I’ve covered skincare twice for affiliate posts and I ended up buying many of the products. My skin has visibly improved, it’s much softer and feels nicer. This time I’m aiming to get similar results from haircare. I have thin hair that’s damaged from drying it almost daily and dyeing it every three weeks. I do use a higher end shampoo now, it’s a brand my son got from Germany called Glynt. (He also has a pomade which is incredible but smells too manly for me called Glynt H3 Bora Paste.)
For conditioner I use Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine, which is a drug store brand. (I usually use their shampoo too.) I found a treatment for damp hair which works well called Pantene BB Creme Breakage Defense. Sometimes I use Pantene mousse and after my hair is dry I put in a couple drops of Garnier anti-frizz serum. I wanted to mention again the hairdryer I genuinely love, the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium. It cut my prep time by a few minutes and makes it look like I got a blowout. I can’t believe what a difference it made in my hair.
Amazon has a haircare section for people of color with products by hair type, relaxed, wavy, curly or coily. Some of the highest rated were from Maui Moisture, Pantene, JessiCurl and Design Essentials, a couple of which I include below. Hopefully there’s enough of a mix of products for everyone. (This is an affiliate post but I found these products. Please research alternatives and cheaper options.)
A weird-looking treatment to deep condition hair
This $16 product called Haeyo Mayo is packaged like a tub of mayonnaise. Reviewers say that it really works for the price, that it’s easy to rinse out, and that it makes their hair “softer and more manageable” while not weighing it down. Some call the smell too strong but other women say they love it.
A repairing shampoo that works wonders on dry hair
This is expensive for my taste but there’s a refill with double the product for a few dollars more. You can also get it on eBay for cheaper. This has over 200 reviews and a 4.3 star rating with people calling it amazing, the best shampoo they’ve ever used and saying that it cleans really well while leaving hair soft and detangled. They also recommended the companion daily conditioner and deep conditioner, which are similarly pricey. Some reviewers warn not to buy it from Amazon but the manufacturer instead (also on Amazon) although it’s unclear if this is still an issue.
Deep conditioning treatment that leaves thick hair of most porosities soft
Reviewers call this less than $14 conditioning treatment the “best conditioner for coarse, thick hair” and say it’s “kind of a miracle” and “has completely saved my hair.” Women with both very porous and less porous hair say that it works well and leaves hair “shiny, soft and not weighed down at all.” One woman with fine 4a hair said that it didn’t work for her as it wouldn’t penetrate her hair.
Detangling conditioner with shea butter for curly and coiled hair
Women say using this gives them “great curls that aren’t weighed down and aren’t frizzy,” that it’s “perfect for curly, coarse hair.” One woman calls it just as good as Devacurl but cheaper. Like the product above, one woman with 4a hair said it didn’t work with her hair type.
A shampoo to tame frizzy hair
You get a lot of product at $17 for 33.8 ounces. I’ve used Biolage before and it’s a great brand with gentle ingredients. Reviewers say that “Nothing else has worked to help me have manageable hair,” that they love the smell and that it “creates a smooth and fabulous finish.” The conditioner is at a similar price point. I think it works for women of color too as a woman with natural 4c hair writes that it’s “not the best for detangling” but “moisturizes my hair so well.”
A powder that will help cover thinning hair
I’ve actually used this product when my hair was thin and I was self conscious about my scalp showing. Luckily it’s grown back since I went off thyroid medication. It did work to give me more confidence and it covers well. I also used Joan Rivers’ product which is similar to this. Check the reviews for each color to see what will work for you.
A leave in reconstructing treatment that will give you soft, silky hair
This is one of the top rated products in high end haircare, with a 4.3 star rating and over 500 reviews. It’s not cheap at $30 for just 6 ounces of product. People say it gives them “movie star hair,” that it’s “the best” and that it “will make your hair so soft and silky.” The shampoo and conditioner give much more product for the cost and are just as well reviewed. These rave reviews always get to me and now I want to try this. I’m like that with shoes and purses too, I always end up coveting the most expensive stuff, even before I know the cost.
