When I first decided to go natural in 2013, I had no idea what to expect. I was so nervous and had no idea where to start, which is okay. Going natural is quite the process, as you’ll experience a trial and error when using hair care products while trying to learn your hair texture. Four years later, it’s safe to say that I have it down for my 3C/4A curls, but I couldn’t have done it without these five products along the way.
1. Design Essentials Edge Tamer
This tiny container of edge control works wonders for me! Especially when I was still mid-transition, Design Essentials was a life saver. Although I don’t use it anymore because I cut my hair short at the sides (therefore I lack edges), I would still recommend this product in a heartbeat. The best part is that it doesn’t flake up like other brands of edge control (I’m looking at you ORS Edge Control), or leave your hair with that stringy, gunky feel. All in all, this is a pretty good product to use.
2. Miss Jessie’s MultiCultural Curls
At first, I wasn’t sure if whether or not this product would work on my hair. Being that Miss Jessie’s is slightly pricier than some of the other products I use on my hair, I was skeptical. I eventually decided to buy it and never looked back. The MultiCultural Hair cream is perfect for a wash and go, and is my go-to product for such. The product was (and still is) worth the amount you pay for it.
3. Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner
Now, this is a product that most naturals are familiar with. Cantu’s leave-in conditioner is probably one of the best ones I’ve used in my hair so far. It leaves my hair feeling super soft and sweet smelling! The best part is you don’t need a lot in your hair, as a little goes a long way (or for my hair at least). All in all, I’ve never had a complaint with this one, and hopefully, you shouldn’t either.
4. Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream
Yes, another Cantu product! This is one of my favorites to use for doing twist-outs. The curling cream is pretty good in terms of consistency and how well it works with my hair. One of the things I appreciate about this product is that it doesn’t have the smell of coconut overkill. In fact, you don’t really smell it much (or at least I don’t). I’ve been using this product since the first day I’ve decided to go natural, and it works every time. With this, again, a little goes a long way so you don’t need a lot when sectioning off your hair to twist.
5. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
Being that my hair can get dry pretty fast, I looked no further than Shea Moisture to combat that. Outside of the oils, I use on my scalp (Vitamin E and Rosemary), this deep treatment mask works wonders when needed. I typically use it every two-three weeks and it’s pretty good, although when using this, make sure you have an equally good shampoo and conditioner. With natural hair, you can’t be too cheap when buying hair products (what you paid for, is what you get). So when buying your new products, expect for it to be a little costly, but it’ll all be worth it in the long run. Your hair will thank you for it.