If you wear your hair natural, odds are you’ve been approached at one point or another by a fellow naturalista wanting to know which products you use to make your hair curl the way it does. But, here’s the irony: what works for one may not work for another.
Thanks to the natural hair care movement, there’s no shortage of products on the market to meet the need for just about any hair type you have. But, the process of trial and error can get expensive. So, what’s a girl to do?
For the answer to that question, you may not have to look much further than the top of your head. While determining your hair type – straight, wavy, curly or kinky – isn’t an exact science, it’s a great first step toward figuring out which products will deliver the best results.
Hair typing is a methodology that utilizes certain characteristics like curl pattern, strand size and texture to determine care and styling needs for individual categories of hair. The most universally accepted hair typing system was developed by Oprah Winfrey’s stylist, Andre Walker who divided hair into four texture categories: 1) Straight, 2) Wavy, 3) Curly and 4) Kinky. Within each of these groups are texture subgroups: A (Fine/Thin), B (Medium) and C (Coarse).
Ladies who fall into the Type 1 category tend to have hair that is straight and shiny. Without curls and kinks to contend with, it’s easier for the hair’s natural oils to work its way to the ends of the hair. This hair type tends to be greasier and has difficulty holding a curl. But the good news is, it’s very hard to damage.
Products you may consider using are:
· Aveeno Pure Renewal Shampoo
Unlike Type 1, Type 2 tresses have a well-defined wave, or “S” pattern to it. With a tendency to lay flat or stick close to the scalp, this type hair is somewhat resistant to styling, even when layered.
Products you may consider using are:
· Original Mane ‘n Tail Shampoo for added body
· Ouidad Deep Treatment Intensive Conditioner for additional hydration
· Jessicurl’s Spiralicious Styling Gel for hold and frizz control
When Type 3 hair is wet, it may appear to be straight. However, as it dries, the hair absorbs the water and contracts to its curliest state. Humidity tends to make the curls even more well-defined, making styling in its natural state relatively easy. However, trying to blow this hair type straight may be a challenge. Products you may consider using are:
· Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Original Leave-In Moisturizer to keep the frizz at bay
· Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner
· Curl Junkie Coffee-Coco Curl Creme
The abundance of kinks, bends and tightly curled coils in type 4b and 4c hair makes it harder for the hair to hold moisture. Because strands tend to be course and wiry, they’re more susceptible to breakage. So, products that promote moisture retention will help encourage elasticity and keep hair soft and silky. Products you may consider using are:
· Ecostyler Gel to smooth edges down
· Coconut oil to help detangle the hair
· Herbal Essences Hello Hydration for deep conditioning
Quin Brewington has been a natural hair enthusiast for nearly 20 years and recently launched her own blog, SisterLadyGirl.com which offers sensible style inspiration to the grown, classy and sassy woman.