One day I was on Twitter minding my business when someone retweeted a natural-haired chica in my timeline. She was recommending the Every Strand Shea and Coconut Oil Deep Conditioner for natural hair with rave reviews.

I decided to click through to see more of what was being said. Particularly because the reviewer’s hair type looked similar to mine. I had gotten lazy to continue making my usual homemade deep conditioner which lead to my hair being dry and thirsty from neglect.

Therefore I decided it may be well to check out this Every Strand product to add to my arsenal and hopefully it would bring my curls to life.

Every Strand Shea and Coconut Oil Deep Conditioner

The Every Strand Shea and Coconut Deep Moist Hair Masque is formulated to provide deep moisture to curly hair with an afro texture. The product is enriched with shea butter and coconut oil, both of which are known for their nourishing and moisturizing properties.

Shea butter is an excellent natural moisturizer that contains fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that help to nourish and protect the hair. It is also known to reduce inflammation and soothe the scalp, which can help to promote healthy hair growth.

Coconut oil is another excellent natural moisturizer that helps to prevent protein loss in the hair, which can lead to dryness and breakage. It also contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties that can help to fight scalp infections and dandruff.

In addition to shea butter and coconut oil, the Every Strand Shea and Coconut Deep Moist Hair Masque also contains other beneficial ingredients such as argan oil, which helps to soften and nourish the hair, and panthenol, which helps to strengthen and protect the hair from damage.

Overall, the Every Strand Shea and Coconut Deep Moist Hair Masque seemed like a great option for those with curly hair and an afro texture who are looking for a deep moisturizing treatment. The combination of shea butter, coconut oil, and other beneficial ingredients work together to provide intense hydration, nourishment, and protection to the hair.

So I took the plunge and bought it from Amazon here. Normally I avoid products with coconut oil as this ingredient causes cystic acne on my face. I didn’t mind that it was in this product however since it is a washout product, i.e. won’t be staying in my hair as any type of leave-in.

I could, therefore, stand to benefit from coconut oil’s good properties and then wash it out and style it with my favourite sans coconut oil products. This was the first time I used the product. I was also washing out a blowout and flat iron so you can see my hair at the front is a little more stretched than usual.

Looks good and healthy right? This product is rich and creamy, thick enough to be applied without a lot of slippery dripping messes. When using, I apply it to my dry hair, cover it with a plastic baggie, and then my beanie for 15-30 minutes. Then, I hop into the shower to co-wash or shampoo depending on how dirty my hair is and when my last shampoo was.

I liked the product enough to take a look at the rest of the Every Strand line of products for curly hair. I now use the Argan Oil With Macadamia Hydrating Hair Masque more so than the coconut oil line for my deep treatments. I adore anything with argan oil because it’s so moisturizing for my hair.

Related: My Review of the Cantu Shea Butter Natural Hair Shampoo

My Every Strand Deep Conditioner for Natural Hair Family

I’ve also tried the Every Strand Aloe Vera Treatment. This deep-conditioning hair cream couldn’t hold a candle to my homemade aloe vera mask so it didn’t make the regular line-up.

You know I love a good aloe vera product but I wasn’t a fan of the consistency. The thickness makes it a little difficult to apply to dry hair.  You could say this is totally end-user-related since all the directions say to apply it to shampooed hair.

However, I think a deep conditioner for natural hair is best applied to dry hair, similar to a dry sponge absorbing liquid much better than a wet one.  You feel me?

The argan oil masque I love just as much as the shea and coconut oil product and often have both on hand. They both help my hair to snap back after bouts of mistreatment which usually leaves it so parched. Here’s a recent wash-and-go following the argan oil masque:

Hydrated, soft, bouncy, fluffy curls. I’m a solid fan of the Every Strand Shea and Coconut Oil Deep Conditioner and Argan Oil Mask, similar to my Kinky Curly Knot Today and Cantu Leave In.

Have you ever tried this product? Do you like it? What’s your favourite deep conditioner for natural hair?

Ever see a hair product with a ridiculous price tag and wonder what in the world? Are they really worth it? I decided to check out some of these premium-priced leave-in conditioners for curly hair to get the tea. Will they make your hair as soft and lustrous as they claim?

Well, yes. Some of them are 100% worth it! And for the price, they better be. While not everything in your hair care regimen needs to be premium, it’s definitely worth it to add a premium quality product here and there when and where you can.

