Hey “Savvy Readers!” Many of you already know that I am a “natural curly girl,” meaning I do not use a relaxer or perm in my hair. I started this journey (as it is often refered to) in June 2009 and “big chopped” in July 2010. But, I will share more about my transitioning journey later. Today I want to address the question that I get asked all the time…”Girl, what do you use in your hair?” Let me start by saying that I do experiment from time to time with different products but there are only a few that have remained staple go to’s for me.  So with that being said, here is the list of my favorite products….

• Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie – I love this stuff. Not only does it smell great but I love the way it moisturizes my hair. I use it to achieve my go-to style…the braid out. The only time I don’t use my Curl Enhancing Smoothie is if I am rocking my hair straight or in mini-twist. So I keep one out for daily use and two in stock (just in case I run out…yep, it’s that serious!)
• Coconut Oil – I read an article a few years about the benefits of coconut, so I did some research and I have been in love ever since. From my research I discovered that unlike most oils, coconut oil is the only oil that actually penetrates you hair, so as a result can actually add moisture. And the best part is that it doesn’t leave my hair feeling greasy. I purchased a 54 fl. oz. container from Amazon for less than $20 about two years ago and I’m only half way through it…let’s just say a little coconut oil goes a loooong way.
• Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel – I use this gel to slick my hair down for ponytails and buns. This gel does not leave my hair feeling extra hard, dry or flakey.
• Ampro Pro Styl Gel – I only use this gel around my edges, usually when I am wearing my hair in mini-twist or styles that are not “slicked” down.
• Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Fortifying Cream Conditioner– Hands down this has been the best conditioner I have used yet. It helps with detangling (which can be a beast) and it leaves my hair feeling great. And the best thing is you can purchase from any drug store and mass retailer for under $5.

• Garnier Fructis Leave-in Conditioning Cream – I use this EVERYTIME I wash my hair. I have used other leave-in conditioners that leave my hair feeling sticky even once it dries but this one doesn’t. And having a good leave-in is important, it helps to retain moisture which is a must for natural hair.

The list above does not include a shampoo because I usually just use whatever I have on hand (I’m a big couponer so I have pretty good stash of shampoo and conditioners).  And when I do wash my hair I concentrate the shampoo on my scalp and only wash it once. But I will be positing a more detailed regimen of my wash routine soon, so be on the lookout for that. But in the meantime, I hope this list helps any of you who may be considering going natural or already natural but looking for new products. If you have any suggestions, questions or requests concerning my natural hair (or anything for that matter) that you would like for me to address here on my blog please feel free to email me (thesavvyhousewifeblog@yahoo.com) or leave a comment below.

Disclaimer: Keep in mind that these are products that I researched, tested and found work well for my hair…I strongley suggest that you research these (or any) products before purchasing and understand that I can not guarantee you will have the same results as me.