Hair

Curly Reggie and Products 2014

A new year can often mean that a new regimen is in order. Although I have what I consider to be my tried and true methods for obtaining and maintaining a healthy head of hair (See My Regimen for Long, Strong, Natural Hair), I must say that I have done away with a lot of my former habits and have adopted a much simpler routine.

Hair

Staples

I went to rehab last year, and I am very proud to say...

Hair

My Favorite Products for 2012

Each year, my regimen changes slightly, as I experiment with products and move certain items in and out of rotation. Last year, around this same time, I shared My Favorite Products: Hair & Skin Care. I thought it would be interesting to see if the same products I once used most often and loved made the list this year...

 #1. EVOO

Great as a pre-poo treatment and for detangling before washing (For more info, see Q&A Vol 8: Hot Oil, Deep Conditioning & Hair Dye.).

Hair & Skin Care

My Favorite Products: Hair & Skin Care

In this video I share some of my favorite hair and skin care products of all time. In case you are confused about the name or brand of each product, I have provided a list below.


Hair care

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Hawaiian Silky 14-n-1 Miracle Worker
• Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding
• Organic Virgin Coconut Oil by Spectrum Naturals
• Bronner Bros. Extra Light Double Strength Super Gro with Vitamin E
  
• Isoplus Pre-Conditioning Light Styling Gel

Skin care

• Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser
• Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer with SPF 15 or 30
• Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 or 30
• Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion for sensitive skin

Hair

My Favorite Products Updated

I've been experimenting with quite a few products lately, but for the most part, I'm still in love with the products I featured in the My Favorite Products videos I posted some months ago. However, there are a few products I've added to my repertoire that I'd like to introduce to you ladies. Thus, I have decided to update the Fav Products section of my website to include all the products that I currently use and love. If you or anyone you know is interested in trying some of these products, I've created a storefront via Amazon where you can purchase these and some of my favorite skin care items without leaving the comfort of your home (See navigation bar at the top for: Beauty Store).

Shampoos & Conditioners
#1. Just For Me Shampoo
This is great for my curly hair, as it is less harsh than other shampoos that tend to strip my hair of essential moisture. This provides my natural curls with the right amount of conditioning to make for easier detangling.

#2. ORS Replenishing Pak
This moisturizing deep conditioning treatment is a favorite among many. It is great for putting moisture back into the hair, especially before heat styling.

#3. Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor
This protein treatment is critical for maintaining strong, healthy locs. I alternate this with my ORS Replenishing Pak to make sure I'm adding both strength and moisture to my hair (Get the full scoop on protein treatments here: Protein Treatments).

Moisturizers
#1. ORS Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion
This hair lotion is great for moisturizing my hair once it's been straightened. It is super thick, which is why many people don't like it. Yet, I love it because a little goes a long way! All I need is to add a dime size amount to the ends of my hair, and I've replenished the moisture lost from a day of exposure to the elements and styling (For full product details, checkout: Palmers Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Milk vs. ORS Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion).

#2. Double Strength Super Gro Extra Lite hair oil by Bronner Bros.
This lightweight hair grease is great at locking in moisture prior to styling my curls with gel. I also use it to moisturize and set my braidouts and bun outs.

#3. Coconut Oil by Proline
I forgot to include this in the My Favorite Products videos, but this hair grease is one I've used many times in the past and am currently using today. Similar to my beloved Bronner Bros., this is a super lightweight hair oil that adds just the right amount of moisture to my hair to keep it soft and supple (It's actually lighter than the Bronner Bros.). I use this as a first step in prepping my natural curls, and to moisturize my braidouts and bun outs.

Oils
#1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (aka "EVOO")
This oil works great as a hot oil or pre-poo treatment. I used it religiously while I was transitioning from relaxed to natural, and believe it is the reason why I incurred little to no breakage during the transition process. See my full review of it here: Olive Oil As A Conditioning Treatment.

