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Read this post to see which products made the list of my top natural hair products of 2021!
If you’re anything like me, you’re kind of a product junkie when it comes to natural hair products. Luckily, I’m here to help you choose the products you absolutely need! These are the products I reached for the most in 2021, which was a crazy hair year for me (see this post to see what I mean). For reference, I have medium length, high porosity, Type 3c/4a/4b natural hair.
Shampoo: Ion Hard Water Shampoo
For the last half of 2022, this shampoo was the only one I reached for! I watched a YouTube video about how the type of water we watch our hair with can cause build up and damage, and this shampoo was recommended. As soon as I tried it, I was in love! It gets my hair super clean without drying it out, and it reduced my frizz by a lot. The price point is in the middle of high and low end, but it is worth it! Bonus: this product is 100% vegan!
Co-wash: EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cowash
I’m not really a co-wash girl, but I do use them to help detangle when I come out of a protective style or if my hair/scalp gets sweaty in the summer. And, this co-wash is the only one I use. It contains ingredients my hair loves, such as aloe vera and shea butter, and it is very affordable. If you’re looking for a moisturizing, cleansing co-wash, try this one out today! Bonus: this brand is Black-owned and cruelty-free!
Deep Conditioner: Mielle Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner
Y’all…after I combed out my locs, this deep conditioner SAVED my hair! This is now my favorite deep conditioner of all time! It is perfect for restoring the protein/moisture balance, especially for damaged, colored, and high porosity hair. It’s affordable, smells great, and contains organic, plant-based ingredients. I don’t know how else I can say it: GET THIS DEEP CONDITIONER!! Bonus: This brand is Black-owned!
Read: How to Deep Condition Your Hair Like a Pro
Read: Tips for High Porosity Natural Hair
Leave-In Conditioner: Mielle Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk
Not only is this product on my list of holy grails, it is also one of my top natural hair products of 2021! This lightweight, creamy hair milk moisturized my locs and my loose natural hair, and the ingredients include plant-based, organic ingredients like aloe vera and lavender. If I never use another leave-in conditioner again, it’s fine with me! Bonus: This brand is Black-owned!
Styling Creme: Texture ID Styling Creme
Like the last product, this styling creme is also on my list of holy grail products! It is ABSOLUTELY perfect for one-product wash and gos (especially on Type 4 hair), and it is super moisturizing. I honestly don’t know how Texture ID does it, but this creme costs less than $10! I literally have at least 3 in my stash at all times! If I had to throw away all of my products and only keep one, this one would be it! 💯
Read: How to Get the Perfect Twist Out
Gel: Wet Line Xtreme Macro Clear Styling Gel
By default, the Wet Line XTreme gel wins as my favorite gel of 2021. I didn’t use much gel this year, but one I can always rely on is Wet Line. However, in 2022, I do want to try out more styling gels with better, quality, plant-based ingredients, so if you know of any with lots of hold, drop them in the comments! (Note: I did not have a great experience with the Camille Rose Curl Maker…flake city!)
Read: Why Your Wash and Go is a Fail
Oil: Wild Growth Hair Oil
Like most naturals, I’ve been hearing about this oil for years, but towards the end of 2021, I decided to try it for myself. And I found out…it is definitely worth the hype! This oil smells amazing, and it has helped to grow my hair quite quickly. If you’ve always been interested in it, I think you should try it!
Read: 10 Ways to Use Oils on Natural Hair
Biggest Surprise: The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam
I’ve never been able to use a mousse on my hair because they’ve always made my tresses dry and crusty, but I watched a YouTube video of someone using this particular mousse for a one-product wash-and-go, and I just had to try it. Y’ALL! This mousse was EV-ER-Y-THANG!!!! I was so pleasantly surprised that I could get a defined, frizz-free, long-lasting wash-and-go with a mousse! If you don’t believe me, you have to try this mousse for yourself! Bonus: This brand is Black-owned!
New to Me Brand: PATTERN Beauty
Because I love Tracee Ellis Ross (and I watched a great video by AbbieCurls), I finally bit the bullet and bought some PATTERN Beauty products! Because they’re so expensive , I only bought travel-size products, and they did not disappoint! From the beautiful packaging to the luxurious smell, Ms. Ross did what she had to do! I hate to admit it, but I’ll probably be back at Ulta for the full size of the leave-in conditioner, styling creme, and gel. They are moisturizing, have great hold, and are perfect for braid outs. If you want to splurge, check out PATTERN Beauty! Bonus: This brand is Black-owned and vegan!
Read: My Favorite Natural Hair YouTube Channels
Edge Control: Edge Booster Edge Control
Ever since this edge control came out, it’s been the only one I’ve used! It’s waterproof, long-lasting, and a little bit goes a long way! It’s a little more expensive than others, but it’s worth it!
Accessories: Satin Scrunchies
I love satin scrunchies so much! Like, where were these our entire childhood? I use them when I workout, when I sleep, and to stretch my wash-and-gos. Satin scrunchies help prevent breakage, and they make styling my puffs and up-dos super easy!
Tool: Simply Straight Ceramic Hair Straightening Brush
I always swore these straightening brushes were not for us, but my sister bought one, and I’ve been using it ever since! It works great in the place of a blow dryer, and it sets the perfect foundation for a sleek press.
Those are all of my top natural hair products of 2021! What products were in your frequent rotation this year? What releases are you looking forward to in 2022? Be sure to leave a comment below!
