[Editor’s Note: This article was written by MsKibibi and originally published on October 6, 2014 on The COCO Magazine]
There will be times along your hair journey that you experience specific issues that your current regimen or products don’t seem to address. These issues can range from increased shedding and breakage to slower growth rate. Here is a list of 5 common hair issues and 10 products that are targeted towards those issues. You can incorporate each product temporarily until your issues are resolved or add them as a staple to your existing regimen.
Issue: Slower Growth Rate
Product Rec #1: NJOY’s Long and Healthy Hair Growth Oil
Sulfur has been long known to help promote hair growth and is the main ingredient in this hair oil. I’ve used it personally for almost 6 months as part of my sew-in weave regimen. But I’ve been using sulfur-based products for almost a decade with positive results.
This product is a little controversial because it’s marketed for use on horses. That being said, there are lots of women (myself included) who have had success with using Mega Tek to encourage hair growth.
Issue: Dandruff
Product Rec #3: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
One of the popular medications that dermatologists prescribe to treat dandruff is ketoconozale, which is an antifungal. Ketoconzale is also available over the counter at a lower strength. However, these shampoos are harsh and drying to your hair. To avoid excessive dryness, use a color applicator bottle to dilute the shampoo and apply it directly to your scalp.
If you prefer to use all natural products in your regimen, then Neem oil is a great alternative for treating dandruff. Neem oil can be applied directly to your scalp or be combined with other hair products.
Issue: Excessive Shedding
Product Rec #5: Alter Ego Garlic Mask
Garlic is the go-to ingredient for treating excessive hair shedding. You can also use a shampoo or conditioner with garlic as the main ingredient.
Product Rec#6: Garlic + Coconut Oil
If you don’t have access to a garlic product, then you can make your own garlic treatment at home. One simple at-home garlic treatment entails adding minced garlic to coconut oil and applying the mixture to your scalp.
Issue: Dryness
Dry hair is the number one cause for inhibited length retention. When your hair is dry, it’s more prone to breakage. When it breaks at the same rate that it grows, then your hair will appear to be at a stagnant length. Yes, your hair is in fact growing, but you have to stop the cycle of breakage in order to retain length and achieve longer hair.
Product Rec #7: Mizani H2O Intense Night Time Treatment
Normally, I avoid products with mineral oil like it’s the plague. But this is the one exception that I make to that rule. I’ve been using this product for years and my hair loves it. If you prefer a more natural product, check out the one below.
Product Rec #8: Bee Mine Luscious Balanced Cream Moisturizer
This moisturizer is great for both natural and relaxed hair. It also doesn’t contain any mineral oil, silicone, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), or paraben.
Issue: Knots, tangles and detangling
Product Rec #9: Kinky Curly Knot Today
Ah knots. Those lovely little knots that cause tangles and can lead to breakage. Don’t we all appreciate those? Not! (pun intended).
For naturals, knots are a daily part of life. Curly hair just loves to curl around itself, which can lead to knots and tangles. Knot Today is a great conditioner for alleviating knots and tangles.
Product Rec #10: Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera Juice is a less expensive route for addressing hair tangles. It works like magic for detangling both natural and texlaxed hair (which is also prone to tangles because it is still highly textured). To use, add Aloe Vera Juice to a spray bottle and lightly spray all over your hair. Allow it to soak for a few minutes, then work in small sections to gently detangle your hair from ends to roots.
Did we miss your favorite product? Leave a comment and let us know what product you use to address one of the five problems listed above.