Four Essential Products You Need for a Healthy Mane

👋 Hello, dear readers! 😊 It's been a while since I shared my hair journey with you, so today, I'll share some of the essential natural hair products I've been loving and using. Whether you're new to your natural hair journey or refining your routine, having the right foundational products makes all the difference. These staples work for curly, coily, and kinky hair textures (including Type 4 hair) and remain effective whether you live in a humid, tropical climate or a cold, dry environment.

Let's dive into the basics that keep your strands hydrated, defined, and flourishing.

Shampoo

Just as a cleansed face is the beginning of any skincare routine, a clean scalp is the cornerstone of any great natural hair routine. However, I've noticed not all shampoos are created equal, especially if your curls are prone to dryness.

This is why I opt for sulfate-free shampoo: it effectively cleanses my scalp while preserving my hair's natural oils and maintaining moisture balance. I currently use two shampoos: Afrocenchix Swish Sulfate-Free Shampoo and the Carol's Daughter Wash Day Delight Rose Water Shampoo. They both deliver a thorough cleanse while keeping my curls soft, manageable, and ready for conditioner.

Conditioner

There are various conditioners, but in this article, I'll focus on deep conditioners and leave-in conditioners. After shampooing, I usually use a deep conditioner, then dry my hair with a microfiber towel before applying a leave-in conditioner.

Deep conditioners restore moisture and help prevent breakage. They soften and smooth hair while also adding slip for easier detangling. This step is handy if you live in a dry climate or regularly style your hair. I recommend Imbue Curl Restoring Intensive Mask.

On the other hand, leave-in conditioners protect and hydrate. They add lightweight moisture while preparing your hair for styling. They also help prevent frizz, soften curls, and provide a moisture barrier throughout the week. My go-to leave-in conditioners at the moment are Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Divine Leave-In Conditioner and Carol's Daughter Wash Day Delight Rose Water Jelly-To-Cream Conditioner. They provide hydration without build-up and help maintain softness between wash days.

Styling Products

Once your hair is moisturised, styling products help bring your vision to life. Whether you prefer twist-outs, braid-outs, wash-and-gos, or protective styles, the right stylers provide hold, definition, and frizz control.

Products such as gels, custards, curling creams, and pomades can help you achieve defined curls and provide hold to your hairstyles. I particularly love As I Am Long & Luxe Curl Enhancing Smoothie as it's lightweight yet holds my twists well.

Oils and Serums

Oils are crucial for your hair, as they add shine, moisturise, protect, and nourish your scalp. I recommend Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Growth Hair Oil.

Healthy natural hair thrives on consistency, moisture, and the right product categories—not an overflowing product shelf.