Hey loves! Before we start, if you haven't already, peep my Hair Growth and Diet: Are They Linked? blog post for more information about hair growth and healthy diet habits that may contribute to it.
So it’s that time again, where I dish out some info about my natural hair journey. But this time I’m going to talk about the past a little more and how my products and hair habits have changed (due to ingredients) since then.
So with that, let’s get started!
Products, Then & Now
When first transitioning I used Let's Jam, Garnier Fructis, and Hask Hair. My hair was also very dry starting off so that is why I tried so many different brands and collections, to just get my hair healthy again.
1. Let's Jam
I used this product, because I wanted to tame it when doing different styles. I stopped using this product, however, because it contains ingredients that can be damaging to hair or are claimed to be toxic.
Specifically, ingredients such as, DMDM hydantoin, mineral oil, and fragrances. Mineral oil can and certain kinds of petroleum oils sit on the scalp and actually suffocate and clog pores! And the first ingredient is water.
Over time, I realized I needed a product that was more like a cream, smoothie, or pudding because I experienced a lot of flaking. This is when I tried Garnier, then eventually Maui Moisture and Shea by Nae products.
2. Garnier Fructis and Hask Hair
These products contain multiple ingredients that can affect hair and skin, depending on the person. I felt that Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish products (shampoo and conditioner), Butter Cream, and Curl Stretch Pudding were great when transitioning, but once I big chopped I felt that it wasn't moisturizing my hair well enough.
I switched to Hask Hair, which was great, but I still felt like my hair wasn't as moisturized, because it was breaking and was very dry when I would style it.
Once Garnier Fructis Papaya Damage Repairing Mask and Garnier Fructis Avocado Smoothing Mask came out, I used them (as leave-ins) quite a bit. These products from my knowledge do not contain many or, if at all, any toxic ingredients.
NOW I USE...
The best choice of shampoo out of all listed products. I LOVE their shampoo bar. This is the product that, I think, helped balance out my scalp's oil production and bring it back to its natural state.
My hair has grown so much since using this sustainable and all-natural shampoo! I started using it last April (2019), and my hair is stronger, bouncer, and a LOT shinier.
Its ingredients are great for sensitive skin and sensitive scalps. I made a post about the ingredients because it is honestly amazing that a shampoo like this even exists!
And if I’ve convinced you of how great this shampoo bar is, you can use code ‘thecurlfriend’ for 10% off your order—yas hunny!
4. (Homemade) Flaxgel
Flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, help nourish, protect, add shine to follicles and enhance the bounce in the hair, contains vitamin E, and stimulates growth (especially when you add castor oil to the mix). Peep the ingredients to make your own here!
5. Biosilk Hair Care Original Serum
This product contains multiple ingredients that are also claimed as toxic. However, I use this sparingly when I straighten my hair to make it super shiny.
Ingredients and Effect on Skin
Using products that contain coconut oil broke out my skin (in addition to mineral and petroleum oils. I found that using the least amount of oil was beneficial for my hair and my skin.
Finding products that are non-comedogenic for your skin type is crucial if you are looking for clear skin and poppin' curls! This is partly why (in addition to some of the claimed toxic ingredients) I am limiting my use of the Coconut Curl Smoothie and replacing it with flaxgel.
Flaxseeds are great for the skin and non-comedogenic as well!
Some of the previously listed ingredients can cause skin irritations. This is why going on the natural journey is called well, a journey, because you have to find out what works not only with your hair but your natural oil processes related to your hair and skin, how you react to certain products, and what serves best for your hair type and the look you're going for.
Argan oil was a great substitute for me, which is why I loved using Hask Hair's Argan Oil Deep Conditioning Treatment.
Peep the following Hair Habits, Then & Now post series, for tips on:
And, this additional blog post on hair growth!