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Photos credit: Amazon and via Pexels/Sebastian Libuda and Joy Deb
I recently purchased Matrix High Amplify shampoo/conditioner & I love the volume it gives my hair. I’ve never found a shampoo that lifts like this, only products. Ulta has their liters on sale so it was $23 (w/coupon) for 2 liters! Totally worth the splurge! I prefer Matrix over Redken now…. (same company technically). Highly recommend for my fine/thin haired ladies.
Thank you!! I was hospitalized two years ago due to the norovirus and had terrible telogen effluvium afterwards so my hair has never been the same since. Hair regrowth products and vitamins haven’t made much difference so volumizing products it is at this point.
I might have to give that a try. I have thick hair, but it’s very fine and straight. My goal is always to make it feel soft and smooth, but not weighed down.
I’ve used Living Proof before and really liked it, but it’s small containers and pricey. I’ve also got something called Char right now, a charcoal based one from my salon that I really liked, but again, pricey. Products with argan oil usually are nice in my hair, but usually the scent is too strong, and there’s environmental concerns.
Thanks for the suggestions. I will look into these.
When I was last at the salon repairing some damage, the stylist told me that it is best to switch up the products that you use so that the hair will not become immune to well, product. After the damage repair products I have been switching between Pantene and Loreal Elvive.
But I am always looking but the L’Occitave might be up my alley along with the products for women of color. I will say this, repairing a hair mistake is a bitch.
I’ve heard you should switch up also. I use Pantene.
Switching occasionally works well for me too. I have a few standards I use, and then some pricier stuff I swap in now and then.
I had terrible luck with Pantene – my hair is thick, but fine and straight, and Pantene worked great at first but over time really built up in it and would look dirty after a day, so I had to shampoo daily.
I have wavy hair which I thought my whole life was it just frizzy hair. Went to a hairdresser who said “you have a lot of curl in your hair,” She told me to maybe to use products geared toward curly/wavy hair. Began doing research, discovered the curly girl method and it was life changing honestly. Now have a lot of curls and waves. It was frizzy because of treating my wavy hair like straight hair. Recently got a Devacut and now the waves are even more defined and full. Basically uses products without silicones and sulphate. NONE. tMy HG hair product is from a company called Cachos Brazilian combing creme. It is magic sauce.
Interesting! I have 2B type, fine, dense tendency to frizz, and have been considering a Deva cut.
Not sure I want to lay $80 down as I will often wear my hair straight-ish… I have been doing the curly girl method for about a year now, and I do have lots more shine. I have basically no scalp oil, so can go days without a co-wash, hence my stying issues! I do like Alaffia curl refresher ( and smells great) and Curl Fuel by Curl Junkie.
How much was a Deva cut in your area, and do you always wear it curly? Where I am, the Deva cut trained stylists use Ouidad, and it has silicones. I don’t like the fragrance of Ouidad, either.
Their other product line is Kevin Murphy, and their fragrances really offend me. I’m going to google the product you mentioned!
DevaCurl products saved my curls! so gentle and hydrating 🙂
My Hair is 2B/2C and the Devacut really helped. I have read this and the hairdresser said it actually takes around 3 cuts before your hair is in the right place. My 2B hair now has a few corkscrews and barrel curls. Some pieces are now 2C and even a few 3A pieces.
That’s very interesting, Isabelle. I have curly hair, too, which I used to wash and blow-dry straight every day. Then I stopped and just let it air dry, or used the infuser attachment. It was so, so frizzy, though. I di a lot of research, and finally stopped using shampoo altogether. I just use a half-decent conditioner to wash it twice a week now, and sometimes only once a week in winter. I found a great sulphur- and paraben-free leave-in conditioner for my ends, which also keeps my hair in place. My hair has never been in better condition – soft, manageable and frizz-free. I save so much money (and space!) not having to buy product after product to counteract frizz, create body, get rid of the dry ends, stop the straw-like feeling, add shine… This method is not for everyone, but great for curly-haired ladies. Yes, your hair is clean, and you can certainly wash it more frequently if you prefer. This is just what works for me.
