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Natural Hair Care

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I've been natural for 7 years and I big chopped from almost bald. Along the way I've tried A LOT of products — some were amazing, some were a waste of money. These are the ones that actually work for Black natural hair whether you're just starting yo...
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STRAIGHTEN YOUR HAIR SAFELY

 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
This uses actual steam while it straightens so your hair stays hydrated instead of getting fried. One pass and your curls are smooth, shiny, and still feel healthy. Always use a heat protectant before you use on your hair.
Wavytalk Pro Steam Hair Straightener Brush
 
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You just brush through and your curls come out sleek and smooth in one pass. Takes like 30 minutes for your whole head and way less damaging than a flat iron.
Hair Straightener Brush, TYMO Ring Hair
 
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Same concept as the Ring but upgraded  titanium teeth, 9 heat settings, and negative ion technology so your hair comes out way less frizzy with more shine. The negative ions seal the cuticle while you straighten. Always pair with a heat protectant.
TYMO Ring Plus Ionic Hair Straightener Brush
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
If you want a traditional flat iron feel but from TYMO, this is the one. Heats up fast and gives you that bone straight look when you want it. Heat protectant first, always.
TYMO Flat Iron Hair Straightener Brush 2 in 1
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
This literally sucks your hair into a wand and dries + straightens at the same time. Cuts blow-dry time in half with way less heat damage. An investment but your wash day will never be the same.
RevAir Reverse-Air Hair Dryer
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
This is the #1 heat protectant in the natural hair community right now. Mongongo oil locks in moisture while it protects from heat damage and your hair actually feels soft after straightening, not dry and crunchy.
Mielle Organics: Heat Protection - Amazon.com
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
Made with black castor oil and keratin so it's doing double duty — protecting from heat AND fighting humidity so your silk press actually lasts. Made for our hair, not just marketed to us.
African Pride Olive Miracle Heat Protect & Shine
 
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Lightweight crème that works amazing on medium to coarse natural hair. Leaves your hair with serious shine and it doesn't weigh your curls down when you wear them out.
Design Essentials Agave & Lavender Thermal Protectant
 
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If you want something affordable that actually works, this is it. Around $5 and it strengthens your hair while protecting from heat. Shea butter keeps everything moisturized.
Cantu Thermal Shield Heat Protectant 5.1oz
 
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Heat protectant, detangler, and leave-in all in one bottle. If you hate layering a bunch of products before you straighten, this simplifies everything.
It's a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In 10 fl oz

HAIR OILS

 
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This went viral for a reason, over 70,000 sales on Amazon. Helps with growth, edges, and it smells amazing. If you haven't tried this yet, what are you waiting for.
Mielle Organics Rosemary & Mint Hair Oil
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
The OG for natural hair. Thickens edges, helps with growth, and keeps your scalp moisturized. Just massage it in a few times a week and watch what happens.
Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil 8oz
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
Same benefits as the original but with lavender so it smells way better and also helps soothe the scalp. Great if you get itchy or irritated.
Sunny Isle Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil
 
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Another solid rosemary oil option if you want something more affordable. Stimulates the scalp and helps with thinning spots.
Difeel Rosemary Mint Hair Oil with Biotin 7.1oz
 
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This has been around forever and people still swear by it. It's a blend of natural oils that helps thicken and grow your hair. Your grandma probably used this.
Wild Growth Hair Oil 4 Oz - Amazon.com
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
Packed with vitamins and biotin. Great if your edges or crown need some extra love.
The Mane Choice Alpha Multi-Vitamin Hair Oil

HAIR STEAM & DEEP CONDITIONING

 
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You don't need a whole salon setup — this handheld steamer opens up your cuticles so deep conditioners actually penetrate. Game changer on wash day.
Q Redew Hair Steamer - Amazon.com
 
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The heat helps everything absorb way better than just sitting there with a plastic cap hoping for the best.
Heat Cap For Deep Conditioning - Amazon.com
 
