Going natural can be such a daunting task! What’s a co-wash? How do I protective style? Which products are best for my 4c hair?! The questions are exhausting, but your natural hair care journey doesn’t have to be. Of course, with winter right around the corner, the thirst is real! Your natural hair feigns for moisture. But don’t fret, you don’t have to break the bank to quench that thirst! Here are five natural concoctions for your natural tresses, and of course, their expensive commercialized alternatives.

1. African Black Soap Shampoo:

   

   Made from palm leaves, plantain skin ash, palm kernel oil and cocoa pod ash, it can be combined with other natural ingredients to produce a moisture-filled shampoo.

Ingredients:

4 tbsp African black soap (crumbled into pieces)

1 cups hot distilled water

2 tsp glycerin (or pure honey)

3 tsp grapeseed oil

Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a bottle and shake well. Allow the shampoo to cool before using

Alternative: Shea Moisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo ($9.99)

2. Avocado conditioner:

   

   Avocados are loaded with essential fats that are great for moisture. They will leave your hair with a soft bounce.

Instructions: Mash a ripe avocado into a paste. Coat your hair from root to tip with the mashed avocado. Rinse after 15-20 minutes.

Alternative: Avocado and Olive Oil Ultra-Moist Conditioner ($10.95)

3. Beer rinse:

   

   Yes, beer! It’s full of Vitamin B and natural sugars that add volume and a natural sheen to your hair.

Ingredients:

200 ml beer

3 drops rosemary essential oil (for smell and luster)

Instructions: Allow beer to sit until it is flat and at room temperature. Apply it as a rinse after you co-wash your hair. Rince with plain cold water afterward.

Alternative: Dr. Bronner’s Magic Organic Shikakai Conditioning Hair Rinse Citrus ($8.99)

4. Coconut Oil i.e. Bae:

   

   A hot coconut oil treatment is an amazing way to add and seal in moisture. It will leave a healthy luster on your hair without weighing it down.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp coconut oil

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp jojoba oil

**Few drops of peppermint oil (optional; tingling sensation stimulates blood flow to hair follicles)

Instructions: Mix the various oils together in a small bowl. Place the oils in a boiling water bath for 2-5 minutes. Apply warmed oil generously to clean and damp hair and massage scalp. Wrap your hair with a warm damp towel and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. You can also place hair under a clean shower cap/ plastic bag and sit under a steamer for 15-20 minutes.

Alternative: Sunny Isle Jamaican Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil ($6.95)

5. Apple Cider Vinegar rinse:

Just like cooking, vinegar is good for ridding your hair of excess residue and will leave it soft and shiny. It is also very useful if you suffer from dandruff.

Ingredients:

½ cup ACV

1 cup water

Instructions: Mix water and ACV together. Rinse your hair with the mixture after you wash your hair.

Alternative: Just Natural Vinegar Nutritive Rinse Cleanser ($26.99)

Keep your locks guessing! Switching up your hair care regimen with items that might occupy your bathroom cabinet or kitchen is a great way to hydrate your natural hair!

---

Black girls, how do you hydrate your curls? Comment below!