Funny, I used DevaCurl products last year and didn’t notice any big difference. (I have type 2B / 2C hair which is colored once a month.) If anything, it made my hair feel weighed down after a while. It was a gift, though, so I’m wondering if I perhaps got the wrong formulation for my hair.
I’m still searching for that “holy grail” combo, because my hair gets so limp and flat, but yet is frizzy, and in the winter it gets quite dry too. I never blow-dry my hair, and I’ve even switched to using microfibre towels, but yeah…not much improvement. I’ve tried Living Proof, DevaCurl, L’Occitane, Pantene, Garnier, Frizz-Ease, you name it. I hesitate to spend a lot on shampoos and conditioners, but a few years ago I did use the L’Occitane ones and liked them a lot. I might have to bite the bullet and go back to that.
I was using Deva products with OK success before my Devacut. However when I got my had a Devacut she showed me the proper way to use products. Even though I thought I was using the Curly girl method correctly, had several steps incorrect. The best part of my haircut was the after part of where she showed how to use the products and “squish” them into the hair. My hair is night and day now, with the same product, but different knowledge of how to use them.
I love the Devacut and Devacurl products. I had insane frizzy hair for years and then went to a Devacurl hair person (you can find them in the Devacurl website) and like you I had curly hair that needed to be cut properly for curly headed people. It is amazing what the right cut and products can do. This was so helpful as I am a lawyer and I felt silly if I had a bad hair day and basically had to do a frizzy ponytail for depositions. I spent pretty close to the same for the more expensive products because my life before was trying stuff and throwing it away to try something else.
I don’t have a DevaCut but I do use DevaCurl. I am a 3B with my curls. The No-Poo has been so good to my hair and my curls are shiny and happy.
Moisture is so important to curls, but if you get too much for your curl type it will weigh you down. Too little and the curls will get fuzzy and have bad shape. It’s such a fine line to walk, and all curls are different!
My hair is fine & thin so I am always on the lookout for products that will give my hair some life. Because the water was soft in NYC when I lived there my hair would look great. But now I live in San Diego with the water being hard, I struggle with my hair. I do love the Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast. If anyone with similar hair has any other suggestions would appreciate it!
Me too — I have fine, oily hair. And I’m wash-and-wear, so I don’t get heat damage — but I’m always on the lookout for shampoo and products that will add volume and help manage hard water. (I live in Denver — where every mineral from the Rocky Mountains washes into our water system).
I like Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo to help clear out residue from other products. And I periodically, I use an apple cider vinegar/shampoo mix and let it sit a few minutes before rinsing.
curly gal here – DevaCurl products all the way!! and The Body Shop’s Banana Hair Mask is a holy grail product for me
Agree – and if you love those – try Lush’s R&B Hair Moisturizer – it is a leave in and a little goes a long way so it lasts a long time.
Most importantly to me – these brands are all cruelty-free!
I tried Lush’s Curly Wurly and it dried the everloving cr*p out of my hair 🙁 I’m scared to try anymore from them!
I love Deva not only because the products work but their cruelty free status is a big deal, I only use cruelty free products!
I love the smell and lather of Lush Shampoos (Godiva brings me joy beyond belief) but I had to stop using them as well because they are too drying. One of the clerks told me to consider all Lush shampoos as clarifying shampoos so that is how I treat them now – every once in a while to get rid of any build up and immediately followed by a hair mask.
But, the conditioners are rock stars and R&B is ultra moisturizing. If anything, the criticism is that they are too heavy. My hair soaks up the moisture so they never make mine greasy. And the night before a wash – I confess I only wash mine twice a week – I saturate my ends before bed and the next morning after the wash, my hair is glorious. Most places will give you a sample to try (at least they do in Canada) if you are interested in giving them another shot.
