Do you love natural hair products? Well prepare yourself for EPICNESS!!!
BlackHairOMG is bringing you a never-been-done-before expert panel interview with some of the most widely-known and successful natural hairstyles experts on Earth.
We heard your questions after we posted the article about the top best-selling hair products for black hairstyles. You wanted to know about the specific products your favorite naturalistas had on their shelves. We delivered for you, I guaran-dang-tee you that, we got the best of the best for you.
Many of these 50 natural hair gurus have been featured in Essence, Ebony, The New York Times
, Elle Magazine, Marie Claire, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, BlackEnterprise.com, Dr.Oz and on The Today Show.We have CEOs, popular black hair bloggers, film producers, published authors, star YouTube vloggers and even a couple of scientists!
They're all naturalistas, and all are spilling the beans on the products they use
that have helped their natural black hairstyles become inspiration for thousands and thousands of women across the globe (literally)!
I asked these 50 celebrated naturals a tough question:
“If you could only use 3 moisturizing hair care products FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, what would they be?”
The question was designed to cut through the fluff and extra stuff and get straight to the best natural hair products. Period.
So many women are new to natural hairstyles and are overwhelmed by all the 1,000,001 hair products for natural hair. That’s why I decided the only way to find out the real hidden gems and power products was to ask the experts and see if the best hair products for black hairstyles would indeed reveal themselves. Well guess what...they have.
Over 70 products were mentioned, some brands got mentioned repeatedly. So without further ado, here are the top moisturizers for natural hairstyles:
Favorite Natural Hair Moisturizers (as voted by 50 52 experts!)
#1 Shea Moisture brand products (see answers below for specifics) - 15 votes
#2 Coconut Oil - coconut oil for hair was the most voted with 14 votes
#3 Water - 10 votes
#4 Raw Shea Butter – 8 votes
#5 Thank God It's Natural brand products (see answers below for specifics)- 7 votes
#6 Cantu brand products – 6 votes (see answers below for specifics)
#7 Q-Redew Portable Hair Steamer (not a hair product but it got votes)- 5 votes
#8 Eden Body Works brand products & Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner – tied with 4 votes
#9 Aloe Vera & Olive Oil - tied with 3 votes
Read on to discover each expert’s favorite 3 moisturizers for natural hairstyles with their awesome tips on how to use them! You can either skip to your favorite expert using these quick links or grab a coffee, get comfortable and get to scrolling!
Abiola Abrams, Afrobella, Aisha M., Alexandria Williams, AlleySinai, Alma Ruddock (BlackHairInformation.com),
Amber McKinnon, Antonia Opiah, Ariane Williams, AsToldByAllie, Atilola Moronfolu, Audrey Sivasothy, Cassidy
Blackwell, Chimere Norris, Chris-Tia Donaldson, Christene Carr, Christina Patrice, Courtney P., Crystal Michelle,
Del Sandeen, DeLaurian Burton, Felicia Walker Benson, GlamTwinz334, I Am Posh Syd, Imani A.Dawson, Itsknotsoeasy
Janna Peterson-Waddell, Jenell B Stewart, MS ED, Jenni J., Jessica Gray, Jocelyn Reneé, Jolie Luvlee,
Karen Tappin, Kcurly, Kiianah Johnson, Krystle Sims, Lisa Irby, Louisa Kiwana, Miko Branch, Miss LaLa,
MsJGray, MsVaughnTV, Nicia Alston, NikkiMae2003, RazorEmpress, Renee Morris, Sista WithRealHair,
Tarin Boone, Taylor Bryant, The SistahChick, Vashti Patrick-Joseph, Victoria Olubi, Who Is Sugar
Best Moisturizing Natural Hair Products for Natural Hairstyles
Responses listed in the order they were received in:
Here are Patrice's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
My three moisturizing ingredients are coconut oil, shea butter and aloe vera. Any combination of those things and my coils are on point!
Recap:
1. Coconut oil
2. Shea Butter
3. Aloe Vera
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Founder of Afrobella®. She's known by many as the Godmother of Brown Beauty Blogging.
Trinidadian-born writer Patrice Grell Yursik created Afrobella.com to fill a void and to celebrate the inner and outer beauty of women all shades of beautiful. Her award-winning blog shines a loving light on natural hair and the wonderfully wide range of gorgeous skin tones and sizes women come in.
Patrice has been featured in Essence, Ebony, Glamour, the Trinidad Guardian, and Fast Company. Patrice has contributed her writing to Essence, Newsweek.com, and Ebony.com. She has been heard on NPR and The Michael Baisden Show, amongst other radio programs. She has covered red carpets at the BET Awards, New York Fashion Week and the Academy Awards. She has been featured in advertising campaigns for haircare brand Cream of Nature and cosmetics brand Lancome, and hosted events for brands including Microsoft, P&G, Huetiful and Carol's Daughter. She is currently part of Target's Inner Circle group of online influencers.
In 2011 Afrobella partnered with MAC Cosmetics to create her own custom lipglass called "All Of My Purple Life," part of the Bloggers' Obsession collection (which debuted on June 21,2011, and sold out in a week).
She was the natural hair blogger at AOL’s Black Voices and was one of the first writers for Vogue Italia’s Vogue Black online, and contributed the weekly Natural Hair Diary feature to Essence.com. Currently Patrice is a contributing editor at Glam.com.
Patrice has become a sought after speaker and has presented keynotes and talks at Blogging While Brown, BlogHer, New Media Expo, Blogalicious, and TEDxPortofSpain Trinidad in 2012.
Afrobella was listed as one of Ebony Magazine's Power 100, and has won more than ten online awards, including inclusion to the Black Weblog Awards Hall of Fame. Afrobella.com has had over 11 million pageviews in its existence.
Here are SistaWith RealHair's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
I only deep condition 1-2 times a month, however, the benefits of the conditioner linger for weeks after initial use, primarily because it is silicone based.
2. Grapeseed oil is a huge part of my regimen, it’s light, odorless, full of ceramides, vitamin E and linoleic acid. This combo does wonders for my hair and adds to my hairs length retention. Oil is typically not regarded as a moisturizer, rather a sealant, however, anything that conditions, strengthens, makes my hair manageable, soft and shiny, that’s a moisturizer in my book! lol
3. Luster’s pink moisturizing lotion does wonders for my wash n go. My hair thrives on petroleum based products.
Lusters pink lotion is predominately mineral oil. Mineral oil not only helps seal in moisture, but it keeps my hair soft and moisturized for days without having to rewet or re moisturize. Keracare dry and itchy scalp moisturizing conditioner, grapeseed oil and luster’s pink lotion are 3 products I could see using for the rest of my life.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Sista WithRealHair has gorgeous, long and natural hair. She also has a healthy following on Youtube as her channel continues to get more and more popular. What many find so endearing about her is that she doesn't always go by the “rules” of healthy hair as deemed by most online hair communities, which makes her a breath of fresh air because you aren’t hearing the same information over and over again. Her styles are extremely innovative and she has a true Philly-homegirl demeanor that has drawn many fans in the natural hair community. Subscribe to Sista WithRealHair's YouTube channel, her vids are great!
Here are Audrey's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
My three products would be...
1. Water
2. Curls Crème Brulee Moisturizer
3. Coconut Oil (to seal in my moisture)
With those three items, I would be set for life. =)
If I could include a 4th moisturizing product, it would be Uncle Funky's Daughter Extra Butter.
It's a buttery, moisturizing styler that I could probably seal with in lieu of the coconut oil.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Audrey Davis-Sivasothy is a Health Scientist, published author and long-time, healthy hair care advocate and enthusiast.
Sivasothy has written extensively on the intricacies of caring for hair at home. Her wildly popular book, The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair Care, has been featured in The Huffington Post, Essence Magazine, and Hype Hair Magazine.
The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair Care combines research with testimony in an authoritative reference text dedicated to the care of black hair- relaxed or natural.
This powerful book introduces readers to a comprehensive healthy hair care strategy for achieving beautifully radiant hair regardless of hair type. Black hair structure, properties, and maintenance methods are carefully outlined throughout this go-to reference book to give you the tools you need to improve the health and look of your hair, TODAY.
