What Are Things / Products That Most Naturals Try At Some Point On Their Healthy Hair Journey?

[YvetteWithJoy]

It goes without saying that everyone does his or her hair journey his or her own way on a very unique trajectory. We aren't all doing the same things, using the same products, employing the same techniques, or utilizing the same tools.

That said, are there things/products that a large number of naturals typically end up trying at some point on the journey?

Back story: I'm thinking through a blog post I want to write to help newbie transitioners/naturals with navigating product junkyism. I want the blog post to

• help newbies know they are not alone in what and how much they are eyeing (lots of us are trying things),
• provide heads up about things/products they might hear about on the journey, and
• help newbies feel inspired to pace themselves if they so desire.

Ultimately, I hope the post helps newbies embrace the fact that a certain amount of trialing and erroring is just a part of the journey, and that wisdom is making it work for your own budget, time constraints, and sensibilities.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Brainstorming aloud . . .

Processes:

• some version of the Max Hydration Method (MHM)
• roller setting

Products:

• clay
• coconut oil
• Jamaican black castor oil
• Kinky Curly Knot Today
• Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus products
• Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter products
• Oyin Hair Dew

Tools:

• disposable processing caps
• hair clips
• some kind of SPECIFIC detangling tool (Tangle Teaser, Denman brush, etc.)
• dryer
• microfiber towel
• curlformers
• thermal conditioning cap
• steamer (Q-Redew, tabletop, or standing)

Styles:

• crochet braids
• wigs

 

[PJaye]

Some off the top of my head:

Processes:

• The Curly Girl Method
• Cowashing
• Baggying
• Oil Rinsing
• Henna/Henna Glosses
• Tea Rinses
• DIY mixtures
• Overnight DCing
• LCO & LOC methods, and their variants
• PJism
• Hair journals/logs

Products:

• Sulfate-free shampoos
• Chelating & clarifying shampoos
• Conditioning cleansers
• Natural/Handmade products
• ACV
• AVG/AVJ
• Dominican products
• Joico, KeraCare, Redken, Nexxus & Aphogee lines
• Carrier & essential oils
• Silicones
• Ayurvedic Herbs
• Honey, agave, glycerin & other humectants

Tools:

• Hooded dryers
• Blow dryers
• Flat irons
• Magnetic Rollers
• Silk/Satin scarves and hats

Styles:

• Low manipulation
• Braids
• WNGs

 

[krissyhair]

Diatomaceous Earth. Don't bother. Just eat cement if you want the same experience.

It's supposed to kill bugs too. But didn't work for that either.

 

[sissimpson]

Natural products: shea butter and other butters, olive, coconut and other oils, vinegar rinses, tea rinses

 

[Colocha]

Banding: If you have type 4 hair, Goody Ouchless bands will get tangled in your hair.

In fact, avoid those period and invest in satin and silk scrunchies.

 

[PJaye]

ETA: Vitamins, sulfur and other growth aids

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Banding: If you have type 4 hair, Goody Ouchless bands will get tangled in your hair.

In fact, avoid those period and invest in satin and silk scrunchies.

I haven't experienced tangling with the stretchy, clothy, athletic Goody Ouchless bands I'm using. But . . . does anyone make tiny silk or satin scrunchies?

 

[LStreeter]

Braid outs, twist outs, edge control products, bunning, steaming, natural/homemade conditioners (i.e., mayo, egg, avocado, yogurt), henna

 

[bimbabe]

Cantu products
Shea Moisture product lines
Eco Styler Gel
Coconut Oil

 

[Colocha]

I haven't experienced tangling with the stretchy, clothy, athletic Goody Ouchless bands I'm using. But . . . does anyone make tiny silk or satin scrunchies?

I haven't found any. Etsy would be the best bet if someone makes them though.

I try to avoid thin hair ties now and anything made of absorbent material.

 

[MilkChocolateOne]

Coconut oil doesn't work for everyone. It's okay if it doesn't work for you. Don't try to force it. Ditto for shea butter.

If your hair likes sulfates, silicones, mineral oil, heat etc by all means continue to use them. Especially If your hair is healthy and retaining length.

