Bridging The Gap – Techniques And Products That Work For Relaxed And Natural Hair

In the hair world, there can sometimes seem to be a divide. Many times it can come across as naturals on one side and relaxed ladies on the other. With that, the way we are taught to care for each hair type is divided as well. Information about new techniques or products come from sources that are either strictly relaxed or strictly natural.

The truth is, the divide is narrower than we all probably think. And there are products and techniques that can help us bridge that gap.

Let’s look at some techniques and products that work for relaxed and natural hair.

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo

Shea Moisture* has a broad range of hair and skin care products. If you were to ask someone about the brand’s hair line, they would likely think it’s solely for natural hair care. That’s not the case, though. Shea Moisture’s hair care products work on all hair types.

Their Raw Shea Butter* Moisture Retention Shampoo is great for gently cleansing hair and adding much needed moisture in the form of shea butter*. Their conditioners and deep conditioners are also versatile enough to be used on both relaxed and natural hair.

Jane Carter Solutions Wrap and Roll

Jane Carter Solutions is similar to Shea Moisture* in that, their public image would have you believe that the line is exclusively for naturals. And while there are lots of products that cater to naturals, their Wrap & Roll is designed and marketed as a soft mousse, setting and wrapping product that can be used to create many wet set styles.

Naturals may enjoy the versatility of a flexirod* set or a roller set using this product, while relaxed ladies can use the product to wet mold their hair and prepare it for heat styling. Wrap & Roll boasts a soft, clean hold that doesn’t leave any residue.

Overall, products that are geared toward cleansing, conditioning, and deep conditioning*, tend to be very flexible in terms of being used by both naturals and relaxed ladies. Those products tend to the basics of hair care that aren’t designated to whether or not you rock your natural curls or straighten them out with chemicals.