My 2015 Holy Grail Product List

Can you believe that 2015 is coming to a close in just a couple days? For most of us the upcoming new year means making positive changes, and what does every naturalista want to work on? You guessed it: their healthy hair journey.

As I get closer to the third year of my natural hair journey, I have to take a minute to reflect on my progress as well as my routine. I’ve overcome being a product junkie, I’ve simplified my regimen, and I’ve finally started to learn what truly does and does not work for my fine and tightly coiled hair through trial and error.

If you’re a little like me, and you want alternatives to store bought and chemically based products, keep reading to find my 2016 Holy Grail product list:

Shampoo: Queens of Curls Black Soap Shampoo

I’ve actually been using this product for over a year, and it just so happens to be my favorite conditioner. While it’s free of harsh chemicals like sulfates, this liquid shampoo helps cleanse my hair without leaving it stripped of natural oils*.

This shampoo is black soap based, but it does include other ingredients like Palm Oil and extra virgin olive oil* that keep strands moisturized. It can be used every 7-14 days, and I usually apply directly to my scalp & lather once every two weeks to cleanse any product build up.

Co-Wash: Natasha Somalia Cleanse + Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash

The Shea Moisture* Coconut* & Hibiscus* co-wash is perfect for anyone who loves a good wash n go. I used my first bottle of this product in a few weeks – that’s how good it is.

Although ladies may use a normal conditioner as a co-wash, normal conditioners don’t actually contain cleansing ingredients. This co-wash gently removes product build up while totally abolishing frizz.

The Natasha Somalia Cleanse is also a personal favorite, because it comes in a larger bottle, and cuts out having to condition after co-washing. It has to be applied to wet hair and left on for about 5-10 minutes; I leave it on for the duration of my shower then wash off. This two in one product removes product build up while leaving hair soft and easy to detangle. I would definitely use this again in 2016.

Conditioner: CinagrOrganic Silk Therapy Conditioner 

Conditioner is my favorite product, and I’m always on the hunt for a great conditioner. I’ve been using the CinagrOrganic Silk Therapy conditioner for a year as well, and this product does NOT disappoint.

Naturally and organically based, this conditioner literally melts tangles out of my head. It also has a great smell that isn’t overbearing, and it leaves my hair much softer. Be warned: if you decide to try the Silk Therapy you will need to buy at least 2 bottles because your hair will love it too!

Leave in Conditioner*: CinagrOrganic Argan Mist Leave in Spray

Because I love chemical free products that work, I’m also adding the CinagrOrganic Argan Mist leave in spray to my Holy Grail list. Finding a spray leave in conditioner* that is multipurpose is not an easy task.

Unlike most other sprays, this product works as a leave in, detangler, AND a curl refresher spray. However, just like the Silk Therapy Conditioner, it goes fast, once you really begin using it.

Oil: Hempseed Oil, Castor Oil, Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil

For the majority of my hair journey, I’ve been an avid user of coconut oil*. But once I started experiencing breakage and shedding in 2015, I decided to try something different. Hempseed oil is great because it has a similar consistency to EVOO, as well as many benefits for topical use.

Castor oil* is a good oil for anyone who wants to thicken or re-grow their hair. It also seals in moisture. I have fine natural hair, and even though castor oil* has a thicker consistency, it can still be applied without leaving a sticky residue. I would use it as a pre-poo, or I would mix it with a lighter oil as a sealant.

Cream/Butter: Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

I’ve used a lot of products in my quest for the perfect twist out/ braid out, etc. The only product that I continued to come back to this year was the Shea Moisture* Curl Enhancing Smoothie.

This product is well priced (between $10-$13), it smells amazing, and a little goes  a long way; also, just like the co-wash, it totally combats frizz by leaving strands well moisturized.

Gel: Olive Oil Eco Styler 

As a wash n’ go kind of girl, gel is also a staple in my regimen. It’s important for me to have a gel that will define my curls without leaving my hair too hard. I sometimes also mix my gel with a cream, so I need something that won’t leave a white residue.

I really like the olive oil Eco Styler gel* because it’s very cheap, has better ingredients than many other beauty supply store brands, and it keeps my hair very shiny without being crunchy. I finally finished my first jar a few months ago, and I’ll be picking up another jar for 2016.

I’ll be using these products going into 2016, and maybe I’ll come into more favorites for 2016. What were your favorite products of this year? What products would you like to try next?