Soultanicals Afro Gel-lato, $15, meets two of my most important criteria for my springy, pen-size coils. It gives me touchable, soft hold with the look of second-day hair. It doesn't take much of the Afro Gel-lato (which is more similar in consistency to water than gel) to give my edges soft control when I wear a messy bun.
On freshly washed hair that has been stretched, I apply a light oil before creating a bun, then apply Afro Gel-lato to my edges. I use a macro brush or a head wrap for additional edge control and I'm ready to go. --Kira Byrd, Curl Centric
On freshly washed hair that has been stretched, I apply a light oil before creating a bun, then apply Afro Gel-lato to my edges. I use a macro brush or a head wrap for additional edge control and I'm ready to go. --Kira Byrd, Curl Centric
I'm always looking for a product that can keep single-strand knots at bay. Karen's Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave-In Conditioner, $12, is very moisturizing and has a lot of slip for when I'm detangling during the week. Plus, it smells amazing! Unlike most products, it leaves me tangle-free without having to add hair oil. --Julian Gravesande, Guyanese Sista
Bee Mine Luscious Balanced Cream Moisturizer, $19, is my all-time favorite styling product because it gives me consistent results every time I use it, whether my hair is dry, wet, clean or dirty. I've been using it for over a year now and have noticed a huge increase in the health and strength of my hair. I have fewer split ends and no longer battle dryness. My hair drinks up the perfect combination of mango butter, coconut oil and aloe.
This natural and organic product gives my hair perfect hold. Once my hair dries, it is supersoft, frizz-free, airy and touchable. It dries completely residue- and grease-free, so I can use it every day with no build-up. I need to use only a dab for each section, and detangling becomes a breeze. It has a higher price point, but to me, it's worth it. I never have to "cocktail" this with any other product, because it works perfectly on its own. --Lauren Johnson, La Coco Bella
This natural and organic product gives my hair perfect hold. Once my hair dries, it is supersoft, frizz-free, airy and touchable. It dries completely residue- and grease-free, so I can use it every day with no build-up. I need to use only a dab for each section, and detangling becomes a breeze. It has a higher price point, but to me, it's worth it. I never have to "cocktail" this with any other product, because it works perfectly on its own. --Lauren Johnson, La Coco Bella
Choosing the best hairbrush for my curly hair is serious business. Your hairbrush can make a huge difference in how much time you spend in the detangling department each day. The best detangling brush for me is a cushion brush that gently massages my scalp and detangles my big, curly hair without causing any damage to my hair shaft, roots or scalp. I love the Brush Lab Fresh Square Cushion Hair Brush, $14, because the rounded bristles are attached to the base of the brush, which has an air-filled cushion that conforms to the shape of my scalp. Some people think that natural, curly hair is tough, but in fact it's very fragile. You need a gentle brush like this one. --Daily Baez, Daily Curlz
I wish I had this product when I was wearing braids a few years back, because it would have made wearing braids and cornrows a lot easier. Going Natural Scalp Conditioning Spray, $10, is my new favorite product for my braid locs, because it refreshes my scalp like nothing else. It keeps my hair moisturized but, most importantly, my scalp doesn't itch when I use it and it keeps dandruff away.
I spray this conditioning spray on at night before I go to sleep, then I put my hair in a bun and wrap a scarf around it. In the morning my hair looks happy, healthy and bouncy. --Mireille Liong, Going Natural
I spray this conditioning spray on at night before I go to sleep, then I put my hair in a bun and wrap a scarf around it. In the morning my hair looks happy, healthy and bouncy. --Mireille Liong, Going Natural
Finding the best products for natural hair isn't easy. You want the best hair products for tamed edges, defined curls, moisturized ends and a long list of other requirements. And for every "must" on your list of hair care demands, there are hundreds of products on the market that say they do just that -- but do they? To help you find the best products for your natural hair we enlisted our favorite natural hair bloggers, natural hair vloggers and product enthusiasts to share what they use and love.