NATURAL HAIR ESSENTIALS
Here are the top ten hair necessities that complete any and every hair style! Whether your new to the natural hair universe or missing a couple items, this list will keep you prepared.
1. Spray Bottle/Mist Spray
Salon 360 Mist Sprayers
Wearing your hair in its natural state requires much moisture and this tool provides answers to those issues. Water is the key to solve all moisture problems so instead of dunking your whole head in water each time you do anything get a spray bottle! It comes in so many forms such as the typical spray bottle, a spritzer, and continuous sprayer. You can even add leave-in -conditioner and essential oils to your bottle. Often times when styling, spraying your hair with water assists with the process whether it be detangling or a wash n’ go and life is easier for naturals like us.
2. Detangling Brush
Wet Detangling Brush
To detangle with fingers or brush? Hmmmm…. Well some naturals will say finger detangling is the way to go to reduce hair breakage. Remember, everything is up to you and based on your sole discretion. Experience is the best teacher and depending on styling, amount of breakage or even the condition of the detangling brush- it will determine if you stick with the brush or finger detangling. Brushes come in many forms and brands, among the natural hair community the Denman Brush is highly suggested for detangling or defining curls.3. Bonnet/ Scarf/ Pillow Case
Grace Eleyae Satin Pillowcase
The Bonnet is made of polyester or satin fabric which keeps moisture in your hair as you sleep, it keeps your style in place, and reduces tangling and knots. Bonnets come in various sizes and brands. Scarves are composed of polyester, satin, or silk and can also be used while sleeping or styling. Applying gels, oils, or edge control allows the hair to stay in place if a scarf is applied directly after. Whether bonnet or scarf just make sure neither are too tight around hairline to avoid breakage. If you opt out of using a bonnet or scarf, a satin pillowcase is always the next best thing, just try your best to avoid cotton all together for less breakage and knotting.
4. Hair Clips
Dry Bar Clips
Manipulating curls is so much easier with clips because it holds curls in place. From washing, shampooing, deep conditioning, and more, clips are needed at each phase. There are many forms from, sectioning clips, dry bar clips, double prong, all purpose and so many more. Working on your hair in sections prevents tangling and even distribution of product.
5. Hair Ties
Snappee Hair Ties
Whatever you do just make sure the hair ties are ouchless! Yep, I said ouchless meaning the tie isn’t made with any metal pieces. Curls can wrap around the hair tie if you aren’t careful enough putting it in your hair or taking it out. Goody and Snapee are great brands of sturdy easy to use hair ties.
6. Shower Cap
Conair Printed Shower Caps
This is one of the most inexpensive items on the list yet so important. Shower caps trap moisture along the hair shaft and locks in any oils, masks, conditioners, or treatments for softer, more lush curls. Or you can always use it for its intended purpose-covering your style in the shower.
7. Hair Steamer
Q Redew Hair Steamer
If you’re not into constantly spritzing your hair in between washes you should try a hair steamer. Using heat and water this tool can bring moisture to the hair shaft and helps to reshape hair for restyling. It can assist with the detangling process and stretch your shrinkage for added volume. Use it while deep conditioning for better penetration of product on hair. At least give it a try!
8. Bobby Pins
Goody Bobby Pins
If you don’t own any, put this blog down and go to the store to get them, NOW! Hold those curls in place with bobby pins, keep your edge laid with bobby pins, incorporate them into your everyday styles- you guessed it, BOBBY PINS! We always tend to overlook the little things, but you can’t avoid this tool because it works wonders for styling.
9. Hair Diffuser
Conair dryer with diffuser and attachment
This attachment goes on a blow dryer and helps curls dry quickly without transforming the style. Some diffusers are known for not causing frizz while drying and some you may not be so fortunate. Typically, diffusers have prongs so drying curls as well as your scalp is a bonus. This is the perfect tool for wash n’ go’s.
10. Hair Stopper
Danco Hair Stopper
There comes a time in a curl’s life where hair will shed, why not be prepared. A small hair stopper often does the trick and is fairly inexpensive. There’s nothing worse than a clogged drain! If you’re experiencing excessive shedding or hair loss, please contact a professional.
What's your must have hair accessories? What tools can't you live without? Comment below, we would love to know.