So to a lot of us naturals feel our products are EVERYTHING and honestly half the fun is trial and error. This is a list of products I currently love and have used for some time. I'll try not to make this a long read with a bunch of pros and cons so please if there is a specific product you'd like reviewed further or questions you have please email me.
Cleansers
As I Am Coconut Cowash (around $8) - weekly cowashBefore my rechop I tried this product and I absolutely love it! The smell is amazing, it looks and feels creamy and rich and cleanses while moisturizing! The only negative thing I can say is that it needs a pump or change of packaging (to a squeeze bottle) to make cleansing easier. You can find the As I Am collection at some Walgreens, some Targets and some Walmarts. It all depends on the demographic unfortunately. There's always online purchase!
Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo* - once in a while to wash away product build upThis product was a shot in the dark for me. It was listed in The Science of Natural Hair book I talk about so much as a good clarifying shampoo. My choice came down to this and the Carol's Daughter. Ultimately I decided to purchase the Elucence because I had heard that the Carol's Daughter leaves hair too stripped and dry. I can't say so myself though since I haven't tried it. But as for THIS shampoo I have no negative comments. It lathers very well, cleans to a squeaky clean without over stripping and smells pretty good. It is also sulfate free from what I see on the label..lol though it doesn't advertise as a sulfate free shampoo (not sure why).
Leave-in Conditioner
What can I say? What can I say? This stuff is heaven in a bottle!!! When doing the LOC or LCO or LOCS method (lol) this is my C! This leave-in is all natural and does wonders for all the hair types on my head (3c-4c). It keeps my cuticles smooth and hair feeling soft and happy. All I can say is this leave-in is a blessing. I personally might start buying in bulk from amazon, yep that's how much I love it!
All Purpose Conditioners (Natural on a budget)
Suave Professionals Shea + Almond Butter (around $3)
This is my go to conditioner for a deep condition at the moment. I mix it with olive or castor oil for added moisture and shine. It smells great, makes my hair feel awesome and its affordable. But don't just stop there! You can use this conditioner as a co wash also! No complaints although it has dimethicone which I do try to stay away from but when you're on a budget it's a great alternative. This product is easily accessible at drugstores, supermarkets etc.
This creamy conditioner is GREAT for co-washing! I love the coconut scent, the creamy consistency and the slip. My only warning would be to those who are protein sensitive, this conditioner does have proteins in it.
Work great for co-washing as well. I absolutely love Vo5 conditioners for their simple ingredients, cheap prices, and quality! They smell yummy, have good consistency, slip and are great when finger detangling. I still use these from time to time when I want to cut back and save. I can get 8 of these for around the price of the As I Am Coconut Cowash. Sounds like a save to me!
Protein Treatment/Conditioner
This treatment is awesome! It doesn't have slip however so if you're looking for a creamy protein conditioner this is not it. As for my process in using this, I mix it with a little olive or castor oil and sit with my heat therapy wrap for about 15 minutes. Immediately after, I deep condition.
Note: A few months ago I mentioned the Elasta QP Soy Oyl protein + moisture conditioner that I loved. I've stopped using that product due to the mineral oil in it. Mineral oil is one of the first three ingredients of the product and is a byproduct of gasoline! (google it) So that's why that lovely tub got two uses and will not be used again.
All Purpose Butter
I recently started using this product and OMG it's already a must have for me. Looking at the price you might be saying, "No ma'am!" but this product is worth it and a little goes a long way! It's a mix of butters and vitamins. It works great and a sealant during these winter months and has changed my LOC method to LOC(B)utter! I use it for my mini twists, flat twists, braids, just about every style. The smell reminds me of sunshine. Like if sunshine could have a scent this would be it! Lol. It's a refreshing, wake me up citrus that makes my hair smell lovely!!! One of the great things about this product is it says you can use it on your skin as well and being the curious person I am, I have been using it on my belly to keep my skin moisturized. No complaints there either. I even use it on my son's hair! Overall, the product does what it says, nourish and shine. If you're one who doesn't care to find 100% unrefined Shea Butter or doesn't like to mix your own butters, this product is definitely for you!
*Note: My Elucence products were ordered online at CurlMart.com. I do not recall what I paid for them at the time of purchase but they are currently $6 for the shampoo and $16 for the repair/protein treatment. The As I Am, Kinky Curly Knot Today and Jane Carter products can also be purchase on the CurlMart website.
All opinions in this post are all my own. They are not coerced or sponsored by any company.
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