Here are Alma's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
Ok here’s my answer:
If I could use just 3 moisturizing products, they would be ….
1. CURLS Whipped Cream - Fantastic product that keeps my braid outs on point all week and smells just lush!
2. Boots Coconut & Almond Intensive hair mask - Its a UK only product but nothing on the face of the earth is more slippery or moisturising.
3. Kinky Curly Knot Today - I love this leave in conditioner! I use it with my natural hair blow dryer and it has great ingredients which makes me feel like I am doing the best thing for my hair and because I always water it down with some H20 and other stuff, it lasts a looong time!
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Alma Rudduck is the entrepreneur behind one of the UK’s fastest growing haircentric websites, Black Hair Information. Her and her team of writers do an outstanding job of breaking down hair techniques and offering useful hair tips for naturals of all hair types.
Her goal is to reach as many women of color as she can about healthy hair practices, natural hair and the fact that anyone can have long healthy hair of their own (“long” being very objective of course).
She's not only talking about the web savvy healthy-hair journeyers who are already subscribed to seven natural hair blogs, but also the random women on the street to whom it’s never occurred to them that black hair can actually be healthy, beautiful and long.
Here are Amber's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
2. Oyin Hair Dew - My hair doesn't respond well to super heavy products, so Hair Dew is perfect for me. It's lightweight but provided lasting moisture, and it smells incredible.
3. Q-Redew Portable Hair Steamer - The Q-Redew isn't a hair care product, per se, but it helps my hair care products work better. It's one of the best hair steamers for natural Black hair. It opens the hair cuticles so moisturizers can better penetrate the hair shaft. It's great for my low-porosity hair.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Amber founded the Brown Bombshell Beauty website in 2008 as an online resource for women of color, from the beauty newbie to the beauty obsessed. The name Brown Bombshell Beauty pays homage to Amber’s personal beauty icons, brown beauties from Hollywood’s bombshell era and modern-day bombshells alike. A life-long beauty product fanatic and former makeup artist, Amber provides readers with product reviews, tutorials, celeb trends and beauty news. She is currently writing a beauty e-book, The Brown Bombshell Guide to Beauty.
Amber has been featured on several national online publications, including Ebony.com, The Huffington Post and Elle.com. She was recognized in Creme of Nature Hair Care’s ‘Influential Beauty Blogger’ campaign in 2010.
She recently became the on-air beauty expert for lifestyle radio show.
Here are Suga's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1. Alikay Naturals "Shea Yogurt Hair Moisturizer"
2. Lawrence Ray Concepts "Mega Bounce & Body Shake & Go Leave-In Conditioner"
3. And good ol' water, jojoba oil and lavender essential oil hair mist. You can make it yourself, put it in a spray bottle and mist your hair.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: You’ll know it’s her because she sports vintage threads and a head full of natural hair that is “accented” with more than a few streaks of silver. She is a married mother of 3 boys and a furry cat daughter, Master of Arts degree in psychology holder, promoter of positive energy, facilitator of change, clinician turned full-time YouTube Vlogger, lover of fine arts, vintage clothing, and good eats, obsessed with words and digs the ways certain words sound coming out of her mouth like “onomatopoeia,” poet, off and on professional photographer of the human condition, bookworm, painter on canvass when inspired, queen of revamp, 10% of the day dancer...with an emphasis is pseudo breakdancing, off key singer, lover of life and laughter, owner of a lot of footwear and encourages people to look at them when she says “owww, look at my shoes!” Sugar is really named Sugar (spare her the Sugar jokes, please). Online, she is known as “whoissugar” and “but sug.” Check out her Who Is Sugar YouTube channel!
Here are Jenell's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
I have many favorites but the one I'm loving on right now is the SheaMoisture JBCO Masque. I deep condition after every single shampoo to restore proper moisture back to my hair. Because my hair needs moisturizing every few days I prefer to use products with natural and organic butters as my daily moisturizer. Once again I have many favorites but I've been reaching for the EverButter Butter Mint smoothie a lot lately.
Recap:
1. Water
2. SheaMoisture JBCO Masque
3. EverButter Butter Mint smoothie
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Jenell Stewart, the founder and editor-in-chief of the award winning KinkyCurlyCoilyMe.com website dedicates most of her free time educating and uplifting women with natural hair by way of her extremely popular website and YouTube channel. Jenell has been featured in Essence Magazine, BlackEnterprise.com, and starred on the Dr.Oz television show as a Beauty Expert. In 2014, Jenell won the Root Top 100 Peoples Choice Award, In 2012 she was named one of Essences top Instagramers and that same year KinkyCurlyCoilyMe won an award for “Favorite Website” of the Natural Hair Community.
Here are Abiola's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
She breaks down why she believes in the L.O.C. method. That means using Liquid, Oil and Cream for getting and maintaining greatly moisturized natural hair.
Here's her top 3 natural hair moisturizers:
1. Water
2. Coconut Oil
3. SheaMoisture Curl & Style Milk
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Abiola Abrams is known as America’s Self-Love Coach. Abiola is the author of “The Sacred Bombshell Handbook of Self-Love” and the upcoming “Sacred Bombshell Business Bible.”
The Essence advice columnist also gives advice on sites like Match.com and can been seen spreading her gospel of divine feminine power on TV networks from the Discovery Channel and MTV to the BBC.
Abiola is an award-winning advice columnist, transformational speaker, and certified life coach. As the Midwife for Your Inspired Life, she helps you tap into your purpose and give birth to your calling. Her specialty is inspiring Big Vision Women with soul care and sacred strategy to: look fear in the face, stop playing small, and step into greatness. Abiola’s Hear Me Roar Process is a 9-step mind-body-spirit approach to manifesting personal power for her “spiritpreneurs.”
As a women’s lifestyle journalist, Abiola hosted shows for networks like BET and is currently the creator of inspirational products such as her Self-Love Meditations Album and African Goddess Affirmation Cards. Her online empowerment programs help women to answer and rock their callings, by turning self-love to self-launch. Abiola Abrams has a Bachelor’s Degree from Sarah Lawrence where she studied in sociology and writing, a Master’s Degree from Vermont College, and a coaching certification from American University of NLP. She is the founder of the women’s empowerment blog SacredBombshell.com and web series AbiolaTV.com and the podcast Spiritpreneur School.
Abiola Abrams has a free Self-Worth kit for readers of this site at OwnYourBombshell.com.
Here are Antonia's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
Thanks for reaching out. That’s a pretty easy question to answer. I don’t fuss much with my hair as I keep wigs and braids in my hair rotation. But when I am messing with it (washing and styling) I use water, really any moisturizing lotion without harsh ingredients and olive oil to lock the moisture in.
I’m a big believer in keeping your hair routine simple and if any of the new naturals that read your site are interested in simple routines, they can check out this round up at: http://un-ruly.com/spend-less-time-on-your-hair-simple-natural-hair-regimens.
Hope this helps.
Recap:
1. Water
2. Any moisturizing lotion without harsh chemicals
3. Olive oil
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Antonia is the Founder of Un-Ruly.com and a contributor to The Huffington Post.
Antonia organized a public art exhibition entitled "You Can Touch My Hair" in order to explore the "tactile fascination" with black women's hair. The two-day social experiment resulted in a wide spectrum of opinions, heated debate and ultimately a short film documenting it all. Antonia spent the last few years working for two of New York City’s top digital advertising agencies such as Night Agency and AKQA where she created and executed online marketing strategies for top-tier clients like Verizon, Avon and the Dial Corporation.
In early 2013 she moved on from advertising to launch un-ruly.com –- a site dedicated to black hair. Although initially launched to fill a personal desire for an online destination that offers hair inspiration -- Antonia quickly saw a larger consumer need in the category as well as an attractive business opportunity. While un-ruly.com will ultimately evolve into a social commerce platform that brings consumers the best in hair styles, care advice and products; the company has already expanded into a media network Unadorned Media with the objective of helping brands reach a highly -- engaged consumer segment in a genuine way.
