What products do I use for my natural hair?!
That’s a loaded question! What style are you trying to achieve? How long will you wear it? Is your climate dry or humid? Do you have scalp issues? Do you plan to use heat? There are so many questions that can be asked, but your ultimate goal will dictate the specific products and methods required.
There are there 3 basic routines most naturals will follow:
Wash + style (braids/twist)
Wash n’ Go (define curls)
Heat styling (blow-dry and/or straighten)
Of course, there are many other style options, but these are most common. Now before we get to the styling steps, we have to discuss the basics.
This is not an absolutely necessary step, but I find that doing a pre-shampoo with a high slip conditioner or pre-shampoo product( https://amzn.to/3i1v6E0) makes the overall shampoo process easier.
Always shampoo twice (or three times for a silk press)
Condition or Deep condition(up to 30 min with a heat source, usually heavier in consistency).
These next few steps are what separates these 3 routines.
Routine 1: Wash + Style
This is the routine for people who plan to style their hair wet. They will likely wear their hair in mini twist, flattwist, individual braids, or any low manipulation style that can stretch the hair or keep it moisturized in a style for 1-2 weeks. The next steps would involve applying a leave-in conditioner followed by a creme and/or oil or butter(ideally water-based).
Routine 2: Wash n’ Go
This is the routine for people who plan to define their curls. Your next steps would be to apply a leave-in (optional but ideal), a styling foam (https://transformedbyo.com/shop/p/honeyalmondfoam), and a gel. The key to making it last 5-10 days is set it with a dryer (whether hood or hand-held). Don’t skip this step. Think of an air dried roller set vs a hood dried roller set. If you’d like more details on how to do a wash n’ go, check out the previous post!(https://transformedbyo.com/blog/is-a-wash-n-go-worth-it)
Routine 3: Heat styling
This routine is for those who prefer their hair stretched or straightened. After the third shampoo, you should do a deep conditioning, protein, or bond building treatment. Most importantly, apply a leave-in and heat protectant. This will reduce the impact heat has on the hair. To reduce heat damage, use a blow-dryer no more than twice a month, and a flatiron no more than once a month.
This was just a quick and dirty overview, but here are some products that can assist you, no matter what routine you decide to choose:
Qhemet Detangling Ghee https://go.magik.ly/ml/1uqn1/
Qhemet Pomade https://go.magik.ly/ml/1uqn3/
Kitsch Satin scrunchie https://go.magik.ly/ml/1uqnd/
iCreateHold Gel https://go.magik.ly/ml/1uqng/
Aquage Silkening Oil https://go.magik.ly/ml/1uqnq/
Joico Moisture Balm https://go.magik.ly/ml/1uqns/
Briogeo Scalp Shampoo https://go.magik.ly/ml/1uqo4/
Sunday Sunday Root Refresh https://go.magik.ly/ml/1uqo7/
Melanin Black Soap Shampoo https://go.magik.ly/ml/1uy93/
Melanin Silkening Conditioner https://go.magik.ly/ml/1uy96/
Curlsmith Fragrance free https://go.magik.ly/ml/1uy76/
Pattern Hydrating Mist https://go.magik.ly/ml/1uy7a/
Pattern trial shampoo, conditioner, leave-in https://go.magik.ly/ml/1uy7g/
Pattern trial stylers https://go.magik.ly/ml/1uy7i/
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Feel free to use the products that work best for you! Always grateful for your support!💕