STYLE
Beauty
The naturalista's guide to healthy hair products
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Which natural-hair products do you swear by? Share in the comments below.
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Coconut Oil
We absolutely love this stuff. It's a great way to keep your hair moisturized and protect your delicate stands from the harsh sun. Not only that, but it also strengthens hair fibers, which prevents breakage and loss.
Try this: After washing your strands, scoop out a teaspoon of the oil and rub it in your hands. Depending on the thickness of your hair, feel free to add more in. Be sure to only add the oil to the ends of your hair.
Tip: You can use also a little bit of the oil to tame those flyaways—just don't go overboard.
Trader Joes Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, $6 (in store)
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Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Get super soft and defined curls with this product. It has tons of natural ingredients and will leave your hair feeling light and frizz-free.
Try this: Swirl into hair after taking a shower and your curls are bound to bounce all day.
Tip: The smoothie works better when hair is damp, so go easy on the towel drying.
SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, $11, target.com
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Cleansing Conditioner
Cowashing is the best way to cleanse natural hair. Unlike shampoo, conditioner doesn’t have sulfates that strip away natural oils. Instead, it gently removes residue from your curls and promotes healthy hair growth.
Try this: When the conditioner is still in your hair, run your comb through for an easy detangling.
Tip: Use once or twice a week for best results.
As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner, $7, drugstore.com
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Jojoba Oil
This stuff is absolutely amazing, and consistent use leaves your hair totally hydrated and smooth. The best part? You can also use it on your skin.
Try this: Use it when styling your ‘do to keep it from falling.
Tip: Too much can get messy. Stick to just a dime size amount—a little goes a long way.
Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil, $10, walgreens.com
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Moisturizing souffle
Dark and Lovely recently released a new line of natural hair products and we can’t get enough. Our favorite so far is the coil-moisturizing souffle, which not only defines and soothes coils but also has an anti-shrinkage recipe that works miracles. Mango oil and bamboo milk add massive moisturization and an amazing smell.
Try this: Use after a wash n’ go for perfect curls and coils.
Tip: Too much can leave your hair feeling a bit heavy, so stick to small amounts.
Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Coil Moisturizing Souffle, $4, dollargeneral.com
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Leave-in conditioner
This protein-packed product leaves your hair feeling strong and helps restore thickness. It's perfect for styling on busy school days.
Tip: Use leave-in conditioner before adding any other products to your hair to keep it soft and protect from drying and damage.Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Condition, $5, drugstore.com