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If you want the full salon experience at home, this is it. Rolls right next to wherever you sit and your deep conditioner works 10x better under steam.
7 in 1 Professional Hair Steamer & Rotating Dryer
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
One of the best deep conditioners for natural hair, period. Your hair feels like butter after. The honey and olive oil combo just hits different.
tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask for Curly 3c-4c
 
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If your hair is screaming for moisture, this is a tall glass of water. Leaves 4C hair so soft you won't believe it's yours.
SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque

WASH DAY ESSENTIALS

 
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Actually cleanses without stripping all the moisture out. Your hair won't feel like straw after.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
 
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Actually cleanses without stripping all the moisture out. Your hair won't feel like straw after.
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Conditioner 13oz
 
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Your fingers just glide through. If you dread wash day because of tangles, this makes it so much easier.
Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Conditioner
 
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Super gentle and smells incredible. Cleans without drying you out, perfect for weekly wash days.
Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Sulfate Free Shampoo
 
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If your scalp needs a real reset from buildup, this is the one. Cleans deep without harsh chemicals and leaves your scalp feeling fresh.
Melanin African Black Soap Shampoo - Amazon.com

CONDITIONING & MOISTURE

 
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A leave-in that actually keeps your hair moisturized for days, not just hours. Lightweight so it won't weigh your curls down.
Curl Love Leave-In Conditioner for Curly Hair - Camille Rose
 
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If your 4C hair knots up the second you look at it, this is your best friend. Detangles and moisturizes at the same time.
KNOT TODAY LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER - Kinky-Curly Hair Care
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
Rich and creamy, seals moisture in without being greasy. Great for twist-outs and keeping thicker hair soft all week.
As I Am Double Butter Rich Daily Moisturizer 16oz
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
Super moisturizing and affordable. Your hair stays soft and doesn't dry out by the end of the day.
Aunt Jackie's Curls & Coils Quench Leave-In
 
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You've probably seen this one everywhere and that's because it works. Softens your hair and makes styling so much easier.
Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream, 16 oz

DETANGLE SOLUTIONS

 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
So slippery your tangles basically undo themselves. Apply it on soaking wet hair and finger detangle before you even pick up a comb.
Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
This is slip in a bottle. Your comb just glides through and you’re not sitting there crying over a tangled section for 20 minutes.
Aunt Jackie's Knot On My Watch Detangler 3 Oz
 
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Gives you insane slip for detangling plus hold for your styles after. Two birds, one product.
The Doux Big Poppa Defining Curling Gel
 
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The flexible teeth work through knots without ripping your hair out. Way gentler than a regular brush and your hair will thank you.
Tangle Teezer Brush - Amazon.com

HAIR RETENTION

I’ve been growing my hair for a while now and one of the best pieces of advice I can give is don’t over-care for your hair. Less manipulation is key. But if you have to touch it, here are some things that will definitely help you retain your length a...

 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
This literally repairs broken bonds in your hair so it stops snapping off. Use it before you shampoo and you’ll notice less breakage almost immediately
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector Repair Treatment
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
Great for weekly use, keeps your ends moisturized so they stop splitting and breaking. Retention is all about keeping those ends healthy.
Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner
 
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For those in-between wash days when you just want to refresh without stripping. Less stripping = less breakage = more length.
Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Overnight Recovery
 
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This does 10 things at once and one of the biggest ones is reducing breakage. Spray it on after washing and your hair just feels stronger.
It's a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In 10 fl oz

HAIR STRENGTHENING

 
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If your hair is breaking off and feeling mushy, this puts the strength back in. It’s intense but it works, your hair will literally feel harder and stronger after one use.
Aphogee Two-step Protein Treatment 16 oz
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
Quick protein boost for when your hair needs a little reinforcement but not a full-on treatment. Use it after shampooing, 2 minutes and you're done.
ApHogee Intensive 2 Min Keratin Reconstructor
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
Protein and moisture in one so you don't end up with hard, stiff hair. Strengthens weak spots while keeping everything soft.
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Masque
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
A lot of naturals sleep on this one but it's a hidden gem. Fills in damaged spots in your hair strand and helps it hold moisture better. Mix it into your deep conditioner.
Protein Filler For Hair - Amazon.com
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DANDRUFF DEFENDERS