Remember natural hair rules are just guidelines not mandates.

Not all type 4 hair likes heavy products. Shampoo is not the devil

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Coconut oil doesn't work for everyone. It's okay if it doesn't work for you. Don't try to force it. Ditto for shea butter.

If your hair likes sulfates, silicones, mineral oil, heat etc by all means continue to use them. Especially If your hair is healthy and retaining length.

Remember natural hair rules are just guidelines not mandates.

Not all type 4 hair likes heavy products. Shampoo is not the devil

Thanks! Hopefully folks know this. I hope!

 

[Evolving78]

Diatomaceous Earth. Don't bother. Just eat cement if you want the same experience.

It's supposed to kill bugs too. But didn't work for that either.

My girl was just talking about this, and I told her I would pass.

 

[Evolving78]

Cantu products
Shea Moisture product lines
Eco Styler Gel
Coconut Oil

All of that was a no for me dawg. But this is standard natural products. Shealoe used to be big too.

 

[MilkChocolateOne]

Thanks! Hopefully folks know this. I hope!

Some folks don't. I've been on the boards for a long time. I wish I had a dollar for every thread I have seen of people trying to make methods and products work that their hair doesn't like.

 

[bimbabe]

All of that was a no for me dawg. But this is standard natural products. Shealoe used to be big too.

In Barbados Cantu products is the first thing most people seem to try. The only thing I like is the leave in repair cream.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Some folks don't. I've been on the boards for a long time. I wish I had a dollar for every thread I have seen of people trying to make methods and products work that their hair doesn't like.

I met a natural earlier this month who could not let me have trouble with fingers-only detangling. I told her I gave it a month, it caused problems for my hair, and it took at least twice as long to earn those problems!!!

She could not accept that my hair does better when brushed once a week. That was not possible in her universe, because she has rules that she's decided are universal: Fingers only for everyone!!!!! End of story.

 

[Evolving78]

In Barbados Cantu products is the first thing most people seem to try. The only thing I like is the leave in repair cream.

I tried so hard to like and stick with that line. I even tried to water down the products to see if that would help. The repair cream had too much protein for me.
You live in Barbados? Are you able to use a lot of products with glycerin? If I lived out there, I would use Hawaiian Silky products.

 

[Evolving78]

I met a natural earlier this month who could not let me have trouble with fingers-only detangling. I told her I gave it a month, it caused problems for my hair, and it took at least twice as long to earn those problems!!!

She could not accept that my hair does better when brushed once a week. That was not possible in her universe, because she has rules that she's decided are universal: Fingers only for everyone!!!!! End of story.

I bought some hair grease for my DD.. yep works pretty good! We gotta do what works for us...

 

[bimbabe]

I tried so hard to like and stick with that line. I even tried to water down the products to see if that would help. The repair cream had too much protein for me.
You live in Barbados? Are you able to use a lot of products with glycerin? If I lived out there, I would use Hawaiian Silky products.

I do. My hair loves glycerine....best moisturizers for me right now are As I am So Much Moisture and Lutre's S' Curl.

I am trying out some more product lines-Camille Rose Naturals and Shea Moisture High Porosity Line are next.

 

[Libra08]

Every natural seems to try/love aloe vera juice. *Shudders* That stuff is the devil for my hair. Though it made me realize that I may have low porosity hair so there's something.

 

[SmilingElephant]

I'm not a newbie but I'm just starting to check out more products from Camille Rose, I love that algae deep condition and the Curl Maker

Will always love EcoStyler gel

If you are a type 3 natural curly head...just know that some of the heavier products might work for you, especially in the winter!

Type 3 tips: put your oil on top of your leave in but UNDER your gel (try it out) it kills the crunch and sometimes the flake...on sopping wet hair. (My hair looks crappy when I apply products outside of the shower )

It is good practice to deep condition every week...but not mandatory (especially if you are a co-washer)

Think of growth aides (vitamins), as just filling in your dietary blanks. If your diet sucks and you decide to take HSN vitamins...you will notice a change.

Like someone said upthread, shampoo is your friend!!