Here are Del's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
My 3 moisturizers I'd use for the rest of my life are:
1. Water -- As most of us know, water is a real moisturizer, not just a sealant like the vast majority of products we buy. My hair starts feeling dry whenever I know it's time for a shampoo, so I know I get the most moisture from plain old water.
2. Shea butter -- I know it's a sealant, not a true moisturizer, but it never fails to make my hair feel really soft. Plus, I get great shine from it, too.
3. Eden Body Works Coconut Shea Leave-in Conditioner: I love this leave-in because it works no matter how I style my hair. I always need something creamy if I'm wearing a wash-n-go; with other styles, especially protective, it doesn't matter as much. So being able to use one leave-in instead of switching depending on the style makes a difference.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio:
Del Sandeen is the black hair expert for About.com and a great writer, she has been styling hair from the age of 12 (maybe before if you count the bang-cutting incident when she was 4). She's worn several different colors and dozens of hairstyles since.
Experience
Del is an accomplished writer who has always been intensely interested in hair. From a young age, she's read countless books about hair, including style guides and histories. She has worn relaxed hair, braid extensions, natural hair, various colors and has created her own natural hair recipes. In addition, she has experience styling natural and relaxed hair.
For her, the bottom line is always healthy hair. She believe's women should have fun with their hair, but also know how to care for it themselves if they can't afford a salon visit or if that's simply their preference. Because black hair has its own characteristics and needs, she wants to give every woman the knowledge to make the most of what grows out of her head. It doesn't matter what texture you have. What matters is how you care for it. There is no "good" and "bad" hair. Healthy hair is always good!
Here are Lisa's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1. Qhemet Biologics Amla Heavy Cream
2. Jane Carter Nourish and Shine
3. Afro Veda Shea Amla Whipped Butter
All three are great for kinkier hair types and I don't have to re-apply as often. Afro Veda's product also makes for a very soft and lasting twist out.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Lisa Irby is the Founder of NapturallyCurly.com and a natural hair enthusiast who transitioned for 18 months with no big chop. She's living proof that you don't have to cut all your hair off if you want to go natural.
She also an extremely successful Internet entrepreneur and author of Niche Website Success, and several courses that teaches you how to earn passive income online with a website.
She's been earning a living online since 2006 and making money from my computer since 1998.
While being an entrepreneur remains her top passion, natural hair is becoming a close 2nd.
In May 2010, she made the decision to transition to natural hair after using relaxers for over 27 years. She transitioned for 18 months without a “big chop” — something many people said was impossible.
You can follow her on her natural hair blog, her YouTube channel or join the NapturallyCurly forum!
Here are Chris-Tia's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1. Would be our Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo. This shampoo is extra gentle and sulfate free and leaves the hair super soft and moisturized before conditioning.
2. Would be our Honey Miracle Hair Mask. This deep conditioner is like an instant make over for dry damaged hair.
It also instantly melts knots and tangles on contact, which makes detangling a breeze.
3. Would be our Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer. It's great for every day moisture to help keep your kinks and curls soft, and its a natural fave for two strand twist outs.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Harvard graduate Chris-Tia Donaldson is CEO of Thank God I'm Natural hair products and totally in love with her hair – her God-given natural hair, but that wasn’t always the case. When the Detroit native landed her first job at a law firm, she began wearing wigs to disguise her real hair, in order to make her white colleagues feel more comfortable around her. If you can think back all the way to 2003, you’ll recall there were very few products that were being designed for Black women who had the desire to wear their hair in its natural state. Chris-Tia decided to start doing research and 10 years later, she launched her own line of products called, Thank God It’s Natural, which was inspired by her 2009 self-published, best-selling book, “Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Natural Hair.” And as of 3/1/2105, TGIN’s Moist Collection for Natural Hair is available is more than 250 Target stores nationwide!
Every product is created using natural and organic ingredients, contains zero parabens and phthalates and has never been tested on animals. TGIN is more than just shampoo, conditioner and styling aids. TGIN also sells handcrafted body soaps, body creams, lip balms, and t-shirts. In the upcoming years, Chris-Tia plans on expanding her company to include healthy snacks, cookbooks, supplements and fitness apparel. Simply put, TGIN is not just a line of products. It’s a lifestyle.
Here are The Kelsey & Kendra's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
Thanks for contacting us! Top three moisturizing products would be:
1. Coconut Oil
2. Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Leave in Conditioner
3. Curls - Cashmere Curls Leave in Conditioner
Our Very Best, Kelsey & Kendra
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Kelsey & Kendra are the extremely popular “Beauty Guru Duo” better known as “The GlamTwinz”. They Have over 360,000 YouTube subscribers and the subscriber count grows everyday. They are in their early 20's and are from Montgomery, Alabama but currently reside in Atlanta, GA. They moved to ATL to pursue their career in the field of Beauty. They are Aveda Institute graduates and are “Master Cosmetologists.”
The GlamTwinz have been natural for over 5 years now.
They transitioned instead of doing the "big chop", transition just worked better for them than big chopping.
They love the versatility of natural hair and the fact that they can wear their hair curly or straight and not have to worry about getting a relaxer to straighten it.
You can check out The GlamTwinz at their popular YouTube channel.
Here are MsVaughn's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
2. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Shampoo
3. Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Deep Conditioning Masque
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: MsVaughn started making YouTube videos in the early fall of 2010. It started off as a random way to show her friends on her personal Facebook page how she was styling her “new” hair. At that time my hair was a hot topic, so to speak, with all of her friends and family. They all wanted to know how she was pulling it off and what methods/products she was using. She decided to make a video showing how she styled her wet hair and uploaded it to YouTube. She then used the link to display the video on her Facebook page.
Unbeknownst to her, that video went viral on YouTube and when she found out it prompted her to share more of her natural hair knowledge. MsVaughnTV is now one of the favorite destinations for naturals looking for tips and ideas for caring for natural hair.
Here are Miko's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1. Miss Jessie’s Super Sweetback Treatment, because this luscious deep conditioning treatment restores and repairs dehydrated, damaged curls with intense moisture, every wash. It's one of the natural hair growth products that also possesses a growth stimulant, promoting healthy growth and length, with the sweet smell of bubble gum.
2. Baby Buttercreme: Baby butter crème is designed to soften and moisturize hair. This lightly scented product allows you to style and show off natural curls with ease. Great for rich daily moisturizer and also doubles as a styling creme for two strand twists and coil outs.
3: Curly Buttercreme: Curly Buttercreme is an invigorating moisturizing sensation, hydrating curls from root to tip. Similar to our Baby Buttercreme, Curly Buttercreme is infused with a delicious peppermint aroma, creating a mild tingling effect that stimulates the scalp and temples and encourages healthy hair growth. The intense moisture provided by Curly Buttercreme simplifies styling for natural curls, so you can look and feel great. It is a rich daily moisturizer as well.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Miko Branch is Co-Founder, Creative Director and CEO of Miss Jessie’s original hair products.
Miko was born to an African American father and a Japanese American mother in the early 1970’s. During her childhood, it became apparent that she was drawn to visual presentation and beauty. Beauty was important to her.
This image of aesthetics was manifested in a variety of areas which included: what clothes she chose, how her room was decorated and how her hair was fixed. Miko’s mother had little time to participate in the activities that Miko enjoyed. Her mom attended art school in NYC at the School of Visual Arts and worked full-time to help support the family. Some of the activities Miko enjoyed were tea parties, dressing up, doing make up and experimenting with different hairstyles. At the time, Miko enjoyed hair and make-up sessions because this enabled her to emulate the iconic beauties she saw on television growing up. The beauty idols that stood out to her were, Cher, Donna Summer, Lola Falana, Diana Ross, the “Asian Lady” with long black hair from Soul Train, Thelma from Good Times, and Jayne Kennedy to name a few.
Here are Vasti's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
My picks would be SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Obia Natural Hair Care Curl Moisture Cream and BeeMine Luscious Balanced Cream Moisture. I feel like I'm cheating on the many other products that I absolutely LOVE, but once their formulas remain the same I can see myself using these for the rest of my life.
