For many black men and women, hair is very important. Our hair is our culture and a way of expressing ourselves. For many younger people in the curly hair community starting to learn how to take care of their hair is hard, so we have made a list of recommendations from some people on staff.  

Shampoo:

Demaiia King- I get the “Herbal Gro Shampoo and Conditioner Dual Set” and you can get them at Walmart or almost any hair store in the area. They usually go for about $15.99. They help strengthen my hair at the roots and detangle it. 

Mikaia Jones-NOU No Strip Sulfate Free Shampoo- It is a gentle shampoo that removes buildup without stripping the hair of its natural oils (Walmart for $7.98) 

Marciana Johnson- Love Beauty and Planet 5 in 1 Multi Benefits Nourishing Daily Shampoo with Biotin & Sun-Kissed Mandarin –Helps cleanse the scalp, is a little drying to the hair but fine if you use the right conditioner (about $7) 

Gabby Bloomfield- Sunny Isle- Jamaican Black Castor Oil Extra Dark Shampoo- Sulfate and Paraben free and leaves my hair super soft and easy to comb through! Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo Infused with Biotin, helps with dry and brittle hair. 

Jahzara Veasey- Olaplex No. 4, it is on the pricier side, but it is very nourishing, and you do not need a lot. 

Conditioner:

Mikaia Jones- NOU Nourishing Moisture Conditioner- This conditioner hydrates and moisturizes hair for soft and flexible curls that make a difference after a wash (Walmart $7.98) 

Marciana Johnson-Carols Daughter wash day delight in scent rose- Very moisturizing. Works best when you leave it for about 5 minutes. Leaves your hair super soft and fluffy. (about $30) 

Gabby Bloomfield- As I Am- Detangling Conditioner- Detangles really well and reduces breakage! Also defines my curls! 

Jahzara Veasey- The Olaplex deep conditioner is what I lean towards. It is great for coarser hair types. 

Curl Creams/Moisturizing products:  

Demaiia King- I get the “Cantu Coconut Curling Cream.” It softens my hair, and it smells really good, too. You can get this at hair stores and Walmart also. It costs around 7 dollars. 

Mikaia Jones- Natural Wunderz Curl Defining Curly Q Curl Creame- This water-based creme makes hair buttery soft and gets rid of frizz. I use this for my twist-out and it always creates the prettiest curls even when the hair wasn’t twisted for long. (Stein Mart or local beauty supply $19.94) 

Marciana Johnson- Cantu coconut curl cream- Leaves a nice hold on your curls without drying them out. Leaves hair soft. (Around 7 dollars) 

Gels:

Demaiia King – I like to use two different hair gels, depending on what style I’m trying to do. I use the “Let’s Jam Shining and Conditioning Gel Extra Hold” for basic styling. Like if I want a natural bun or sleek ponytail. It’s around $4. Sometimes for my edges I use Ebin New York’s “24 Hour Edge Tamer” just to secure my baby hairs in place. It’s small to be about $9 but it’s worth it. To style my hair I like to use a double-sided hairbrush and comb with these products. It costs about $3-4. There isn’t a specific brand, but you can get all these products at a hair store or Walmart. 

Mikaia Jones- Murray’s Beeswax Natural-Loc Molding Paste- This product is perfect if you are doing your own braids and need to define your parts. It truly holds everything in place which makes the styles last longer as well as enhancing the hair’s natural sheen. (Local beauty supply $3.92-7.99 depending on size) 

Marciana Johnson- Marc Anthony: Strictly Curls- Frizz Control and Humidity shield- Leaves a great hold but there is sort of a learning curve. It doesn’t dry out hair and leaves soft fluffy curls. (Around $8) 

Gabby Bloomfield- ORS Olive Oil Ultra HD Gel Sleek Smoothing infused with Castor Oil Slicks my 4B hair down really well! The Doux Twist and Curl Cream 

Jahzara Veasey-The Eco styler olive oil gel hold your hair in place without flakiness. 

Detanglers:

Demaiia King- I rarely use a detangler but when I do I get Shea Moisture’s “Raw Shea Butter Moisturizing Detangler.” It’s a rich and thick cream that curls my hair and silks it so it’s easier to manage. I usually get this at Walmart for around 12 dollars 

Mikaia Jones- Nou No Damage Detangler- I went for a while without a good detangler and this cut my hair takedown time in half! It provides extra slip for easy detangling and defined curls. It leaves hair much softer before and after a wash. (Walmart $7.98) 

Gabby Bloomfield- Silky Hydration Detangling Leave-In Conditioner 

Hair Dryers/Diffusers:

Demaiia King- My hair dryer is the Hot Beauty “1875 Ceramic Styling Dryer” with 2 bonus attachments. It has hot and cold air adjustments, and you can change the air pressure too. I never use it without attachments, but depending on how thick your hair is, the attachments might break but it’s easily replaced. The dryer, on the other hand, has a very long duration period. It’s been in my family for years. It cost about $17 

Gabby Blomfield- Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer 

Hair Straightening:

Demaiia King- I usually don’t have my hair flat ironed, but when I do, I use a mesh head wrap to help protect the straightness of it. It’s very flexible and comfy and around $3-4. I also use silk bonnets which are about $10. 

Gabby Bloomfield- BaByliss Nano Titanium Flat Iron – The titanium is healthier for your hair than any other metal and also straightens in one run through! 

Hair is an important way of self-expression, and it is very important to take care of it in a way you see fit. Although these products won’t work for everyone, they are certainly a way to help you get started. Your hair is beautiful, and you should be able to wear it proudly. this is just one step to helping that.