 

[PJaye]

A few things worth mentioning:

- Don't allow yourself to get caught up in hair typing, e.g., my hair is type ___, so it automatically behaves like other type ___s, and I will only try methods and products for that hair type, and heed advice from people with the same hair type. IME, it's a hair characteristic that can be of some help, but the buck certainly doesn't stop there. FWIW, my hair can't do what others within my type can do, and the best advice I learned about products and techniques came from people who had relaxed hair.
- Knowing one's porosity is crucial and the key that opens the door to progress. Once a person knows how their hair is behaves in accordance with its structure, it becomes easier to give it the things that it needs to thrive. IMO, porosity is much more important than hair type. And, here's a fact that people rarely discuss: one's porosity can change over time and it largely depends upon the technique(s) used to address it.
- Remain reasonably open to new ideas and concepts. Having prejudices or preconceived notions with respect to products and/or techniques could hinder your progress or keep a hidden jewel out of reach. Unless it's something outlandish, give it a shot...after numerous people have tried it first and have reported their long-term findings.
- Refrain from using new products and techniques all at once. If something performs well/badly, it will be difficult to determine which product or method used led to that outcome.
- Try to avoid bandwagons. They never last and people rarely offer long-term information regarding results and outcomes.
- Your journey should never be a chore or burdensome. IME, it's best to not view it as something you have to do, but rather as a part of who you are. If your routine ever becomes a chore, don't be afraid to switch things up or cut it off.
- There's no need for a healthy routine to take all day due to completing 87 steps. Once a person has figured out what their hair responds to and how it likes to be treated, all that remains is for them to continue along that road. Trying new products is one thing and sampling all kinds of techniques is another. IME, keeping things simple - clean it, feed/nourish it, finish it up then style it - produces the best outcomes.
- Keep your journey as individualized and conscientious as possible. Cheer Suzie on as she rakes gel throughout her entire head with the knowledge that if you were to do the same thing, you would reach Bawlheadland before the month was out. Support black owned businesses at every opportunity (and look for ways to do so) and dump those that disrespect our community. That DC may be good, but is it really worth it in the end?

If I think of more, I'll come back and add them (but I shouldn't since I've already heavily cluttered up this thread).

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

A few things worth mentioning:

- Don't allow yourself to get caught up in hair typing, e.g., my hair is type ___, so it automatically behaves like other type ___s, and I will only try methods and products for that hair type, and heed advice from people with the same hair type. IME, it's a hair characteristic that can be of some help, but the buck certainly doesn't stop there. FWIW, my hair can't do what others within my type can do, and the best advice I learned about products and techniques came from people who had relaxed hair.
- Knowing one's porosity is crucial and the key that opens the door to progress. Once a person knows how their hair is behaves in accordance with its structure, it becomes easier to give it the things that it needs to thrive. IMO, porosity is much more important than hair type. And, here's a fact that people rarely discuss: one's porosity can change over time and it largely depends upon the technique(s) used to address it.
- Remain reasonably open to new ideas and concepts. Having prejudices or preconceived notions with respect to products and/or techniques could hinder your progress or keep a hidden jewel out of reach. Unless it's something outlandish, give it a shot...after numerous people have tried it first and have reported their long-term findings.
- Refrain from using new products and techniques all at once. If something performs well/badly, it will be difficult to determine which product or method used led to that outcome.
- Try to avoid bandwagons. They never last and people rarely offer long-term information regarding results and outcomes.
- Your journey should never be a chore or burdensome. IME, it's best to not view it as something you have to do, but rather as a part of who you are. If your routine ever becomes a chore, don't be afraid to switch things up or cut it off.
- There's no need for a healthy routine to take all day due to completing 87 steps. Once a person has figured out what their hair responds to and how it likes to be treated, all that remains is for them to continue along that road. Trying new products is one thing and sampling all kinds of techniques is another. IME, keeping things simple - clean it, feed/nourish it, finish it up then style it - produces the best outcomes.
- Keep your journey as individualized and conscientious as possible. Cheer Suzie on as she rakes gel throughout her entire head with the knowledge that if you were to do the same thing, you would reach Bawlheadland before the month was out. Support black owned businesses at every opportunity (and look for ways to do so) and dump those that disrespect our community. That DC may be good, but is it really worth it in the end?

