Quinn Smith

1.Detangler

Kinky Curly Knot Today

Most often used as a detangler, this lightweight leave in conditioner was  designed to smooth the cuticle and is great for adding moisture and shine to coils without weighing them down.

MORE: NaturallyCurly Editors’ Choice Awards

2. Deep Treatment Masque

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque

This all natural, deep treatment masque does double duty for thirsty coils. It works to moisturize and repair over-processed, dry, brittle and damaged hair and can be used as a conditioning mask treatment OR as a leave in styling cream!

MORE: NaturallyCurly Best of the Best Winners

3. Lightweight Moisture

Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Anti-Breakage Growth Oil

For lightweight moisture this multipurpose oil can be used on damp hair from scalp to ends to add shine and tame frizz. For that extra special touch, use it after your favorite moisturizer as a sealant.

4. Fight Shrinkage

Organic Root Stimulator Curls Unleashed Take Command Curl Crème

Helps to add shine, define and moisturize coils without any shrinkage (a common curly/coily girls problem). Because it does provide some hold, it is perfect to use for wash and go’s, twists, braids, and up do’s.

MORE: Read Reviews of Organic Root Stimulator Curls Unleashed Take Command Curl Creme

5. Regular TLC

Beautiful Textures Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner

Let’s face it, between its natural fragility and what we put it through to keep it looking cute, coils need some TLC on a regular basis! This deep conditioner helps to hydrate, strengthen, and protect your hair so that you can experiment with all the styles you want.

MORE: 9 Coily Cleansing Conditioners Under $20

6. Wash & Go 

Darcy’s Botanicals Sweet Cocoa Bean Curl Smoothing Cream

This smells like coconut, vanilla, chocolate yumminess! AND it works! Use it on damp hair when attempting a wash and go style for the perfect amount of moisture and curl definition. It keeps frizz at bay and leaves hair shiny, but not greasy!

MORE: How to Stretch a Wash & Go

7. Scalp Health

Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave In Conditioner

A lightweight moisture treatment created with skincare innovations in mind. It works with each individual strand to pull moisture from the atmosphere and hold it there, while preventing frizz and promoting a healthier scalp.

8. Multipurpose Oils

HPO Spa Treatments  Butter Drops

A blend of citrus and lavender oils (in a delightfully concentrated form) act as a deep conditioner for tresses. A few drops go a long way and this multipurpose beauty can be used for dry scalp, to seal, and on the skin.

9. Creamy Conditioner

Amika Obliphica Curl Defining Cream

Rich with Seabuckthorn Berry (a source of Omega 7 fatty acids) this thick and luscious cream works best on clean, wet or damp hair. It offers moisture, frizz protection, curl definition, and wonderful shine.

10. Splurge Product

Hair Rules Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner

It’s a bit on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for! Your coils will feel like silk when you use this daily, ultra-rich conditioner. It makes detangling a snap and it rinses out clean, while leaving your hair bathed in moisture.

11. Protective Styler

Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream

This thick and creamy concoction defines, conditions, and helps add manageability. It’s perfect for adding sheen and moisture, especially when prepping for protective styles (like twists and braids). It’s also great for smoothing down edges and up do’s .

12. Must-Have Moisturizer

Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner

This is a conditioner every coily/curly needs in their arsenal! It provides enough slip for detangling (even on dry hair) and is supremely moisturizing without leaving a residue or weighing the hair down.

MORE: Reader Reaviews of Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner

Emu Oil

For skin

Emu oil is an all-natural oil obtained from the inedible parts of the emu.  Emu oil has the ability to cause cellular regeneration in the skin, making it excellent for burns and scars and even the reduction of wrinkles and can improve skin elasticity. 

For hair

Because it is hypoallergenic, antibacterial and rich in fatty acids, hair can also benefit from regular use of emu oil treatments. Emu oil can help hair appear livelier, healthier and be more resilient to environmental and hormonal stresses. It is also anti-fungal and antibacterial, so emu oil helps to break down buildup and residue at the scalp and roots, which can increase volume and manageability.

Argan Oil

For skin

Argan oil has been used by women in Morocco for generations to achieve more youthful, healthy skin. It improves dry skin, acne, psoriasis, eczema, wrinkles & premature aging. It doesn’t clog your pores and it regulates sebum production (a plus for blemished skin). It restores elasticity to skin and noticeably softens wrinkles and fine lines, reduces skin irritation and inflammation, and smoothes stretch marks.

For hair

You can also use argan oil as a hair treatment for deep conditioning or as a pre-styling product-it restores shine to hair and helps mend split ends. It’s packed with twice as much Vitamin E as other oils so it’s also amazing for your nails and cuticles.

