I've Been Wearing Braids for 15+ Years—These 15 Products Save My Curls

Before I hop in the shower, I like to use products that clarify my scalp and provide the moisture my parched post–protective style hair needs. This one is an oil-based detoxifier that purifies your scalp of dirt and buildup while replenishing oil to promote natural shine. I've also noticed it takes a lot less effort to detangle and undo knots later.

Customer Review: "This works really well to loosen the dirt, sebum and dandruff from my scalp. It smells amazing. It has a very fresh smell with a hint of sweetness. This is a semi-lightweight oil that is very soothing on my irritated scalp. It washes away somewhat easily. I use this before I shampoo my hair. It makes my hair and scalp so soft."

Briogeo has a treasure trove of great products for anyone with curls and coils, but the Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil is especially good. It intensely nourishes the hair using a formula filled with rosemary and fortified with vitamins and lipids for a soothed scalp and stronger strands. My hair feels ready for the washday process after I use this.

Customer Review: "Loved this product! I have been noticing a lot of breakage and itchiness—this immediately helped! I kept it on for about two hours before washing, rosemary smells amazing, and felt super tingly!"

To me, the mark of a good hair serum is a multipurpose formula that can cut down on wash time. Pattern's Deep Scalp Detox is one of the best since it purges the leftover gel and styling cream from my scalp without stripping my hair of its natural oils. It's made of Australian tea tree oil, pH-balancing pink clay, and lemon peel, all great ingredients for promoting a healthy scalp.

Customer Review: "After ONE use my scalp feels so much better. I let the product stay in an hour before I washed my hair and it made such a big difference in my scalp. I’m less itchy already, and I don’t feel the build up on my scalp the way I once did. My hair was also super shiny and healthy looking the next day."

While you may not suffer from thinning hair, all curls and coils can benefit from strengthening hair oil treatments (especially if your hair is fine like mine). Fable & Mane's pre-wash treatment strengthens the roots and hydrates the strands for healthy growth after your hair has been through the wringer. It also restores moisture to the scalp.

Customer Review: "I have baby fine hair and this oil does so well for me. I only use half a dropper full and it is plenty. I also make sure to double shampoo when washing but that is standard for hair oiling. My hair is SO soft and shiny compared to the previous oil I was using that definitely wasn't meant for fine hair! I'm excited to see the growth from this"

The first wash after taking my hair out of any protective style is dedicated to delivering as much hydration as possible. I recently discovered this shampoo, which uses Chébé Complex—a bond repair technology that promotes softer, stronger, and longer hair. It also contains prebiotics to boost scalp health and provitamin B5 to add to the softness and encourage growth. Having a shampoo with good slip is also key and this one foams up for a lather that leaves hair feeling super clean.

Customer Review: "This product is amazing! I have long curly hair and decided to try this, and I’m glad I did! My hair is silky, soft, and smooth!! My curls are bouncy and smell great!!"

After using the hydrating shampoo, I've noticed that following up with the Chéribé Conditioner has yielded great results! I'm able to run my fingers through my curls to work through knots and tangles without having to pull or tug. Detangling my hair after its been in protective styles can be hard, but this makes it so much easier thanks to key ingredients like vitamin E and castor oil.

Customer Review: "I loved the Chéribé shampoo so decided to try the conditioner, and I'm so glad I did! It's the perfect combo. I have fine, wavy hair, and the conditioner moisturizes without weighing my hair down. My hair feels so much fuller and more healthy. Love it!"

After taking out protective styles, a nourishing formula like this one from Ouidad gives curls the hydration they need to thrive. This product makes the detangling process a lot easier, so there's no need to worry about knots snagging on your brushes. The moisture from this conditioner keeps curls shiny and defined without weighing them down.

Customer review: "Having dry curly hair, I am always looking for hair products that can help. I absolutely LOVE this brand! Yes it is a little pricey but I believe you get what you pay for. Having dry hair means I only wash it once a week, but it never looks dirty or greasy, and it holds the curls for days!"

After using OurX's hydrating Nutrient Cleanse Complex shampoo, I use its Intensive Conditioning Compound. It delivers immediate and long-lasting hydration with a formula crafted to enhance your natural curl definition and pattern. My curls practically bounce back to life after a few minutes with this one on!