If I think of more, I'll come back and add them (but I shouldn't since I've already heavily cluttered up this thread).

You are NOT cluttering up this thread!!! I really love and APPRECIATE your post. Because . . .

I am hoping to write a post that actually helps people. I feel the urge to write the blog post for two main reasons:

(1) The nature of a lot of the QUESTIONS I'm seeing in the group for our hair growth study is BLOWING ME AWAY. And then the "prejudiced" answers are blowing me out the door!!!

(2) My hair journey was super stressful. It was like having a blindfold on and walking into a labyrinth. TERRIBLE! I want to write the post that will say something like this,

"There is virtually NO END to the different combinations of technique, products, regimen steps, regimen step orders, tools, and styles that you can try. You could spend $1 million and STILL NOT EXHAUST the possible number of combinations. Mathematically that is true. So . . . let's take a step back, begin with the END IN MIND, and prioritize based on what you really want and need.

To trial a product, you must give it time. And then, it's not just about a product, but the product + technique DYNAMIC. And then . . . the STATE of your strands at the time you trial the product + technique combo . . . that matters A LOT! Healthy, protein-moisture balanced hair will yield different results from a product/technique combo than will not so healthy over-moisturized or under-moisturized hair."
​

I want to share a list of products, processes, tools, and styles . . . not to try to tell newbies or naturals that "YOU PROBABLY SHOULD TRY THIS AT SOME POINT, PROBABLY" . . . no . . . but to compile it in black and white and say, "LOOK at this LIST! It's crazy huge!!! And it's not even complete/perfect. In my personal yet unprofessional opinion, it thus behooves us to prioritize based on goals . . . and perhaps pace ourselves and give product/technique combos a chance. Perhaps it will help to start from a baseline potential regimen that serves your hair's characteristics and nature . . . and tweak from there as you pay attention to your hair and goals . . ."

 

[PJaye]

You are NOT cluttering up this thread!!! I really love and APPRECIATE your post. Because . . .

I am hoping to write a post that actually helps people. I feel the urge to write the blog post for two main reasons:

(1) The nature of a lot of the QUESTIONS I'm seeing in the group for our hair growth study is BLOWING ME AWAY. And then the "prejudiced" answers are blowing me out the door!!!

(2) My hair journey was super stressful. It was like having a blindfold on and walking into a labyrinth. TERRIBLE! I want to write the post that will say something like this,

"There is virtually NO END to the different combinations of technique, products, regimen steps, regimen step orders, tools, and styles that you can try. You could spend $1 million and STILL NOT EXHAUST the possible number of combinations. Mathematically that is true. So . . . let's take a step back, begin with the END IN MIND, and prioritize based on what you really want and need.

To trial a product, you must give it time. And then, it's not just about a product, but the product + technique DYNAMIC. And then . . . the STATE of your strands at the time you trial the product + technique combo . . . that matters A LOT! Healthy, protein-moisture balanced hair will yield different results from a product/technique combo than will not so healthy over-moisturized or under-moisturized hair."
​

I want to share a list of products, processes, tools, and styles . . . not to try to tell newbies or naturals that "YOU PROBABLY SHOULD TRY THIS AT SOME POINT, PROBABLY" . . . no . . . but to compile it in black and white and say, "LOOK at this LIST! It's crazy huge!!! And it's not even complete/perfect. In my personal yet unprofessional opinion, it thus behooves us to prioritize based on goals . . . and perhaps pace ourselves and give product/technique combos a chance. Perhaps it will help to start from a baseline potential regimen that serves your hair's characteristics and nature . . . and tweak from there as you pay attention to your hair and goals . . ."

Ah, I see (and thank you). What kinds of questions and prejudices are you encountering?

 

[mzteaze]

Castor oil or JBCO
Coconut oil
Indian hair piling
Bandwagon
YouTube product recommendations

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

You are NOT cluttering up this thread!!! I really love and APPRECIATE your post. Because . . .

