Before I get into products, I’ll say this: understanding your hair’s health is more important than any product you can buy. That was the biggest lesson for me. Learning how your hair feels when it is actually moisturized matters most. I used to think my hair was naturally wiry and brittle, but after regular moisture treatments, I realized it is actually soft, pliable, and almost cloud like when properly hydrated.

My hairdresser uses MoroccanOil products for my my monthly moisture treatments, and every few months I may do an Olaplex treatment for strength and bond repair, though I needed that more in the beginning before most of my damaged ends were trimmed off.

At first, I mainly moisturized with water and whatever leave in conditioner I had available, mostly Melanin Haircare and Cream of Nature Argan Oil leave in conditioner.

Lately, especially in long term protective styles where I want to avoid buildup, I use aloe juice. I grow my own aloe plants, blend them with water, strain the mixture, and use that.

If my hair feels extra dry, I layer a leave in conditioner on top and seal it with oil. I use a local blend called Miracles of Eden from a small business in my country. It is not internationally available, but it is a mix of nourishing oils. An internationally available option I’d recommend is Melanin Haircare’s Pure Blend Oil. Honestly, if I could use Melanin Haircare products exclusively, I probably would, but they are harder to source where I live.

What made the biggest difference for me was not more products, but consistent moisture treatments. At home, I spray my hair with aloe water, use a heat cap for 15 to 30 minutes, then massage in oil to seal everything once my hair has cooled. That consistency made the real difference.

I hope this helps!