Customer Review: "I have been on the hunt for conditioner that will deliver some serious moisture to my hair and I finally found it. My hair feel so soft after using this conditioner and I noticed that my hair is a lot stronger with little to no breakage. It's a thick and rich conditioner with a very mild coconut scent and it really is a must have for textured hair."

I've only recently been introduced to the Detangling Nectar, but I'm loving it so far. It's a high-slip formula that helps work through stubborn knots and tangles after I've washed and conditioned my hair (but it can be used on wet or dry hair). Its formula uses a blend of products like shine-enhancing sea moss, aloe vera, and grape-seed oil.

Customer Review: "This is by far the best detangler I have ever used for when I first take out my braids. I used to dread the amount of time it would take to detangle my hair after braids, and this cut that time in half. It leaves my hair soft and shiny and I look forward to trying it out on my natural curls at some point."

This detangling product has been a staple on my bathroom counter since high school! I use a generous amount of this on my hair, and it majorly helps combs glide through my tight coils, leaving my strands tangle-free and protected from breakage. It also helps restore healthy moisture and oils to the hair.

Customer Review: "This is my all time favorite detangling product. I use this product while finger detangling and it makes the comb through so easy. The product has a lot of slip and smells great. I also feel like the slip makes a little go a long way. I’ve been using this for years and it still remains my favorite!"

Before moving on to styling, sometimes I also like to use this L'Oréal Professional mask to moisturize and detangle my hair while adding some extra shine. The product feels featherlight and promotes long-lasting healthy hair free of frizz and dryness. It's the best way to achieve salon-quality haircare at home!

Customer Review: "I have been using this for over a year now. This is the only product I use now. A little goes a long way btw. I typically have to order this once a year, so cost wise it is worth every penny! I have fine wavy/curly hair and air dry my hair and get many compliments from guests at work."

As you may have probably already guessed, I use a lot of oil after I've taken my hair out of a protective style! This one by Carol's Daughter is one of my favorites to use since it's a great blend of seven nourishing hair oils to help protect hair from breakage and split ends. It was also developed and tested for all curls (including 4c).

Customer Review: "Haircare gem! Lightweight and nourishing, hydrates the scalp and revitalizes hair. I used it after getting my wig braids in and it was wonderful! A delightful addition to any hair care routine for strength and vibrancy."

If it's a twist-out or braid-out I'm planning on doing, I always have Aunt Jackie's Curl La La Defining Curl Custard on hand. It adds moisture to my hair and helps me coax it into a style without weighing down my strands, caking, or flaking. I really appreciate the fact it can be used on both wet and dry hair.

Customer Review: "I love this product. It’s not heavy on my hair, and it keeps my hair moisturized and curly for days. Most products build up pretty easily but this doesn’t. I pair this with the Aunt Jackie’s gel and I’m good to go. [I] highly recommend."

Mielle's Honey & Ginger Styling Gel is also a must for me when I'm looking to add some definition and hold to my strands. It's formulated using two powerful antioxidants (honey and ginger) as well as aloe extract and babassu oil to strengthen, protect, and nourish your curls and coils. Plus, it dries clear without caking or flaking.

Customer Review: "Purchased this product about a month ago and finally decided to try it and omg I love it. I have type 4a hair and at first I was not seeing a lot of curl definition but I just kept applying and left it to dry and omg I am in love with this product! It's moisturizing and gave me great definition and a medium hold."

To finish off my hair, I've been using Aveda's new Be Curly Advanced Perfecting Primer to make sure my curls are smooth, bouncy, and protected before I head out the door. This silicone-free curl primer detangles the hair seals the hair cuticle to reduce frizz in high humidity for 24 hours. Since incorporating this into my haircare routine, I've experienced less frizziness.

Customer Review: "This was a game changer for me. I have wavy hair and it's hard to find a product that is weightless and that defines and leaves your hair frizz free. The Aveda primer left my hair defined and the smell is clean. I wore the product in my hair for a long period of time and at the end of the day it was still frizz less with waves intact."