Buying These 11 Products Is the Best Thing I Did For My Natural Hair

POPSUGAR Photography | Shelcy Joseph
POPSUGAR Photography | Shelcy Joseph
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Confession: I used to dread wash days because they only seemed to bring me a headache. I braid my hair often, so it can be pretty sensitive and hard to detangle once I undo the braids. I would spend hours just combing through the knots and crying out in pain. Since meeting a hairstylist this summer who's familiar with my hair type and taken the time to educate me, I now know that the right products make everything a breeze.

In a not-so-surprising turn of events, I've come to cherish the ritual of washing my hair. From the prewash treatment that softens it to the deep condition that nurtures it, I've learned about the products needed in each step and the purpose they serve. No matter where you are in your natural journey, I bet you'll find something from this list that will nourish your scalp and make you look forward to wash days, too. I'm finally sharing my secrets, so get ready to take notes.

Terre & Botanique Pre-Wash Scalp Treatment
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Terre & Botanique Pre-Wash Scalp Treatment

This Terre & Botanique Pre-Wash Scalp Treatment ($6) is made from natural ingredients that hydrate your hair while adding shine and promoting growth. These include ginger, fermented rice, and coconut water. I massaged it into my dry hair and let it sit for at least 15 minutes, and it softened plus moisturized my hair.

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo
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SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo

Anything from SheaMoisture delivers results, and this SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo ($4) is no exception.

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
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SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo

I also like to use this SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo ($12), which I'd recommend in a heartbeat.

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Growth Leave-In Conditioner
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SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Growth Leave-In Conditioner

This SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Growth Leave-In Conditioner ($4) deeply hydrates your scalp, making it so easy to style your hair postwash.

SheaMoisture Strengthening Shampoo
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SheaMoisture Strengthening Shampoo

If you have a lot of product buildup and damaged hair, use this SheaMoisture Strengthening Shampoo ($12).

SheaMoisture Strengthen and Restore Rinse Out Hair Conditioner
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SheaMoisture Strengthen and Restore Rinse Out Hair Conditioner

Soften and detangle your hair easily with this SheaMoisture Strengthen and Restore Rinse Out Hair Conditioner ($12).

Mielle Organics Styling Gel With Honey
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Mielle Organics Styling Gel With Honey

You'll swear by this Mielle Organics Styling Gel With Honey ($16) for your sleek hairdos.

Cantu Tea Tree Jojoba Hair Scalp Oil
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Cantu Tea Tree Jojoba Hair Scalp Oil

Show your scalp some love with this Cantu Tea Tree Jojoba Hair Scalp Oil ($6).

Cantu Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel
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Cantu Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel

If you lay your edges often, you know how important a good edge control is. This Cantu Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel ($6) will do the trick.

Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant
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Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant

Before a blow-dry, use this Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant ($5) to reduce any potential heat damage.