I like it when my curls are popping, OK?! And as a curly girl for so long, I’ve been through an incredible amount of products because I hate it when my hair gets used to something and stops giving me its best. Plus as I research new ingredients and new products come alive, it becomes a fun adventure to try new products to see what they bring to the table.

If even just a new exotic scent, I love discovering new gems. Here’s my list of premium leave-in conditioners for soft, shiny hair. But first…

How to Use Leave-In Conditioner for Curly Hair

So…leave-in conditioners have only entered my world since going natural. That may be because while my hair was chemically straightened, I would go to a salon for upkeep and I had little knowledge or interest at that time about the products that were being used in my hair. When you’re natural, you get really curious about what’s going in your hair because you want to tame frizz, enhance shine and manageability and some of us want to define our curls.

Leave-in conditioners are supposed to do all that. They add much-needed moisture to curly hair since the texture of our hair makes it dry out much easier than straight hair. Because of our curls and coils, the oils produced on our scalp don’t always make it down to the ends of our hair so it becomes necessary to keep our strands moisturized as much as it needs.

A good leave-in conditioner will be made primarily of water. Aqua or water should be the first ingredient, to help bring that moisture to your hair. An oil-based cream is a sealant, used to seal in the moisture that you’ve added to your hair. You’ll know when your hair needs moisture. You can feel it, you can see it.

Not only does it start to feel dry and brittle, it looks it too.

For me, that’s usually about day 3 or 4 if my hair is shoulder length or longer. Short hair for me requires moisture almost every other day. It just evaporates right into the air!

You can add your leave-in conditioner on wet hair or dry hair. Try both applications to see which you like best. When my hair is short, I prefer to wet my hair first with a spray bottle then add my leave-in. When my hair is longer, I usually add the leave-in to dry hair. Adding it to wet hair when it’s long usually ends in frizzy hair for me unless it was completely soaked like after just washing.

Just remember to add an oil or butter-based sealant after your leave-in to seal in the moisture. It will last a little longer so you won’t have to remoisturize every day.

Can I Use a Leave-In Conditioner Every Day?

Yes, you can. But do you need to? Even when my curly hair is big-chop short I don’t. That just seems like a lot of manipulation. Unless you’re washing your hair every day, leave-in conditioner every day is unnecessary.

Like I said, you’ll feel and be able to see when it’s time to add moisture.

The Best Leave-In Conditioner for Curly Hair

Listen. This is of course based on my own personal experience but this Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-in Conditioner is hands down the best leave-in conditioner for curly hair. For my curly hair at least. And it does pretty well in my munchkin’s 4b/4c hair.

It’s pricey but this is a premium product list and this product makes my hair super soft and so incredibly shiny. I can’t keep my hands out of my hair when I get my hands on this leave-in conditioner. I rotate through a few Ouidad products, in fact, hoping that my hair never gets used to its goodness.

Premium Leave-In Conditioners for Curly Hair

Mango butter is something I’ve experimented with and I like it in my hair so I decided to give this Klorane Mango Butter Leave-In a shot and I was very pleased with the results. It’s a lovely thick and creamy leave-in that adds amazing moisture to my hair after a three-day wash and go. It’s also rich enough to be used as a leave-in conditioner for 4c kinky hair as my daughter’s hair likes this a lot.

I was almost afraid to try this product because full disclaimer, it’s not cheap. But I really liked the ingredient list so I bit the bullet to give it a try. It’s vegan, color-safe and free of harmful ingredients. It also has mango butter, avocado oil, jojoba seed oil and ingredients that were new to me but when I researched, were super beneficial for my hair. I wasn’t disappointed. I love that it softens my hair to gently detangle it without causing frizz. Give it a try for your curly hair.

This product I tried when I wanted to straighten my hair that was already limp from going blonde. You’ll notice that it’s primarily marketed to people with fine, limp, color-treated hair who blowdry often. I needed something to coat and protect my curls when straightening and it really didn’t disappoint. It’s heat-activated so maybe not best as an everyday leave-in if you’re not using heat on your hair.

Try this product as an upgrade to plain water when refreshing curls between wash days. It has some seriously luxurious ingredients and will give you the shine and moisture boost you need.

Not all of these products may work for your hair like they do for me but I am always in search of a product that takes my hair from good to amazing. These are some of the best leave-in conditioners for curly hair I’ve tried that actually deliver on their promises.

If you’re looking for the best budget leave-in conditioners to add to your rotation, check out that list by clicking on that link.