Tamanu Oil

For skin

Tamanu oil is a nut-based oil with many known uses from reducing inflammation and irritation to helping with hair and skin regeneration, making it a great for acne, sunburns, and scarring.

For hair

Apply to thick, dry hair as a moisturizing treatment before or after shampooing.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

For skin, diet & hair

Jamaican Black Castor Oil has a traditionally been known as an all-purpose healing oil. It can be used to treat dietary ailments as well as various skin disorders, though now it is most popularly used in hair care.

As an unrefined form of castor oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil is very rich in nutritive properties.  Jamaican Black Castor Oil is processed differently from usual versions of castor oil- it is made by manually roasting and then grinding the castor beans. Then the beans are heated up and the oil extracted from the crushed beans.  It’s the unique roasting process that gives Jamaican Black Castor Oil its distinct dark color.

Coconut Oil

For skin

Coconut oil provides deep and real moisture to the skin and hair in a way that far surpasses any commercial/manufactured moisturizer. Apply a bit to your face just as you would a normal moisturizer to strengthen your skin and remove dead skin cells on your skins surface. And since a little bit goes a long way, it’s a budget friendly replacement for your body lotion as well. It will leave your skin soft and glowing.

For hair

Use it in your hair to detangle, deep condition, or  on dry ends to hydrate and tame frizz.

Hair Growth Scalp Rub

• Mix 9 parts honey with 1 part water in a bowl
• Use your fingers to rub the mixture directly on to your scalp and massage for 2-3 minutes
• Once your scalp has been covered, pull the mixture through your hair, until it covers your hair from root to tip
• Leave the solution on your hair for up to 3 hours, then rinse thoroughly with warm water
• Repeat once a week

MORE: Greek Yogurt & Honey Conditioner

Natural Hair Dye

Honey is a natural lightener so it serves as a natural method to add subtle highlights or slightly lift your hair color overall. For a more intense affect, combine honey with your favorite conditioner, and add a squeeze of lemon juice. If you’re looking to darken your hair, consider using molasses as a substitute.

MORE: Honey Hair Lightening: Fact or Fiction?

Oil & Honey Hair Treatment

• Combine honey and extra virgin olive oil in a small, microwaveable dish
• Mix the two ingredients with a spoon and microwave for 15-30 seconds then allow it to cool for 30 seconds
• Use your hands to evenly disperse the honey and olive oil throughout your hair
• Massage it into your scalp and work from your roots to the tip of your hair
• Cover with a shower cap and let it sit for 30 minutes 
• Rinse it out, preferably with cold water.

Honey Hair Conditioner

• Combine  honey with an equal amount of your regular conditioner
• Rub the two together and use your hands to evenly apply the mixture through your while damp
• Massage it into your scalp and work from your roots to the tip of your hair
• Cover with a shower cap and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it out, preferably with cold water

Honey Glossing Treatment

Honey clarifies the hair as well as conditioning so your hair will look shiny and smooth.

• Use raw honey to coat your curls
• Cover with a shower cap for about ten minutes
• Wash your hair as usual

MORE: Manuka Honey: Benefits for Hair & Skin

Honey Leave-In

• Combine 1 teaspoon of honey (or more depending on hair length and condition) with 4 cups of warm water
• After cleansing your hair as normal, pour the mixture through your hair and allow to dry as normal

Emu Oil

Emu oil is an all-natural oil obtained from the inedible parts of the emu, a flightless bird related to the ostrich. Aboriginal tribes in Australia have been taking advantage of the healing powers of emu oil for ages. Emu oil has an uncanny ability to cause cellular regeneration in the skin, making it excellent for burns and scars and even the effective reduction of wrinkles and the renewing of elasticity in the skin.

Because it is hypoallergenic, antibacterial and rich in beneficial fatty acids, hair can also benefit greatly from regular use of emu oil treatments, and actually experience nearly three times its normal cellular activity. Emu oil can help hair appear livelier, healthier and be more resilient to environmental and hormonal stresses.

Since it is also anti-fungal and antibacterial, emu oil helps to break down buildup and residue at the scalp and roots, which can increase volume and manageability.  The moisturizing properties of the oil make it an ideal ingredient for conditioners.

MORE: Emu Oil Benefits for Curls, Kinks and Waves

Yarrow Oil

You can tell yarrow oil apart by its deep blue color. Add it to your shampoo and massage the scalp as it is known to regenerate the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

MORE: Foraging for Beauty

Argan Oil

Women in Morocco have been using argan oil for generations to achieve more youthful, healthy skin. It reduces inflammation and redness, improves hydration, and can even been used to treat scars and acne.