Recap:
1. SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
2. Obia Natural Hair Care Curl Moisture Cream
3. BeeMine Luscious Balanced Cream Moisture
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Vashti Patrick-Joseph is the creator of Award Winning Dallas based blog VeePeeJay.com. In addition to creating content and engaging with her audience, she is also an event producer/host and speaker. In the past 3 years, she has coordinated and co-hosted over 25 successful natural hair/beauty events in the Dallas/Fort-Worth area. In 2014, VeePeeJay.com was named the Black Weblog Award Winner for Best Tutorial Blog/Vlog.
Vashti’s content and images have been featured, mentioned or highlighted on CurlyNikki.com, Black Hair Information, Rachel O Beauty, NaturallyCurly.com, Black Girl Long Hair, Naturally Happy Hair Magazine, HoneyBeNatural Magazine, MahoganyCurlsOfficial.com, Essence.com, Queen of Kinks, Curls, Coils (iTunes) and more. She has collaborated with brands such as SheaMoisture, CURLS, Q-Redew, Alikay Naturals, Obia Natural Hair Care, Conair, BeeMine Products, Organic Bath, Beija Flor Naturals and so many more.
Additionally, she uses her platform to volunteer, give back and bring awareness to social causes such as the Macy’s Heart of Haiti initiative, and the 100 Good Deeds movement. Vashti holds a MSc from the University of Wyoming and lives in Dallas with her husband.
Vashti is also has a growing natural hair YouTube channel, check it out!
Here are NikkiMae2003's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1. This may sound simple enough, but definitely water! If I don't drink enough water, it shows in my hair and my skin so I do my best to get my recommended daily intake of water. Drinking enough water is one of the first major steps in moisture retention as it relates to hair care.
2. My second pick would be Beija Flor Naturals Creme Brulee. It is a wonderful, moisturizing product that is great as a leave-in and a styling product!
3. My third pick would be Shea Moisture's JBCO Strengthen, Grow & Restore Styling Lotion and it's good for protein sensitive hair. The scent is great and it is wonderful in helping my styles retain moisture throughout the week.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Maeling (aka Mae) is a Ph.D. Materials Scientist & Engineer, natural lifestyle blogger, wife and mom-to-be.
She started NaturalChica.com in July of 2009, with the original intent of just documenting her own transition from relaxed to natural hair. Since then, the site has blossomed into a place where you can find tips & video tutorials to help with your own natural hair journey, encouraging interviews with naturalistas from all over, profiles of some of your favorite natural hair companies, and posts dealing with other areas of life that she feels impelled to share with you.
She has a super-successful YouTube channel, she's really one of the leading voices in the online natural hair community.
Editor's Note: Here's a bonus vid from Nikkimae2003 that I stumbled upon as I was formatting this article. It's just too cool not to share. Great couple and congrats on the bundle of joy.
Here are Karen's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
Recap:
1. Sweet Ambrosia Leave-in Conditioner
2. Super Duper Hydrating Hair Cream
3. Butter Love
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Entrepreneur and educator Karen Tappin-Saunderson is one of the billion-dollar beauty industry’s rising stars. In just seven short years, Karen, the founder and proprietor of Karen’s Body Beautiful, has transformed her organic body care line from a modest home-based business to a blossoming enterprise with robust internet sales, a luxurious store and a chic spa. Karen’s foray into the rarefied world of beauty happened by chance. In 2003, Karen, an astute businesswoman, was successfully marketing custom gift baskets during the holidays. Alarmed by the presence of preservatives and possible carcinogens in some conventional bath and body products, Karen decided to create all natural alternatives to incorporate into her gift baskets.
After researching the cosmetic and therapeutic properties of natural ingredients, Karen developed recipes for a full spa line made from all natural ingredients, including lotions, soaps, scrubs, hair growth oils, candles and bath salts. Karen’s products were immediately a hit-so successful in fact that the following year she and her husband decided to focus their entrepreneurial efforts on selling bath and beauty products. Karen’s Body Beautiful was officially launched in November 2003. Buoyed by an immediate loyal and cult following and a great grassroots marketing campaign, Karen’s first store in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn opened three months later. Karen then created an all-natural hair care collection that quickly developed a cult following. The business grew at a rapid clip and Karen installed a kitchen in the store to make her products, which streamlined the production process, increased capacity and drew interested bystanders from the street, who often became customers.
Karen is a highly sought after speaker and has participated in a number of business related lectures and panels. She’s also an active community volunteer who has worked extensively with urban youth, particularly teenage girls. Her company and products have been profiled in a myriad of publications, including New York Times, New York Daily News, Black Enterprise, Ebony, Essence and Vibe Magazine.
Here are Stacey's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
2. Koils By Nature Moisturizing SheaLoe Leave In Conditioner with (Argan Oil) - This incredible leave in smells fantastic. It is thick, rich and has wonderful slip. The first ingredient is water. It quenches my hair's thirst for moisture. keeps my coils bouncing and leaves it smelling fresh as it dries.
3. Sistah Buttah - In order to retain moisture you must seal that moisture. Sistah Buttah is an all natural Shea Butter blend that is made with essential oils that both mimic the natural oils in our hair and scalp as well as enhance the natural shine of our hair. This blend seals in moisture the natural way and i cant live without it. I like to use it in conjunction with the 2 previously mentioned leave in conditioners.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Stacey Taylor aka “The SistahChick” is the mastermind behind The SistahChick & Co.
The brand was created in 2008 when Stacey Taylor saw a lack of YouTube representation for her hair type ( She has coily type 4b natural hair )and for African American girls with natural hair. While creating 80+ YouTube videos addressing these matters TheSistahCafe natural hair blog. Her blog shares natural hair news, tips and techniques as well as details of her life as a working, wife and mother living, thriving and surviving in Atlanta.
After losing her corporate job after 20 years of service, Stacey started her own social media company that encompasses all of the previously mentioned entities, The SistahChick & Co. She now spends her time running her company and teaching others how to live life after losing their job and how to effectively share information online.
Stacey is a writer, blogger, speaker and Social Media Maven with a passion for natural beauty and her community. Through her online presence she promotes generational self-acceptance for women & children alike.
Stacey contributes monthly articles to Black And Married With Kids, as a Staff Writer. She has worked with major brands across the US including Walmart, Cricket Wireless, Procter & Gamble, Motions and more.
Here are Imani's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
Recap:
1. Karen's Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave-in Conditioner
2. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Restorative Conditioner
3. Amazing Botanicals Honey Condish
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Imani A. Dawson is an award winning writer and TV producer with a passion for storytelling and nearly 13 years of experience working in media. Specializing in entertainment, culture and politics, her experience spans print, digital and television platforms. She’s worked for outlets like BET, MTV, VH1, FUSE, the Associated Press and Shape magazines. In addition, she contributed “The Turntable,” an essay on the art and culture of DJing to the acclaimed anthology “Beats, Rhymes & Life : What We Love and Hate About Hip Hop”
In 2013, Dawson used her considerable media background to launch TribeCalledCurl.com, a beauty and lifestyle platform aimed at smart, savvy young women with textured hair that reaches more than 200,000 each week. Its mission: to inform, entertain and inspire women of color and empower them to celebrate their unique beauty.
Imani's media group runs a popular natural hair YouTube channel called TribeCalledCurls Lazy Naturals featuring Joy Lane.
Here are Krystle's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1. Soultanicals makes this fabulous spray, Hair Sorrell Knappylicious Kink Drink, and it's amazing! The ingredients include hibiscus leaves, sweet ginger, agave nectar and sea buckthorn. The spray smells like fruity heaven and does great job of penetrating even the roughest 3-day Twist-Out. I use it to rejuvenate my Wash-n-Go and get my curls back to poppin' when I'm running late for work.
2. I'm also a fan of Dark and Lovely®Au Naturale Anti Breakage Super Softening Hair Butter. I picked this product up when I was freaking out about my hair breaking off after my pregnancy. I grabbed just about every jar, bottle, and tube of anti-breakage stuff I could find, but this is the only one I still keep around. It's a bit on the heavy side, so I use it when my dry hair could use a little weight for elongation, too.