I religiously apply a DIY deep conditioner to my natural hair weekly because I play around with color so much. I rarely miss a week, and before the past couple of weeks or so, I’ve never bought any kind of deep conditioner. I’ve always used stuff from my kitchen and this aloe vera and avocado deep conditioner is my favourite combination. So with all that DIY deep conditioning experience, I definitely know by now which ingredients work best for my 3c hair and munchkin’s 4b hair.

Since I deep condition my hair every week, her’s gets treated too, might as well. It’s definitely worked wonders for her hair because at the beginning of this year she had a cute little TWA but was nowhere near being able to put it in a ponytail and now I can with a decent sized afro puff. So I can attest that this DIY deep conditioner is good for speedy natural hair growth.

DIY Aloe Vera and Avocado Deep Conditioner Recipe

This deep conditioning treatment is meant to add moisture to your hair. If you suffer from dry hair then you should definitely try this hair treatment. The base of this avocado deep conditioning recipe consists of four ingredients. I mix in other oils and ingredients depending on what I have on hand or what I feel my hair needs that week.

You will need:

• aloe vera (leaf preferably or the gel or oil if that’s what you have)
• avocado (ripe fruit preferably, if not, the oil will do)
• honey
• olive oil

I’ve left off amounts because it depends on your hair length. There’s no exact science to this. Just add in a little of this and a little of that until you get a creamy consistency that won’t drip too much as you allow it to penetrate your hair. I’ll explain why these four ingredients should be your base then suggest some additional ingredients based on what your hair might need.

If you’ve got no aloe vera plant where you are, consider trying to order the leaves from Amazon. The fresh leaf gel is so much better than bottled aloe vera gel, trust me on this. Or get yourself a plant! They make great house plants and your hair will thank you.

If you’re not a DIY mixtress like I am then you might like this aloe vera and avocado conditioner that is highly rated on Amazon.

Aloe Vera Natural Hair Benefits

Aloe vera is filled with fatty acids and vitamins B-12, C and E, minerals that are quite moisturizing to your hair follicles. (1)These properties are known to strengthen hair and promote growth. It’s also anti-inflammatory which means it will help keep your scalp and hair follicles clean of bacteria and free to grow healthily.

Aloe vera gel is generally used to provide dandruff relief, smooth frizz, and help to moisturize dry curls.

Avocado for Hair

I won’t go much into details here as I have a whole article on the benefits for avocado oil for hair but suffice to say it’s one of the few oils that can penetrate your hair follicle to provide moisture. in this deep conditioner, I use the actual fruit instead of the oil as the fruit has more minerals and benefits that are lost when the oil is extracted from the fruit.

Benefits of Honey for Hair

Honey is a natural humectant which means it attracts and retains moisture to the hair. It’s also anti-bacterial which can help you with any scalp issues according to this study and it’s rich in vitamins and minerals, making it quite nourishing for the hair and scalp.

Honey adds moisture and shine to the hair and I never deep condition without it as I’ve seen and felt the benefits for myself. Its anti-inflammatory properties makes it great for your skin issues as well so I’m known to apply a bit to my face while I deep condition to help keep my skin clear.

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair

Coconut oil is loaded with Vitamin E and fatty acids (such as lauric acid, myristic acid, capric acid and more) which are anti-fungal, anti-oxidizing and anti-bacterial. I use it to cook every day along with using it as a pre-poo or in a deep conditioner such as this one. A lot of bloggers swear by it as a moisture sealant as well but I didn’t have good results with it so I stick to what works for me.

In fact, it causes me to break out and now more and more bloggers are realizing that it can actually leave your hair quite trashy. This is why I only use it in treatments that I will promptly be washing out of my hair. You’ll not find me picking up any leave-in conditioner or hair styling cream with coconut oil listed as an ingredient and I’ve stopped using it in my DIY whipped shea butter for hair and body.

Benefits of Olive Oil for Hair

Olive oil is one of those few oils with the ability to penetrate your hair follicle to actually get in there and fill any breakage. It improves the elasticity and strength of your hair. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that promote scalp health and prevent dandruff. Extra virgin oil is also rich in high levels of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, an antioxidant important for hair growth. What’s more, olive oil is not likely to cause an allergic reaction, which makes it easier on sensitive skin and hair.

I’ve been using olive oil on my hair since my relaxed days when I used to apply it in the shower after my shampoo. It was my way of getting shine once my hair was dry without hair spray or that greasy oil sheen lip-gloss-looking product that was (or maybe still is) on the market that is used as a finishing product in some salons.

