Over the course of the last 2 years, I have grasped that less is better. What am I talking about you ask? I’m talking about the products we use in our hair. If you are chemical free, natural, curly-topped, or a hair health connoisseur, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. Taking care of your hair can be an expensive losing game! But it doesn’t have to be if you are willing to develop 3 (three) things. All you need is 1.) self-control (first and foremost), 2.) an understanding of ingredients (when you know which ones are good and which ones are bad, then you are in great condition), and 3.) lots and lots of patience (trial and error is a wonderful thing)!
What I have come to understand is that hair may thoroughly enjoy a product for a certain amount of time, and then one day, no longer be receptive of it. Sometimes this is because it was never really good for your hair in the first place, perhaps because your hair texture and the product don’t mesh, or because the ingredients in the product are no good (which is why I’m a label reader- look for a later post about good/bad ingredients soon!). What I have noticed is that my hair tends to behave better with less, or more natural products, which you will better understand based on the following information.
Below is a list of products that I have/had experience with, in order from when I used them (starting in 2009). I have placed an asterisk next to products/items that I had a positive experience with but wasn’t fully convinced (usually when my hair no longer appreciated them, which is why I moved on to other products). I put 2 (two) asterisks next to the items I recommend/and or still use today. The items at the bottom of the list signify my most recent products. This list allows you to see the search for the right product, the patterns that exist, and the overall evolution of my hair regime. My conclusion? Nature is JUST enough!
2009
-Carol’s Daughter: Khoret Amen Shampoo, Hair Smoothie, and Leave-in Conditioner
-Cantu Shea Butter: Leave-In*
-Kinky Curly: Come Clean, Knot Today*, and Curling Custard
-Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In Conditioner
2010
-Apple Cider Vinegar**, Honey**, and Olive Oil**
-Herbal Essences’ Hello Hydration Conditioner**
-Alba Botanica Rainforest Cupuaçu Conditioner
-Jason Conditioner (Aloe and Lavender)
-Aussie 3 Minute Miracle*
-Herbal Essences’ Hello Hydration Conditioner**
2011
-Yogurt
-Coconut Milk*
-Wen Fig Cleansing Conditioner*
-Olive Oil, Honey, Oregano, Distilled Water, and Mint Leaf Homemade Leave-In**
-Herbal Essences’ Hello Hydration Conditioner**
I strongly recommend Hello Hydration from Herbal Essences. It has proven to be a consistent moisturizer for my tiny cork screw curls, of course, when I’m not whipping up a hair tonic in the kitchen!
What’s your just?
thesummary 