“The Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Comp Conditioning Co Wash, £6.99, Sephora gently removes impurities and product build up, while infusing vital moisture. It’s the best,” says Mimi.
7. Oils
Finding the perfect oil for your hair is no mean feat. Too thick and it becomes greasy, but too lightweight and it doesn’t offer enough moisture. Luckily, we’ve called in the experts to recommend their favourites to aid your search.
This ORS Olive Oil Sheen Spray, £4.86, Look Fantastic is an African mum bathroom cabinet staple, and that’s because it does what it says on the can. It gives the hair a glossy sheen so it’s perfect for styling, whether you have your hair up in a bun, loose or you can spritz it over your weeks-old box braids to restore that week-one shine.
“Hands down at the moment my favourite is the Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturising Oil, £31, John Lewis. It’s lightweight, absorbent and moisturising,” recommends Subrina.
“Packed with naturally-sourced Manketti nuts to deliver moisture without weighing the hair down, my Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil, £48, Net-A-Porter instantly improves shine and combats frizz,” says Charlotte.
“I love the fact that this Moroccanoil Treatment, £32.85, Moroccanoil is a classic hair staple and is so light in consistency, pure and multi-purpose. I use it as a heat protector, to seal my hair, and as a hot oil treatment,” says Keysha.
8. Hair butters
To deeply nourish dry or coarse hair, there’s nothing better than a hair butter. Here, we asked our panel of experts for their top picks.
“The Camille Rose Naturals Curlaide Moisture Butter 240ml, £12.50, Look Fantastic is a great moisturiser to inject my hair with nourishment when it’s feeling a little dry and unloved. It’s blended with quality natural ingredients including shea moisture, coconut oil and castor oil, which results in a rich buttery textured cream that exudes quality,” says Keysha.
“This SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie, £12.99, Boots is perfect for looser thirsty curls and helps to keep them hydrated,” says Ateh.
“This Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Enhancing Butter 12oz, £12.99, Superdrug shields hair from everyday wear and tear and boosts natural shine,” says Charlotte.
Mimi recommends: “This Keracare Natural Textures Butter Cream 227g, £10.70, Look Fantastic contains shea butter, cocoa butter, amla & shikakai (ayurvedic) botanicals, argan and abyssinian oils to hydrate and keep hair healthy.”
9. Curl definers
Whether you’re looking to wash and go, twist and define, or up the shine factor, these expert-approved defining products offer the perfect solution to all your curl woes.
“This Paul Mitchell Foaming Pomade, £24.05, Look Fantastic gives maximum definition and shine, which is both lightweight and tangible. My tip if you want to switch it up for a straight look is to do a wrap set (it’s a more sustainable way of protecting your hair from heat damage or tension),” says Subrina.
“The Twisted Sista Foaming Curl Pomade, £8.99, Sephora is great for a wash and go and twistout/braidout or Bantu set. It’s super lightweight with a natural shine. While it’s great for fine to medium hair textures, I have also used it on thicker textures which are coily and kinky for a great twistout. The beauty of this product it’s not greasy and makes your hair so tangible,” says Subrina. “Love it!”
“I love this Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer, £23.50, Look Fantastic because it intensifies curls, tames frizz and increase shine,” says Charlotte.