Spring has arrived, bringing her sunshine and warm temperatures, signaling the end of hibernation mode. No more hours of couch-surfing Netflix and hiding behind layers of clothing. And definitely no more keeping curls concealed beneath satin-lined hats and scarves, or brushed into perpetual buns to keep them well-moisturized (or well-hidden depending on the day and your mood). It’s time to get back OUTSIDE outside!
And this season of renewal is the perfect time to strip away the old and give your hair new life: clear away product buildup, get a fresh trim, and try on a new product routine that’s apropos for the new season. Here are 10 natural products you need to cleanse, hydrate, and refresh your kinks, coils, or curls. Let’s give those textured tresses a proper coming-out party this spring!
[SEE ALSO: 6 Must-Have Tools for Textured Hair]
Chock-Full of Your Favorite Natural Ingredients
The softening leave-in from Melanin hair care is a curly girl fave and good for all hair types. Made without those pesky silicones and sulfates, it adds moisture and shine and supports healthy hair growth. Best of all it’s chock full of your favorite kitchen ingredients like white tea, chamomile, and rosemary.
Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Softening Leave-In Conditioner, $23
A Softer Start to Your Wash Day
Packed with protein-rich ingredients like Mafura & Baobab Oils, SheaMoisture’s Manuka Honey & Yogurt Protein Power Treatment helps to repair over-processed hair that needs a little bit of extra lovin’. Pro-tip: apply it to your hair 20-30 minutes before shampooing for easier pre-poo detangling.
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein Power Treatment, $9
A Clean Slate Shampoo
Clear out product buildup and leave behind a clean palette for moisturizing and styling when you start shampoo day with this sulfate-free cleansing shampoo from one of Suave’s collections for natural hair. We find it produces the best results when paired with its sister products, the Moisturizing Curl Conditioner and Curl Defining Cream.
Suave Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Sulfate-Free Cleansing Shampoo, $6
A Gentle Cleanse for Active Curlies
For the girlies who love a good workout, try Black woman-owned Striking + Strong products, made specifically for active lifestyles. The Mighty Micellar shampoo is made with curl-loving ingredients like jojoba oil, lemon fruit water, and witch hazel to gently cleanse your scalp while removing deep-set sweat from your last workout sesh. Striking + Strong products are free of silicones, phthalates, parabens, DEA, artificial dyes, and harsh sulfates.
Striking + Strong Mighty Micellar Shampoo, $15
[READ MORE: This Stuntwoman Shares Her Beauty Secrets]
Heal and Hydrate After a Long, Dry Winter
We love Maui Moisture products because they’re vegan and free from silicones and parabens, and we love that each of their collections nourishes a particular hair need. From hydration and moisturizing to thickening and restoration, they’ve got you covered. While each set of curls is unique, we find the Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Conditioner perfect for helping spring curls look healthy again after a harsh winter.
Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Conditioner, $9
Butter Up Shrinkage-Prone Curls
Have shrinkage-prone curls? Your twist out will thank you for buttering it up with this flaxseed blend from Creme of Nature. The next-day moisture, length, and definition this product gives are unmatched, whether you’re putting your hair up for the day, or letting it hang loose.
Creme of Nature Butter Blend & Flaxseed Stretch & Define Pudding, $8
Holy Grail Growth Oil
This strengthening oil by Mielle Organics became a mainstream sensation—with a dash of controversy—overnight thanks to its recent viral TikTok moment. It’s almost always sold out but when you can get your hands on it, we recommend snatching it up right away. This holy grail oil is infused with biotin + 30 other essential oils to promote growth, split ends protection and so much more.
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil, $9
Watch Your Curls Stretch, Flex, and Pop
Whether you’re a wash n’ go kinda girl or you want to extend the life of your braid out, this curl definer & booster is the way to go. It’s a light mist that moistens without drenching and lets your curls flex, stretch, and pop naturally from root to tip.
Creme of Nature Butter Blend & Flaxseed Double Duty Curl Definer & Booster, $13
Get a Hold on Your Favorite Sculpted Styles
Enhance your protective styles, updos, and ponies with Pattern Beauty’s strong hold gel. This bestseller from the brand does everything we want a good gel to do: provide some slippage, sculpt curls, and hold a style firmly in place, all while avoiding stiffness and preventing edge breakage. Not a small feat to tackle, but Pattern Beauty does it well.
Pattern Beauty Strong Hold Gel, $25
Give Protective Styles a Boost
Every protective spring style needs a partner in a great edge control that helps to smooth edges, tame flyaways, and lay baby hair. This budget-friendly Edge Booster is easy on your pockets, gets the job done, and comes in a variety of scents to boot.
