Many people ask me what I use in my hair and what products I recommend.
I just came across these products I have yet to try but that intrigue me: Curly Q's coconut-based shampoos, conditioners, styling aids, etc. for those with curly hair. Click on the title link to have a look. Has anyone tried them or know where to find them? Holla back!
I use anything and everything on my hair, based on my mood, the season, my budget and hairstyle.
Shampoo: With locks, I like Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap in the summertime. I also use almond. I want to try lavender, too. The only thing is, I get buildup if I use it too much. The Body Shop made this nice thyme shampoo. Yep, made, since it's discontinued. So, I'm on the hunt for a new natural shampoo. I also use T/Sal by Neutrogena. It really gives dandruff no option but to quit! The "sal" is for salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid. Basically, it keeps cells from building up on your scalp/ skin. Keep it on your scalp for several minutes. Try this instead of Selsun stuff if you have dandruff issues. When I want to smell like oranges or other fruity things, I use Suave for Kids 2-in-1 conditioning shampoo. It makes a GREAT shower gel & beats spending $10. I've also been known to use Creme of Nature moisturizing something-or-other.
Conditioner: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Nature's Gate herbal conditioner. It has jojoba and plantain pulp...all kindsa stuff. My hair didn't like it at first, but now, it works like a charm. Not too heavy nor too light. I find Motions too heavy for my locks, but it worked great on texturized/permed hair. Buildup was an issue. I also make a homemade rinse of olive oil and cider vinegar, usually with some patchouli oil when I'm bored and want to feel inventive. Go 1/3 vinegar & 2/3 oil. Use more vinegar the finer your hair is (50/50). If you have light-colored natural hair, use white vinegar. If you have silver or color-treated hair, I have no idea what will happen with the reaction. So better not try this one, or just use warm olive oil & leave it in, then wash or rinse out. I also have a Creme of Nature conditioner I use once a month, more during winter.
Oils: I use coconut oil & olive oil. I've also squirted corn oil & canola oil on my scalp in a pinch. I do not recommend soybean oil, because it gets gunky. That's the technical term for waxy & weird. I make a hair oil for after washing locks. Usually in the mix are patchouli, lavender, cedarwood, vetiver, tea tree and some kind of tingly mint. I prefer spearmint over peppermint, myself. Wood oils are generally good for the hair/scalp. Per four ounces (1/2 cup), you should not have more than 8-10 drops total of essential oil for your hair. I highly recommend Carol's Daughter's Mimosa Hair Honey.
Avoid at all costs petroleum jelly and mineral oil. Coconut oil and olive oil (buy the cheapest kinds) are not much more expensive, yet they are exponentially better for your hair, scalp and skin. Shea butter? Its natural, unprocessed form can build up on the scalp. Use it on the skin for superior results.
Other: I always keep a spray mist bottle to refresh my face and hair. I also use a Frizz Ease leave-in conditioning spray. The consistency is a milky liquid. Nice and light. I used to use a great Black Earth brand protecting mist, but distribution to this area has gone awry & I can't get it anymore. I also like Neutrogena triple moisture prodcuts. They have this leave-in cream I like to use on damp, clean hair. They also have a halfway decent hair mask.
I use a hooded dryer at home and twist the roots, then hold them in place with metal clips while the locks dry. If you don't use a dryer, clip your twisted roots, then wear a big hat or cap while you run errands/ take a road trip, etc. I also swear by using a silk scarf to tie my hair at nite. I get them super-cheap at the thrift store, then wash the heck out of them. If you have an aversion to previously-used stuff, go to the fabric store. Wash the fabric well, since bolts have been dragged through everything.
Quickies: these are versatile products with many uses. Great for trips:
Neutrogena T/Sal- scalp taming shampoo/face wash, esp. for acne/foot soak (1 ounce diluted in a bucket of water)
Nature's Gate conditioner-Conditioner/hair mist (diluted w/water in spray bottle)/shaving cream
Suave 2-in-1 Kids- shampoo/bubble bath/body wash/lingerie wash/liquid soap in dispenser
Dr. Bronner's Castile soap-shampoo/body wash/mouthwash (diluted)/foot soak/cleaner
Olive oil: scalp oil/body oil/foot rub before bed/face oil (if acne-free)/cooking oil!
Wishing you happy, healthy hair!
