Over time, I realized my relaxed hair routine was way more complicated (and expensive) than it needed to be. I simplified and stopped focusing on specific products and started focusing on product types instead.
Now, my relaxed hair care routine is built around 15 essential product categories, with the actual products rotating based on what’s on sale or what I already have. It’s made caring for my relaxed hair simpler, more affordable, and a lot easier to stick to long-term.
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1. Clarifying shampoo
Every once in a while, I like to use a shampoo that will deep cleanse my relaxed hair. They help to make sure my hair is rid of dirt and products that will build up over time, and don’t get completely removed by sulfate-free shampoo.
I used to have several clarifying shampoos I would rotate through, but now I only have one, the ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo. The reason I only have one clarifying shampoo I use is that I clarify my hair no more than once a month. Most of the time, I just go by how my hair feels and if it’s exhibiting signs that it needs to be clarified.
2. Moisturizing shampoo
When I don’t need to clarify my hair, I’m using a moisturizing shampoo. It’s the main type of shampoo that I use because it's really good for relaxed hair.
These types of shampoos gently wash away dirt and oil, can help balance the pH levels in the hair, all while not stripping away all of the natural moisture in the hair.
My current top moisturizing shampoos are the Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo, TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo, and Design Essentials Agave & Lavender Moisturizing Hair Bath.
3. Deep conditioner
If you read a few of my blog posts or watched several of my videos, you’ve probably heard me say that I didn’t use to deep condition my hair. Since I started deep conditioning, I’ve been astonished that I wasn’t doing it sooner.
I use moisturizing deep conditioners because I like how soft and manageable my hair feels afterward. The two deep conditioners I’m currently using are the TGIN Deep Hydrating Hair Mask and the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Hair Deep Conditioning Mask.
4. Protein treatment
When my hair needs a little extra strength, I turn to protein treatments. I prefer using them over bonding treatments. I feel like bonding treatments do less for my hair than protein treatments do.
I used to do what’s called a hard protein treatment when I used the Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment. I’ve since switched to it’s siter treatment - the Aphogee 2 Minute Keratin Reconstructor.
This protein treatment is easy to use, not that expensive, and I can immediately tell the difference in the strength of my hair after using it.
5. Hair moisturizer / leave-in conditioner
Another way I keep my hair moisturized is to use a hair moisturizer or leave-in conditioner. They are one of the first products I apply to my hair after it’s been washed. I also use them between wash days if my hair needs a moisture boost.The three hair moisturizers I’ve had in rotation lately are the Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner, TGIN Green Tea Super Moist Leave In Conditioner, and the TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer.
6. Hair serum
After getting my hair moisutrized I want to make sure that moisture is locked in. Using a hair serum is a good way to do that. I used to use natural oils for sealing my hair, but they’ve gotten expensive and would only last for so long. Now I use hair serums like the TGIN Miracle RepaiRx Anti-Breakage Serum, TGIN Argan Replenishing Hair & Body Serum, or Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum.
7. Heat protectant
As I learned more about caring for my relaxed hair, I realized that if I was going to use any type of heating tool, I needed to also use a heat protectant. The reason is that the heat protectant acts as a barrier between your hair and the styling tool, reducing the direct impact of heat and minimizing damage.
I like using liquid heat protectants like the Mielle Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray or L'Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Frizz Control Heat Protection Spray on my wet hair to blow dry or roller set. I use a serum like the Mielle Mongongo Oil Pomade-to-Oil Treatment on my dry hair to flat iron.
8. Seamless wide-tooth comb
The seamless comb I use is the Hercules Sagemann's Magic Star Jumbo Rake, which should be a must-have for every woman. It’s great because the teeth are seamless, so it doesn’t snag or catch your hair, which can cause hair breakage. Because of the wide teeth, I can use this comb to detangle my hair when it’s wet without any issues.9. Hair dryer - hooded and handheld
When I first started my hair journey, air drying was the thing. So many influencers were sharing their air-drying benefits and why it was better for relaxed hair. I tried it myself several times, and my hair never came out right. It was stiffer, drier, and broke more. Also, it would take forever to dry. Come to find out, my hair didn’t like being air-dried. So I started using heat to dry my hair.To lessen the amount of direct heat on my hair, I got a hooded hair dryer. I don’t use it every week, but it’s been a great addition to my hair regimen. It gives off indirect heat because the heat flows around my hair, rather than being applied directly to my hair.
I also sometimes use a blow dryer. I’ve gone through several over the years, and the one that I settled on is the Shark Flexstyle. It dries my hair quickly without using really strong heat. You can see more of what I like about this hair dryer in this review.
10. Hot Head Deep Conditioning Cap
I deep condition my hair every time I wash it. And when I deep condition, I like to help the conditioner penetrate my hair strands deeper by adding heat or steam. My preferred way to do that is using my microwavable deep conditioning cap.
The one that is used is the Hot Head cap from the brand Thermal Haircare because it doesn’t need a cord to be heated up. I stick it in the microwave for about a minute and a half, then stick it on my head, and I go about the house doing chores or even take a little nap. Once the cap cools down, I take it off and then rinse out my hair. Whenever I use it to deep condition, my hair tends to be more manageable and stays moisturized longer.
Related read: Hot Head Microwavable Deep Conditioning Cap Review
11. Satin scarf or bonnet
To keep my hair protected at night, I cover my hair with a satin scarf or bonnet. I like switching between the two and don’t favor one over the other, as they both serve a different purpose. Bonnets are easier to put on, and scarves help me keep a smooth look with my hair.
The bonnet I use is a long one that is promoted for those with long hair or braids. I found it on Amazon. My satin scarf is one that I picked up from Walmart, and I’ve seen similar ones at Sally Beauty.
12. Elastic ribbon hair ties
To put my hair in a ponytail or bun, I prefer to use satin scrunchies. because of how gentle they are on relaxed hair. When I remove them, they glide off the hair, versus snagging and breaking off some of my hair strands.I had used satin scrunchies back in high school and then moved to the elastic bands in high school because they were more "mature". Over the years of using the traditional elastic bands, I realized they were damaging my hair. Even the ouchless bands, as they kept pulling out strands of hair.
As a way to keep my hair from being damaged, I switched back to satin scrunchies and haven't looked back. The main brand I use is Kitsch. The Kitsch scrunchies are soft and come in neutral colors
13. Hair claw clips
Another way I put my hair up is with claw clips. I don’t use any particular brand, but I have started switching over to the flat ones because they’re more aesthetically pleasing and versatile. Meaning I can lay my head back with them in my hair.
There’s no particular brand that I use; I just pick up whichever claw clips are the cheapest at Walmart, Target, or Amazon. While they may be cheap, they’ve lasted me as long as more expensive ones have, which is more than just a couple of uses.
14. Bobby pins
Sometimes I use bobby pins when putting my hair in an updo. They’re mostly used to help pin down some stray hairs more than to create and hold the updo. I don’t have a particular brand of bobby pins that I like to use. Most of the bobby pins I have are from Dollar Tree. When I need to restock, I will probably look at Walmart, Target, or Amazon.15. Hair shears
Occasionally, I will trim my own hair at home. When I do, I want to make sure that I have shears specifically for cutting hair. This way, I know they are sharp enough to cut my hair so that split ends aren’t created.I’ve used some from the Oster brand, which I purchased from Sally Beauty. The last pair I purchased was this one from Amazon.
Do you have any must-have hair products or tools that you use on your hair?
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