3. I've got to give the No. 3 spot to my old standby, the humble coconut oil. I love how simple it is; melt a little cold-press, unrefined oil in your palms to warm and liquify, then smooth it onto damp hair for instant, long-lasting hydration. I keep away from it in winter (because this solid-at-room-temperature oil tends to flake in cold weather), but it's my go-to for light-weight spring and summer moisture.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Krystle Sims owns and operates Young Black Nappy, LLC. A thriving natural hair t-shirt distributor. What began as a simple drawing of a cupcake with an afro pick stuck in it has become an outlet for her passions for natural hair, Black community building, independent artistry, and the intersection of health and beauty.
The young.black.nappy. community includes readers of her natural hair blog (www.youngblacknappy.com) and followers on Facebook (2900+), Twitter (2800+), and Pinterest (12k+).
In addition to posts detailing DIY hair and beauty recipes, thoughts on Black America, and infographics about natural hair care, young.black.nappy. also includes a line of graphic tee shirts. Due to a successful Kickstarter campaign and international fans of my “Naturally Sweet” t-shirt design, ybnTees can be found across the United States, Western Europe, and in the Caribbean.
Here are DeLaurian's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
To answer your question, (which isn't an easy one...lol) as of today I'd have to go with the following:
1. Coconut Oil
2. Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter
3. Kinky-Curly Knot Today
I love each of these equally and am never caught without them.
Nothing compares to coconut oil for consistent maintenance and management of moisture or lack thereof for me. It truly penetrates the hair shaft and gives so much shine and gloss for my curls. Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter is my favorite styler. I can literally only use this product and need nothing else. It is very moisturizing, leaves my hair bouncy, smells good and it lasts. I love this and have done a few videos using it.
Kinky-Curly Knot today is that staple leave in that maintains the moisture and brings definition to my curls like none other. It's such a great help for me and I love it.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Delaurian Burton a native Detroiter and natural hair enthusiast. She has a rapidly growing YouTube following because of her consistency in putting out quality content that naturals love to watch and learn from. Check out her YouTube channel and subscribe!
Here are Sydney's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1. Camille Rose Natural Almost Jai Twisting Butter
2. Cantu Coconut Curling Cream
3. Design Essentials Natural Almond and Avocado Detangling Leave in Conditioner
XoXo
Sydney
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Sydney introduced herself to YouTube and the social media world as "I am Posh Syd", and hasn't looked back since.
On her growing YouTube channel she introduces you to her life and what she's passionate about! From her love of natural hair (she's a proud 4c naturalista), fashion and makeup, to self love, women empowerment and everything in between. Check out her channel on Youtube and follow her on her journey.
Here are Felicia's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
I am a huge proponent of doing as little as possible to your hair. Too much manipulation leads to breakage. Rely on hair's natural oils to treat and soothe your scalp. Obviously, every head of hair is different, but this is what works for me.
A daily moisturizer like Optimum Amla Rejuvenating Oil is great because a little goes a long way. I apply it after a blow out and my hair maintains moisture for several days. I also believe in hydrating during my wash, so I always add a little oil to my cleansing conditioner....coconut oil works really well for my hair type.
Thank you,
Felicia 🙂
Recap:
1. Optimum Amla Rejuvenating Oil
2. Coconut Oil
3. -----
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Felicia is the editor-in-chief of ThisThatBeauty, a top-rated blog that revolves around Felicia’s passion points: beauty, fashion, lifestyle, fitness, food & wine…and most recently - baby. She’s also the Social Media Beauty Editor for luxury retailer, Bergdorf Goodman. As a highly sought after beauty authority, Felicia has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in numerous publications including Lucky, Marie Claire, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, WWD, The New York Times, Ebony, Essence, Elle France and Bergdorf Goodman magazine, to name a few.
Felicia is everywhere…her finger is on the pulse of beauty and she exuberantly shares her passion. If it’s happening in beauty, Felicia is on it…with red lips in tow!
Here are Lucindy's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1. Scurl
2. Special water mixture (water + Aloe Vera Juice)
3. Suave Conditioner
GREAT QUESTION!!!!
Natural Hair Expert's Bio:
Lucindy Lumu has done various freelance writing gigs for hair and fashion online magazines and is the star of the ItsKnotSoEasy Youtube channel, check her out.
Here are Taylor's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
I just want to preface this by saying, I'm still in the process of transitioning so I can't really say 100% if the same products I'm loving now will be the same, say, when I do my big chop but here's what I'm loving as of now.
1. DevaCurl Heaven in Hair: This product is fantastic for aiding in moisture-deprived hair. You can leave it in for 30 minutes or so, with or without heat from a natural hair flat iron straightener, for a typical deep conditioning treatment. Or, you can, as I've done several times, leave it in overnight and wash it out in the morning for a really intense treatment that will leave your curls with a ton of definition and hydration.
2. Jane Carter Nourish & Shine: I've had box braids in for the past month or so and this product has been such a life saver. Since my scalp is exposed to the harsh weather outside more than I'd like, it's become extremely dry since winters rolled around. I use this product directly on my scalp as well as on the braids itself for some added shine. I usually stay away from these kinds of products because I hate when my hair is left greasy, but this provides just enough moisture and melts into your hair like buttah.
3. Dark and Lovely Lock It In Sealing Cream: Technicallllllly you're supposed to use this product in tandem with the leave-in spray and the oil from Dark and Lovely's new LOC method line but, if I had to choose one stand- out product, it would be their sealing cream. You can use it after you wash and condition on damp hair to help, well, seal in the moisture. If you can budget it, I'd recommend picking up their leave-in and oil as well to use alongside this product, since they're formulated to work together to combat dryness.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Taylor graduated from Syracuse University with her Bachelors in Magazine Journalism. She's currently the beauty production assistant at Refinery29, She was a web intern for Elle Magazine and responsible for writing and pitching daily fashion related posts for ELLEgirl.com. Perform photo research and size images for posts. Updated ELLEgirl.com's Twitter/Facebook daily. She was also Editorial Assistant for New York Magazine.
Here are Jolie's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
Recap:
1. Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
2. Whipped Shea Butter
3. Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: LaPorcha, also known as JolieLuvlee on Instagram. Describes herself as a God-fearing, food and photography loving Naturalista. She's a photographer and an aspiring writer. She stumbled upon her love for photography when she started her family, but writing has been a passion of hers since she was in middle school.
You can find LaPorcha's YouTube Channel right here, she vlogs regularly and is building a nice following.
Here are Raynecia's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
Raw Shea butter, TGIN Honey miracle mask, Giovani direct Leave-in Conditioner.
Raw shea butter will never fail me and it’s easy to get and affordable. I can also mix it with
different oils and make it even better.
TGIN honey miracle mask is exactly what it sounds like, a miracle in a jar! Very moisturizing and gets rid of tangles very quickly. I rave about Giovanni direct leave-in all the time on my channel!. I can use it in many different ways.
Recap:
1. Raw shea butter
2. TGIN Honey miracle mask
3. Giovani Direct Leave-in Conditioner
Natural Hair Expert's Bio:
Raynecia's been natural her entire life, but early on she didn’t have a clue on how to take care of her own hair and it was highly unhealthy. Fortunately, her mom took good care of it before Raynecia started caring for it hair herself and got her hair to a length where my hair was longer than most and shorter than a few. She actually hated everything about her hair and couldn’t wait to put a relaxer in it, but her mom didn’t approve of her dream to relax so they never came to an agreement and her mom also made it seem like her father would kill her if she did, although he never made a comment about it.
As she got older she developed a phobia of not wanting to look like other people or do what they were doing if they didn’t have a valuable reason as to why they were doing it. So she started researching how to get longer natural hair. She was finding so many answers and was seeing great results, so she decided to never put a relaxer in her hair.
You can follow Raynecia's natural hair & lifestyle YouTube channel right here.
Here are Tarin's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
Nice to meet you, by the way, here is my answer for the question.
