My Natural Hair Journey Over 15 Years, Plus The Haircare Products I Swear By!

My natural hair journey over the last 15 years has been extensive, marked by unnecessary relaxers, undercuts in different variations, and lots of ups and downs during my regrowth journeys, which resulted in two big chops. 

During my first attempt at regrowing my natural hair, I experienced slow growth, which made me feel like my hair would never be as long as I dreamed. This experience left me feeling defeated and disconnected from my hair, but it also sparked my determination to learn and do better. Through research and experience, I realized that it was likely because I wasn’t properly moisturizing my tresses that my hair would break and remain the same length for an extended period.

As a former beauty editor, I’ve had the opportunity to speak about my hair journey (fun fact: my first major story was about my hair, and my first major feature was also about my hair. Shout out to Beauty Writer, Sydney Wingfield for including me in her piece on Elle).

For as long as I’ve known my mother, her hair has been beautifully natural, which inspired me to keep my hair natural. (It was even easier to do so with the help of social media’s natural hair movement and the rise of the Crown Act.)

Through my writing, I successfully learned new ways to keep my natural hair happy, healthy, and thriving. I’ve even got to try new products and experiences, including changing the color of my hair from a natural dark brown to a beautiful copper hue (a dramatic change for me since it was my first time). I eventually transitioned into a “crunette” with copper-toned brunette hair.

I don’t know if my hair has changed a lot since I was a teen or if I just know how to better care for it, but my tresses and I are getting along much better these days.

Over the years, I’ve discovered products that have become more than just tools—they’ve become companions in my journey to healthier hair. As you know, I love to share my beauty favorites, so I’ve created a list of everyday products I swear by for keeping my natural hair healthy! I also included some new items I recently incorporated into my haircare routine.

Shampoos & Conditioners

I.C.O.N India Shampoo and Conditioner Combo (Buy On Amazon)
I finally got my hands on the I.C.O.N India’s Shampoo and Conditioner Combo after hearing my friend and colleague Erika Pisano rave about the many benefits she experienced since using it. Although it is new to my routine, I am excited to see how the addition of Ayurvedic ingredients aids in my hair growth journey.

4U by Tia Clarifying Shampoo with Apple Cider Vinegar (Buy On Amazon)
Whenever I feel my hair needs a reset, my go-to is clarifying shampoo. I am particularly fond of the Clarifying Shampoo with Apple Cider Vinegar from 4U by Tia. The addition of apple cider vinegar not only makes my hair feel much lighter, but it also works great to keep my scalp clean and healthy.

Celeb Luxury BondFix (Buy On Amazon)
I highly suggest anyone interested in changing their natural hair color purchase a bonding shampoo and conditioner. When hair colorist Rochelle Moletta warned me about the breakage that color treatments can cause, I searched for something to keep my color-treated hair as healthy as possible. When the Celeb Luxury BondFix came across my desk, I knew this was just what my hair needed to look its best.

Hair Oils

Luseta Beauty Keratin Oil (Buy On Amazon)
The first time I got my hair dyed, I started using the Luseta Keratin Oil to ensure that my hair didn’t become dry and brittle. This product has since become a staple in my routine thanks to its formula designed to penetrate hair follicles, repair damage, and create stronger hair strands. I found it works great in locking in moisture and reducing the look of frizz.

Sky Organics 100% Batana Oil (Buy On Amazon)
This is a new addition to my routine, but so far so good! Although it has a strong earthy smell, I became excited to try it after learning that the benefits of Sky Organics’ 100% Batana Oil include nourishing and hydrating the scalp and hair. This is thanks to the blend of fatty acids and antioxidants. I’ll keep you updated if I notice stronger, fuller, healthier-looking hair.

Cococare 100% Rosemary Oil (Buy On Amazon)
Knowing the benefits of Rosemary Oil, I was excited to add Cococare’s 100% Rosemary Oil to my routine. I’ve tried making rosemary water, but I didn’t notice any significant results. I’d imagine it was due to inconsistency. However, as someone with a busy schedule, this rosemary oil is a must-have!

Red by Kiss Growth MD Hair & Scalp Oil (Buy On Amazon)
Sometimes I interchange between using black castor oil with the Ceremonia Leave-In Conditioner and the Growth MD Hair & Scalp Oil from Red by Kiss. I typically rub this into my scalp to stimulate growth. Without fail, the oil always leaves my hair feeling silky. I enjoy the fresh peppermint scent.