Other Ingredients for your Avocado and Aloe Vera Conditioner

So there you have my four must-haves for this avocado and aloe vera deep conditioner. Then I may add greek yogurt or an egg if I need protein for strength. The avocado also helps my concoction to get that creaminess that I need so that it won’t be very runny since I tend to sit with this in my hair (under a steam cap or plastic baggy) for hours on end as I go through my day.

You may substitute the avocado itself for the oil then add in some shea butter or a banana to give it this necessary thickness. Yes, who knew a banana was also super moisturizing for natural hair?!

Here are some results after I mixed up my favorite four plus some extra additions.

And this is about an hour later. I used a hooded dryer to steam it in for about 10 minutes cause I didn’t want to have it in for very long that day. Then I simply co-washed with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration conditioner and the above pic is my hair product free. Here’s one with flash:

I applied my leave-in, styler and sealed and then slicked it back and allowed it to dry without fussing with it, which is always hard for me (serious hand in hair syndrome)

And when it was completely dry:

My hair was super soft and shiny and my curls were popping! Love this combination man! This mix is the bees knees and if I’m out of aloe vera or honey for whatever reason, I’m a very sad girl.

Munchkin’s hair absolutely loved the mix too. Her hair remained super soft and detangled right through the wash and comb process and allowed me to knock out this beautiful style with ease:

So that’s my favourite DC! What’s yours? Any brand that you can swear by? Also check out my aloe vera hair mask for a variation on this treatment.

Related: Not a DIY gal? Check out my favourite store-bought DC brand!

I have found the holy grail mix when it comes to hair and body butter and so I’m sharing it with you today. Raw shea butter is transformed into a luxurious, rich, creamy whipped shea butter, perfect to use on your hair to seal in moisture. I also use it on my skin to seal in moisture after a shower. The best part is the adaptability, you get to choose the scent and creaminess and control the ingredients of this multi-purpose whipped butter recipe.

Whipped Shea Butter For Skin

For both recipes, I start with all-natural shea butter. I usually make two batches since coconut oil irritates my face causing cystic acne. I like them to be different consistencies anyway.

For my body butter, I use shea butter, Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Argan Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Coconut Oil, and then whatever essential oils I happen to have on hand for scent and added aromatherapy benefits. My favorite is a mix of sweet orange and lavender oils.

My last body butter batch also had grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil. The mix is really up to you. I chose these oils because they are all in some way amazing for your skin. I’d say at least go with avocado oil and wheat germ oil which both have amazing anti-aging properties.

The benefits of shea butter include healing eczema, scars, and stretch marks. I’m not sure about stretch marks but I can attest to eczema as munchkin’s skin patches are being kept at bay. I haven’t been using it on any areas where I have stretch marks but I simply love the way my legs feel after I rub down. You could experiment with adding mango butter and cocoa butter to the mix as well.

I want my lotion to be a consistency that can be squeezed out of a bottle so I want a runnier consistency than my hair butter. Of course, if you like a thicker body butter kind of consistency you would use less oil. There’s no need for exact measurements, eyeball it and adjust it to your taste. Here’s the ratio my lotion mix looked like before blending.

This is in my small magic bullet cup, which I have on hand just for making my hair and skin butter. Once you’re done blending and you’ve bottled your mix, it will thicken up some as it settles so always try and get it just a little runnier than you’d want.

Using up my old lotion bottles.

Whipped Shea Butter For Hair

My hair mix has pretty much the same ingredients with the exception of the coconut oil. I don’t want that to get onto my face as it causes me to break out so I leave it out. Cold-pressed, raw coconut oil is touted as great for skincare so don’t be afraid to try it out on your face or in your hair and see if it works for you. Everybody has a different experience but it’s a no-go above my neck, unless I am washing it out.

My hair butter went right back into this container. This is a 32oz container of shea butter that lasts me about 6 months. Give this a try! Even if you’re simply whipping the shea with coconut oil or olive oil, that in itself is a phenomenal healing, all-natural product that you made yourself.

This butter is luxurious, lasts all day, and makes my skin feel so soft and supple. It is a little heavy, so perfect for fall and winter months. I live in Jamaica and use it year-round on my hair because it loves it! I only use it on soaking wet hair right after I’ve applied my leave-in moisturizer to seal in all that goodness.

Does shea butter help hair growth?