1. Coconut oil
2. Basic Hair Care Hydra Shine Styling Mousse
3. Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Tarin Boone created and runs Naturally Me! Media, LLC. Her company is an integrated media and marketing company specializing in the promotion of natural hair and beauty care for women of color. The Naturally Me! Media platform includes is focused on leading the next wave of natural beauty.
With an estimated 70-80% of African-American women opting for the traditional approach to treating their hair with harmful chemical products and trend lines showing a growing awareness and embrace of natural hair care products and styles, Naturally Me! Media is on the leading edge of a wave of market expansion for companies who deliver products and services to the natural woman! Tarin is also the Founder of Fro Fashion Week, an Atlanta-based experiential brand marketing platform that has quickly attracted women of color from around the globe for a weekend of relaxation, transformation, brand engagement, entertainment and networking. Fro Fashion Week is a subsidiary of Naturally Me! Media, LLC.
Here are Christina's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1. Be Kekoa Be Clean Cleansing Conditioner: This is honestly the best multi-purpose cleansing product I have come across in all my years as a transitioner and natural. It's super hydrating, has tons of slip, moisturizes the hair, cleans it, and can be used as a leave-in conditioner as well. (See her review here...)
2. LRC Shake & Go: Shake & Go is life changing. It's a moisturizing spray that hydrates, cuts down on frizz, adds shine, softens, detangles, and more. It can be used as a leave-in, refresher, moisturizer, detangler, and all-around miracle worker. (See her review here...)
3. TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer: It hydrates, softens, adds moisture, and shine to the hair. It's the perfect pick-me-up after day 1 of my wash and go's when I need extra moisture.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Christina is a native Angeleno, UCLA Alum, enthusiast of all things natural hair, and proud product junkie. In addition to running things at The Mane Objective, she's a writer for Black Girl with Long Hair and NaturallyCurly.com.
Here are Alexandria's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1. Olive Oil: Olive oil is one of my top oils because of its affordability, lightweight yet ability to penetrate the hair, and nutritional benefit for both hair and scalp health.
2. TGIN Daily Buttercream: This is my moisture cruncher. This is the one product I can’t live without. From moisturizing to styling, I love this product because it doesn’t flake up and a little bit goes a long way.
3.Obia Naturals Curl Hydration Spray: This pH balanced formula conditions, adds shine, and detangles hair without leaving buildup or residue.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Alexandria is a Media Relations Manager where she is a go-to resource for travel media worldwide. By night and phone, she is the Co-Founder of Sporty Afros.com. Alexandria has completed numerous endurance races, a triathlete, marathoner and featured in countless media such as USA Trithatlon, JET, Women's Health Magazine, Essence and Fox Sports. She is speaker, blogger, foodie and avid Dallas Cowboys fan. Sporty Afros also has a YouTube channel that you can visit.
Here are Victoria's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
I know it's not technically a 'product' but both drinking water and applying it to my hair has really helped me to grow my hair longer and moisturize it. It also makes my hair a whole lot easier to comb which means I have less breakage and retain more length.
Recap:
1. Jojoba oil
2. My Curls Curl Smoothie
3. Water
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Victoria Olubi is an author, entrepreneur and educator from London. She is the founder of MyCurls.co.uk, it's a London-based hair company specialising in creating natural hair care products for women with textured hair. When she’s not running multiple businesses, she enjoys writing, walking for hours on end and reading about personal development.
At the heart of her business stands a mission, to empower and encourage women from all ethnicities and walks of life to love and embrace their tresses.
Her business was founded upon the belief that all hair textures, whether wavy, tightly coiled, slightly straight or super curly, are beautiful. She is passionate about natural hair care and abides by principles that are at the heart of her business.
Here are Cassidy's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
2. My Hair steamer! Once a week I love to do a great hydrating treatment.
3. Deva Heaven in Hair --- They package it as a deep conditioner, but I love to use it as a styler. I get a ton of definition and moisture that lasts for days!
Thanks, Lee 🙂
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Since 2009, Cassidy has been a dynamic force in supporting, growing and celebrating the global natural hair movement through her blog at NaturalSelectionBlog.com. She has enjoyed working with top brands and traveling to international events and destinations to empower, inspire, and educate people on the natural hair lifestyle Cassidy's goals are to empower readers of all ages and cultures to be their true authentic selves through education and celebration of natural hair and lifestyle.
To encourage a natural lifestyle that promotes thoughtful nutrition, regular fitness and consumer awareness. She currently works full time at Walker & Company Brands where she leads content and education initiatives. Follow her Twitter @naturalsblog
Here are Aisha's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
I love trying new products all the time but I always go back to those we find in nature. What else is better to nurture your hair with than what God already provides?
Recap:
1. Shea Butter
2. Aloe Vera Juice
3. Avocado Oil
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Aisha runs a successful website and natural hair YouTube channel. You can see all of the luscious hair now, but it wasn't always so easy for her. Before she began teaching folks the inversion method hair growth method she stopped relaxing her hair in February 2011 and cut the relaxed ends off in May 2011. She’d just removed braids and retouched her hair because she couldn’t imagine walking outside with 3 months of unrelaxed growth. When the stylist finished with her hair and turned her around to look in the mirror, she almost cried. Her hair collectively was longer, but it was limp and very weak looking. Her hairline was all broken and about a third of her hair fell out while they were unbraiding it.
Once she discovered this world of natural hair online she thought maybe that’s what she could do, keep her hair natural. She was really disturbed that her relationship with my hair had gotten to the point where she couldn’t walk out of the salon with a few months’ hair growth so she started questioning that. Fast forward to know and Aisha is a natural hair expert with plenty of info to help naturals and soon-to-be naturals on her YouTube channel and at her MyFroAndI.com website.
Here are Atilola's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1. African Naturalistas Black Moisturising Natural Shampoo, which can be found here.
2. African Naturalistas Leave-In Conditioner, which can be found here.
3. A mixture of water and coconut oil spray.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Atilola is a Writer, Editor, Blogger, a Spoken Word Artist, and an Entrepreneur. She is the founder of African Naturalistas, and currently one of the leading female faces in the Spoken Word sector in Nigeria. She is also an author of two book, Antonyms of a Mirage and For Laff's Sake, and greatly in love with natural hair, and everything that has to do with it.
Here are AlleySinai's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
Seriously went into critical thinking mode but finally managed to sum it up to my fav 3 products. The first one being my Curling Cream by Cantu. Followed by ORS Smooth and Hold Pudding and lastly One and Only Argan Oil Curl Cream.
All 3 of these products have always given me great results and always add great shine and moisture to my hair. I've been using each of these for over a year already and they've never failed me. Love them mucho! So these would be my 3 products I'd use for the rest of my life.
Recap:
1. Curling Cream by Cantu
2. ORS Smooth and Hold Pudding
3. One and Only Argan Oil Curl Cream
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Alejandra Velasquez is college student with a keen knowledge of all things fashion, makeup & natural hair styling. Her YouTube channel is closing in on 30K followers and should only continue its rapid growth because of her consistency of putting out quality videos, she enjoys showing you a bit of the things she loves and enjoys. Visit her AlleySinai YouTube channel for natural hair tutorials, makeup and fashion tips.
Here are Jess' 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
If I could only use 3 moisturizing hair care products for the rest of my life, they would be:
1. Oyin Handmade Juices & Berries -- It instantly gives my hair the moisture boost it needs and smells great.
2. EdenBodyWorks Hair Milk (Any of them!!!) -- This hair milk does double duty--super moisturizing for my hair AND gives me a killer twist out.
3. Coconut Oil -- My fav oil. No question. It's super nourishing for my hair.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Jess Gray is the creator of the beauty/fashion blog HeyJessGray.com, you can also follow her on Twitter.
Here are Jenni's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
As a second product, I will choose Bee Mine Moisturizing deep conditioner. I have been using this deep conditioner for years and it is my absolute favourite. It keeps my hair so soft and has awesome slip, which makes my detangling process a breeze. The third product I would choose, which is another stable of mine, is shea butter! It seals my hair and keeps is soft and moisturized for multiple days.
