At the end of 2012 my hair was horrible. I had been the victim of several under processed relaxers, hard water, and stress. My hair was breaking off; dry, frizzy, and my edges were becoming very thin. I was wearing weaves that I would get done every 8 weeks and also I got a touch up. I would use mass-market hair products that weren’t designed for chemically treated or Black hair. I decided to do more research on hair journeys and creating a hair care regimen on YouTube.

Three years later my hair is flourishing. It did not happened over night but, my edges grew back (in 6 months with Jamaican Black Castor Oil), I had two corrective relaxers, and now my hair is almost bra strap length. One major factor in growing my hair has been changing the products I use. I have stopped using shampoo and I try to use the most natural products. Pictured below are the products I use and they can all be purchased at your local beauty supply store.

Hask Keratin Protein pack, $2

Protein treatments are a key way to make your hair more resilient. I love Hask’s Keratin Protein treatment because it is gentle enough to use every other week. I apply this conditioner alone or along with a moisturizing conditioner. Either way, it makes my hair feel soft and strong. It also helps to limit the amount of falling hairs I have. I usually just buy the packets but I just found out this product comes in a bottle, which I will be purchasing on my next trip to Ulta.

Protein products in general shouldn’t be used on your hair every week because overuse can make your hair hard. My suggestion for relaxed hair would be to use this product every other week for very damaged hair and once a month for hair in good condition. If you are having an issue with breakage or falling hairs, you need this.

Shea Moisture Strengthen, Grow, and Restore Treatment Masque, $12.99

Moisture is another very important factor when it comes to growing strong healthy hair. I use this deep conditioner every time I wash my hair. This conditioner makes my hair so soft. Another reason I love this conditioner is because it makes it easier to detangle my hair and is smells awesome. In my opinion, this is the best deep conditioner.

Shea Moisture Mongongo & Hemp Seed Oils High Porosity Moisture Seal Co-Wash, $12.99

This is one of two products I use to wash my hair. This co-wash makes my hair feel very clean and very moisturized. The smell is great and the creamy texture coats my thick hair easily. Even if I have a lot of greasy build up in my hair this takes care of it after two washes. The only down side to this product is the size it to small it will only last you about 4 washes if you have bra strap length hair. I credit this product for helping my hair to grow and ending the excessive amount of fall out I was previously experiencing.

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioner Cleanser, $12.99

This is the second product I wash my hair with. Just like the Mongongo & Hemp Seed Oils High Porosity Moisture Seal Co-Wash, this cleansing conditioner keeps my hair clean, strong, and moisturized. The coconut and hibiscus version is more widely available in stores and easier to find. Again, the bottle is small and it runs out quickly. This is a great first cleansing conditioner to try if you never tried one before.

Coconut oil

Dry hair and dry skin love coconut oil, it’s like magic. The trick to using coconut oil is to use a small amount and layer it. Grab a glob and slathering it on will make your hair to greasy. I also like using this oil on my scalp. Some types of weave and hair extensions can benefit from a very small amount of coconut oil. Two otheroils I also love are Wild Grow Oil and jojoba oil.

Fantasia IC Pure Tea Instant Oil Moisturizer, $6.99

When I’m styling my hair, this is my go to product. Some moisturizers are too heavy and can leave you hair greasy with no volume, this one doesn’t. It gives your hair a healthy sheen and will bring your ends back to life. The only drawback to this product is that is can separate and you will need to shake it before you use it.

Shea Moisture Mongongo & Hemp Seed Oils High Porosity Moisture-Seal Finishing Elixir, $12.99

At the end of styling my hair I always use this oil spray. I usually spray it in my hands then apply it with my fingers so I can distribute evenly. The smell is amazing and it helps lock moisture in my hair. The price is high so you may find something more affordable.