 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
This has ketoconazole which actually treats the fungus that causes dandruff, not just the flakes. Use it once or twice a week and you'll see results fast.
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 1% Ketoconazole
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
Made specifically for textured hair so it doesn't dry you out like regular dandruff products. Soothes the itch and keeps your scalp moisturized between wash days.
Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisture Scalp Cream 5oz
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
If your scalp stays dry and itchy no matter what, this one calms it down with tea tree oil. Cleans without leaving your hair feeling stripped.
As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Shampoo
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
A classic that's been in Black households forever. The sulfur actually helps with flaking and itching and it's been trusted for generations.
SULFUR8 Medicated Anti-Dandruff Conditioner 2oz

FRIZZ FIGHTERS

 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
A little goes a long way, smooths flyaways and adds that glossy shine without making your hair look greasy. Works on all textures.
Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil - Amazon.com
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
If you want your edges and wash-and-gos to stay laid without the flaking, this is it. Holds your style down and fights frizz all day.
Eco Style Olive Oil Gel - Shine & Tame Ends
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
Lightweight serum that tames frizz without weighing your hair down. Great for when you straighten and want that sleek look to last.
Frizz Be Gone™ Hair Serum | Shop Salon-Quality at Giovanni
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
Affordable and it actually works. Smooths everything out and gives you that shiny, finished look. A little drop on your ends goes a long way.
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum

HAIR ACCESSORIES

 
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The brush for defining curls and distributing product evenly. If you do wash-and-gos, this gives you those perfect, defined clumps.
Denman D3 Original Curl Definer & Styler Brush
 
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Gentle on wet hair and doesn't snag like plastic combs. Start from the ends and work your way up, your hair won't hate you.
Sandalwood Comb – Breezelike® | The Comb Expert
 
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Made by a celebrity hairstylist specifically for natural hair. The flexible bristles detangle without ripping through your curls.
Black Detangler Brush by Felicia Leatherwood
 
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Keeps your style intact overnight and prevents breakage from cotton pillowcases. If you're not sleeping in a bonnet, you're undoing all your hard work.
yanibest: SATIN BONNET - Amazon.com
 
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For when the bonnet falls off at 3am, because let's be real, it happens. Your hair still slides on satin instead of getting roughed up by cotton.
Bedsure Satin Pillowcase Queen Size
 
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Regular hair ties snag and break your hair. These satin ones hold without the damage and they look cute too.
Kitsch Ultra-Petite Satin Scrunchies for Women
 
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Perfect for putting your hair up without tension. No pulling, no breakage, and it actually holds all your hair if you go with the jumbo size.
ZYTJ 5 Inch Extra Large Claw Clips for Thick Hair

HAIR POROSITY

Quick tip: you don't need to buy a test kit. Just drop a clean strand of hair in a glass of water: if it floats you're low porosity, sinks to the middle is normal, sinks to the bottom is high porosity. Then grab the right products for your type.

 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
Made specifically for low porosity hair that hates heavy products. Lightweight, water-based, and won't just sit on top of your hair.
SheaMoisture Baobab & Tea Tree Leave-In Detangler
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
Great for low to normal porosity, lightweight enough to actually absorb but still gives your curls definition and moisture.
Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner
 
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If you have high porosity hair that drinks up moisture and dries out fast, this is a quick, affordable way to keep it hydrated between deep treatments.
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle - Amazon.com

HAIR PROTECTION

 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
Moisturizes and protects your hair before you put it into any protective style. If you're doing braids, twists, or a wig, this goes on first.
Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizer
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
Keeps your edges laid under wigs and around braids without flaking or buildup. Strong hold but washes out easy.
EBIN NEW YORK 24Hr Edge Tamer Extreme Hold 0.5oz
 
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When your scalp is itching under braids or a sew-in and you can't scratch, this spray saves your life. Soothes the itch and promotes growth at the same time.
Jamaican Mango & Lime No More Itch Gro
 
Shantelle Thorpe profile picture
Locks your style in place when you need it to last. Great for ponytails, updos, and laying everything flat when you're doing protective styles.
Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray 12oz x2