1 of 5

Write now Article Tools

As women of color, we have struggled for decades to find just the right products to make our hair healthy, shiny and beautiful. Whether you choose to wear your hair natural, pressed, relaxed, braided, in cornrows, or with extensions, keeping your hair looking and feeling its best is essential. Since there are so many different products to choose from, how do you know what's best for your hair? Here are three of my favorite conditioners, but first let's discuss hair types or textures.

For years we have heard the phrases "good hair" and "bad hair". Well, there is no such thing as "good" or "bad" hair. It's all about the texture. Generally speaking, hair that is shiny, wavy or curly and easy to comb is considered good. While hair that is dry, dull, coarse, or "nappy" is considered bad. This is not always the case. Sometimes hair can be curly and easy to comb from the roots, but can be a nightmare to detangle at the ends. Also, hair can be fine meaning thin, easily weighed down and wispy. Taking this into consideration, choose a conditioner that specifically treats your problem or fulfills your needs.

The first of my favorite conditioners is LeKair Cholesterol Plus Strengthening and Conditioning Cream. I have been using it for at least 15 years and I love how it makes my hair feel. It contains jojoba oil, aloe vera and collagen protein which can make hair softer and stronger. This is an after shampoo treatment, however, I've used it as a daily treatment. Simply mix one tablespoon of LeKair conditioner with 8 ounces of water. Spray lightly over entire head before styling and especially before swimming. It helps to lessen the effects of chlorine and salt water on relaxed and/or color treated hair.

My second and third favorite conditioners are Pantene Relaxed and Natural Daily Oil Cream Moisturizer and Ultra Sheen Supreme Dual Purpose Conditioning Shampoo. Pantene Relaxed and Natural Daily Oil Cream Moisturizer contains jojoba and coconut oils which help replenish hair's natural moisture. It makes my hair shiny and soft without being too greasy. Ultra Sheen Supreme Dual Purpose Conditioning Shampoo makes my hair softer than the other two afore mentioned conditioners and it takes less product to clean my hair. With its ph balanced formula you don't need to condition after shampooing. This is the only all-in-one shampoo/conditioner I've found that actually conditions my dry, color treated and relaxed hair! The only downside to this product is that I have only been able to purchase it as a part of the Ultra Sheen Relaxer kit. However, similar products can be found such as Ultra Sheen Detangling and Conditioning Shampoo or Crme of Nature Detangling and Conditioning Shampoo.

There you have it: my suggestions for some of the best conditioners for Black and/or ethnic hair. Remember that these are only a sampling. New and innovative products are being introduced everyday. Here is one more quick tip. Try mixing honey, olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing, conditioning hair mask. Honey will give your hair shine, olive oil will give your hair moisture and lemon juice will cleanse your scalp without stripping your hair of essential oils.

Now that you are better informed about conditioners, you can head on down to your local beauty supply store or supermarket and pick up one or two or all of these great products. Soon you'll be on the way to having the hair of your dreams.

Learn more about this author, Ronda Heard.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Hair care tips for African-American women?
We want to hear your view. Write now!