Explore this article to choose the best products for you when transitioning to natural hair.
These 79 product recommendations include shampoos, deep conditioners, leave-in conditioners, oils, and stylers.
This is the next article in the transitioning to natural hair series where I share the best tips and tricks for preserving your hair on your transitioning journey.
If you’re new to transitioning to natural hair, you should start from the beginning of the series here to get the best results.
What Products Should I Use When Transitioning to Natural Hair?
These 79 best products are some of the best assortment to use on transitioning hair – that tricky stage on your healthy hair journey when you have two very different textures on your head.
Before you start reading, you may also want to check the Healthy Hair Care Series, a collection of resources for natural hair care and growth.
If you’re transitioning, 365 Days of Moisture for Dry & Parched Hair will be very beneficial.
Best Shampoos for Transitioning to Natural Hair
When I was transitioning, I avoided shampooing and co-washed about 75% of the time but I still had to clarify at some point so I had 1 – 2 shampoos in rotation.
When choosing a shampoo for transitioning to natural hair, you should opt for a shampoo with no sulfates or parabens.
The shampoo should also contain strengthening oils like castor oil, softening ingredients like natural butters and amino acids, plus some protein.
The shampoo can also contain strengthening herbs and spices like cloves and amla.
Remember, you’re trying to keep your line of demarcation strong to prevent breakage.
With that in mind, here are the top 12 shampoos I would recommend for transitioning hair:-
There are many more shampoos available but the list above is a good place to start from. My favorite shampoos from this section include:-
- As I Am Cleansing Pudding Moisturizing Cleanser
- Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo
- Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo
- Jessicurl Hair Cleansing Cream
- Olaplex No 4. Bond Maintenance Shampoo
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Best Co-wash Conditioners for Transitioning to Natural Hair
Co-wash conditioners are going to be your hair’s best friend when it comes to transitioning to natural hair.
Co-washing provides much-needed moisture to keep the line of demarcation going and nourish the relaxed ends.
Co-washing products also double as effective cleansers. For more on co-washing, head over to Is Co-washing Good for Natural Hair?
My favorite co-wash conditioners for transitioning to natural hair from this section include:-
- As I Am Coconut Cowash Cleansing Conditioner
- Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Cleansing Cowash
- RENPURE Vanilla Mint Cleansing Conditioner
- Aveda Be Curly Co-Wash
- Living Proof Curl Conditioning Wash
Best Deep Conditioners for Transitioning to Natural Hair
An amazing deep conditioner should moisturize, nourish, soften, strengthen, and revitalize hair.
With transitioning to natural hair, you want the right balance of moisture and protein. Here’s why this is important.
My favorite deep conditioners for transitioning hair from this section include:-
- Kinky Curly Knot Today – yes, you can use it as a co-wash and a deep conditioner.
- Aveda damage remedy intensive restructuring treatment
- Quai Thick Hair Treatment Masque
- Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner with Peppermint and Eucalyptus
Best Leave-in Conditioners for Transitioning to Natural Hair
Leave-in conditioners provide added moisture and prevent transitioning hair from drying out between full regimen days.
You can use either creamy leave-in conditioners or liquid leave-in conditioners based on your hair’s needs. I’ve provided a combination of both below:-
My favorite leave-in conditioners for transitioning to natural hair include:-
- Kinky Curly Knot Today
- Mielle White Peony Leave-In Conditioner
- EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Leave-In Conditioner
- Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk
Best Styling Creams for Transitioning to Natural Hair
Styling creams help with definition and control frizz.
They are also great for braid outs, twists outs, and other hairstyles that will help mask the two textures while transitioning.
My favorites from this section include:-
- As I Am Hair Twisting Defining Gel
- Curls Blueberry Bliss Twist-N-Shout Cream
- Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream
- Obia Naturals Twist Whip Butter Hair Moisturizer
- Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé
Curlsmith also has an all-in-one transition kit that includes everything required to cleanse, define and hydrate your curls on your journey from relaxed to natural hair.
The products include in the transition kit are co-wash, deep conditioner, leave-in Cream, and styling gel. Learn more here.
Other Hair Care Essentials
Here are some other hair care essentials that should be in your stash when transitioning to natural hair.
- 2 in 1 Tabletop Hair Steamer
- Scalp Massage Brush
- Silk or Satin Pillowcase
- Silicone hair ties – to keep your hair from tangling
- Microfiber towel
- Curlformers – another fantastic tool for hiding the two textures while transitioning
You should avoid heat appliances when transitioning but if you absolutely must, I highly recommend the Dyson Airwrap. It’s a game-changer!
If you’re overwhelmed with the list, you can utilize this free hair planner to help coordinate and keep track of your products.
Final Thoughts
As you commence your healthy hair journey, you should keep in mind everyone’s hair is different.
What works for one person may not work for you and you may have to experiment with several products before you find the perfect blend for your hair.
Abi is a curly hair expert, researcher, and author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She is also the founder of Ade Ori Hair Care, Healthy Natural Hair Products, and Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty. Learn more…
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