Having healthy, natural hair is a goal for many people. However, achieving and maintaining healthy natural hair can be challenging, especially with so many hair care products on the market.
From shampoos to conditioners, leave-in treatments to styling products, it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of natural hair care.
To help you on your journey to healthy, natural hair, we’ve compiled a list of 10 essential products that you should have in your hair care arsenal.
Clarifying Shampoo
One of the most important steps in any hair care routine is cleansing. A good clarifying shampoo* is an essential product for healthy natural hair. Clarifying shampoos help to remove product buildup, excess oil, and impurities from your hair and scalp, leaving your hair feeling fresh and clean.
Using a clarifying shampoo* once every few weeks is usually sufficient to keep your hair and scalp clean and healthy.
Moisturizing Shampoo
Moisture is essential for healthy natural hair. A moisturizing shampoo is a must-have product for anyone with natural hair, particularly because natural hair tends to be drier than other hair types.
Look for shampoos that contain natural oils and butters like coconut oil, shea butter, and avocado oil. These ingredients help to nourish and hydrate your hair, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and healthy.
Deep Conditioner
A deep conditioner* is another essential product for healthy natural hair. Deep conditioning treatments help to replenish moisture, strengthen hair, and improve its overall health and elasticity.
Favor deep conditioners that contain natural ingredients like honey, aloe vera, and olive oil. These ingredients provide your hair with the nourishment it needs to thrive.
Leave-in Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners are an essential product for anyone with natural hair. They help to provide moisture, detangle hair, and improve manageability.
Leave-in conditioners that contain natural ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter are your best bet. These ingredients help to nourish your hair, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and manageable.
Hair Oil
Hair oils are a must-have product for anyone with natural hair. They help to nourish and moisturize your hair, improve its texture and shine, and promote healthy hair growth. They are also really important if you plan to use the LOC or LCO method of moisturizing your hair.
Look for hair oils that contain natural ingredients like castor oil, grapeseed oil, and coconut oil. These oils provide your hair with the essential nutrients it needs to thrive.
Hair Butter
Hair butters are thick, creamy products that helps to moisturize and nourish your hair. As they are thicker than oils, their main function in a hair care regimen is to seal your strands and trap that moisture in. They are particularly useful if your hair dries out easily.
Hair butters like shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango butter tend to be the most common ones but I would add hairdress and pomades to this category too.
Heat Protectant Spray
If you use heat styling tools like flat irons or curling wands*, a heat protectant spray is an essential product for healthy natural hair. Heat protectant* sprays help to protect your hair from heat damage, reduce frizz, and improve its overall health.
You can also look at heat-protectant serums that work wonderfully for flat-ironed looks while still protecting your hair from damage caused by heat styling.
Edge Control
Edge control is a must-have product for anyone with natural hair who wants to achieve sleek, defined edges. Edge control products help to smooth down unruly edges, tame flyaways, and provide a polished finish to your hairstyle.
I hate to call this an “essential” product however it’s clear that as a trend, slayed edges are here to stay so here we are. Sleek edges, particularly if you have 4c hair is just as much about your technique as it is about the product that you use so remember that practice makes perfect and don’t give up if you don’t have success immediately.
Satin Bonnet or Pillowcase
Satin bonnets* or pillowcases are important products for healthy natural hair. Satin is a smooth and soft material that helps to reduce friction and prevent breakage.
Sleeping with a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase* helps to keep your hair hydrated, prevent tangles and protect your hair from damage caused by rubbing against rough fabrics. Invest in a few of these so that you always have a clean one when you need one.
Wide-tooth Comb
Using the right tool for detangling your hair is super important for preventing damage and breakage. A wide-tooth comb is an absolute must for anyone with natural hair.
It helps to gently detangle your hair without pulling or breaking it. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair after applying conditioner or a leave-in treatment, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.
Technique is everything when it comes to detangling without causing damage.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, achieving and maintaining healthy natural hair requires a consistent hair care routine and the right products.
With these 10 essential products, you can create a hair care regimen that nourishes and strengthens your hair, promoting healthy growth and retention.
Remember to choose products with natural ingredients that are free from harsh chemicals and always be gentle when handling your hair to prevent damage and breakage in the long term.