You can also use argan oil as a hair treatment for deep conditioning or as a pre-styling product-it restores shine to hair and helps mend split ends. It’s packed with twice as much Vitamin E as other oils so it’s also amazing for your nails and cuticles.

MORE: Argan Oil and Ximenia Oil: Ancient Ingredients Made New

Tamanu Oil

Tamanu oil is a nut-based oil with many known uses from reducing inflammation and irritation to helping with hair and skin regeneration, making it a great topical treatment for acne, sunburns, and scarring. Use on thick, dry hair as a moisturizing treatment before or after shampooing. You’ll find that this oil is a little pricey because the Tamanu nut tree only grows in the Polynesian islands, so dilute it in a carrier oil like jojoba.  

MORE: The Benefits of Tamanu Oil

Avocado Oil

Avocado Oil is rich in essential fatty acids that strengthen the hair and keep it moisturized, and the vitamin E it contains also conditions and moisturizes, while the proteins in avocado oil can fortify your hair.

Applying avocado oil directly into your hair not only keeps the hair strong and beautiful, it is also beneficial if you are experiencing dandruff or scalp psoriasis. Avocado oil acts as a natural sunscreen, and helps to protect your hair and scalp from the harmful UV rays of the sun.

MORE: Avocado: A Luscious Hair Treatment

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a light oil that locks moisture inside the skin so cells have enough water to work efficiently. It can be used to nourish the scalp and hair without leaving the buildup of other oils that weigh the hair down.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Jamaican Black Castor Oil has a traditionally been known as an all-purpose healing oil. Though it can be used to treat dietary ailments as well as to treat various skin disorders, it is now most popularly used in hair care.

As an unrefined form of castor oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil is very rich in nutritive properties. Jamaican Black Castor Oil is processed differently from usual versions of castor oil- it is made by manually roasting and then grinding the castor beans. Then the beans are heated up and the oil extracted from the crushed beans.  It’s the unique roasting process that gives Jamaican Black Castor Oil its distinct dark color.

Many people turn to Jamaican Black Castor Oil to aid in hair growth. It has been proven to be extremely effective in this because it increases the blood flow to the scalp while also supplying nutrition to the hair follicles.

Because JBCO is rich in vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids, it is also excellent for treating damaged, dry, and brittle hair by providing intense moisture to the hair and scalp. It also acts as a humectant, so it attracts and locks moisture into the hair shaft.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil can treat and prevent dandruff and dissolves any build-up from hair products or from other sources that has accumulated in the pores of the scalp. In its all natural form, it is also safe to use on eyebrow and eyelashes to thicken their volume as well.

MORE: Jamaican Black Castor Oil for Hair Growth

Sebum

Both our skin and our hair are protected by a layer of natural oil or lubrication called  sebum. Hot water can dry up that precious layer of sebum, making our skin dry and hair fragile. Hot water can also lead to the pores becoming clogged if we go out directly after exposure.

Cold water can make our hair look shinier and our skin look healthier. Cold showers are one of the great anti-aging secrets for keeping your skin tight, elastic, vibrant, and radiant looking. They can also lead to stronger hair, which can prevent hair from easily falling out and slow down overall hair loss.

Closes the cuticle

Cold water does keep your hair cuticles closed which makes the hair stronger and prevents dirt from easily accumulating within your scalp. Stronger hair prevents hair from being easily pulled out when you are combing, and it helps in slowing down overall hair loss.

Cold water rinses after shampooing and conditioning help to tighten up the cuticle layer and can be beneficial for those who have problems with oily scalp and hair.

Good for the skin

Bathing your entire body in cold water for 2-4 minutes at the end of your shower will also help to rejuvenate your skin. After opening your pores and washing them out with warm water, you can seal them up naturally with a cold splash! Cold water works to tighten pores, preventing them from getting clogged, and reducing blemishes like acne.

Cold water also contributes to detoxification, by squeezing toxins and waste products out of the skin. The cold water also helps to slow down oil production in the skin for a period of time following the rinsing.

Less frizz

The exact same damage that occurs to your skin in a hot shower also happens to your hair. Hot water dries out your hair stripping it of its natural healthy oils. After you wash your hair in warm water, using both your shampoo and conditioner, bathing in cold water helps close cuticles. This helps to support hair strength and even comes with the added benefit of shiny, less frizzy appearing hair (especially important for us curly girls).

