African/West Indian hair shops - overwhelmed by choice! Good products to buy?

[Lottapianos]

I have below shoulder length, curly hair which is extremely dry and seriously prone to frizz. I have been using Tresemme Naturals conditioner to do low-poo method and as a leave-in. It was working brilliantly, but hair seems to have got sick of it and has gone crazy dry in the last week or so.

I have quite a few African/West Indian hair and beauty shops near where I live, but there seem to be thousands of products to choose from and I have no idea where to start! Anyone recommend any products - shampoo, conditioner, leave-in, deep conditioner, whatever - to tame non-Afro hair that is seriously coarse and dry?

Thanks

[BeckyBrandon]

Just marking my place. Have loads of stuff but too tired to go get it. Will do tomorrow though.

[Lottapianos]

Bump

Interested in recommendations for natural products as well as manufactured. Silicone free if poss, thanks

[BeckyBrandon]

First off, don't buy into the "mixed chicks" range, you can get better for cheaper. Also don't buy the dark and lovely stuff because I find it just dries my hair out.

The Mizani Supreme Oil shampoo and conditioner are really good, they're silicone free, they are pricey though. They also do a hair treatment. They're seriously nice products, so worth the money.

Moroccan oil is also good but also expensive.

When I do a hair treatment on my hair I use some melted coconut oil with an egg and a tablespoon of honey. Honestly, I know it sounds gross but it is so worth a try.

Also anything by Keracare is good.

[BeckyBrandon]

What is your hair care routine and styling routine?

[Ihatemytoes]

Keracare shampoos and conditioners are good. Agree re mixed chicks. Avoid.

[Lottapianos]

Thanks both. Have never heard of Keracare or Mizani so will do some research.

Becky, I went low-poo about 6 months ago. I 'wash' with conditioner every 2-3 days, just scrubbing scalp with pads of fingers. I shampoo every 2-3 weeks. After washing, I apply coconut oil to dripping wet mid-lengths to ends, then loads of Tresemme Naturals as a leave-in and then add Umberto Giannini pink gel. Wrap hair in towel for 10-15 mins then air dry which takes a mere 10 hours
Any alternative tips very welcome!

[Lottapianos]

Becky, with your coconut/egg/honey mask, do you apply to wet or dry hair? How long do you leave it on? Do you shampoo out?

[BeckyBrandon]

I melt some coconut oil in a small pan then let it cool down till it's a bit warmer then room temp, but not enough to let it solidify, then crack an egg into it and whisk quickly so it doesn't start cooking, when add a good tablespoon of honey. Wash hair like normal, then I apply the mask instead of conditioner.

Wring the water out of your hair, apply mask and wrap hair on top of your head, put a shower cap on (I use cheap disposable ones) leave it for 20 mins. The egg might make the hair feel a bit "crispy" if it starts to dry but don't worry, then wash out with warm water.

Do invest in some shower caps though because if the hair sits close to your head and gets warm it will make any treatment work better.

Let me know how you get on!

[BeckyBrandon]

After I put on the Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends Split Ends Protection Cream. It's seriously hydrating. I use it on my DD as well, and she has a proper 'fro going on.

[Lottapianos]

Thanks a lot Becky, I will definitely try the mask and the herbal essences cream