I also highly recommend Buffy the Backside Slayer – its an exfoliator – I use it on my legs and never an ingrown hair and I don’t have to moisturizer post-shower – even in the dead of a Canadian Winter.
Original Lala – I also only use cruelty-free (which is why I love Lush so much – not only are they cruelty-free but they use proceeds to lobby against animal testing).
Other brands I’ve tried and really like are Verb (I use their ghost oil and sea spray in between washes and I buy the pomade for my husband), Live Clean (a very reasonably priced drugstore brand with shampoo/conditioners and body wash), AG Hair (love their recoil spray which I mix with the sea spray to refresh my curls) and Paul Mitchell (when I need a bit of hold, there is nothing better than their super clean spray).
I love these posts – so much information and things to try!
I love these posts! I too have dry, damaged hair and I swear by argon oil. I spritz it on with my hair flipped over after I shower and then brush it through. Total game changer!
My hair is 4a and low porosity. The best thing for my hair is castor oil (used after shampooing and conditioning) it keeps my hair moisturised and some sheen for a good week. The second best thing is body shop coconut pomade. Absorbs well, a little goes a long way and it’s a good price.
I am a white woman with curly hair. I had tried various hair care products.
I am loving the Shea Moisture product line. I use the Curl Enhancing Smoothie for a leave in conditioner. My hair seems much happier.
Yes, Shea Moisture for me too. Also a little bit of Morocan Oil followed by Redken Curvaceous Ringlet cream.
LOVE the Shea products! I switch between them, depending on how I want to do my hair (blowdrying straight, or leaving it to air dry with its natural wave). My big problem is thinning (front/crown) due aging/hormones (or lack thereof!) and medication I have to be on for another 6 mos.
I pair the Shea shampoos/condition (after gently towel blotting) with some John Frieda smoothing serum (extra frizzy) for the ends and sides of my head, and then when I blow dry, I use “Big Sexy Hair Root Pump” on the top crown area, where I’m thinning. It seems to make a great difference!
**Celebitchy, on your recommendation here, I just went on Amazon and bought the Joan Rivers’ “filler” for the thinning areas. Should get it in two days. Fingers crossed! Thanks! 😊
I have used the Chi serum and it works really really well. I would also add mizani rose h20 promade. My stylist would add it just before she would flat iron my hair. Game changer.
I tend to switch my hair styling products around pretty frequently but Chi Infra Silk serum is a staple for me. Can’t go a day without it.
So I have been trying more eco products for a while, I tried Faith in Nature brand, and omg that was so bad for my fair caucasian hair, my hair just went it one big dry knot. I have also tried Dr Organic and this wasn’t bad, but not great either my hair felt greasy the next day. I like to wash my hair daily, but I have been trying to extend this to every other day. The best product by far for my hair has been Palmers coconut oil conditioning shampoo. This shampoo is thick and heavy and I would of thought it would of made my virgin hair greasy and lank (I am growing out all colour and letting my silvers come through, and I am half way in doing this). But nope it makes it feel thicker and smells just like the body butter. I mean it’s winter now, so who knows maybe this product will be too heavy come summer, but now its ace.
I switched to Living Proof Full about 6 or 7 years ago. I have fine hair and at the time it was pretty damaged from coloring and blow drying. The problem with most products for fine hair is that they eventually dry it out and make it frizzy, Living Proof hasn’t done that. It makes my hair feel thicker and gives it enough lift without product, and no frizz. I can get amazing volume if I use more of the Full products, but I really hate product in my hair so I rarely do that.
I got a free sample of their Frizz for frizzy hair, usually products for frizzy hair leave my hair too flat. This didn’t. It took care of the frizz damage and I still had normal volume (not as much as Full, though).
I think I’ll switch it up when I run out, just for something different for a bit, I’ll have to check out some of these recommendation.
My hair is painfully thin and I’ve thought about using something like Toppik but I’m terrified of a Steven Miller like disaster. I wish it was socially acceptable for women to have shaved head. Some days I feel like saying fuck socially acceptable but fear that people would think I have cancer.
