see it in the store and thought I’d try it out. As with any hair products, they work best in tandem with products from the same line. So far I’ve had satisfactory results with Pantene’s Relaxed & Natural, but I don’t swear by it, and may just change as my hair changes.
6. Africa’s Best ultimate herbal oil - Used once a month for hot oil treatments, and occasionally as an after shampoo dressing as I air dry my hair. Helps keep the hair moist and breakage resistant when combing or brushing once the hair is dry. And a little goes a long way, trust me. I’ve had the same bottle since I started transitioning, and it’s just now a little under half used. The oil is light with a baby powder fragrance. Also very good for skin.
NOTE: No I did not buy it because of the great big “AFRICA” on the bottle. I bought it because the store was out of Hot Six Oil.
7. Proclaim Professional Care colour and heat protection glossing polish - For those days when I just gotta do the “straight” thing, it keeps the heating implements from doing too much damage. Used maybe three or four times a month and so far my hair has stood up to the torture. Yes, yes, I know heat = baaaaad, but old habits are hard to break, and until my hair grows out a little more or I learn to do those fantastical twists and whatnot, I do all I can to protect myself. *lol* The gloss works very well, with a slick texture and a strawberry like fragrance.
NOTE: For those of you who prefer to keep the heat away from your kitchen, the regular glosser works too, I’d imagine.
So there you have it. Each of these products are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most beauty supply or drug stores. If you don’t want to go brand name, I know Family Dollar and Walgreens carry their very own brand that works just as good as Pantene’s - same ingredients, less pricey (I used their Granier Fruitis knock-offs for a while… did me good). Since the most I do to my hair now is wrap it or wear it in a pick out, I haven’t experimented with any styling gels or puddings, but once I do I’ll be sure to post what I use and what I think of it.
For more product ideas visit Motowngirl.com, Nappturality.com, Tresuredlocks.com, or any of the other sites dedicated to natural hair care for women of colour. And, of course, if you have suggestions, you’re more than welcome to leave a comment here to give me a heads up. *wink*
Blessed Be…
Idadi
