This is what you absolutely need for a successful hair care regimen even on a budget!

We all want healthy gorgeous hair, natural or relaxed but we can’t all afford the crazy prices for some of the best hair care products. I recently received an email from a lady who lives in Nigeria and she wanted a list of products that she should get to grow her hair long. Rather than answer with a list as requested, I figured that since she lived in a totally different country from myself, it wouldn’t do her any good if I suggested Kerastase or Bumble and Bumble line of products, I don’t know if they are sold in her country and I am in no position to suggest local alternatives. The point is this lady is new to hair care and turning her into a product junkie who will buy anything and everything that gets suggested to her is counterproductive. The best advise I could give was the bare minimum she needs in order to retain length.

Here is my list of the top 5 products you need to look after your natural or relaxed tresses.

1.    A moisturizing conditioner
2.    A protein conditioner (providing you are not protein sensitive, see the article on how to tell if you are protein sensitive
3.    A leave in conditioner
4.    A sulphate free shampoo or natural alternative e.g. baking soda or apple cider vinegar
5.    A natural oil to seal the moisture in

Of course this list is not exhaustive but it does give you the bare bones of the hair care products needed to retain your length. A good tip when you are on a budget is to buy the larger bottles of products as they are usually better value for money. It’s also a good tip to buy two bottles of conditioner to every bottle of shampoo, if you are planning to incorporate co-washing into your regimen.

Remember as well to rotate your products. You may absolutely love one conditioner but do not use it every single time you wash otherwise your hair will stop responding as well to it!

Is there a hair care product you can’t live without and would have added to the list?