Staples & Want to Try Product Lists

I realized over the past few days of reading so many ladies’ wash day posts (courtesy of the Wash Day Experience link up via Saving our Strands & Just Grow Already) that there are a lot of products I’ve heard nothing but great things about, but never actually tried for myself. There are so many amazing products available, both locally and online, that it is nearly impossible to use them all. Plus, I have staples in nearly EVERY category of my regimen (including styling) but there are still some I just want to TRY! Just because. Yes, I admit, I’m a product junkie. But first – before I get to my wish list, let me talk about my staples. Because this post is so product heavy, I won’t be linking you to every product as I normally try to do. The whole post would be hyperlinks if I did that, so I apologize for the inconvenience; if you have any questions on where to purchase any specific products, let me know in the comments.

Shampoo:

Weekly: I have a ton of favorites! I always use sulfate free shampoos unless I need to clarify. I’ve found several that work great – this seems to be the category that is most interchangeable. Creme of Nature Argan Oil, Shea Moisture Tahitian Monoi and Noni, Bee Mine Botanical Shampoo, Giovanni Smooth as Silk. Lately I’ve been using Good Hair Is CLEAN and Kera Care Detangling Shampoo. Like I said, this category is the most interchangeable.
Clarifying: Chi Clean Start. I lived by these to chealate after relaxing and now it works to help remove chlorine and regular product build up.

Conditioner

Moisturizing: Joico Moisture Balm, Good Hair is Nourished. I’ve used more conditioners with at least some protein in them for the majority of my hair journey because they seemed to work best to properly maintain my moisture/protein balance because while relaxing, my hair needed more protein. We’ll see if that changes as I continue to cut the relaxed hair.
Protein: I highly recommend using protein conditioners before and after any chemical service (relaxer, color, bleach) as well as before and after long term protective styles to strengthen your strands. I love all four of the following – Joico K-Pak Reconstructor, Joico K-Pak Intense Hydrator, ApHogee 2 Minute Reconstuctor, ApHogee 2 Step Protein Treatment
Balanced: I prefer moisturizing conditioners that keep my hair strong with a bit of protein. Some of my favorites in this category are Jane Carter Nutrient Replenishing, Hydratherma Naturals Amino Plus Protein Deep Conditioning, ORS Replenishing Pak
Ceramide: For when my hair needs extra smoothing or I’m battling split ends. Great for preparing my hair for using heat. Kerastase Masque Nutri Thermique and L’oreal Total Repair 5. Damage Erasing Balm My beloved KeraPro was discontinued some time ago. No idea why they would do such a horrible thing!

Moisturizers:

Spray: Jane Carter Moisture Mist – this is my top choice. I also use Bee Mine Juicy Spritz from time to time as well, but it doesn’t work as well during the winter.
Daily: Bee Mine Luscious Balanced Cream moisturizer. This product stands alone. There are a couple that come close…but it is an irreplaceable staple.
Butters: Jane Carter Nourish and Shine, Bee Mine Hair & Scalp moisturizer – both are shea based and nourish the hair but mostly provide superior sealing after using a liquid or cream moisturizer.

Stylers:

Setting Foams & Lotions: Motions setting foam for roller and rod sets, Good Hair Is Resilient or Jane Carter Wrap n’ Roll for twist/braid/bantu knot outs. Motions gives smooth, shiny and firm hold while the Good Hair is and Jane Carter give soft, touchable definition that leaves my hair feeling moisturized. None give flaky or crunchy results.
Edge Control: Ampro Silk Edges and Silk Elements. I like both because they do the job without giving that white cast on my hairline.
Oils: I have a ton of shine sprays, all of which work well. For sealing and fighting frizz, I like grapeseed oil best. Coconut oil is my staple for prepoos.

Whew…I think that about covers everything I use regularly. One thing I’ve never found an absolute “must-have” is leave-in conditioner. Sometimes I use one, often times I don’t. That’s what started this whole wish list thing!!! Now, here’s what I want to try….either because of curiosity OR because I’ve heard great things for years!

Want to Try

Silk Dreams: Jeni of Just Grow Already has used their products for years and my hair loves a good ceramide-rich conditioner!
Cantu Leave-In Conditioner: This has been a staple for so many ladies for many years, both relaxed and natural girls. And its cheap!
Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner: Expensive as all get out, but I’ve seen ladies have amazing retention using it almost exclusively for daily moisture.
Curls Products: I love their ingredient list, plus the owner is such an amazing woman (I’ve met her in person) and she has an inspiring story.
Silicon Mix Conditioner: Ceramide rich, fairly inexpensive and a must-have for many ladies.
Lacio Lacio Conditoner: Now THIS is a real throwback, but some of you who frequented the hair boards years ago may remember a time when everyone used this product as their leave-in before doing a roller or rod set.
Karen’s Body Beautiful Products: Another black owned company and my girl – who also has type 4 hair – lives by these products.

That’s all for now. As if that isn’t enough, right?! I’m going to try to tick off one at a time and pull back on review offers and sponsored posts so I can really focus on using products I know work well for my hair. My goal for 2015 is to retain as much as possible so I can have remarkable length progress! I don’t have a specific length goal this year because I’m transitioning, but I do NOT like having short hair. I’m not dissatisfied either but my goal has always been to have healthy, long hair. So that is my focus as I explore other products.

I think my g0-to hairstyles once I’m completely relaxer free will be two strand twists and twist outs, so I also want to perfect those with products that always give me great definition, no frizz while not drying out my hair. So I’ll be on the ubiquitous “perfect twist-out” quest that every other natural in the history of the world seems to be on as well. Not happy about joining THAT tribe, but hey….it is what it is, right?! lol!

Okay, what are some of your staples? Have you tried any on my lists? What are you planning to try this year?

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Ebony