Transitioning to natural hair can be extremely challenging in the beginning but things become easier after finding the right product combinations for your hair. During my transition, I worked really hard to find on the shelf products that were affordable and effective for transitioning hair. Here are 18 of the best drugstore and retail products for transitioners that will stop breakage and keep hair moisturized, balanced and healthy!
Moisturizing Shampoo
When transitioning to natural hair, finding the right shampoo is critical to having a successful transition. Harsh shampoos can be drying and cause unnecessary tangles. Below are three great shampoo options for keeping the hair clean yet hydrated.
Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Shampoo
Sulfate free shampoos are a great option when transitioning to natural hair because they do not rob the hair of moisture. Carol’s Daughter Monoi Shampoo gently detangles damaged hair that is prone to tangling while also adding strength to fragile strands.
Nexxus Therappe Moisturizing Shampoo
Sulfate shampoos are a perfect choice when you need to remove product buildup from the hair. Nexxus Therappe is very moisturizing and leaves the hair feeling soft, pliable and easy to detangle.
Once monthly, a specialized cleansing shampoo should be used to remove hard water minerals and product buildup. Redken Cleansing Cream is my pick because it’s gentle, moisturizing and cleansing.
Moisturizing Conditioner
Deep conditioning is a must when transitioning to natural hair to keep hair moisturized, pliable and healthy. The below conditioners are excellent picks for transitioning hair because they leave the hair soft, manageable and really easy to detangle.
Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose
Moisturizing conditioner packed with nutrients to improve the overall health of dry, damaged hair.
Aubrey Organics White Camellia
Moisturizing conditioner that restores manageability, strengthens hair and protects against heat damage and breakage.
Moisturizing conditioner that uses time released technology to infuse moisturizing lipids and soothing emollients into the structure of the hair throughout the day.
Hydrating conditioner that moisturizes, softens and imparts shine to hair.
Joico Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm
Intense treatment for coarse, dry hair that includes oils and butters to replenish moisture, increase strength and reduce breakage.
Protein Conditioner
Protein treatments should be used once monthly or as needed to keep hair strong and free from excessive breakage. Below are three treatments that are gentle yet effective.
Creamy conditioner that fortifies dry, damaged, weak hair with proteins and vitamins and leaves it softer, stronger and healthier.
Balanced conditioner that rehydrates hair, strengthens hair fibers and restores softness, manageability and shine.
Joico Kpak reconstructor is a unique protein treatment that makes the strands feel thicker, stronger and more voluminous.
Leave In Conditioner and Moisturizer
You will have multiple hair textures while transitioning and finding the perfect leave in conditioner and moisturizer might take some time to figure out. Liquid based products tend to work really well on relaxed hair and thick, cream based products tend to work really well on natural hair. Through trial and error, I’ve found some really good products that are universal and work on relaxed and natural hair.
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Milk
Moisturizing styling cream that detangles, conditions and restores shine to dull hair.
Cantu Conditioning Repair Cream
Intensive deep penetrating leave in treatment that provides the hair with lasting moisture, manageability and shine.
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist
All-natural moisture mist that eliminates frizz, hydrates hair and generates shine.
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Moisturizes and smoothes hair, defines curls and reduces frizz.
Hair Detangler and Edge Control
Super rich conditioner that detangles and hydrates dry hair.
Offers a soft, shiny hold without flakes or causing hair to feel tacky.
Tames frizzy edges while offering a soft, shiny hold.
Awwww!!! I miss my Nexxus humetrcess! The scent of that conditioner was divine. Oddly enough, I can’t really remember why I stopped using it!
It’s some good stuff!! I keep a liter on hand.
This is an extensive list. Which ones were your favorites?
I used all of them while transitioning and still rely on them now. I like rotating products so I listed everything I relied on. I also wanted to show a range in product selection for those that may not be interested in paying certain prices and/or ordering items. I am working on a best of list and will get that posted soon. That way, it will be a more narrowed down list.
Hi,
I have been Carol’s daughter monoi shampoo for 3 months now and it is doing really well with my hair. And I am transitioning smoothly so far.
Koumba
Koumba recently posted…5 Insane African Hairstyles you should adopt for 2017!
Yay! That’s wonderful news. It’s a really great product line and I like that I can get it from Ulta. Carol’s Daughter run sales often so it’s just as easy (and cheaper sometimes) to get it from there.
Thank you for this list. I have officially decided to transition! I will be keeping these products in mind. 🙂
Go Candra!!! How are things going so far?