Recap:
1. Water
2. Bee Mine Moisturizing deep conditioner
3. Shea Butter
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Jennifer J. has a popular natural hair YouTube channel, in which she also documents her passion for all things pretty, such as fashion, beauty & photography. She's a full time student at the University of Ottawa, majoring in General Sciences with a minor in Criminology. She is crazy about natural hair and helps naturals learn the tricks and tips of great hair.
Here are Christene's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
I regularly blow out my hair (not bone straight.) and I also have to use very different products in my hair as the seasons change. Those two facts make it almost impossible to pick three moisturizers to use until the end of time.
Here are ones that I am loving for use during winter:
1. Beautiful Textures Curl Control Defining Pudding - I use it on slightly damp hair (with a little aloe gel) for twist outs. It also work like magic for finger twists on TWA.
2. Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Leave Condition - This is my go to LIC (See her full review here...). I use on both twist outs and blow outs. If i'm blowing out I use a bit more and cocktail blow dry cream/lotion and heat protectant. If I'm doing a twist out I use a bit less because I use quite a bit of Curl Control Pudding.
3. Su-kari Body Butter - Yes, it's a body butter but I love the consistency and use it on wet hair to seal my ends when I do a twist out (Usually after the two/three products listed above)
Bonus answer: Virgin Organic Coconut Oil - I have a love/hate relationship with coconut oil because while it is great on my hair, it's not great on my scalp and face. I use it for deep moisture treatments on wet hair. See my process here.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Christene is a freelance Beauty/Fashion Writer and Managing Editor at ThisThatBeauty.
She's always loved marketing and some aspects of business, so, an MBA from the University of South Florida was a no brainer. It is only after completing her degree that she realized she really didn't need it in order to do what she wanted to do.
When she's not busy marketing, testing beauty products, concocting hair and beauty potions, or polishing her nails, she's cooking and creating recipes, writing, making dresses, eating, or any one of a myriad of random things I like doing.
Her blog is about bringing all of her passions seamlessly together.
Here are Ariane's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1. Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Mask - Moisturizes my hair and gives it some stretch.
2. Shea Moisture Curling Souffle - Perfect for reviving my hair when it's parched and giving it some curl.
3. Kinky Curly Custard - This is my preferred product when doing wash n gos
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Ariane Williams is the creator and Editor-in-Chief of BlackNaps.org a natural hair care guide and resource for women of color. In addition, she contributes to NaturalHairRules.com, another great resource for women with millions of site visitors. She's also co-founder and editor of RebelleMag.com a blog about culture, race, and diversity which is now in it's sophomore year. Ariane's been featured in Madam Noire, Clutch Magazine, Total Beauty, Black Girl Long Hair, and Type F.
Here are Chimere's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
Love this stuff, my curls respond really well to this product.
Once I'm ready to style my hair I switch up during the week between Earth's Nectar Coconut Curls that helps detangle my hair and it keeps it nice and soft and Eden Body Works Jojoba Monoi Hair Milk that makes my hair feel really soft and doesn't weigh it down.
Lastly but not least I have to seal my moisture in and I prefer to use a light oil like Apricot or Carrot Oil, these will also give my hair a finished sheen after styling and keep my colored curls quenched.
My nightly maintenance simply includes a satin bonnet and satin pillow case so my hair won't dry out overnight.
Recap:
1. Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Shampoo
2. Earth's Nectar Coconut Curls
3. Eden Body Works Jojoba Monoi Hair Milk
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Chimere Norris is Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief of NaturallyHappyHair.com. Naturally Happy Hair was created in 2011 as a resource that provides education, inspiration, guidance and support for naturals through targeted events, blogging, social media forums, and unique marketing initiatives online. Since then they've continuously connected thousands of naturals across the globe with relevant information, stimulating discussions, product knowledge, and tips and tools that they can use to aid in their natural hair journey.
Here are Janna's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
Recap:
1. Jane Carter Incredible Curls
2. Jillian's Garden Rosemary Mint Conditioning Hairdress
3. Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Conditioner as a co wash/deep conditioner
Bonus answer: Water
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Janna Peterson is an author and art director from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Having been the target of bullying throughout elementary and junior high, she now strives to bring an end to the epidemic by creating and nurturing a foundation of self love in both bullies and those they attack. She operates largely from KissMyCurls.com.
Janna authored the book,"The Little Girl with the Too Big Hair" about a fictional character named Ava who gets bullied about her natural hair.
Ava is the 11-year-old brainchild of author, illustrator and speaker Janna Peterson-Waddell. Having been on the receiving end of teasing and bullying from the time she was seven, Ava still struggles to accept her kinky hair as beautiful, but has taken it upon herself to teach her friends and all who ask how to style and appreciate their natural hair, but more than that, how to love and appreciate their natural selves.
Visit her neighborhood as 57nhampton.com!"
Here are Jocelyn's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1. Shea Moisture's Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo to cleanse my hair and scalp, as it is a tried and true moisturizing shampoo that leaves my locs feeling lightweight and refreshed.
2. On a daily basis I would use my "Scalp Refresher" that I created because it cleanses the scalp, prevents any build up and promotes growth while adding moisture.
3. Lastly, I would need to have my Qredew Hair Steamer. This handheld steamer packs an intensive moisture punch and is great for hydrating deep down inside the center of the loc matrix.
Of course, only adding moisture isn't enough so I would definitely have to add a sealant to keep all this amazing moisture in my hair and to do that I would use NuAde Hair Oil because it adds to the health of the hair and smells phenomenal!
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Jocelyn Reneé is natural hair stylist and naturalista, as well as the brains behind CurlyNuGrowth.com.
Currently, she has her cosmetology license and is a certified sisterlock consultant. She began her journey to natural hair around August 2008 when she found out about the dangers & risks of using chemical hair relaxers. At that point in time, she had been putting a relaxer in her hair pretty much every 8 weeks since she was about 11 years old. At the age of 19, I contemplated why I was relaxing my hair and couldn’t come up with a “good reason”, so she decided to stop putting the chemical in her hair. After transitioning for about 4-5 months, she went into her bathroom and chopped all her hair off. It was a very liberating experience for her, and now she has a head full of healthy hair.
Here are Courtney's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1. Soultanicals Knot Sauce (leave-in)
2. Bee Mine Curly Butter (styler, great for wash n go's with mild hold)
3. Soultanicals Marula Maru Moisture Guru (all around great, penetrating moisturizer)
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Courtney is Founder and head writer at Think & Grow Chick. By day, she's a warrior of the corporate world. By night (and by “night” she means whenever she's connected to the internet) she's a self-improvement vigilante, helping 20 and 30-something, African-American women accomplish goals related to their hair, finances, entrepreneurship, health, faith in God, and life. By no means is she an expert on any of the aforementioned topics; in fact, her favorite phrase is “I am a guinea pig, not a guru.” She's just a girl with some big dreams toting a suitcase full of crazy experiences behind her on the way there.
The first major experience that shaped her passion for personal development was (you guessed it!) the day she decided to stop relaxing her hair and “go natural” at age 15. You can follow her on Twitter right here.
Here are Renee's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1.Curly Magic Curl Stimulating Gel - It brings life to my 4a hair and is perfect for my wash and gos. I use it in conjunction with Extra Butter to give my hair elongation, shine and hold. I can rock my wash and go for at least 3 days before I need to refresh. I also use it for flat twists or other styles where I am looking to create hold.
2.Extra Butter Moisturizing Creme - It works excellent with Curly Magic for my wash and gos. I also use it for two strand twists, flat twists, cornrows, and any other style where I need moisture and hold. It also gives my hair amazing shine! I also use it on one of my daughter's hair who has 4a texture as well for styling and moisture. I absolutely can't live without my Extra Butter!!
3. Midnite Train Leave-in Conditioner - I use this spray almost everyday to give my hair the extra love it needs. It conditions, moisturizes, and refreshes my hair all in one! I also use it on both of my daughters' hair in the morning to speed their hair combing routine...so it serves multiple purposes in my household.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Renee Rhoten Morris' company acquired Uncle Funky’s Daughter in late 2014, her company is an African-American, woman owned business focused on natural, earth friendly products and services which meet the needs of the natural community.
