Natural Hair Must-Haves

Listed below are the items I reach for regularly in my natural hair care routine. Some rotate in and out based on my hair’s needs, but this is a great and comprehensive list of everything you should need. Next, head over to the Product Finder to find the best products to support your efforts!

 

Wash day items

 

Silk scrunchies (smaller, tighter)

I use silk scrunchies to section my hair for pre poo, then later to section my hair for styling. They can also be used to stretch your hair in a pseudo “banding method”. Also great for a loose high puff.

A couple days into my wash day style, I may then use these again to embed in a hairstyle.

Silk Scrunchies (larger, looser)

These are the silk scrunchies I used to use. I wanted something smaller and tighter so bought the ones above, but in case you are looking for something with more give, these are a better solution. Note: they lasted for about 10 months. I used them weekly, and they got soaked every week as well, so I’m not sure if that is why the elasticity eventually gave out (?)

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I recently started to reincorporate a wide-tooth comb back into my regimen. I use seamless comb because the seams can roughen overtime and potentially snag your hair strands.

I use clips in the shower to part my hair for shampooing and applying my deep conditioner. I also use them as needed when styling. I was unable to use clips when my hair was shorter, but now they are a great option! Just be careful not to snag or pull your hair, especially around your edges if they are sensitive.

Every 3 months from my big chop, I use my reverse hair dryer to stretch my hair for both a length check, and to trim my ends. I use this blow dryer because there is little to no risk of getting heat damage given the maximum wattage of the unit 800, versus around 1500 for the average blow dryer. Because the suction simultaneously draws away the water while drying the hair, it is a much more efficient and therefore takes ~1/3 of the time to dry. Note a 30-day moneyback guarantee for this product

I use the ayurvedic Beau Peep Luxuries growth oil as pre poo along with an (interchangeable) detangling agent - I use either a marketed “pre poo” product, a leave-in conditioner, or a rinse out conditioner. I use the Manifest oil on my scalp for a hot oil treatment (which I “heat” through exercise), and then also on top of the detangler.

I don’t know how I washed my hair before getting a shower mirror. This one should be pretty self explanatory, but it allows me to get a close view of my hair as I wash it! I had to wash my hair without it one day and it was awful. Fogless prevents you from having to continuously wipe the mirror. this one comes with a squeegee which is pretty fun too.

A wraparound towel is a great thing whether you’re washing your hair or your face. There’s a lot of getting in and out of showers in my wash day (well, 2 times but that’s still 1 more than normal), so it’s great to have something to throw on quickly and it’ll stay secure. I don’t like sleeves in situations where water will be running down my arms (washing my face, applying deep conditioner) so this towel has been an amazing addition. It is also microfiber so it dries very quickly.

I use a cordless conditioning cap to help the deep conditioner penetrate while going about my life.

I use disposable hair ties to style my hair, and I used to use them during my pre poo process (I stopped because I switch up my hairstyles every week). I then use a stripping tool to remove the bands (to avoid pulling out my hair).

I use disposable gloves during my wash day routine because my fingers get pruny very easily, the gloves provide natural slip, and it stops me from snatching out my hair due to any jagged or hang nails.

I started using mango butter to lock moisture into the ends of my hair because they were habitually dry and rough despite regular trims. The mango butter on first use transformed my ends. It does a fantastic job of locking in moisture, and it also creates a great paste to aid in coiling the ends for larger sections of twists/braids

If I need to dry my hair in a hurry (any by “hurry” when it comes to my particular hair type, that’s ~3 hours), I’ll sit under a bonnet dryer. I don’t do this regularly, but it is definitely needed as a backup

 

General Maintenance

 

I (try to remember to) put a growth oil on my scalp every 2-3 days. Post application, I use my scalp massager to help further stimulate the hair follicles to encourage healthy hair growth. The manual scalp massagers didn’t cut it, and this is by far the best battery operated I have used (I’ve tried 3 others).

I use silk scarves to both get ready for bed and to style my hair. I love to intertwine my hair with silk scarves when braiding and twisting my hair. I also throw a silk scarf over my head when putting on tops. Click here for smaller scarves that are often better for styling.

I use both regular and mini bobby pins to style my hair. These are the best bobby pins I’ve ever used.

Sleep on satin! I always put a silk scarf in silk at bedtime, but somehow it often comes off overnight. It is good sense to have a backup just in case. Either way, I’m wakin up on satin ;)

I was always nervous to put a shower cap over my perfect twistout, braidout, or other
”big” hairstyle because more often than not, my hair would get squashed and there went the style. There was also often a poor seal at the rims of the shower cap because my hair was too big to allow for a tight one. With this shower cap, that is not an issue AT ALL. It is huge, and forms a great seal at the perimeter to keep out any style-ruining moisture.

I use a silk scarf, but I often secure it further with a comfortable silk cat (depending on the hairstyle I’m maintaining that week). These can go from bed to outside of the house, just choose a pattern/color you like!

I use an Afro pick when I take out my styles (braids, twists, etc.) to add volume and to cover parts

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I use an afro pick once I’ve taken out my style to help remove parts.