It’s 2018 and still I hear people say natural hair is high maintenance and expensive. Although if I’m being honest (which I always am 😉 ), the expensive part may or may not be true depending on how you approach your natural hair journey. Did you know you do not need a lot of work to keep natural hair in good condition? Here’s my list of 8 items that will urge you on your natural hair journey.

The right products

The ambiguity of this might be a little annoying, but the “right product” is simply any product that hastens handling your natural hair. This might be a leave-in conditioner, deep conditioner, moisturizer, styling products, name it. Whatever works for you is what you need and stock up!

Hair scissors

The toughest this about being natural for me is the tangles. No matter how many times I detangle, in a couple of days I’m back to where I started. Say hello to 4B/4C kaweke hair 🙂 , there isn’t much to do about it except to understand that tangles comes with the territory. The biggest contributor to knots and tangles is split ends. After a brave trim, you’ll experience less knots and detangling will be a breeze. If a much needed trim isn’t your cup of tea, you will need hair scissors/shears to cut out knots that are beyond salvaging.

Blow-dryer

I have not straightened by hair with a blow dryer in close to one and a half years, but I have still found great use for my blow-dryer. Here’s a quick story, a few months ago, I had a wedding to attend. That morning I realized I had a billion flakes in my hair from mixing 2 products that didn’t like each other. Long story short, I had to quickly wash my hair 2 hours to the ceremony. And a dusty blow drier I never used saved my life :D.  My hair style was a shrunken Afro, better that than white flakes all over your hair! So if don’t have the time to air drying, or simply want something to heat up/melt your oils, a blow dryer is definitely an essential.

Satin/Silk scarf or bonnet

Whether you use satin or silk is matter of preference and availability, they all do the same thing, which is to keep hair moisturized for longer and guard it from friction with rough fabric.  A scarf won’t only protect your hair, but also your skin/face from hair products that may cause a break out. Read more here on hair care and acne prone skin.

Spray bottle

Can I get an amen for the spray bottle? Our hair needs water, but this doesn’t mean you have to get it dripping wet at all times and this is where a spray bottle comes in. These are some of the things you’ll need a spray bottle for: DIY spritz, detangling, moisturizing, protective styling and more!

Wide tooth comb

Yes, a comb! Some naturals don’t use combs, and that’s okay. However, sometimes your fingers need some assistance. The most important thing is to be gentle and not to operate on dry hair.

Mirror

While we are on the subject of combs, it’s important to add that you certainly need a mirror! A must have. I know this seems silly and obvious but you might be surprised how many people don’t use mirrors. Having eyes (your own eyes) on your hair gives you a sense of control, and makes you work faster.

Hair/head accessories

Hats, wigs, scarf or head wrap. These will not only save you from a bad hair day, or lazy day, but also protect your hair from the damage of the sun.  It’s also a nice way to change things up.

So ladies, and some gentlemen, these are just a few things I have singled. I was very tempted to say MUST haves, but there’s no such thing! Food maybe? What are your natural hair essentials? Drop it in the comments 😉 .