A Retrospective: Our Favorite Natural Hair Products in 2013

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Dianne Austin

Dianne is the co-founder of Natural Haircare News and Coils To Locs.com. She's been blogging about natural hair ever since she made the decision to break free of the creamy crack in 2012.

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We often get questions about the products that we use on our natural hair.

Check out the list below to get the inside scoop on our favorite products during 2013.

Most of the products listed can be found in your local Whole Foods, (or other natural food store), Walgreens, Target, or online.

Pre-poo/detangling: I use Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner regularly.

Overall conditioning and color: I’m hooked on henna! Nothing beats henna when it comes to adding a rich and natural color and an all over conditioning; especially when mixed with coconut milk instead of water. It’s a little trick that I learned from one of my favorite natural hair gurus, Dawn Michelle. I use Nupur 9 henna mixed with indigo henna.

Cleansing: I found that As I Am Co-Wash is great for gently cleaning and conditioning my hair. I also love alternating my cleansing routine with Wen Fig Cleansing Conditioner.

Deep Conditioner: Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque is a great deep conditioning treatment as needed.

Post Conditioner/Grooming: I’m a big fan of DIY Shea Butter cream, (click here to see Naptural85’s recipe). I like to alternate the homemade shea butter cream with As I Am Twist Defining Creme.

Dianne’s Faves

Pre-poo/detangling: I always loved using 100% pure coconut oil on my hair when I was relaxing it. It left my hair moisturized and frizz free because coconut oil actually penetrates the hair shaft instead of sitting on top of the hair which helps it to retain moisture. When I transitioned over to natural, I found that coconut oil worked wonders for my kinks and curls. Before shampooing, I gently finger detangle while slathering my dry hair with coconut oil. I then spritz my hair with water and then sit under a steam dryer for 10 minutes, then wash and style as usual.

I love to alternate coconut oil with Qhemet Biologics Moringa Tree Conditioning Ghee which is a great pre-poo conditioner. It easily detangles interlocked curls with ease.

Cleansing: I have found that co-washing my hair has really helped my hair not look and feel too dry. It’s helped to greatly reduce and/or eliminate tangles. I love As I Am Coconut Co-Wash since it leaves my kinky-curly 4a, b, c hair detangled, soft, and frizz-free.

Conditioner: I switch back and forth between Giovanni’s Leave In Conditioner and Shea Moisture’s Restorative Conditioner.

Rinse: I rinse my hair with one part 100% pure aloe vera juice and one part water after my conditioner which helps to seal or smooth out my hair, (cuticles). It really helps with reducing frizz for a more defined twist or braid out. Apply this mixture after conditioning your hair as a final rinse, or before adding your leave in conditioner.

Post Conditioner/Grooming: I use DIY flaxseed gel, (click here to see Naptural85’s recipe); then I seal my hair before twisting or braiding with As I Am Twist Defining Creme. A little goes a long way!

Are there hair products that you can’t do without?

“Changing attitudes about natural hair” is what we do at Natural Haircare News. Through informative articles, podcasts and videos, we go beyond just sharing the latest advice and tips on kinky, curly, wavy haircare – We shake things up and focus on the realities of wearing our hair natural.