One of the challenges of achieving long, healthy, and luscious locs is that you try products that promise miracles but end up with dry, tangled, or thinning hair instead. The culprit in often the shampoo and conditioner you're using.

Yes, the products you think are supposed to help could be holding your hair back from its growing long and healthy.

The question is: "How do you pick the right ones?". In this post, we will look at 7 key things you need to know to help you choose the best shampoo and conditioner for healthy hair. Without further ado let's dive in.

1. Minimize Sulfates to Prevent Dryness and Breakage

One of the biggest enemies of natural hair is dryness. Textured hair is already prone to being drier because the natural oils from your scalp struggle to travel down your curls and coils.

This is why when your shampoo is packed with sulfates—common foaming agents—you strip your hair of what little moisture it has left.

Sulfates also leave your hair feeling squeaky clean, but the cost is dry, brittle hair that’s more prone to breakage.

So when choosing your shampoo, look for labels that say "sulfate-free."

This way, you cleanse your hair gently without robbing it of its natural oils. And let’s be honest, who wants thirsty hair that breaks off at the slightest touch?

Note: This is not to completely dismiss the use of sulphate-based shampoo since they are used for clarifying build-ups.

2. Choose Moisture-Rich Conditioners for Soft, Manageable Hair

If you've ever struggled with hair that refuses to cooperate... the kind that feels stiff and unmanageable even after conditioning...

Then this is a clear sign your conditioner isn’t doing its job.

For healthy, manageable hair, you need a conditioner that’s rich in moisture.

To do so, look for hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera.

These ingredients don’t just sit on top of your hair—they penetrate deeply, leaving your strands soft, shiny, and ready to conquer the world.

Imagine running your fingers through your hair and feeling silky smooth coils instead of dryness. That’s what the right conditioner can do for you.

It's not just about detangling but giving your hair the nourishment it craves to grow strong and healthy.

3. Opt for pH-Balanced Products to Protect Your Scalp and Hair

The health of your scalp is just as important as the health of your hair. If your scalp is out of balance, you could face issues like dandruff, itching, and excessive dryness. Your scalp naturally sits at a slightly acidic pH of around 5.

When you use products that mess with this balance—like harsh shampoos—you upset the whole ecosystem, leading to irritation.

Always choose a shampoo and conditioner that are pH-balanced. This keeps your scalp and hair healthy, retaining moisture and preventing breakage. If your scalp feels tight and itchy after washing, that's a sign your products are too harsh and could be throwing your pH off.

4. Strengthen Weak Hair with Protein-Infused Conditioners

If your hair feels weak, limp, or has been experiencing more breakage than usual, it’s probably in desperate need of some protein. Hair is made of keratin, a type of protein, so naturally, strengthening it with the right products can reduce breakage and help your hair retain length.

When choosing your conditioner, search for ingredients like keratin, hydrolyzed silk protein, or wheat protein. These help fortify your hair from the inside out, making it more resilient and able to grow without constantly breaking off.

But, a word of caution: too much protein can leave your hair feeling stiff or even more brittle, so it’s all about balance. Mix in moisture-rich conditioners with protein treatments to keep your hair soft and strong.

5. Detangle Without Damage Using Slip-Friendly Conditioners

Raise your hand if detangling is one of your least favourite parts of wash day! Detangling can either be a flex or a battle depending on the products you’re using. A great detangling conditioner should offer excellent slip, making it easier to glide through your hair without ripping out handfuls of hair in the process.

The best way is to look for detangling-friendly conditioners that include ingredients like slippery elm, marshmallow root, or argan oil. These help your hair strands slip past each other without causing knots, leaving your curls defined and clump-free.

Imagine breezing through your detangling routine, without feeling your heart race every time you encounter a knot. Now that’s a wash day worth looking forward to!

6. Go Natural for Better Hair Health Over Time

Your hair deserves the best, so why settle for anything less? Instead of loading your hair up with harsh chemicals, opt for products that use natural ingredients. The benefits of going natural are endless: fewer allergic reactions, less buildup, and a healthier scalp overall.

Ingredients like avocado oil, honey, and jojoba oil nourish your hair from root to tip, promoting growth and preventing damage. These ingredients don’t just offer superficial benefits; they work to improve your hair’s health over time. Say goodbye to lackluster, dull hair and hello to your most radiant curls.

7. Stay Consistent for Long, Strong, and Healthy Hair

It's one thing to use the right shampoo and conditioner every once in a while, but if you want to see real, long-lasting results, consistency is key. Healthy hair doesn’t happen overnight, but with a solid routine, you’ll start to notice less breakage, more shine, and—most importantly—longer, stronger hair.

Imagine waking up one morning and noticing that your hair has grown longer than you thought possible. Or running your fingers through your hair and being amazed at how soft and smooth it feels. It’s all achievable when you stick to the right products!

Take Control of Your Hair Journey Today

At African Naturalistas, we understand the challenges of caring for Afro hair. That’s why we’ve developed products designed to nourish, strengthen, and protect your natural crown.

Right now, during our limited-time FREE shipping offer for Lagos locations, you can restock your favorite African Naturalistas hair products—including our highly sought-after Growth Set—without any extra strain on your wallet.

Don't let this opportunity slip away! Transform your wash day routine and say hello to the long, healthy hair you’ve been dreaming of.

Visit our store today and give your hair the love it deserves. 💛