Cojii, I just looked at the Joan Rivers product from CBs recommendation. It looks pretty good, in that you use a brush to put it on the thinning areas, rather than shake on a glob like the Toppik. It’s not horribly expensive ($29), so I’m giving it a try! Check it out!
Can you post again once you’ve tried it? In addition to the hair thinning I also have a really sensitive scalp and so many of the products to promote texture leave me with painful scalp acne.
I’ve thought about getting a wig or a topper but I can’t afford a really good one and the cheap ones look cheap (go figure).
I will try and remember! Or if you like, I’m on Twitter you can look for me there and DM me.
I have the same problem & found going super short works best for me. Any length makes my pathetic hair lie flat, so short just works best. And my scalp is definitely visible, but I’ve reached an age where I just DGAF. Try it! It’s simple & easy & freeing!
About a year ago I tried Trader Joe’s Shea Butter and Coconut Oil hair mask and really like it. I used it every couple days in place of conditioner. My hair is curly/wavy and I rarely blow it straight because I’m too lazy. My frizz is much diminished with it and my hair feels smooth and silky.
I’m lucky I live 5 minutes from a Trader Joe’s but I see Amazon has their stuff! Who knew?
I didn’t realize amazon was carrying it! I have a couple of their hair products that I like, and their prices are good.
I just use regular old coconut oil on my hair as a mask. Good for the scalp and my hair feels great for a while afterwards. I haven’t it for a while now that I think about it!
Is there a recommendation for a shampoo/conditioner that promotes (crazy) hair growth for wavy/curly hair types?
@Celebitchy, you mentioned going off thyroid medication. I’m curious because I want to go off mine too. I was given a prescription when I didn’t need one at all and I was told I would have to continue it all my life. I want to know more. Firstly, what kind of health issue did you have? And what did you do to be able to get off it?
I was on Armour Thyroid not synthroid and I have a very granola doctor so I don’t know if I needed it either. I just was feeling generally unwell and tired and stuff. It may have helped but I’m not sure. My hair got crazy thin and I couldn’t take it anymore.
I’d like to discuss this as well. I was put on thyroid medication (non synthetic) a little over a year ago because my T3 is low. My hair was thinning before I was medicated. Nothing has really grown back or filled in yet but the thinning has stopped, thank goodness. I found it interesting that you felt the opposite effect.
And how are your energy levels? I stopped taking my meds 5 months ago because I’m a lazy ass, and my energy and fatigue levels are off the charts. I’m filling my prescription today.
Whether can you go off thyroid hormone replace depends on what caused your hypothyroidism in the first place. For example, a lot of women have thyroid issues post-pregnancy (and hypothyroidism frequently contributes to postpartum depression), but then a woman’s thyroid can normalize on it’s own (or not.) Or, you could be borderline hypothyridic — and your doctor may feel that hormone replacement may not be necessary if your energy level is good and you aren’t having obvious symptoms.
In my case, I have Hashimoto’s Disease, which is an auto-immune disorder and frequently hereditary (as it is in my case). So, I will need hormone replacement for the rest of my life — short of a new gene therapy. But it’s hormone replacement for what is missing in your body — more than it is medication. I don’t get “side effects” unless my dosage is off.
However, a lot of general practitioners are not aware of issues or other medications can change your dosage or affect hormone uptake. It has a reputation as easy to treat, and some doctors think that you can just test for TSH and go from there — so make sure you are talking to someone who knows the details. Also, two people with the same hormone values can feel very differently — everybody’s hormonal sweet spot is in a different place.
If your thyroid hormone levels are normalized, hair loss caused by hypothyroidism should stop. HOWEVER, that’s not to say that other hormonal factors, such as menopause or post-pregnancy hormone changes, won’t also affect hair loss. For example, I had the typical luxurious pregnancy hair and post-pregnancy hair loss cycle — all while my thyroid hormone levels were closely monitored and stable.
Sorry to hop on a soap box, but my mom, sisters, cousins, and I have 100s of collective years of experience being hypothyridic — so it’s a frequent conversation!
