The Washing
I co-wash with VO5 Moisturizing conditioner ( cost 0.75 at Walmart)
or
I shampoo with Salon Selectives Argan Oil Shampoo and I add olive oil to this ( cost 1.00 at Dollar Tree)
The Conditioner
I condition and Deep condition with Herbal Essence Honey I'm Strong Conditioner (I can't find the pump any more I got two 1 liter bottles for 5.00 when I got these)
The only difference between my regular conditioning and deep conditioning is I wash conditioner out while in the shower for a regular conditioning and when I deep condition I sit under the dryer for 30 minutes. I also detangle while I have this conditioner in my hair.
The Oil and Styling Products
I oil my scalp and seal my moisture in with extra virgin olive oil in the summer/spring months
I add castor oil in the winter (I pay 1.74 for a 8.5 oz bottle of olive oil that last months and Castor oil for 2.64 for a 6 oz bottle at Walmart)
The coconut oil is Simply Nature organic coconut oil at Aldis for 4.99
I loveeee coconut and my hair loves it, but found out recently I am allergic (SIGHS) but it was fun while it lasted
I use Palmers Olive oil Formula Gro Therapy hair dress ( 3.99 at Walmart) and water for my braid/twist out
The Styling Aids
My De tangling comb (cost 1.99) and is the bomb.com
My spray bottle with only water in it ( cost 1.00)
I big chopped November 6, 2013 and it took awhile to get use to my natural tresses. I was determined not to get caught up in what every body else was doing that was natural and finding what worked for me. I have retained length and my hair is healthy which is the most important thing to me. I am not a heat free natural I blow dry my hair on low heat sometimes and I have not had it flat ironed or pressed yet. I do wear a lot of protective styles (flat twist braids, buns and turbans etc.). I don't believe you have to break the bank to have healthy natural hair nor take 9 hours styling your natural hair. I think this has caused me to love my hair even more, and hope this helps newbies.
Bonus: I discovered this You Be-Natural smoothing & defrizzing creme at a natural hair expo I attended, it was a free sample in my gift bag and love it. I will definitely buy this, it worked wonders on my edges and gray fly aways and no frizz. I also use Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie as a leavin sometimes with water and it lays my hair down for my puffs. Below is my stages of hair and then a current length picture.
