7 Women On Caring For Their Natural Curls In Quarantine
There’s no one-size-fits-all way of taking care of your natural hair. Some people find a few trusty go-tos and repurchase again and again; others tap into their inner product junkie and test-drive new market innovations until they settle down with the one(s). No matter where you fall on the spectrum, the most important thing is that you find what works for you and your hair.
For many of us, caring for our curls on our own during the pandemic has left us with a lot of time to sift out the products that don’t really serve us vs. the ones we really love. We asked seven women with natural hair to spill about the products and routines that have held them down over the past year, ahead.
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“Over the past few months, I’ve been loving SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo, TGIN Honey Miracle Mask, and Mielle Organics Honey Ginger Styling Gel. If you’ve noticed the trend among all three: Honey is where it’s at. The ingredient helps my hair with moisture retention, and all three products smell amazing. Stumbling upon them during quarantine has helped me majorly with fighting dryness, and my routine is much better for it.” — Kim Williams, campaign manager at Refinery29“My hair is curly but fine, so I’m always looking for a good balance of moisture and protein. My holy-grail lineup lately has been a mix of ApHogee 2 Minute Reconstructor, SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner, and Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream. I also usually mix in Aussie Miracle Curls Co-Wash, which I get at the drugstore. The combination keeps my curls hydrated and full.” — Alicia Bee, senior creative at Refinery29“Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer is perfect for those random times every other month I decide to straighten my hair. The smell is light, which is excellent because my nose is sensitive to strong fragrance. I usually flat-iron my hair at 400 degrees, and the leave-in protects my hair from the heat. As soon as I return to my natural state, my curls bounce back like new — no heat damage or straggly ends.” — Breanna Davis, associate social referral editor at Refinery29“I’ve been transitioning to my natural curl texture since the start of the pandemic last year, which has left a lot of room for experimenting with natural hair products. I recently rediscovered my love for an old favourite: Miss Jessie Pillow Soft Curls, which defines without the crunch. (It also smells like fabric softener, which I love, but it’s not for everyone.) My hairstylist Candace Witherspoon introduced me to Camille Rose Curl Maker Gel, which is the only gel I’ve ever used that actually made my curls feel defined and soft at the same time without clumping or flaking. It’s the real deal.” — Aimee Simeon, senior beauty writer at Refinery29Olivia Higgins, Client Services Specialist at BvlgariChristina Mings, Model
“Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner singlehandedly got my hair through the pandemic. It smells like freedom and life without a mask (a girl can dream), and keeps my coils moisturised and soft for days at a time.” — Maya Simeon, student & creator of Non-Stop Moments“The 4C Only Too Soft Leave-In Conditioner and Too Slick Styling Cream have been my recent favourites. I used them last week and they’ve kept my hair so soft since then. They don’t leave my hair heavy or sticky either, and they smell great.” — Sydney Clarke, Vice Media Group 2030 Fellow“SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk is my old reliable, and that hasn’t changed even in quarantine. I love the way that it gives my hair a boost of shine without feeling weighed down. Not to mention it smells like a tropical day on the beach, which is 100% where I’d rather be — but that’s a story for a different day.” — Deana Leonce, professional makeup artist
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