
Don’t know what products you should trust in your locs? That was me 4 years ago when I first got starter locs. Although I had natural hair before loc’ing up, the learning curve was still steep. The products used on my loose natural hair weren’t suited for my luscious locs. Here is a list of some of my favorite products that I’ve tried and tested over the years that do not disappoint.
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Taliah Waajid Tight Hold
Retwist gels and creams can definitely be a hit or miss. You want something that’s lightweight, but also sturdy enough to last more than a few days. A gel that doesn’t cause flaking or buildup as well. I’ve only had success with one retwist product and that is Taliah Waajid’s Tight Hold.
I am a fan of the Tight Hold product because it accomplishes everything I need out of a retwist gel. I’ve used this for my entire loc journey and my retwist averages around 2-3 weeks when I use Tight Hold. A few tips for using this product:
- Only apply the gel at the roots/ new growth that you are palm rolling
- A little goes a long way, if the product turns white you’ve used too much
Lion Locs Locking Moisturizer
Some of you may be familiar with this next product from Lion Locs called the Locking Moisturizer. I did a review that blew up on social media. I love this product for many reasons.
It smells amazing. If you’re a stoner like myself, you understand how well locs absorb smells. If you’re using this moisturizer it’s great as a deodorizer too. I also like that this moisturizer isn’t heavy. It’s lightweight and will not cause buildup in your hair. When using this product I apply it after a fresh wash to add moisture back into my locs.
Heritage Rosewater
The Heritage Rosewater is another staple product in my house. My locs love this stuff! If I notice my hair is a little dry or brittle this spray brings it back to life. I’m sure other rosewater products can offer the same hydration and moisture but this is just my experience using this spray. My only tip is not to use too much I’ve noticed if I spray my hair too much my hair starts to come out of the loc.
Crochet Hook Needles
If you suffer from your hair coming out of your locs this next product is perfect for you. Crochet hook needles are another must-have if you’re maintaining your hair. I currently use 0.75 mm needles to repair my hair as needed. It’s not to make sure the locs look neat but to ensure they’re strong from root to tip. Throughout my journey, I’ve had locs thin in the middle, bend, etc from poor care. This tool helps repair damages.
Shampoo Brush
I don’t know how I’ve ever managed to wash my hair without a shampoo brush. It’s essential to ensure you’re actually cleaning your scalp. I’m not a fan of scrubbing with my bare hands for hours. This brush will cut your shampoo time in half. I emphasize how much this shampoo brush will help ensure a clean scalp. The goal is to eliminate buildup so that your hair has the ability to flourish.
For a complete list of recommended products check out my Amazon Store Here
Design Essentials Shampoos
Oat Protein and Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo
Speaking of clean hair, these are the two shampoo products that I use. If you’ve watched some of my YouTube tutorials these aren’t new. I’ve used this shampoo since the beginning of my journey. It’s the products my loctician that began my locs used and it’s never let me down.
Now you may be thinking, “Why the heck do I need two shampoos?”. Well, they perform two different but very important jobs. The Oat Protein and Henna Shampoo specializes in deep cleansing and clarifying your hair. Getting all of the dirt and product out of your locs. I shampoo with this first and continue to shampoo with it until my hair forms a decent lather. This signifies that the hair is completely clean.
Design Essentials Honey Creme Moisture Shampoo
The Honey Creme Moisture Shampoo restores the moisture that was just stripped from your hair with cleansing. Not only does this shampoo smell amazing, it always creates a great lather and makes cleaning the length of your locs easier. Tips for using this product are to keep in mind that a little will go a long way. I always run out of the Oat Protein shampoo first.
Newly loc’d and looking for tips to maintain your hair?
Check out 5 Tips for Caring for Starter Locs Here
Design Essentials Rosemary & Mint Stimulating Conditioner
After I’ve cleansed and moisturized my hair I always complete my wash session with Design Essentials Rosemary & Mint Stimulating Conditioner. I focus on the roots and new growth when applying this product. Paying extra attention to my edges and massaging the conditioner into my scalp. Deep conditioning is super important for 4c hair. I place a plastic bag on my head and either sleep with the conditioner still on my hair or sit under a dryer for 30 minutes. I’ve noticed that my hair is easier to manage/ retwist when it’s had a good deep conditioning.
Well, there you have it! I’ve shared my holy grail of products that I highly recommend to my loc’d fam. If you’ve followed my journey, most of the products shared are staples. I discovered what worked best for my hair through trial and error. I encourage you all to do the same, but this list will help give you a head start. What products do you enjoy using on your type 4 hair? Share suggestions in the comment box below. Thank you for stopping by!
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