Cold air

Cold water will keep your hair looking healthier and shinier. As a matter of fact, cool air makes your hair shinier too (that’s why there is a cool air button on your hair dryer).

The case for hot water

If the thought of cold showers has you shaking in your boots, fret not! Hot water has its benefits too.

When the hair is heavily soiled with build-up of products or waxy substances, using hot water provides a better clean from the shampoo used. The heat and moisture help to expand the cuticle layer (the opposite of what happens with cold water) and can help conditioners to penetrate more deeply when applied to hair warmed by hot water.

Deep condition

Dry and brittle hair is more prone to split ends. Deep condition your hair at least once a week to keep it supple and full of moisture.

Cool it

Avoid using heated styling tools as much as possible. When you do choose to use them, start with clean, well moisturized and heat protected hair and use the lowest setting possible.

MORE: 5 No Heat Styling Tips for Wavy Hair

Finger comb

Your hands are quite adept at feeling out and removing even the smallest knots and tangles, and are far more gentle on your tresses than any comb or brush.

If using a comb, avoid those with teeth set close together. Try the Denman D3 Brush or NaturallyCurly.com’s Shower Comb. Avoid excessive teasing and backcombing when styling your hair as well.

Wear a protective style

Incorporating protective styles into your routine will help protect your ends. Keeping your hair together, tucked away and off of your shoulders will keep them from  harshfriction and the environment.

MORE: What are Protective Hairstyles?

Trim your tips

Examine your ends regularly and snip, snip, snip when necessary. Every so often, visit a professional stylist for a proper trim and shaping.

Protect your hair

Regular cotton sheets can create friction while you sleep and roughing up your cuticle. To combat nighttime damage, sleep wearing a satin bonnet or on a silk pillowcase.

MORE: The Real Satin Bonnet

Seal your ends

After moisturizing your hair, use hair oils and butters to seal in moisture and add shine to dry, damaged curls. Choose the right product based on the thickness of your hair to avoid weighing it down.

Eat for healthy hair

The health of your hair is directly tied to the health of the rest of your body. Make sure you are drinking enough water and eating a healthy diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables.

MORE: Fruits & Veggies Your Curls Can’t Live Without

Get real

It’s the most common resolution and usually the first to go: exercise. But this year get real by resolving to just exercise more. Instead of getting overwhelmed with a strict schedule to start, make a commitment to yourself to exercise more than you are right now. You can expand from there!

MORE: Curly Hair and Exercise

Protect yourself

Wear SPF, all over, every day-no matter your complexion, the season, or the weather.

 MORE: Best Sunscreen Products for Skin and Hair

Dust your (ends) off

Trim hair AS NEEDED. Some swear by trims every 6-8 weeks, but examine your ends and determine how often a trim is necessary. Also, let go of the word “trim,” sometimes only a light “dusting” is needed.

MORE: Tips for Trimming Curly Hair

Learn to trust

Find a good curly hairstylist in your area that you trust.

MORE: NaturallyCurly’s Salon Finder

Read me

Find the products that works for your specific hair type. With a bit of research you can avoid making purchases you’ll regret. Good news, if you’re reading this article on NaturallyCurly.com, then you’re halfway there! Not only will your locks look better, but your bank account will too.

Break free

There’s no better time to get out of your rut and experiment with new styles, whether it’s clothes, makeup, or our personal favorite — hair!

MORE: 33 New Updos

Try it, you’ll like it

Try something new regularly. This can be anything small and simple. From a food item you wouldn’t normally eat or a form of entertainment (music, TV, book, or movie) that you’ve never experienced before.

Sleep right

Use a satin pillow case, silk scarf, or satin bonnet every night to help prevent breakage and split ends – not to mention it makes your nightly snooze feel a bit more luxe!

Go deep

Deep condition your hair regularly. Your curls will thank you.

MORE: 6 Tips for Deep Conditioning Your Coils 

Don’t be a flake

Exfoliate once a week (perhaps on the same day you deep condition). It doesn’t matter how much or how good your moisturizer is if you’re trying to layer it on top of dead skin.

MORE: Sugar Scrubs for Sensitive Skin

Drink up

Drink more water. The benefits are endless, the work is minimal. Keep a large bottle of water on your desk at work and refill throughout the day.

Words of kindness

Don’t be stingy with the compliments. Not only will you brighten up someone else’s day, you’ll feel better too! See a woman with a great head of hair? Tell her so!

Out with the old

Clean out your makeup and beauty product stash! If it smells weird/different or has changed color or texture, throw it out (don’t forget to recycle!). If you haven’t worn it in a while or if you purchased it but it doesn’t work for you, gift it to a friend or relative. Host a beauty swap party with your besties, or look into local women’s charities that accept donations of gently used products.

