The natural hair products listed below should help elevate your curls beautifully. Do not be discouraged if they don’t immediately work for you!
Natural curls have a mind of their own, but they are manageable. Hair masks are great because they are quick and easy and are specific to hair types. Palmer’s Coconut Oil Hair Mask works wonders at keeping hair moisturized. Coconut oil is great at keeping hair from drying out, even during cold weather. This can be found in any hair aisle, but if Palmers isn’t your thing, try your favorite brand’s deep conditioner that has coconut oil. The prices vary, but they should not be more than $2. If you want something with less coconut oil but just as effective, try Shea Moisture’s Manuka Honey and Yogurt Protein Treatment for $11.49.
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I grew up with this hair mayo and I believe it is what kept my curls intact all these years. As a natural hair product staple, Africa’s Best Original Hair Mayonnaise is a simple hair mask for overworked hair. Specifically, if you use a lot of heat on your hair or chemically change it often, this hair mayo is perfect for conditioning and enhancing your curls. This mayo varies in price as well, so hit your local beauty supply store for deals. There is a similar hair mayo by ORS that also moisturizes and protects natural hair.
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Now, Silicon is more conditioning than repairing. While it is still useful for damaged hair, it is more effective as a moisturizing conditioner. With a teeny amount of this product, your natural curls will appreciate the love and bounce for joy. Silicon is so smooth that you will not want to rinse it out and you don’t have to! This can be used as a leave-in as well. Silicon is perfect for a wash and go and it will leave your hair soft and silky. Less is more with this curl-enhancing product! Your local beauty supply should have this in stock.
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The ORS Olive Oil brand is amazing. They are all moisturizing and enhance curls like no other. Like our hair mask above, ORS is a deep conditioning and is great for coarser hair. Olive oil is the popular counterpart of coconut oil and honestly, they both win. It all depends on which your natural hair responds to. If your hair is truly damaged, I suggest starting with olive oil-infused products.
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Now, shampoo and conditioner are where it gets tricky. OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo and Conditioner work well for me because the coconut oil keeps my hair hydrated after washing and rinsing. This should depend on what you already know works for you or what you prefer. If you are not sure of which to use, try looking for products that are natural or sulfate-free. I sometimes switch to OGX Teatree Mint Extra Strength for a full product cleanse or Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo because they are hydrating as well and the conditioner also doubles as a leave-in.
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My favorite product on this list: Curl. Stretch. Pudding. At first, it was difficult to work with this product because it is very thick, but the trick is to work into damp hair by sections. This pudding is so hydrating and prevents shrinkage, which is almost impossible to do. This pudding feels heavy, but will not weigh down your curls. It almost acts as a gel that keeps your hair curly but does not frizz or expand. If you only get one product off this list, make it this one. You won’t regret it!
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Now, this curl-enhancing smoothie is different from the pudding above. It is more water-based, so it is hydrating to the max. I love this more for the summer because it does not weigh down your curls and keeps them smooth all day. It keeps curls flawless and helps stop shrinkage. This is also great go for a wash-and-go or braid-outs. There is also a wonderful coconut and hibiscus hair mask for curl and shine that will enhance your curls before you style.
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Creme of Nature products are the best for natural hair styling. They enhance curls beautifully as well. I trust this pudding more with braid-outs or twists because they don’t dry out. This pudding is great at preventing frizz and stays soft after unbraiding. This pudding is thick, but not uncomfortably so. It is great for long-term protective hairstyles. Their Hair Butter Hydrating Buttercreme is also great for on-the-go styles.
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Oils are essential in keeping hair from drying out and this Blueberry and Mint oil by Curls is the best. It literally cools your scalp to promote hair growth and soothe itching. It’s great for everyday use and for scalp rejuvenation after braids, wigs, or protective styles. It also combats dandruff. I also use Shea Moisture’s Castor Oil Serum during protective styles.
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For the final product: a gel. Now, gels are controversial in the curl-enhancing world, but this one is not bad for natural hair. It holds really well and feels more like a moisturizer than a gel when it’s dried. Less is more with this gel, for the oil can be a bit too much, but it holds well during the summer months. The gel consistency is a bit solid, so my advice would be to mix one part of this gel with two parts of the coconut and hibiscus smoothie from above and applying on damp hair. They work a lot better together. If the gel isn’t your thing, the Frizz-Free Curl Mouse is impressive at maintaining frizz!
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