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As a new natural in 2018, I was watching so many YouTube videos and reading all of the blogs so I could know what I needed for my hair. And honestly, it became exhausting and confusing, and my shopping list kept changing! Lucky for you, this post outlines everything you need to have a healthy, flourishing crown of natural curls.

Shampoos

As a curly girl, you need at least 2 shampoos: a clarifying shampoo and a moisturizing shampoo. A moisturizing shampoo is one that is safe to use every week on your strands. It gently cleanses the hair while moisturizing and not stripping. A clarifying shampoo is stronger. It provides a deep cleanse to the scalp and hair. In my opinion, it is always good to have both. I use a moisturizing shampoo every week in my normal routine. And the clarifying shampoo is for before and after protective styles, after swimming, or when there is serious build-up on my scalp.

Conditioner/Co-wash

I don’t typically use conditioner in my routine because I deep condition every week, but I know that some people really swear by conditioning either before or after shampooing. I only use a co-wash in two situations: 1. my hair becomes EXTREMELY dry and crusty in between wash days or 2. before shampooing after a protective style to really detangle. Thus, I don’t think it’s necessary to hoard conditioners, especially if you deep condition every week. 1-2 good, solid conditioners/co-washes should be enough.

Deep Conditioner

If you didn’t get it by now, you should be deep conditioning every time you shampoo. And in my opinion, every curly girl needs at least 2 deep conditioners: one for moisture and one for protein. Maintaining the healthy balance between moisture and protein is SUPER important! So, if your hair feels dry, use the moisturizing deep conditioner. If your strands feel brittle (or you color your hair), use the protein deep conditioner more often. Or, mix them together! The choice is yours. (Just don’t skip it altogether, okay?)

Plastic Cap/Shower Cap

I just couldn’t leave this one out! I like the plastic caps for deep conditioning, especially because I usually deep condition in the shower with all the steam. And we all know what shower caps are for: prolonging that style! Water and steam can ruin our styles, so a shower cap over the bonnet is definitely essential!

Combs/Brushes

I know some naturals don’t use hair tools, but I am not one of these people! My collection includes a wide-tooth comb, a Tangle Teezer, a rat-tail comb, and a hard brush. And to me, these are most definitely essential! The wide-tooth comb is for detangling in the shower, the Tangle Teezer is for stying, the rat-tail comb is for clean parts, and the hard brush is for slick styles. Of course, there are so many other detangling combs and brushes, so just get the ones that work for you!

Spray Bottle

I don’t know any curly girls that don’t have a spray bottle! Whether it’s filled with water, aloe vera juice, rosewater, or some other tonic, every natural has a spray bottle to re-moisturize those curls! There are fancy mister bottles and regular $1 spray bottles, but any one will do.

Leave-in conditioner

Believe it or not, there was a time where I did not use leave-in conditioner. (What was wrong with me?) But now, I consider it essential. I either apply mine in the shower or while styling after spraying my hair with aloe vera juice. I also use leave-in conditioner to moisturize during the week, help shape my hair, and before I blow dry. I like creamy leave-ins, spray leave-ins, and hair milks, but the key is to find what you like, and may attention to the ingredients that your hair responds well, too. Just don’t be like the old me and not use one at all.

Creams and Stylers

For my thick curls, creams and stylers are definitely essentials. I use some type of cream with each of my styles, especially twist outs. Creams and stylers not only moisturize the hair, but they also add some definition and hold. Personally, I like my styler between a leave-in and a gel, but some stylers are so moisturizing that I do not even need a leave-in!

Oil/Butter

I know there is debate in the “Natural Hair Community” about oils, but I like them on my hair and on my scalp. Without oils, my scalp would be an itchy mess! And most people I know love Jamaican Black Castor Oil for their edges. I’m no expert on oils and butters, so I can’t tell you which ones to get, but definitely try some out! Olive oil and coconut oil are pretty easy to find everywhere, so if you haven’t used oils before, that’s a good place to start!

Gel

I always say that if I could only keep one type of natural hair product, it would be gels. And quite frankly, my gel collection is out of control! I love gels because they add definition and shine and they allow my styles to last all week. For me, I also use a little bit of gel to touch up my hair between wash days. Unless I’m rocking a fluffed out high puff or a blown-out style, chances are, I used gel. Oh! And if you’re worried about the ingredients, there are tons of easy recipes online for homemade flax seed gel, too!

Satin Scarf, Bonnet, or Pillowcase

It’s 2020: who doesn’t have a bonnet? But seriously, all naturals have to protect our curls at night. I prefer bonnets and satin pillowcases, but satin scarves work, too! Not only do these items preserve our styles, but they also help lock in our moisture and prevent breakage while we sleep. (Especially if you’re a wild sleeper like me)

Hair Ties

I have three favorite types of hair ties: satin scrunchies, no snag hair-ties, and puff cuffs. These are my favorites because they don’t give me headaches and they minimize breakage. And satin scrunchies are perfect if you sleep with a “pineapple”. Oh, and if you’re in the “awkward length” phase, puff cuffs and no snag headbands are perfect to create a high puff. Anyway, just find your favorite hair ties that minimize breakage.

Steamer/Dryer/Diffuser

I know this isn’t an essential for everyone, but for me, it is. I don’t always have time to air-dry. And with rod sets, it’s just easier to have a dryer to sit under. I don’t stress too much about heat, so I like to stretch my curls with a blow dryer or blow dry it for trimming and protective styles. But, use your own judgment. If you want one of these in your stash, get it. If not, don’t.

Hair Scissors

Last but not least, hair scissors. Using regular scissors on the hair just enhances split ends, so it’s important to invest in scissors that are actually for hair. How often you trim is up to you and your hair, but the right scissors are key.

BONUS ITEMS!

I was trying to keep the list as short as possible, so these are the honorable mentions. They’re not quite “essential”, but they’re good to have on hand.

  • Edge control
  • Edge brush
  • Bobby pins
  • Headbands and fun hair clips
  • Scalp massager
  • Microfiber towel
  • Heated deep conditioning cap

That’s it! What are your natural hair essentials?

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