Once upon a time, I was an ingredient snob. I have always preferred natural ingredient based products…going as far back as the origin of Jane Carter’s Nourish & Shine. Since I’m from NJ, I remember when this was the only product of her line and my friends teased me mercilessly about spending $20 on a “grease”. I remember Carol’s Daughter before it was available online and the only place you could get it was a small store up in Harlem. When I started my official HHJ, it just got worse – I only wanted natural and organic products near my hair.
As you know, last year I switched up my regimen a bit and relied on Kerapro products to meet my shampooing and conditioning needs and my hair flourished! More recently, I’ve branched out even a bit more and have been using Parnevu’s Hair Mayo and Optimum Care Products. Although my Bee Mine Moisturizers still reign completely supreme, I realize that my hair product choices are split. My prepoo oils and moisturizers are all natural whereas my preferred shampoos and conditioners are a mixture of synthetic and natural products. While I still whole heartedly believe that you MUST pay attention to the ingredients in your products, I’m genuinely confused by my hair right now. It has never felt healthier even with using the mixture of products!
For me, the way my hair responds to things overrides “theory” every time. Yes, I believe the basic healthy hair rules are important, knowing moisture versus protein based products, understanding why sulfates may be harmful and when they are appropriate, and what ingredients actually provide moisture – but sometimes what you think your hair should LOVE in theory – it may only like. Things you may think your hair wouldn’t like, your hair may love. Your hair talks to you and trust me I’m listening.