Yes, shea butter can potentially promote hair growth when used as part of a regular hair care routine. Shea butter is a natural product derived from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) and has been traditionally used for its moisturizing and healing properties. Here’s how shea butter can help with hair growth:

Moisturizing: Shea butter is rich in fatty acids, particularly oleic and stearic acids, which help lock in moisture and prevent hair from becoming dry and brittle. Dry hair is more prone to breakage, and breakage can hinder hair growth. By keeping your hair well-hydrated, shea butter can contribute to healthier, longer hair.

Scalp Health: A healthy scalp is essential for promoting hair growth. Shea butter has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help alleviate scalp conditions like dandruff and psoriasis. A clean and nourished scalp provides an ideal environment for hair follicles to thrive.

Strengthening: Shea butter contains vitamins A and E, which are known for their antioxidant properties. These vitamins can help repair damaged hair and strengthen the hair shaft, reducing the likelihood of breakage. Stronger hair is less prone to thinning and loss.

Improving Blood Circulation: When massaged into the scalp, shea butter can improve blood circulation. This increased blood flow can nourish hair follicles and encourage hair growth.

To use shea butter for hair growth:

• Treat your scalp: Gently massage a small amount of this whipped shea butter recipe into your scalp and along the length of your hair, paying attention to the ends. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight, then shampoo and condition as usual.
• Use it as a leave-in conditioner: You can also apply a small amount of this DIY hair butter recipe to the ends of your hair as a leave-in conditioner to help prevent split ends and breakage.
• Combine with other hair-healthy ingredients: Some people like to mix shea butter with other natural oils like coconut oil, castor oil, or argan oil for added benefits as I’ve done here. The key is to mix it with oils that will help you with what your hair needs currently.

Remember that while shea butter can be beneficial for hair growth, individual results may vary. It’s essential to maintain a consistent hair care routine that includes a balanced diet, proper hydration, and a gentle approach to hair care to support overall hair health and growth.

Is whipped shea butter better than regular shea butter?

Whipped shea butter and regular shea butter serve slightly different purposes, and which one is better for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Whipped Shea Butter

Texture: Whipped shea butter has a lighter, fluffier texture compared to regular shea butter, which is denser and more solid at room temperature. The whipping process incorporates air, making it easier to spread and apply to your hair and skin.

Ease of Application: Because of its lighter texture, whipped shea butter is often easier to apply and distribute through your hair. It can also be more comfortable to use as a body moisturizer since it tends to glide on smoothly.

Fragrance and Additives: Whipped shea butter products often come in a variety of scents and may contain additional ingredients like essential oils or other natural additives to enhance the overall experience. In this instance, we’re creating our own mix with all-natural ingredients.

Convenience: Whipped shea butter is ready to use straight from the container, making it convenient for those who prefer a more user-friendly product.

Regular Shea Butter

Unaltered and Pure: Regular shea butter is in its natural, unaltered state, typically extracted directly from the shea nut. It contains all the natural benefits of shea butter without any additional processing.

Intensive Moisturization: Some people prefer regular shea butter for its intense moisturizing properties, especially for dry and damaged skin and hair. It provides a thicker, protective barrier that helps lock in moisture.

Versatility: Regular shea butter can be used in various forms, such as melting a small amount in your palms before applying or mixing it with other natural oils or ingredients to create customized skincare or haircare products.

Which One Is Better?

The choice between whipped and regular shea butter depends on your preferences and needs. If you want a light, easy-to-spread product with added fragrances and the convenience of immediate use, whipped shea butter may be a better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a pure, unaltered product for intensive moisturization and versatility, regular shea butter may be more suitable.

Ultimately, both types of shea butter offer the inherent benefits of shea, such as moisturization, hair and skin health, and potential support for hair growth. Your choice should align with your personal preferences and the specific use you have in mind.

Whipped Castor Oil

The hair butter works better than anything I have ever put in munchkin’s 4b hair as a moisture sealant. After I co-wash her hair, I add in a leave-in conditioner then this butter over all that. It keeps her hair soft and moisturized the entire time that I am combing her hair, whether doing plaits or cane rows.

I used to add castor oil in separately to help with hair growth, however, we know Jamaican black castor oil’s scent isn’t the most pleasant. It’s also not the easiest to spread as it’s quite heavy. Adding it to this shea butter mix gives our skin and hair the castor oil benefits I’m looking for without the hassle.

I use this DIY hair butter in my hair after I’ve added my leave-in conditioner and my styling product. I concentrate it on my ends to help keep them super moisturized.

Are you convinced? Think you’ll be trying this out? Lemme know!