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Have you ever wondered how to get your curls in formation? We’ve all seen girls with gorgeous natural hair that just makes our jaws drop in awe or even a little envy!  We’ve all also wondered how on earth did they get their curls to pop like that. Well, believe it or not, the secret is moisture.  Many naturalistas make one big mistake when it comes to the health of their hair. They think that adding oils equates to adding moisture.  I hear these types of statements all the time:

“My Hair loves shea butter” 

“The only thing that moisturizes my hair is coconut oil,” 

“My hair feels dry, unless I add castor oil.” 

Unfortunately, none of these statements are true because oil is not a moisturizer.  And, I can guarantee you that most of these same naturalistas also wonder why their hair is not achieving the desired length or look that they are seeking.  Luckily, because of genetics, some hair will grow no mater what you do to it. Unfortunately, this gives some naturalistas the false sense that heavy oils are beneficial to their hair.  It is important to understand that  hair that feels oily is not equivalent to hair that is well moisturized. 

So how do you get your curls in formation? 

1. Wash your hair weekly with a quality moisturizing shampoo (AG Balance Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo, TGIN Miracle Repairx Moisturizing Shampoo, Design Essentials Almond and Avocado Moisturizing Shampoo). 
2. Condition your hair after each shampoo with a quality rinse out conditioner (AG Boost Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Conditioner, TGIN Triple Moisture Replenishing Conditioner). 
3. Add a water based leave-in (Kinky Curly Knot Today, Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Detangling Leave-in Conditioner) and/or styler (The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam, Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly, Uncle Funk’s Daughter Curl Magic Curl Stimulater) to your hair. 
4. If you do decide that you absolutely must use heavy oils in your hair; it is important to use a clarifying shampoo (Malibu Un-Do-Goo, Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle) followed by a moisturizing shampoo, then conditioner.
5. It is also necessary to deep condition your hair at least once every two weeks. 

Most of the above referenced products can be found at Target or Sally Beauty

You should try as often as possible to use water based products infused with other beneficial ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut milk, green tea, honey, rosemary, and light oils.  If you need more products recommendations; please be sure to check back frequently and also read Natural Hair 101: Becoming Hair Goals.  It does take a little trial and error to find which products work best in your hair, but please don’t confuse oily/greasiness with moisture and your curls will get in formation in no time!