I am hoping to write a post that actually helps people. I feel the urge to write the blog post for two main reasons:

(1) The nature of a lot of the QUESTIONS I'm seeing in the group for our hair growth study is BLOWING ME AWAY. And then the "prejudiced" answers are blowing me out the door!!!

(2) My hair journey was super stressful. It was like having a blindfold on and walking into a labyrinth. TERRIBLE! I want to write the post that will say something like this,

"There is virtually NO END to the different combinations of technique, products, regimen steps, regimen step orders, tools, and styles that you can try. You could spend $1 million and STILL NOT EXHAUST the possible number of combinations. Mathematically that is true. So . . . let's take a step back, begin with the END IN MIND, and prioritize based on what you really want and need.

To trial a product, you must give it time. And then, it's not just about a product, but the product + technique DYNAMIC. And then . . . the STATE of your strands at the time you trial the product + technique combo . . . that matters A LOT! Healthy, protein-moisture balanced hair will yield different results from a product/technique combo than will not so healthy over-moisturized or under-moisturized hair."
​

I want to share a list of products, processes, tools, and styles . . . not to try to tell newbies or naturals that "YOU PROBABLY SHOULD TRY THIS AT SOME POINT, PROBABLY" . . . no . . . but to compile it in black and white and say, "LOOK at this LIST! It's crazy huge!!! And it's not even complete/perfect. In my personal yet unprofessional opinion, it thus behooves us to prioritize based on goals . . . and perhaps pace ourselves and give product/technique combos a chance. Perhaps it will help to start from a baseline potential regimen that serves your hair's characteristics and nature . . . and tweak from there as you pay attention to your hair and goals . . ."

One thing emerging in the group is a prejudice against DIY treatments. One of the professionals (whom I respect) posted that a lot of folks have had to chop off their hair after experimenting with DIY products. This scared folks and elicited responses like, "Thanks for telling me! I'll never DIY now." Then someone responded with, basically, "DIY is all I do and I have major length and health." I was like, "You could research it carefully, read about allergic responses to your ingredients, patch test it . . ."

 

[MilkChocolateOne]

One thing emerging in the group is a prejudice against DIY treatments. One of the professionals (whom I respect) posted that a lot of folks have had to chop off their hair after experimenting with DIY products. This scared folks and elicited responses like, "Thanks for telling me! I'll never DIY now." Then someone responded with, basically, "DIY is all I do and I have major length and health." I was like, "You could research it carefully, read about allergic responses to your ingredients, patch test it . . ."

no disrespect to any licensed cosmetologists but hair care is one area where I found out that licensed doesn't mean expert. Most are experts at styling and chemical services only, very few know how to cut well. Too many are clueless about retaining length, scalp health, scalp conditions etc.. and too many have a one size fits all approach.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

no disrespect to any licensed cosmetologists but hair care is one area where I found out that licensed doesn't mean expert. Most are experts at styling and chemical services only, very few know how to cut well. Too many are clueless about retaining length, scalp health, scalp conditions etc.. and too many have a one size fits all approach.

I'm afraid you might be right.

I went to Huetiful for a consultation and did not book afterwards: The licensed professional had too little knowledge. Unable to answer my basic questions. Had not HEARD of the DevaCurl product line. Had not HEARD of using clay on the hair (she asked me about my regimen, so I mentioned my periodic clay washing.) Unwilling to wet my hair during the consultation. "Why am I here right now, then, and what am I paying for right now, then?!??" I thought. It was disappointing to get a sitter and drive that far for that.

Sadly, I can't get into to this very popular natural hairgrower's client rotation, so I may end up trying Huetiful for my trim. The options are so slim here. Even the good salon jacked up my hair by making it very rough with tons of synthetic ingredients in their products. Stylist didn't have the FLEXIBILITY to use natural products on my hair -- to use the type of INGREDIENTS my hair had become accustomed to. Very limited.

ETA: After saying, "Clay?!?? Like, actual clay?!?? On your hair?" she then TOLD ME that applying clay was probably DAMAGING to my strands.