I started my natural hair journey many years ago, 2004 to be exact. Some may refer to me as a Natural OG.
When I went natural it wasn’t in style and I got a lot of strange looks. I almost didn’t get a job but thank God for representation in high places. I’m forever grateful. She knows who she is – Thank you.
But fast forward, natural is the thing to be and people went from giving me strange looks to asking a lot of questions. So I decided to answer the most frequent ones in this article. Let me preface with this:
Many want the glory but don’t want to go through the process. The process is long, daunting, and time-consuming. I had a lot of really bad hair days and that was ok because it led me to my glory.
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Table of Contents
How do I get my natural hair like yours?
You can’t! And I can’t get my hair like many of the other curly girls that I admire. You have to work with the beautiful locks that God gave you.
Learn to love your hair and develop an intimate relationship. It’s only then your hair will fall into place and be everything you’ve dreamt of.
Whatever your hair type is, there is beauty in it.
Here is a great video that goes into hair types, curl patterns, texture, density, porosity, and protein sensitivity.
Date your hair, and like dating a person, you will have to invest. Expect to give time and spend money on different products to explore what works for you.
Do your research; watch youtube channels, read articles (like what you are doing now) and reviews to make the most informative and economical decision on which products to try.
But the bottom line is, to find “the one” you must be patient and invest.
What is your hair type?
Oh, the infamous question regarding the controversial topic of categorizing hair type. But I don’t mind. To be honest, I like categorizing. It helps to keep order and allows for guidelines. As much as I am creative, I’m also very analytical. So the hair typing is great for me.
My hair type is 4a, with a tad bit of 3c and a tad bit of 4b, but mostly 4a. I also color my hair but no longer bleach it. I haven’t bleached my hair since my mid-20s to cut down on damage.
Although us textured hair girls obsess over hair type, porosity is one of the most important things to know when it comes to caring for our hair.
What Natural and Curly Hair Products do you use?
Over the years I have used many products. Sometimes abandoning one and later returning to it. But through many trials and errors, I have developed Curly Girly Says favorites.
The below list are my ABSOLUTE favorites and every single item is in my cabinet. As a Natural Hair Enthusiast, I am constantly trying out products and find many products that I love but the below list is bae.
I created this list because I am constantly emailing or texting my favorite products to friends, friends of friends, and relatives. So I decided to write one post that gives my peeps what they are looking for in one location.
It also makes it easier for me to share this info.. Ha!
Remember there is no one size fit all, and you have to invest to see what products work best for you.
However, below are my “go to” items and a great list to start from!
Favorite Styling Products
Favorite Leave-Ins, Refreshers, and Moisturizers
Ayurvedic Hair Care Brands that I use – Cleansers, Conditioners and Oils
Ayur Luxe
Ayur Luxe is a line that is all about stopping breakage and strengthening which ultimately leads to growth and retention. My favorite items from their line are their oil and hair mask.
Use is DORISJEAN to get 20% off anytime.
Read Ayurvedic Hair Regimen for Beginners to learn more about my experience with Ayur Lux.
What is your Hair Care Regimen?
Believe it or not, I keep it simple. I am always trying new products but my process is pretty much the same.
- Wash my hair every 6 to 7 days (Usually every Saturday or Sunday)
- Condition and detangle my hair in the shower
- Use a spray leave-in (Either Bumble and Bumble or She is Bomb)
- Style my hair with a gel or cream styler for Wash and Go
- Let hair air dry for about 20 minutes then use this diffuser or this one.
- Oil Scalp
- Moisturize my hair as needed with a butter/cream or refresher
- Deep Condition every other week with a mask
- Rinse and Repeat
** I use the above products for my weekly Hair Care Regimen.
Will I ever find one product that does it all?
Just like happiness, hair care is a journey, not a destination. I have other products that I like and use periodically, depending on the goals for my hair that day. My hair changes depending on seasons and color so it’s important to have different products in rotation.
However…
I have met a lot of great products, but the previously mentioned are the ones I decided to marry.
#CurlyGirlySays
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions in general or about the above products. I would be happy to answer! Don’t forget to subscribe so we can stay in touch. I promise I won’t spam you.
Great reviews and a good range of products for curly hair.
Thank you! There is something for everyone : )
I have heard some great things about Cantu! I loved learning about some of the products you enjoy using. It makes huge difference when you have a great hair product. I just recently bought a few different products so that I can tame my hair on windy days! So far, so good! Great review on your favorite products!
Thank you It! It truly does make a difference. Cantu is one of my top 3 must haves!!
Great guide. I love your beautiful curly hair! My hair is naturally curly and a bit hard to manage so I’ll definitely check out these products.
Thank you. Yes, these products are my favorites! The bumble and bumble invisible oil is amazing.
I love your hair Doris! I’ve always been very curious about curly hair and best practices to make them look the best. I often suspect I have partially curly hair but I’ve never tried anything other than a straight hair look. I’d love to give the products you recommend a try!
Hi, Thank you! Discovering the right products is definitely a try. I hope you find some of my suggestions helpful!
I don’t have curly hair (only messy, greasy waves that can’t survive 2 days without washing) but I have always dreamed of beautiful curls like yours. Back in the early 90s I even got a perm! (don’t ask!) Anyway, I just wanted to share that LOL. I enjoyed this post and love your hair on days 1-4!
Hahaha…Thank you. You would love the bumble and bumble invisible oil. It is a universal product. The good old 90’s were the best!
Although I do not use any hair product currently it would not be a bad idea to start using some good effective product with ageing hair. Loved going through your experiences. Good learning.
Hey…Thank you! It has definitely been a roller coaster.
I absolutely love your natural hair – it’s gorgeous. I have loved seeing more and more women embracing the idea of loving the body they have been given, including their natural hair. Of all the women I’ve seen share their journey, I have yet to see one that didn’t look stunning!
Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment. Yes..it definitely feels good that being yourself is accepted! It definitely has been a journey but totally worth it!