Growing up, I didn’t have much of an idea of how to take care of my curls. I knew nothing about curl types, porosity or any of that stuff. Honestly, even now a lot of it escapes me. Growing up, I would always default to heat-styling my hair because it felt easier and I liked my hair that way more. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to move away from that method of styling and learn more about how to style my curls in a way that makes me feel confident. Here are the products that I use to style my 3C/4A hair every week.
- Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
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I’ve always had issues with dry skin areas, and that includes on my scalp. I’ve rotated through so many different shampoos to help target that while removing any product buildup and cleansing. This classic shampoo has become a staple of my routine these past few months, as I’ve tried to prevent any areas becoming dried out throughout the week up until my next wash day. During a visit with my dermatologist this past summer, she told me that in her opinion, everyone could benefit from using this shampoo to care for their scalp. I’ve been pairing this with a scalp massager all over my head.
- Design Essentials Almond and Avocado Detangling Conditioner
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After rinsing the shampoo out of my hair, it’s time for the main event (at least for the in-shower portion of my routine). I’ve been loving this conditioner for my hair recently. It’s great for hydrating my curls and providing slip for detangling. I separate my hair into four sections using crocodile clips and work the product into one section at a time. Then, I go in to detangle with my Denman brush which also defines my curls as I brush. Once I’m done, I twist and clip up the section and wrap up the rest of my shower before rinsing the conditioner out.
- Aunt Jackie’s Fix My Hair Intensive Repair Conditioning Masque
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If my hair is in need of some TLC after a rough week of a dry climate or after I’ve heat styled it, this masque is my go-to. Aunt Jackie’s brand needs no introduction as it is near and dear to many curly girls. It’s made with flaxseed oil to help bring moisture to chronically dry hair and fight against damage, breakage and thinning.
- ENJOY Conditioning Spray
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If there’s one product in my arsenal that is truly magical, it’s this conditioning spray. After I’ve gotten out of the shower and am ready to finish up my washday, I work in sections and spray this in as a leave-in conditioner. Then, I work it through the length of my hair and every week I watch in awe as my curls become even more defined and moisturized. I’ve never known love like I’ve known it with this product. An added bonus of this amazing product is that it smells so nice!
- The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam
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After spraying in my leave-in, I add this foam to each section. I love using this product when I’m doing braids or twists as a method of stretching my curls while they dry. This foam really helps the curls set in as they dry. It has been a major key to mastering my wash-day styles.
- Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard
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The last product I apply to my curls before I twist or braid them up to dry is this curl custard. It has a buttery smooth texture that softens my curls as I run it through them. This product helps to keep the curls defined and frizz-free as they dry, and I love that it dries flake-free and doesn’t make my hair feel caked in product.
These products have been so helpful as I’ve tried to navigate what works for my hair and what doesn’t. I love that they hydrate and define my curls and prep them for drying. Finding products that work for me has made transitioning into wearing styles that showcase my curls a lot more manageable, especially in the midst of the quarter. I’m excited to keep trying out and discovering more products that I love and that my hair also loves.