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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at VCU chapter.

So I’ve already done an article on how to care for curly/coily hair on the 3b to 4b scale, but as I’ve sat in quarantine researching my hair type (3c), I couldn’t help but realize how much the brands of the products I use matter. In my first few steps towards going natural, I thought that anything labeled “curly hair” would work, and with more research, I learned how wrong I was. I continually try to look for new brands and products to try to see how they would impact my hair and or change up my routine. As time went on, I found that having a mental (or written) checklist would make finding the right products much easier for me. It may not be quick or easy to find the best and most natural brands for your hair, but it is definitely worth it. So take the time this quarantine and use this checklist to find the perfect haircare brand for you. 

The first thing to look for in any hair product regardless of hair type is the label sulfate and paraben-free. Sulfates and parabens are destructive chemicals that act as preservatives for products and just completely damage your hair inside and out. While small amounts of sulfates are needed for specific types of hair, it is more likely than not that you aren’t going to be needing it—especially if you are a 3b or above. Sulfates and parabens are also what makes shampoos and conditioners cheaper because they cost less to make than all-natural products, so don’t be tempted to give in just because of the price tag. The extra money that you spend will be worth it to prevent future hair loss, cancers and other side effects of parabens and these chemicals. 

I Want Proof

The next thing I did was research my hair type—extensively. I always thought that I had 4b-ish hair because my hair was brittle, dry and held almost no curl. After I did my research, I found that my hair type was actually a 3c and I couldn’t see any hydration or curl pattern because of how damaged it was from flat irons and blow dryers. I was actually blown away and realized that I had to change so much of my routine because this whole time, I was treating my hair with items that a 4b curl pattern would need. I found out my real hair pattern after going to a curly hair salon, but you can use this quiz to get the same results. Finding out your hair pattern is crucial because, without it, you won’t know what your hair lacks and what your hair has, so you won’t be able to find the best products and brands for your hair. 

From there, I spent 8-12 months trying out so many products, brands and routines. It took me a while because it is important to try out any of these new additions for at least a month to six weeks if you want to know if they really work. It’s also crucial to try new routines such as adding a hair mask, changing up how many times you wash your hair a month and adding new oils to your hair care because then you’ll find the best combination of products to get your hair as healthy as possible. It took me maybe 1.5 years to finally get to a hair routine that works for my hair and I’m still trying out new products all the time. 

Currently, for my 3c medium length hair, I have a completely new routine. I wash my hair every 5-7 days and use Aveda’s moisturizing shampoo for dry hair, then use Shea Moisture’s restorative hair mask and end with combing out my hair and leaving Shea Moisture’s hydrating conditioner in my hair. Then I use Miss Jessie’s pillow soft curls, add Shea Moisture’s castor oil and let my hair air dry for the next couple days. Every few days I add olive oil to my hair and make sure to never put it up in tight ponytails or buns. Other than living my dreams of becoming a haircare influencer, that routine I now have just goes to show that you can use more than one brand on your hair and it will still work. It also shows that your basic shampoo, brush and condition process is probably not going to work on your hair if you’re a 3a and above. These are all things I learned after researching my hair and hair products for literally years, but hopefully, this article has helped you get your hair healthy in a less amount of time. Do your research and find the best brands, products and routine that is going to work the best for you and your unique hair. 

Merry is a third-year political science & economics double major at Boston University. She is a former fashion merchandising major and hopes to work in editorial fashion, PR, or social media post-graduation while also focusing on the journalistic aspects of both her majors. She currently contributes to a number of publications while simultaneously working as an editor at Her Campus BU. Merry was also previously the managing editor of Her Campus at VCU and worked as an editorial intern for Her Campus Media. Contact her at mariamgnebiyu@gmail.com & @merry.nebiyu on Instagram.
Keziah is a writer for Her Campus. She is majoring in Fashion Design with a minor in Fashion Merchandising. HCXO!