Finding products that give the desired results and that are compatible with your hair texture is not always easy. Along my natural hair journey I have discovered some trusted over the counter products that have proven to be effective in cleansing, conditioning, moisturizing and styling my hair. The following are some of my favorite products that I use in my weekly hair care regimen.

CONDITIONER

Suave Almond and Shea Butter Conditioner

This is my go to conditioner for pre-pooing, detangling, co-washing, and in rare instances, deep conditioning. In cases where I run out of deep conditioners, I use this conditioner with some of my favorite oils and it surely does the trick. This very thick, moisturizing conditioner is a must have for me. It is not only very rich and creamy but it provides awesome slip for my 4b textured hair. This is what most naturals would refer to as a cheapie conditioner, which is usually acquired for co-washes, detangling and other processes that require a large volume of conditioner. It is indeed very affordable, ranging anywhere between $2.50-$3.50. The quality of the product, however, is above average - considering how reasonably priced it is and the level of effectiveness that it provides. I love it and I don't think I will ever leave it.

SHAMPOO

Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter

Moisture Retention Shampoo

Since I reverted to natural, I have had an extremely difficult time sourcing a shampoo that was to my liking. I find that most of the shampoos that I tried would leave my hair feeling very stripped and moisture-deprived. Recommendation after recommendation, I would try various brands of shampoos to no avail. I would still end up with dry, thirsty hair which had a straw like feel to it. I resigned myself to just doing co-washes when, alas...I finally discovered the life-saving shampoo that was not only cleansing to my hair but also moisturizing. The Shea Moisture Moisture retention shampoo has a very silky consistency and it leaves my hair feeling soft and silky. As a bonus, it has a very rich lather so a little goes a long way. I am still a happy camper having discovered this treasure and, even though I am still a frequent co-washer, in times when my hair requires a good scrub, I can safely use this shampoo without the fear of ending up with stripped hair.

DEEP CONDITIONER

Eden Body Works Jojoba Monoi

Deep Conditioner

If ever there was a product that does exactly what it says it would do, this is definitely it. I came across this product when I was on the hunt for a good deep conditioner to help restore my hair texture after my horrific experience of protein overdose. It was around the time when I discovered that I had protein sensitive hair that I tried to source a moisturizing deep conditioner. Naturally, having suffered protein damage, I sought to locate a conditioner that did not list any kind of protein as an ingredient. To my surprise, 90% of the deep conditioners on the shelves had some amount of protein in it. I soon came across the Eden Body Works Deep Conditioner and was happy to see that there was no protein included. I was instantly impressed with the scent and the thickness of this conditioner and decided to put it to the test. Upon application to the first section of my hair, I was totally in love. It glided through my strands with such ease and it provided instant relief to my dry, brittle, parched hair. Although I often whip up my own homemade conditioner from scratch, when I am on the go and in need of a quick deep conditioner, I choose Eden Body Works Jojoba Monoi, it works like a charm.

LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Giovanni Direct Leave-In

Weightless Moisture Conditioner

After hair is shampooed and conditioned, it is important to apply a leave in conditioner that will keep your hair feeling soft and moisturized. Not all leave-in conditioners work for my hair. Without a doubt, the Giovanni Direct Leave In lives up to its name, providing weightless moisture for my hair. It is very thick and creamy and very easily absorbed. I like the fact that it does not carry an overpowering scent, hence not conflicting with the smell of my styling product of choice. The leave in conditioner has a thick consistency and doesn't take much for my hair to feel moisturized. I am very pleased with this product and love the results that I get from it every time.

STYLING PRODUCTS

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie &

Shea Moisture Curling Souffle

Styling is the finishing touch and your styling product of choice can either make or break your hairdo. I keep it very basic where my styling products are concerned. My two products of choice are the Shea Moisture's Curl enhancing Smoothie and Curling Souffle.

Most times these two products are used in conjunction with each other. The Smoothie is a thick, creamy, moisturizing product that provides instant softness to my hair, while the Curling Souffle is a stickier, gel-like product that provides excellent definition and sheen to my twist outs, braid outs or any other setting style of choice for that matter. I usually apply the Smoothie first, the Souffle after, then proceed to style as desired. I love the two products together but they can be used independently. The smell of both is amazing and I get a thicker, fuller look to my hair when these products are used. Love them......will never leave them!!!!!

I do hope this information was helpful, but bear in mind that what works for me may not work for you and what works for you may not work for me. These are not suggestions. I am simply sharing my experience with you as I always love to do. Be blessed!!!!

Candie's Natural Hairnamix was birthed a few months after Jamaican native Rossette "Candie" Allen began her natural hair journey in May 2010. She gears this column toward naturals, transitioning naturals, aspiring naturals and the naturally curious, sharing experiences, expertise and experiments while celebrating emancipation from chemical slavery.