In the summer of 2016, I decided I was done with relaxers and was just going to let my hair convert back to it’s natural state.
As a result, I’ve gotten healthier hair over the years and my hair became thicker. Yes, the transformation process wasn’t fun since I didn’t do the ‘big chop’. However, after trying numerous products over the years I have found some natural hair essentials that work great for my hair and I occasionally add in some new products.
Today, I wanted to share some of my natural hair essentials with you. However, keep in mind that everyone’s natural hair is different so you may (or may not) get the same results that I do with some of the hair product recommendations I have for you.
Read Also: Hairstyles When Transitioning to Natural Hair
Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisturizing Detangling Leave-in Conditioner
The Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisturizing Detangling Leave-in Conditioner is pretty much the only leave in conditioner that I found to actually condition my hair and not sit on top of it.
I can use it on my hair in it’s natural state or when I have hair extensions such as kinky twists.
I use it on hair wash days and also daily when I’m wearing my hair in it’s natural state (not flat ironed) or have extensions in.
The smell is light and refreshing and I usually only have to buy a new bottle every 2-3 months.
Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine Edge Control Smoother
I made the switch from JAM to Carol’s Daugher Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine Edge Control Smoother almost a year ago.
It’s not a product I use on my edges daily, instead, I use it whenever I’m going out to run errands, etc.
It keeps edges in place and it doesn’t require a lot. Plus, unlike JAM, it doesn’t leave my edges feeling extra greasy.
The drawback is sometimes it does leave white residue, but I am starting to think that this occurs when it interacts with the leave in conditioner.
Since this isn’t a daily use natural hair product for me, I typically only have to restock about 3 times per year.
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Caster Oil Strengthen & Restore Edge Treatment
The SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Caster Oil Strengthen & Restore Edge Treatment is my daily go to edge product.
After having baby Ellie I experienced horrible postpartum hair loss, which mostly was my edges falling out.
This product is what helped me come back.
I’ve actually been using it for years, even before I started my natural hair journey, as it’s helped me restore my edges from extensions being too tight before too.
But, hear me out, this isn’t a miracle edge growth treatment. In my experience it does take about 4 months before you see a noticable difference and about 10 months before your edges are fully restored.
Plus, you have to use it close to daily.
I usually go through about a jar a month, but find that it is reasonably priced especially for the results that it delivers.
The downside though is that it doesn’t really control your edges. It’s greasy at first and then once it fully dries in it’s like you never used it – controlwise.
Sulfur 8 Scalp Conditioner
Ever since I was a kid, I have always had a super dry scalp.
Nothing seems to come close to soothing it other than Sulfur 8 Scalp Conditioner.
Yes, the smell isn’t great, but this is another one of my natural hair essentials because it’s proven itself since I was a kid that it works.
On hair wash days I always make sure to apply to my scalp and the cooling sensation that I feel as it soaks in let’s me know that it’s working.
If you’re someone who’s ready to throw in the towel with how dry your scalp is definitely give Sulfur 8 a try.
Parnevu T-Tree Braid Spray
Whenever I have any type of braids or twists (whether natural or extensions) this is my go-to product.
Parnevu T-Tree Braid Spray is what allows me to wear different braided styles with extensions because it helps soothe my scalp.
Typically, I’ll spray it on my scalp each night before putting on my scarf or bonnet and it will prevent itching from occurring.
Doo Gro Anti Itch Hair Oil
The Doo Gro Anti Itch Hair Oil is another great product for itchy scalp. However, I don’t use it a ton because it can be very messy.
It’s more of my go-to product during the winter months because in the summer it just makes such a mess whenever I sweat and results in me experiencing breakouts.
It does work well when used as part of a hot oil treatment AND during the winter months, I will occasionally use it when flat ironing my hair as it gives my hair a more sleek look.
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Clarifying Nourishing Daily Shampoo
When I used to get relaxers it seemed like I could use any type of shampoo and my hair would be fine.
However, once going natural the shampoos I used prior started to dry my hair out.
At first, I thought it was due to the blonde hair dye, but I changed to darker hair color and even at one point went to my natural hair color and all shampoos were still drying my hair out.
That is until I started using SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Clarifying Nourishing Daily Shampoo.
When using this shampoo my hair comes out feeling revitalized and doesn’t have the dried-out texture. Despite it being a daily shampoo, I typically only wash my hair twice a month during the winter months and once a week during the summer months, though.
Natural Hair Products I’m Considering Trying
I do occasionally like to try out new products to see how they work with my natural hair. Currently, I’m considering the following products:
The shampoo is still the same brand but has a different purpose. I’m hoping to retain more moisture in my hair during the summer months so I plan to try it out once the weather gets warmer and decide whether or not it will become one of my natural hair essentials from there.
I also want to try wearing my hair in its natural state more often instead of flat ironing it every week in the summer months so I’m going to give hair styling creams a try.
Usually, it’s not an issue to spend hours on my hair each week, but since having baby Ellie I just don’t have the time to do 2 hours on wash day and then another 2to 3 hours the following day straightening it. I feel like it would just be easier to rock my natural curls.
Wish me luck.
Natural Hair Accessories
These are technically natural hair essentials, but since there aren’t really any specific brand recommendations for these other than this flat iron, I figured I could just add these in at the end of the post.
But, back to the flat iron, really quick. I recommend the HSI brand one because the first one lasted me for almost 6 years. Based on the super cheap price that’s a steal in my book since I definitely put it to use.
Below are some of the natural hair accessories I recommend. You can get them from your local beauty store or order online.
- Quality flat iron
- Detangling hairbrush
- Wide-tooth comb
- Sectioning clips
- Tail Comb
- Skinny hairbrush
- Satin scarf and/or bonnet
These are my natural hair essentials recommendations
There you have it! These are my natural hair essentials recommendations.
Whether you’re just starting your natural hair journey or looking to address some natural hair problems, I do hope that these products help you.
Natural hair is a whole lot to manage and I wish you the best of luck in your journey.
