Much has changed since 2001, and now we have an abundance of products that cater specifically to natural hair. Products for natural hair are no longer formulated for one type of hair texture. One product category that has evolved much is stylers for natural hair. Natural hair styling products changed for the best based on ingredients, moisturizing and nourishing properties, curl definition, adding shine, and volume. Textured hair is no longer looked upon as an ugly way to wear your hair. Curls, waves, and coils are admired. Many people cannot see themselves wearing their hair any other way.
For moisturizing
Licensed cosmetologist Tamika D. Wesley of Wesley Styles NYC points out that she can turn to many different products to assist her with different types of hair textures. She says she can find products to aid with the tightest of curls to the loosest of waves. Having a variety of stylers available takes the guesswork out of styling. One of her favorite products comes from a company called Aestalance. She recommends their moisturizing products, especially their Balm Leave- in Conditioner because it detangles and is rich and creamy, leaving the hair soft, silky, and ready for styling. Tamika says using just a little bit of the balm gets the job done.
At the salon I use Jane Carter Solution Incredible Curls. This product is a lightweight curl definer that has the consistency of a lotion. It is formulated with shea butter and glycerin and can be used on wavy, curly, or coily hair textures. I tell clients to use this if they need to reapply the lotion throughout the week without getting any buildup on the hair.
One drugstore brand I use for my daughter’s hair is Pantene Pro-V Truly Relaxed Hair Oil Crème Moisturizer. Although it is marketed for relaxed hair, I use it to hydrate, braid, and twist my daughter’s hair. It has coconut oil and jojoba oil, which help to moisturize but not weigh down the hair. It also adds nice shine and does not flake with reapplication.
For hold
Beautician Monet Moon says, “I strongly believe product lines with natural ingredients are far more beneficial and create better results for natural hair. Recently I have been working with SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Frizz-Free Mousse. I love this mouse because it is lightweight and provided the control I need for my curly clients hair textures. I love to use Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray to make curls big voluminous. I always pack the hair with either a nice lotion or extra conditioner before I apply this product to help seal in moisture.”
Hairstylist Tamika recommends using the Wonder Curl Get Set Hair Jelly for wash and go styles. She likes this gel because “it does not leave the hair hard and crunchy and it is a workable gel. You can design the hair and have a little room to manipulate your curls.”
Monet Moon recommends using the DevaCurl One Condition because it hydrates, removes the frizz from the hair, and prepares it for wash and goes. The DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel will give medium hold and in my experience will not flake if you use it when the hair is dripping wet.
For a soft hold with a moisturized feel on the hair, I like SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curling Gel Soufflé. I love this product for all types of twist outs. For flexi rod sets or perm rod sets, try Design Essentials Twist Natural Twist and Set Setting Lotion. This product smells great, add moisture, has a medium hold, and will not flake.
For sealing in moisture
Obliphica Sea Berry Hair Serum can be used to moisturize, protect the hair from heat, and smooth the cuticle. This oil is lightweight and instantly adds shine without weighing the hair down. Sea berry oil has phytosterols, which moisturize the hair and scalp and reduce fly-always. You can combine the Sea Berry Hair Serum with the Obliphica Sea Berry Curl Control. It adds a soft airy feel to the hair.
There is no question that stylers have improved over time for the better of the hair. Consumer are finally getting what they want from their hair products because some of them are formulating products by themselves or asking for healthier ingredients that get the job done from companies that manufacture hair products.
What has been your experience with the evolution of stylers?
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