@Maleficent – This is fascinating to me – In Canada (or at least my doctor), we’re hesitant to do any of the expensive tests. I’m fairly certain I’ve got some sort of issues since I started to gain weight around the age of 12 (before the on-set of menses but definitely on-set of puberty) and haven’t been able to shake it since. I have to really cut down on calories and exercise a lot before I see any change. I’m also always exhausted (even before Shiftwork) and nearly always cold, especially my fingers and toes. My doctor did the really simple (cheap) test and my levels are in the normal range, but I wonder if they’re low for what I need. Anyway, if you have suggestions, I’d gratefully take them 🙂
I take meds for my thyroid and have been experiencing hair loss for the past 6 months. I don’t have a lot of hair and it’s thin. Is there any product I can use to counteract the meds and stop the shedding? I’m so self-conscious even though people tell me it’s all in my head and not noticeable at all.
One word: OLAPLEX. Regular Olaplex treatments and protein packs like Hi Pro Pack (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GMP5LYW/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) has does so much for my naturally-brown-dyed-blonde hair. You just have to be realistic about your expectations: if you have existing damage Olaplex won’t cure it completely. You will NOT suddenly grow a mane of luscious, thick, healthy hair after one use.
However, you WILL greatly improve the texture and porosity/moisture level of your hair with regular and consistent application.
But seriously, Olaplex is the real deal–yes, it is VERY hyped–but it is the REAL DEAL.
Also, Nexxus Emergencee is awesome. I used it last night after Olaplex No 1 and 2 and my hair is soft as silk and smells AMAZING.
OMG. Olaplex is amazing. I tried it on a lark because my hair was so split and damaged. (My fault, I tend to play with it too much) I started with just the conditioner and then bought the shampoo. My hair has never looked better. I use that with the Drybar Velvet Hammer Hydrating Control Cream total game changer. I have curly type 3A hair.
Isn’t it? There are so many products that promise a miracle but never deliver even close to that. Olaplex is one of those very rare products that actually lives up to the hype. I had frayed, broken strands of hair around the front of my face and the crown from bleaching and heat-styling and Olaplex has completely smoothed those broken pieces. It’s incredible but I’ll stop now because I don’t want people to think I’m a schill lol.
I’m glad it worked for you though 🙂
I ordered the Emergencee product today, based on your recommendation. I occasionally use the Olaplex deep conditioner, but have never had the salon service for it.
I recently started hennaing my dishwater ash-blonde hair. As I’ve gotten older (40), my hair lost all its shine. I have it cut short because it’s stick straight and fine, so it drags my face down. I’ve always wanted red hair and I finally got the nerve up to try henna. Now my hair is dark copper and a lot shinier! I’ve used Lush so far, but am shopping around for a powder instead.
Reading these comments is so wonderful. I might know 5 other curly headed folks in my daily life but here 40 great comments and lots of good curly hair suggestions. Am making my shopping list …
I’ve never actually commented on Celebitchy though I’ve been a reader for years, but this is the post that got me to comment. I’m biracial and have hair that has defied all home hairdryers. People talked about drying their hair in 20 mins and I’d be so confused. It took about an hour for me. BUT, working under the “If-I-trust-her-thoughts-on-Meghan-Markle-I-trust-her-with-my-hair” rule, I got the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium (on Amazon ‘cuz I don’t know how to pronounce BaByliss [babyliss? bah-byliss? bliss?]) and damned if it wasn’t the best 80 I’ve ever spent. On medium speed and heat, it’s better than my old hair dryer and every other dryer I’ve had.
Seriously, GET IT!
Just leave the site for gossip. Don’t wreck it with crap posts like this
Lisa – the “crap posts” like this ensure that Celebitchy is able to keep delivering gossip stories 🙂 it’s how they generate revenue. As you can see from the comments, many of us genuinely enjoy the posts and the discussions/suggestions they generate.
I’m sure you realize you don’t need to click on these posts if they’re not for you.