#2. African Angel Vitamin E Oil
Unlike the pure Vitamin E oil I bought a while back and debuted in my Healthy Hair Tip: Eat Your Wheaties video, this oil is much thinner and less sticky. I wasn't feeling the pure Vitamin E oil as a scalp treatment because of its consistency, so I was so happy when I found this fast absorbing, light oil that is a combination of Vitamin E, Olive, Jojoba, Safflower, Rosemary, Nutmeg, and Oregano oils. Look out for this in an upcoming tutorial on scalp massages.

Styling Products
#1. Short Looks Styling Gel by Luster's Pink Shortlooks
I still think Worlds of Curls curl activator gel is great, but this lighter, more moisturizing curl activator gel has currently replaced it as one of my favs. Get my full review of it here: A New Curl Activator Gel I'm Loving.

#2. Twist It Hold It Shine It by Luster's Pink Shortlooks
This heavy cream is great for setting two-strand twists and keeping them in place for days on end. It can also be used in place of gel to slick down edges. Look out for it in an upcoming video on two-strand twists.

#3. One 'N Only Ceramic Silk Thermal Protection Ironing Crème
This crème is my new favorite heat protectant. Unlike ORS Olive Oil Lotion, it doesn't weigh my hair down or make it feel greasy. Check out my video review of it here: My New Str8 Hair Reggie. You can also get the specific details of it here: One 'N Only Ceramic Silk.

#4. Megasilk Olive Heat Protection Spray
This spray combined with the One 'N Only Ceramic Silk Thermal Protection Ironing Crème protects my hair from heat, while adding moisture and shine. See my video review of it here: Product Test/Mini Review: Megasilk Olive Heat Protection Spray.

#5. One 'N Only Ceramic Silk Curling Iron Glaze
This heat protectant spray is great at providing a lightweight, non-sticky hold to curling iron-crafted curls. I introduced it on my blog in a post titled Products On My Radar, and reviewed it in the My New Str8 Hair Reggie video. (*Special Note: Some have inquired as to why I use a separate spray to flat iron my hair and curl my hair. The answer to this is simple: This curling iron glaze is the equivalent of a non-aerosol hair spray, so it will provide your hair with a light hold for styling. In addition, it comes out as a pure liquid and will cause your hair to revert back to its natural state if you use too much, which is why I wouldn't advise using it as a flat iron spray. The Megasilk Olive Heat Protection Spray makes the hair soft and gives it a great shine, but provides no hold, which is why I don't use it as a curling iron spray).

#6. Isoplus Styling Pre-conditioning Light Gel
This gel is great at slicking down my edges, and doesn't cause my hair to flake up, even after multiple applications.

As you can see, a lot of the usual suspects still remain, with a few new additions. Look out for these products in upcoming tutorials!

My Favorite Products

In my quest for healthy, long, flowing hair, I experimented with several products throughout the years. Some gave me the look and feel I desired, while others...not so much. Since I'm open to learning and trying new things, I do switch up my products from time to time. However, there are some products that I consider to be my "Tried and true." These products can be found in my vanity cabinet at any given time, for they have never let me down. Many ladies inquire about the products that I use, and I don't mind sharing that information. Yet, I believe that it is imperative for every woman to find products that are right for her.

Experimenting with various products is necessary, especially if you're just starting out on your journey to healthier hair. What works for some may not work for others, as we all have individual needs. True, hair can be categorized by type, as there are curly heads, kinky heads, straight heads, and wavy heads. Yet, I truly believe that even within these categories, no two heads are created equal. In fact, multiple types of hair can be found on one head! Take for instance my hair. In general, my hair is fine, but it tends to be courser at the crown. I must therefore take special care in moisturizing that area, or else I'll incur breakage. My hair even grows slower at the crown, which is why I must keep the sides short so that they don't outgrow the center.

Luckily, I've found a few products that cater to my needs. I always look for products that impart moisture, but are lightweight and don't bog the hair down. I also look for products that give me the look I desire. Below are two videos featuring my favorite products, and the reasons why they are my favs. Remember, these are products that work for ME. I hope you find products that work for you. Enjoy!