TYPE 4 HAIR: THE PRODUCTS.

Natural hair in the UK has really taken off in recent years, and this makes me so happy! When i began my transition way back in December of 2009, Natural hair had garnered a lot of attention across the pond in the US, but over here, not so much. Things are very different today, and I love seeing women in all their coiled, curly, kinky glory. I’ve noticed one thing in regards to the natural hair community online, and that is that Type 4 ladies don’t get much love. When i first went natural i expected my hair to cascade down my back in thick, silky ringlets, so you can imagine my horror when it grew outwards in tiny kinks and pencil-width coils that framed my face like a fluffy halo. Things have changed since then and i’ve learnt a lot about how to care for my hair and loving my texture by watching YouTubers like Naptural85 and Kimmaytube, and by general trial and error, particularly with products. In this post i’ll be sharing with you the products that make my type 4 hair, a breeze to style!

1. NXS Nature Intense Moisturising Hair Lotion : I have a soft spot in my hair product collection for UK based lotions and potions, and have been using NXS products since late 2013 when I was introduced to the brand over Twitter. Delphina, the founder strives to create effective products that are at least 87% natural in its composition which is pretty awesome and makes me feel good about what exactly i’m slathering on my hair. Onto the product, for my texture, it’s more of a hair milk than a moisturiser in the sense that it’s really nice and lightweight so it’s perfect for my mid-week refresh and moisturising-sealing routine. Also, i love the smell of this product, it has a very pleasant vanilla scent to it.

2. Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion : If i’m doing any style that requires a soft hold like a roller set, curl former set or even just a braid n’ curl, this baby right here is my go to! It keeps my hair smooth, in place, and helps to fight humidity and frizz. Plus it gives me a few days of definition and wear before i throw my hair up into a bun.

3. Tresseme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner : The ultimate staple in my hair-drobe. I’ve sworn by Tresseme products since I was 16, that’s seven years of good hair days thanks to them! I live by their conditioners because they are super affordable, easy to find, work very well and leave my hair smelling like a tropical rainforest. If you’ve yet to try their conditioners, i’d urge you too! I love them so much that i use them to co-wash and even as a leave in when i wear my hair in a wash n’ go.

4. A Spray Bottle of Water : H20 is a natural girls best friend, both internally and externally, and although i rarely get in the recommended 2 litres of water a day, i make sure to vigorously spritz my hair before styling on a daily basis as it makes it more pliable, and it infuses your hair with moisture. I always make sure to seal that moisture in with a light oil like olive or coconut oil.

5. Dark & Lovely Coil Moisturising Soufflé | I picked this up on a whim when i’d run out of my (very pricey) Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, and i was hooked ever since. When did Dark & Lovely step up their hair game?! Because this stuff is THE BOMB! It moisturises and leaves my very dry colour treated hair soft and luscious for days! It has become a serious staple in my hair arsenal especially since my local Boots sell it!

6. Ecostyler Olive Oil Gel : I think Ecostyler is among the holy grail natural hair products, more or less every one has tried this or used it at some point in time, and for me it works well for buns and styles where I need my hair laid (and to stay laid!).

7. ORS Edge Control : Another holy grail natural hair product. This keeps even my 4a edges slick and sleek all day. The only con is that sometimes it leaves a weird white residue on my hair but I’ve found using it along with an oil combats that.

8. Aspall Apple Cider Vinegar : ACV is a product that is highly slept on, it works as an effective yet gentle cleanser, and helps to lay cuticles flat, preventing moisture from escaping. I use Aspall’s AVC every now and again when I want clean hair, but don’t want the dryness associated with sulphate laden shampoo’s.

9. ghd Heat Protect Spray : I’m on a year long ‘no-heat’ challenge so I won’t be straightening or blow drying my hair until January 2016, but when I want straight hair with minimal reversion, I’ve found ghd’s heat protectant works well to eliminate any puffiness or frizziness in the days after.

10. Groovy Food Organic Coconut Oil : Coconut Oil, how I love thee! For the shine it provides my hair alone, makes coconut oil a winner in my books, but it is also one of the few oils that can apparently penetrate the hair shaft. I love how it makes my hair feel and it doesn’t weight it down or leave it looking like an oil slick.

I hope this post has helped if you’re looking for new hair products to try. I’ll be doing another series with the hair tools I use, and maybe a few pictorials about how I do my signature styles. If you’re considering ditching the creamy crack, I’d say go for it! I love the versatility of natural hair, and I’m so glad I made the transition.

Have a great week 🙂

x