What do I use in my hair?

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"What do you use in your hair?" That is a question I get asked very often. The answer varies depending on time of year or how I'm styling my hair, but I'd like to share my staple products. While I try and use many different products, these are the products I re-purchase.

Before I get into product choices I have to make note of my methods of hair care. First off, I very rarely, maybe once every two months, use tools on my hair. Instead of brushes or combs I simply use my fingers. I detangle my hair with my fingers, I smooth it down with my hands. I've found over the years that using hair tools almost always leads to more hair breakage than using my hands. Detangling your hair with your fingers allows for a more gentle approach, and you can feel your way through knots and tangles to get them out easily.  

My product application method is also important. I use the L.O.C. Method. L.O.C. stands for Liquid. Oil. Cream. The premise of the method is applying products in order of liquid first (water, and any product that has water listed as the first ingredients), oil second, and then a cream or butter. This is the order in which I apply products. 

I should also note that I do not always use shampoo. I "wash" my hair every 1 - 2 weeks, sometimes with shampoo and sometimes with just conditioner (co-washing). 

Now that all of the methods are out of the way, here is what I use in my hair, when, how, and why.

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser {BUY}

When I use it: When my hair isn't dirty enough for shampoo but isn't clean enough to just co-wash.

How I use it: I wet my hair and separate it into four sections. I then apply the product to each section one at a time and finger detangle my hair. I put each section in a Bantu knot while I shower then rinse it out.

Why I like it: It gives good slip for detangling, cleans my hair and scalp,and leaves my hair moisturized.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil {BUY}

When I use it: After I initially wash my hair. For me it's way too thick to put on anything other than soaking wet hair. 

How I use it: I put it on top of whatever leave-in conditioner I put in after my hair is washed. (The O. in the L.O.C. method)

Why I like it: It prolongs the initial moisture I get from a fresh wash so that I don't need to moisturize my hair again for a few days.

Eden BodyWorks All Natural Deep Conditioner {BUY}

When I use it: If my hair is very dirty I will use this after shampoo. If my hair isn't that dirty then I will use this is a co-wash and deep conditioner. 

How I use it:  I section wet hair into small sections and apply to each section finger detangling as I go. I then put my hair up into a bantu knot and let the product sit while I shower. Then I rinse it out. 

Why I like it: It moisturizes my hair so well. I can see my curls pop as soon as I apply it.

As I Am Leave-in Conditioner {BUY}

When I use it: This is the first thing I apply to my hair after washing (the L. in the L.O.C. method).

How I use it: I usually apply it in four sections to make sure I get product throughout my whole head.

Why I like it: It has a lot of slip and gives my hair immediate shine when I put it in.

As I Am DoubleButter Cream Rich Daily Moisturizer {BUY}

When I use it: This is the last thing I put on my hair after washing (The C. in the L.O.C. Method). 

How I use it: For this I sometimes put it on in sections, other times I just apply it all over my hair, concentrating on the ends. I'll also use this to twist my hair if I'm putting in mini twists to wear. 

Why I like it: This stuff is so creamy and delicious. It makes my hair moisturized and shiny, and I get a few days before I need to moisturize again. 

What do you use in your hair?