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Black hair can sometimes seem like a never-ending labyrinth. On the quest for gorgeous hair, you might have picked up enough products to open a mini beauty supply store. Odds are they are probably gathering dust because you used them only a few times. Silver lining? There's hope for your hair. Before cutting it off or weaving it up, try the products chosen by top stylists dedicated to healthy black hair.
Best Shampoo: Wash Away Dirt, Not Moisture
Shampoo might seem rather elementary. It's like a comb; we all have a gazillion of them. Here's the rub. When you cleanse your hair, it should feel soft and the hair shaft should be smooth -- before you even think of applying a conditioner or heat. Jasmine Gerald, owner of Jasmine's Salon in New York City, suggests United Smoothing Shampoo. "It smooths frizzy and coarse hair. It also adds shine and body," she said. "It locks in color and thermally protects your hair. I really love that it is free of harmful or irritating chemicals like sulfate, parabens, gluten, sodium chloride, DEA and MEA. Plus, it is 100-percent vegan."
Best Conditioner: Crispy Hair Is Never In Vogue
No matter if you wear your hair naturally or use chemical treatments, you don't want your hair to look fried. The one downfall of having such versatile hair is sometimes you can do too much and end up with damaged, overprocessed hair. If your tresses are troubled, take the advice of celebrity hairstylist Shedelle Holmes. "Overprocessed hair is always in need of moisture," she said. "One of the best ways to help heal your hair is to deep condition with Phytokarite Ultra Nourishing Mask weekly or biweekly." For daily care, Holmes says to use Phyto9, a leave-in conditioner that doubles as a style and moisturizing cream.
Best Itchy Scalp Treatment: Get to the Root of Hair Maladies
Hair/scalp issues can be genetic, but they also can be a result of too many chemical treatments. If you find yourself with an irritated scalp or if your hair is behaving badly, it's probably time to get to the root cause. Carmen Sinclair, owner of Creation Hair Salon in Brooklyn, New York, suggests the Nioxin system to her clients with thinning hair and other scalp issues. "Nioxin removes excessive sebum from the scalp and strengthens hair that has experienced cuticle damage," she said. The Nioxin system includes a scalp treatment, shampoo and conditioner for natural and chemically treated hair.
Best Shine Enhancer: Dull Hair Is So '80s
Nothing is like that fresh-from-the-salon look. Truth be told, after a day or two, the perfect hairstyle is probably a distant-yet-fond memory. Holmes said she can't stop raving about Motions Shine Enhancing Pomade for sheen, moisture and flexible hold. Yes, you read that right. She said it adds control and texture to your hair and definition to your style without weighing hair down. "It's great for shine and smoothing your edges no matter your hair texture," Holmes said. "Plus, it's lightweight and gives you extra control."
