When it comes to haircare, I have NO LOYALTY. I will switch things up in a minute because I usually don’t feel like there’s anything that’s all that unique. But, despite my persistent product junkie-ism, I find myself always coming back to these five products.
1. Oribe Shampoo For Moisture and Control ($45)
Ok…so this is really expensive ($45!). It’s probably the most expensive hair product I’ve ever used. I tend to go for cheaper hair shampoos and conditioners because of how thick my hair is, and because I go through products super quickly.
Despite wanting to hate this product and my hope that I’d never want to re-purchase it, I have to admit that it’s the ONLY shampoo I’ve ever tried that actually feels moisturizing.
Ironically, as a rule, I mostly only buy “moisturizing” shampoos, but they all leave my hair feeling the same as it ever was. But this shampoo, my goodness, is incredibly moisturizing. It also lathers up into nice, big, refreshing suds. If you’re looking for a haircare splurge, this is it. By the way, the conditioner is great too.
2. Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner ($9)
I’ve tried so many different leave-in conditioners, but I’ve NEVER found one quite like this one. The formula has the perfect consistency (not too thick or thin), it’s an affordable $9, and it just works. I am 100% committed (I actually buy it in bulk on Amazon).
I slather it on my hair when it’s soaking wet in the shower, then comb it through with a wide-tooth comb. It coats and provides lasting moisture, but it doesn’t leave behind a thick residue. Whether I’m going to slick my hair into a bun or add some gel for a wash & go, this is always the first thing on my hair after I wash it.
3. Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Wrap Set Mousse ($6.89)
This little miracle product is the secret to all of my twist-out styles! Here are some pics of the hair styles I do with it:
Basically, whenever I have smooth, tight curls, I most likely used ORS Olive Oil Mousse on damp hair to achieve it. I’ll usually do flat twists (I think this is a great tutorial) with perm rods on the ends.
4. Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker Gel ($21.18)
I love this Curl Maker Gel because it defines my curls without any hardness or crunchiness. My hair just feels incredibly soft when I use it and actually lasts two or three days before I have to start all over again.
And here are some pics of wash & go styles I’ve done with it:
5. Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercreme ($32)
Miss Jessie’s was one of the first lines I discovered for styling my natural hair, and I’ve been using Baby Buttercreme since college. Even though there are dozens of similar lines around now, this one has a special place in my heart.
The Baby Buttercreme is pretty pricey ($32), but the 8-oz. jar lasts me months because I probably only use one or two tablespoons to style my whole head. Also, Target has BOGO sales on it fairly often, which is when I usually try to stock up.
This is what I use on dry hair for my looser, wavy styles like this:
Although I really, REALLY love these five hair products, I’m always looking to try something new, so if you’ve discovered anything amazing, do tell!
I use The same Oribe shampoo and conditioner! But I also co-wash in the middle of the week with Oribe’s cleansing creme, it smells sooo good and still gets my curls clean without coating them too much. I have always wanted to try the Camille rose curl maker but wasn’t sure if it would make my hair too heavy and hard. Kinky Curly’s knot today conditioner is a really good leave in and detangler also, it has a lot of slip so it makes combing through your curls really easy. Shea moisture has some really good products for curly hair too. I’m going to try the Olive oil mouse, I always see it but just never thought to pick it up and try it, you make it sound promising plus I really dig the price.
Oh I should check out the Oribe cleansing creme. Also I agree re: Kinky Curly! It’s really good and prob has a bit more slip than this Giovanni leave in. Thanks for the recommendations!
My hair is limp, flat and holds no texture, so yeah, I probably need the EXACT opposite, lol.
Yeah, probably so! LOL
Okay I don’t have curly hair but I have dry crunchy hair and the Oribe shampoo sounds perfect!
Definitely Sarah. The Oribe shampoo is insanely moisturizing!!
Great product lineup. I’ve natural hair as well but my strands are fine, though they are dense. Still looking to find my holy grail leave in & shampoo.
Have you tried the kinky curly leave in? I like that one too and it’s a tad thinner than the Giovanni one so it may work better for you.
Giovanni stuff is really nice. I use some of their offshoot line chic2. The purple line shampoo is actually pretty moisturizing. You might like it. It smells like figs and coconut! I find the conditioner alright and the mask is great. I only have 2b/2c hair though.
I didn’t realize chic2 was from Giovanni! I should check them out! Thanks for sharing, Erin 🙂
Have you ever tried Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum? I think you’d like it.
Oh no, I haven’t. Add it to my list 🙂
Great, a hair post! I have not tried any of these, sounds promising especially that olive mousse.
I like Carol’s Daughter Monoi hair mask for co-washing and conditioning, and Kinky Curly gel for twists but yeah, my hair is a 2 and not too dry.
I haven’t tried anything from Carol’s Daughter in ages (though I do love the black vanilla leave in spray). Thanks for the recommendations!
I’m going to check out that Oribe shampoo! Sounds like something I would like. I like their anti humidity hair spray. I’ve never heard of Giovanni products before but I love a good leave in conditioner . I currently use It’s a 10 miracle leave in and my favorite Oscar Blandi protein mist, smells like jasmine! You’re hair is real cute!
Thanks Denise! I’ve been looking for a good hairspray for when I straighten my hair, so I’m going to look into the Oribe anti-humidity spray! The Oscar Blandi protein mist sounds so interesting too. Thanks for sharing!
Great article, thanks!! You should try Moroccan Oil line too: I use the repair shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, The treatment, Curl Definig Cream and Intense Curl Cream and LOVE it all!!! The search for products is over!!