As a curly girl with kinky coils, I have tried my share of hair products. Some did not work so well for my curls. While others worked OK at one stage of my journey then stopped working after a while. But there are few that have worked for me from transitioning, after my big chop, and during my growing out phase. Here are the best products from shampoos to styling gel that have worked for my hair.
Best Curly Girl Pre-Poo
The best pre-poo I’ve tried is Carol’s Daughter Olive Oil Infusion. It is a two-part treatment that contains a scalp oil and conditioning cream. You use this before you shampoo by applying the oil directly to the scalp and generously applying the conditioner to the hair. Cover hair with a plastic cap and leave on for at least 30 minutes. After you wash your hair, your hair feels soft and de-tangles easily.
Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo
I have had good results with shampoos since going natural. The best has been Shea Moisture Organic Shea Butter Curl & Shine Shampoo Coconut & Hibiscus formula. It smells great as I shampoo my hair. I almost don’t want to follow with my deep conditioner afterward. It does not strip my hair and it leaves it feeling soft even after rinsing out.
Best Co-Wash Conditioner
My favorite co-wash conditioner is a cheapie from VO5, Kiwi Lime Squeeze Clarifying Conditioner it costs a dollar at Dollar Tree stores and I can sometimes get it cheaper than that at the grocery store. This conditioner rinses clean and removes dirt.
VO5 also makes my favorite daily conditioner, Herbal Escapes Free Me Freesia Moisturizing Conditioner, which also costs me a dollar at Dollar Tree. This conditioner makes combing my kinky coils easier. The smell is great and leaves my curls soft and moisturized.
My deep conditioner of choice used to be my regular daily conditioner when I first went natural, Carol’s daughter Tui Moisturizing Hair Smoothie. I use this when my hair feels dry, or when I notice some breakage. I love the smell of this conditioner and need to use it about once a month, typically after I do an ACV rinse.
I do not use many oil blends other than the oil blend that comes with my pre-poo treatment. The best oil for my hair that adds strength and shine that lasts for days is Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. I love to use this as a heat protectant when I heat straighten my hair. It is also good when I am spending a lot of time outside to help my hair retain moisture longer.
For years, I avoided hair gel like the plague. It works well for many people but the gels that were around when I relaxed my hair dried my hair out. However, one gel brought me back around, eco styler Olive Oil Styling Gel Maximum Hold. This dries clear on hair. It rinses easily and does not build up on my hair. It works great for twists, finger coils, and wash-and-go styles. My hair does not feel dry or crunchy but soft. I have twist outs that last me a week because of the gel.
These are the best curly girl products I have tried so far. They work wonders on my hair and make hair styling easy. So curly girls, what are the best products you’ve tried?
More from ShawnTe
The Kinky Girl’s Grocery List: Must-Have Items for Your Kinky Curls