Under her leadership, the company brought back the old hair formulas that naturals had been in love with for years. She has put the company back on track to producing and delivering the high quality, natural products that Uncle Funky's customers had come to expect.
Here are MsJGray's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
As a publicist that has a focus in fashion, beauty and the natural hair industry, I am constantly given hair samples to try out. Although I love so many brands I would say at the current moment I can't live without my:
1. Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk
2. As I Am Double Butter Rich Daily Moisturizer
3. Nature's Way Coconut Oil
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Ms. JGray leads the day-to-day operations of the fashion, beauty and lifestyle divisions at Image Is Everything public relations firm. Highly regarded as one of the industries youngest but most respected publicist in the business, Gray has been instrumental in developing and overseeing numerous brands and talent images.
In her earlier years, Gray attended California State University Dominguez Hills where she majored in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. While attending there she accepted her first public relations position serving as Public Affairs Commissioner for Associated Students, Incorporated, a non-profit 501c3 entity of the University. An accomplished leader, Gray served as chapter President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Her leadership goes far beyond her local chapter, Gray also served as Regional Secretary during regional conference and continues to embody the Sorority’s mission, “Service to All Mankind.”
Follow her on instagram @MsJGray
Here are Kiianah's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
I absolutely love this moisturizing hair cream! It’s very creamy, thick and has a very buttery consistency. I love that it works great on both wet and dry hair and it quenches my hair even when it feels extra parched. It has marshmallow root which is great for slip and its paraben free. The basic ingredients are all organic and it also has the added benefits of herbs such as burdock and nettle for strengthening the hair and helping to prevent breakage.
2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil:
You know how the elderly lady in the Frank’s hot sauce commercial feels about her hot sauce? That’s exactly how I feel about Jamaican black castor oil I put that ish on everything! My hair is on the finer side and I’ve found that adding JBCO to my natural hair care routine helps to give it a much fuller appearance. The best and fullest twist-out I’ve ever managed was done right after a 3-hour nothing-but-castor-oil DIY deep treatment. I use it as a hot oil treatment, deep conditioner, to seal my ends- I pretty much add it to all my hair products if it’s not already included on the ingredient list.
3. TGIN Butter Cream daily Moisturizer:
This was actually given to me as a gift and it sat around for a while before I used it and I’m so glad I did. This cream makes my hair super soft and manageable. I use this on my hair as a moisturizer for when I’m wearing a ponytail, protective styling or if my hair just needs a boost. I also add this cream to water and spray on my hair when I need a moisture boost. I love that is has glycerin which my hair loves, especially during the colder months.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Kiianah Johnson is a die-hard "give me the facts" freelance writer, blogger and natural hair enthusiast fueled by dark chocolate and herbal tea. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Journalism, and has written for several hair, beauty and lifestyle publications. Kiianah especially loves writing about natural hair, women's health and wellness issues and currently resides in Baltimore, MD where she blogs about natural hair at Rockin' it Napptural.
Here are Nicia's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
I would choose:
1. TiGi Moisture Maniac conditioner
2. Cantu Coconut Curling Cream (spring/fall/summer)
3. Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream (winter)
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Nicia is the creator of GlamSwagger.com and has been natural since May 29th 2009. She actually did half of her big chop one day and the other half the next morning.
It was quite an experience for her. As far as why she went natural...She really just wanted to see her real hair texture. She was motivated (and still is) by naturals on Fotki and YouTube. She loves the #teamnatural movement that has popped off on the internet and how it has taken a life of its own. Her blog highlights her ups, downs and everything in between on her journey to mid-back hair length.
Here are Miss Lala's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1. Aubrey's Organics HoneySuckle Rose Conditioner- I can cowash, instant condition, or deep condition with it.
2. Knot Today Leave In- I can't live without it, it smooths my cuticles and keeps my hair soft.
3. My homemade butter blend- I use this for sealing and keeping my ends healthy.
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Miss LaLa is Founder of NaturalHairGrowth101.com It is always hard for her to express her thoughts when people ask about her natural hair journey. She did not “go natural”, her natural hair is a part of who she is. She's a wife, mother, educator, singer, sister, and friend and she has kinky coily hair that she chooses to wear natural.
Here are Louisa's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
Ok they would be:
1. Coconut oil! 100% so nurturing and if you mix it with water or natural milk, you get the protection without the grease.
2. Organics edge control! Because whether I have my hair in an Afro puff or it I'm wearing a lace wig, or weave with closure. Unruly edges need to be tamed. Just adds a nice finish 😉
3. ActiviLong Olive oil Creme Coiffante! It's a French brand and quite pricey but it's worth it, smells great and makes your tresses feel so luscious!
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Louisa is Ugandan currently living in London and the creator and voice behind Afroblush, an online extension of her cultural experiences and interests. Since 2010, she's been nurturing the blog as a platform to celebrate, share and explore African culture, innovation and its growing potential.
Behind the blog, she works in brand and consumer research, consulting for businesses and brands expanding into Sub-Sahara Africa. She also contributes to Impact Magazine, Arise News, Dazed and Confused, BBC Radio 2, BBC Three and Cosmopolitan Magazine, among others.
Here are Crystal's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
If I could ONLY pick three moisturizing hair products it would be my favorite moisturizing deep conditioner by Eden Body Works, the Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner. I would also pick the Cantu Shea Butter For Naturals Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream, and in third would be red palm oil, which has kept my hair very moisturized during the winter time. If the oil doesn’t count, you could switch in the Darcy Botanicals Sweet Cocoa Bean Smoothing cream :-).
Happy healthy hair journey,
Crystal Michelle
Recap:
1. Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner by Eden Body Works
2. Cantu Shea Butter For Naturals Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream
3. Red palm oil
Bonus answer: Darcy Botanicals Sweet Cocoa Bean Smoothing cream
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: The goal of her website, and her popular YouTube channel is to inspire women of all backgrounds to embrace their beautiful God-given hair. Nothing is wrong with experimenting, and trying new things...just as long as you love the original, natural, beautiful you! Crystal wants you to know that there is no such thing as "good hair". She hopes you will help her in spreading this message of self love, and find her healthy hair tips very useful in achieving, the best natural you!
Here are Allie's 3 best natural hair products...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
1. Aussie Moist Conditioner (I mix it with water and put it into a spray bottle. VERY good for moisturizing hair overnight)
2. Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Cream
3. Organic, Unrefined Coconut Oil
All the products make my hair feel amazing and soft!
Hope it helps!
Allie
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Alexandra is an up and coming YouTube Vlogger at As Told By Allie, she vlogs constantly and regularly, she has a passion for natural hair and makeup.
Here are Kcurly's 3 best moisturizers for natural hairstyles...-------------------------------------------Top of Page
Recap:
1. Raw shea butter
2. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
3. Oyin Frank Juice
Natural Hair Expert's Bio: Kcurly is the author of NewlyNatural.com, a natural hair blog that features product and hair accessory recommendations, recipes, natural hair features, and much more! Kcurly, as a wife, mother, and neonatal nurse, big chopped in 2009 and is still learning the joys of natural hair.
HUGE thanks to all of the beautiful naturals who contributed to this epic post!
Make sure you follow us on Twitter for more exciting interviews like this one 🙂 and just to recap, here are the results again:
Favorite Natural Hair Moisturizers (as voted by 50 52 experts!)
#1 Shea Moisture brand products (see answers below for specifics) - 15 votes
#2 Coconut Oil - coconut oil for hair was the most voted with 14 votes
#3 Water - 10 votes
#4 Raw Shea Butter – 8 votes
#5 Thank God It's Natural brand products (see answers below for specifics)- 7 votes
#6 Cantu brand products – 6 votes (see answers below for specifics)
#7 Q-Redew Portable Hair Steamer (not a hair product but it got votes)- 5 votes
#8 Eden Body Works brand products & Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner – tied with 4 votes
#9 Aloe Vera & Olive Oil - tied with 3 votes
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