Solutions to Common Problems with Black Hair

Purely through trial and error, we’ve tried a lot of products on our hair over the years. Some good, others not so much. What we’re listing here are things we’ve tried that are too good to keep to ourselves, and others that, while not especially for our hair type, work well on hair that comes with any kind of curl.

Dry Hair

Organic Hair Systems Aqua Boost Shampoo and Conditioner
They say: Contains certified organic extracts and oils, vitamin 5 and wheat protein to nourish and protect dry hair.
We say: Works very well on natural afro hair and certainly left it feeling soft and nourished.

£9.95

Aveda Dry Remedy Shampoo
They say: Drenches even the driest, most brittle hair with moisture, leaving it soft, supple, and touchable.
We say: Yes, it lives up to the hype. Natural, relaxed and mixed race hair all felt tons better after using this shampoo.

£18

Damaged Hair

Most of us have been here! A little over eager with the blow dryer and irons or simply frazzled from the sun, these products will have your hair back to normal in no time.

Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment
They say: Use weekly to help repair, seal and smooth even the most damaged hair
We say: We don’t always wash our hair every week (!) but we used this a couple of times in a month and, after abusing our hair with sun and GHD’s, putting this on certainly made a difference.

£21

Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise (who knew you could get this in Boots now?!)
They say: The original treatment for damaged hair enriched with olive oil, egg protein, herbs and a boost of wheat germ oil.
We say: Slather this on generously, put a shower cap on and leave for 20 - 45 mins. Your hair will love you afterwards.

£6.03

Dry Scalp

The jury is out on whether you should put oil on your scalp – trichologists say it’s a no no – but we all know someone who (if it’s secretly not us) still does.

Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Aloe Shampoo
They say: Removes calcium build-up and restores moisture to hair whilst it gently cleans and neutralizes
We say: After continued use, we noticed our scalp was much less flaky. But use it every time you wash your hair as the one time we strayed, the dry patches returned.

£3.47

Mizani Supreme Oil
They say: Hydrates the scalp and relieves dryness
We say: Yes, yes, yes! Read our in depth review here.

£17.99

Defining Curly Hair

For days when you want to work with what is just growing out of your head.

Mixed Chicks
They say: Non-sticky, alcohol free and lightweight products really define your curls and lock in moisture at the same time.
We say: All the products from the range are great and work perfectly.

Shampoo £13.09. Conditioner £17.50

Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer
They say: Intensifies curls, tames frizz and heightens shine.
We say: Shampoo and condition your hair, follow the instructions on the packaging and you’ll have defined and bouncy curls. We were surprised at how good this is!

£17

Straightening Curly Hair

Whether your hair is natural or relaxed, sometimes you want to wear it straight. If you don’t want the permanence of a relaxer, these products will help you on your way.

Aveda Smooth Infusion Glossing Straighter
They say: Use with the Smooth Infusion full range for all day straightness and shine.
We say: We like to mix and match our products so didn’t use the whole range but the glossing straighter is amazing. Towel dry your hair, divide into very small sections and apply to each section before blow-drying. Works like a charm and smells great.

£18.50

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
They say: Lightweight silicones smooth, condition and seal hair with added shine.
We say: Use very sparingly, a little goes a long way, but your hair will swish like that girl in the Pantene ads.

£16.75

Cloud Nine Wide Straightening Irons
They say: Ceramic plates add amazing shine and reduce static, allowing you to glide through the hair with ease and speed.
We say: They have temperature controls so you can adjust the heat according to your hair type. Keep the temp low if your hair is relaxed or fine and turn it up for use on extra thick, coarse hair or hair with a tight natural curl.

£129.95

Don’t get your hair looking all fabulous then ruin it by sleeping on a cotton pillow. Either wrap your hair or sleep on a silk pillowcase. We reviewed one earlier here.

That’s our list of what we think works well and we know we haven’t included everything. We’re sure you know of other things that are great for curly, relaxed or natural hair, so please share!