Give thanks

Take a moment to regularly reflect on the good in your life. Make a list of the things that you are grateful for so that when are having a bad moment (as they will happen), you can remember the positive things you have going for you. Don’t forget to include your curls on that list!

Deep Condition

If you aren’t already deep conditioning regularly, now’s the time to start! In fact, to combat the effects of indoor heating, extra deep conditioning treatment at least once a week is a must.

Use products that hold in moisture, like Bee Mine Bee-U-Ti-Ful Deep Conditioner. Its combination of unrefined shea butter, cupuaca butter, raw honey and organic coconut oil work to rejuvenate dry hair and restore and maintain moisture so that your hair is shiny and healthy.

MORE: 10 Things To Do While You Deep Condition

Wash less

Cutting down on how often you wash and even wet your hair can lead to healthier hair and shorten your morning routine!

Not only is stepping out in the cold with wet hair not a good idea in general, if you live in a super cold climate, exposing your wet tresses to freezing temps could lead to your hair freezing and breaking off! Lower temperatures means less sweating, which means that you don’t need to wash your hair as often.

Once a week with a non-stripping shampoo, like the sulfate-free Design Essentials Curl Cleanser, should suffice to cleanse the hair and scalp.

MORE: How to Get a Perfect Twist Out

Experiment

If you are normally a “wash and go” wearer, this the perfect opportunity to experiment and add more protective styles into your repertoire.

Not only do styles like braids, twists and uber chic buns help to keep your ends protected, they really protect your hair from harsh weather conditions much better than wool hats and scarves. Those can actually lead to damage and breakage with prolonged wear.

If you do notice any breakage, a product rich in natural oils and butters, like Jane Carter Solution Nourish and Shine may be just the remedy you need!

MORE: Braid and Curl for Coily Hair

Cut down on heat

One of the perks of this time of year is the cooler temperatures (and less sweating!) which allows you to cut down on the use of heating tools.

Many find that with the right techniques and styling products, straight styles are easier to maintain in the fall and winter months. So even if you’re used to pulling out the flat or curling iron on a daily basis, wait and see if perhaps you can go for more days in between touch ups that require heating tools that can further sap the moisture from your tresses.

Remember to always protect your fragile tresses whenever using heat tools by also using some sort of heat protection, like Carol’s Daughter Macadamia Heat Protection Gloss!

MORE: How to Avoid Breakage With Heat Styling

Before you slip on the hat

One of the best ways to prevent hat hair is to be mindful of your style, namely by utilizing one that gives your hair maximum volume and body.

Start by using products that build volume (such as AG Hair Cosmetics Foam Weightless Volumizer ) in order to combat your hat’s tendency to flatten your tresses. Since a hat pushes your hair down, if you style your hair a bit fuller than you normally would, it stands to reason that it will retain some of that volume when you take the hat off.

A little teasing, or back-combing, at the roots and crown will also help to counteract dreaded, flat hat hair. You can also try loosely twisting longer curls into a bun that sits high up at the crown of your head. Hold it loosely in place with a hair elastic or clip and then put on your hat. When it’s time to remove your hat, just remove the elastic, flip your head upside down and shake out the bun.

MORE: Quick & Easy Hat Hair Remedies

Choose the right hat

Hats made of wool, cotton and cashmere are better than those made of synthetic materials in the fight against hat hair, but they can still be rough on your curls.

Try sewing in a piece of satin or silk to the inner lining of your hat. This will help to prevent that dent that often occurs when wearing a hat, as well as frizz and static.

You should avoid hats that fit too tightly. Not only will they crush your curls, they can make your scalp sweat which will only make the situation worse.

MORE: The Real Satin Bonnet

Avoid wet hair

Wet hair plus a hat equals flat hair, so make sure your hair is completely dry before putting on that chapeau!

If you’re used to air drying your hair in the warmer months, think about trying a handheld blow dryer with a diffuser attachment to enhance your curls and speed drying time. Making sure your hair is dry before putting on your hat also helps to prevent tangles!

MORE: Say Goodbye to Hat Hair

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

If your locks are properly moisturized, they won’t fall victim to frizz and static. Use a leave-in conditioner like Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia to add moisture to hair, and fight static caused by dryness.

If you remove your hat and are still plagued by static and frizz, try a little spritz of hairspray on your fingers and gently distribute it over problem areas as necessary. Curlisto Structura Spray is a perfect choice for this.

MORE: 4 Ways to Moisturize Your Curls