#10 Wide tooth Comb
This tool allows for easy detangling that can be quicker than finger detangling. Wide tooth combs can do minimal damage when used gently, but they can also cause snagging and damage if you are not careful. Beware and use with care. I plan to invest in a wide tooth wooden comb without the seams. The seams in plastic combs can cause breakage.
#9 Bobby Pins & Hair clips
Bobby Pins help to secure styles and even temporarily hold hair in place without the use of rubber bands (e.g. bantu knots). Clips are great for when the hair needs to be put into sections for easy manipulation. Again, you must beware. Chipped paint on bobby pins, and seams, cracks, chips, springs, and broken claws on hair clips can cause breakage. One of the things I dislike the most about bobby pins is how chipped paint pieces can end up in my hair.
#8 Eco Styler Gel
Gel is usually only thought of when it is necessary to smooth or mold hair, but this gel can be used for several things such as smoothing, styling twists and Bantu knots, frizz control, and much more. There are now quite a few styles (like these above) that can last even longer with the use of eco styler gel. Some of my favorite uses include smoothing baby hair and shingling in the summer time.
#7 (Deep/Leave-In) Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners help in keeping the hair properly moisturized and can also aid in detangling. Having a deep conditioner in your hair regimen is vital. Most deep conditioners will be used with indirect heat. This allows for deeper penetration into the hair shaft and that means longer lasting moisture. That is essential for textured hair! Aim to deep condition approximately once a week.
#6 Hair ties (Elastic)
This is a tough one. We need hair ties to put our hair up and out of the way. However, many of these can do more harm than good. My absolute favorite hair tie to use is a satin hair scrunchie which I DIY. I have also made them using velvet which would be my next choice. My third option would be store bought satin scrunchies which are horribly difficult to find in store. I would recommend looking on a site like Etsy or SatinLined Caps if you aren’t in the mood for a DIY. Thus the issue at hand arises. It is almost impossible to find some of the better hair tie options in store. I did find a type of hair tie that is like a stretch silicone material. It is almost seamless and is not coated in fabrics. This is nice for tighter ponytails, but I had a hard time finding them in black in stores.
#5 Headbands, Head wraps, Scarves & Turbans
I used to wear a lot of scarves and turban-like styles but if we are honest then we would admit that they have a time and a place. It can be challenging to fit these protective styles into our daily lives. Now I incorporate more head wraps and headbands. Try to select non-cotton materials as cotton can cause snagging and breakage around the edges of your hair. Scünci makes some different options that are great in the active collection.
#4 Moisturizer
Moisture equals water. No other product will take it’s place. It is a necessary component to healthy hair. External moisture is important but one could argue that proper hydration is even more important. Just go for both! Make sure you drink your water and also refresh hair with water so that your hair is hydrated from the inside out.
#3 Oils
Oils and butters help to seal moisture into the hair. Ideally you would want to use these after moisture so the water doesn’t sit on top of the oils and butter. Not all oils are sealants. Oils and butters can also add shine and reduce frizz. The heavier butters can also help to smooth hair and tame edges. Before use, do your research and pay attention to what your hair needs.
#2 Products (for curly hair or otherwise)
It is so easy to become a product-junkie in the world of natural hair. There are an endless amount of products that do this and that, and we want to see what works. Make sure you cleanse well and remove all of the product from your hair. It can weigh you hair down and make it hard for your hair to absorb moisture properly. Have fun with hair products, but again listen to your hair. It will tell you if something is not welcomed there.
#1 Bonnet, Satin scarf/ Pillow
Last but not least, the bedtime hair wrap up. Protecting our hair at night is important to keep hair healthy and retain length. There are a lot of nighttime protective options, and the one you choose may depend on your current style. Our normal pillowcases, sheets, comforters and even pajamas can snag our hair and break pieces off. If you notice little pieces of hair in your bed it may be time to change the way you protect your tresses while you’re sleeping.
Bonus:: Neat manicured nails are important when caring for your hair. Breakage is a huge pain in the butt and you don’t want to cause any more. Make sure you keep it cute girl.
Comment below with any hair item you cannot live without.
See you soon,
Endia XO 💋
Endia XO 