Carter + Jane Scalpfix
After coloring my hair, I knew I was ready to grow it back. I learned that rosemary has many benefits, especially for hair growth. When the Scalpfix from Carter + Jane came across my desk, I started using it immediately. I think this brought my scalp back to a neutral state, making it ready to help grow my natural hair healthy and strong.

Kitsch Rosemary Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil With Biotin (Buy On Amazon)
I typically use the Rosemary Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil from Kitsch as a pre-shampoo before washing my hair. Before I transitioned from copper to crunette hair, I used the hair oil every night for roughly a month or two. This successfully helped strengthen my hair before the color treatment.

Squigs Beauty Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil (Buy On Amazon)
My hair thrived while using the Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil from Squigs Beauty. I believe it was because of the amla extract in the formula, which has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that may help soothe a dry or flaky scalp and protect natural hair from environmental stressors. I applied it every morning when styling my natural hair. I swear that the saddest moment of my haircare routine was when I ran out of it.

Inde Wild Moonlight Scalp Serum
I was interested in including this Inde Wild Moonlight Scalp Serum in my daily hair regimen because of the caffeine, burdock root, and amla featured in the formula. It is said that the combination of the trio works together to accelerate hair growth, visibly increase hair density, and reduce shedding. This has been a recent addition to my routine, so I can’t say just yet what it has done, but I feel like it’s working already.

Leave-In Conditioners, Curl Mousse & Curl Creme

Tropic Isle Living 4-in-1 Curl Creme (Buy On Amazon)
I’ve twisted my natural hair with the Tropic Isle Living 4-in-1 Curl Creme, and my sisters also use it. It’s become a staple in my routine because it keeps my hair hydrated while in a protective style and ensures that my curls are poppin’ when I take the style down.

Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner (Buy On Amazon)
Ceremonia’s Guava Leave-In Conditioner doesn’t weigh my hair down, which I love because nothing is worse than feeling like your head is heavy because of the products you use. When blow-drying my hair with the Dyson, I use this leave-in conditioner with the Organic Jamaican Black Castor Oil from PURA D’OR to moisturize and lock in the hydration.

Design Essentials Chebe Strengthening & Curl Perfecting Hair Mousse (Buy On Amazon)
When I do a wash-and-go, I love using the Chebe Strengthening & Curl Perfecting Hair Mousse from Design Essentials. It always helps define my curls in half the time. Talk about a curly-hair must-have!

Accessories & Supplements

Luxome Luxury Silk Pillowcase (Buy On Amazon)
Did you know that silk pillowcases protect hair strands from breakage and dryness? With color-treated hair, maintaining moisture is essential, so I love to keep a silk pillowcase on my pillow. My recent favorite has been Luxome’s Luxury Silk Pillowcase.

Movita Organics Beauty Vitamin For Hair, Skin & Nails (Buy On Amazon)
The haircare brand, Aunt Jackie’s, gifted me the Beauty Vitamin For Hair, Skin & Nails from Movita Organics. I’m not the biggest fan of tablet supplements, but I have a hair length goal I’m trying to meet, so I’ll be taking them to see how my hair grows while on them. The formula includes hemp seed, turmeric, aloe, and peppermint leaf, which will improve hair volume, shine, and growth over time.

Bask & Lather Gro & Glow Liquid Vitamins (Buy On Amazon)
I’ve been using the Bask & Lather Gro & Glow Liquid Vitamins for roughly a month. I’ll be honest in saying that it can be difficult to accredit certain attributes to a single product, but I do believe that has helped my hair look shinier in recent weeks.

While my goal within the next five years or so is to be able to do my hair—whether it’s braids, twists, or whatever inspiration I come across—I’m thankful to have a caring stylist in my corner to give me the occasional wash, cut, and color.

I’m also thankful and happy to be able to ask my mother to braid my hair even as an adult. Her hands have always known how to care for my hair in ways no one else could, and even now, they offer comfort and familiarity that no salon visit can replicate. And now that I can care for my hair, the braiding process is so much easier. When I can’t make it to the salon, she’s the only person I trust to touch my hair.