Here’s a few things tools and products that from my observation, aren’t as popular in the natural hair community, as perhaps they could be…

• Afro Comb-

I bought one of these on a whim. Combs were buy 1, get 1 and I grabbed an afro comb because it was essentially free. I had no idea it would work so well at detangling my hair. I see a lot of naturals using an afro comb or pick to lift or fluff the roots. I don’t ever use it for that purpose because in my opinion that can cause tangles and matting- It’s equivalent to combing from the roots to tips… I use my afro comb to detangle hair that is previously dried (after adding some moisture, of course). I don’t know if it’s the leverage in the comb, but it does a great job of gliding through my hair and my niece’s 4b hair. I definitely think afro combs and picks are underrated. Black men and women have used them for 6,000 years after all.

• Banana Clips-

These were popular for a while but I don’t see many naturals using them these days. Banana clips are great for when your natural hair is at the awkward length of just being able to make it into a ponytail, but that ponytail looks like a handful or cotton balls. A banana clip will make a puff look fuller and a ponytail look longer. It’s also much easier to get all the hair in one versus a regular ponytail holder. You can get extra wide, higher quality ones at higher end beauty supply stores like Ulta. Unfortunately for me, even the wide banana clips no longer hold all this hair of mine when loose. I do still use them when I’m in mini braids or flat ironed.

• Conditioner You Loved When Relaxed-

Although the texture of our hair changed, its basic properties are still the same. If you had fine hair when relaxed, your hair will remain fine, for example. If there was a product that you loved while relaxed, hold off on giving it the boot. Try it out on your natural hair. Maybe it will work just as well or possibly better. This was true for me and LeKair Cholesterol. I searched high and low for a good deep conditioner for my natural hair. In the end, I went back to what I used when relaxed.

• Curling Irons and Curling Wands-

I am in no way suggesting that heat is underrated. But, if you’re going to reach for a heat tool, why not use a curling iron ir wand as opposed to a flat iron. Youtuber Meechie Monroe has a great tutorial here, using her curling wand on blown out natural hair. ItsMyRayeRaye also uses a curling wand often, although I’m not sure if she’s natural. Why not do a heatless blowout (take out that afro comb and pick out dry hair) then curl using a wand or iron (after adding a heat protectant of course). The final look is similar to a bantu knot out with the time or headache of sleeping on them.

• Satin or Foam Rollers-

When I was a preteen, I loved these things. I desperately wanted bangs, but my mom wouldn’t let me cut my hair. Every night, I rolled the front of my hair. Every morning I took the foam roller out and left the hair as is to create a faux bang look. It looked more like a sausage link than bangs, but I loved it at the time, lol. I recently purchased a set of these. They are inexpensive and provided a nice curl on my natural hair. I won’t go as far as saying these are comfortable to sleep in, but they are far more comfortable than flexi rods, curlformers, and perm rods.

• Scrunchies-

My bestie never once gave up scrunchies and I teased her for it. Look at my now, suggesting others bring them back. I probably wouldn’t wear one out in public, but a soft scrunchie is great for putting hair up in a high ponytail at night. It won’t leave any dents in your hair and a satin or silk one very gentle and not drying. Unlike many headbands, there is no metal piece to worry about. Best of all, when they lose the elastic, you can still use them and perhaps it’s even better because it won’t be so tight.

• Shampoo-

In my opinion, hair needs to be periodically cleansed in some way. Cowashing alone is not sufficient. Furthermore, if you use products with cones you have to use a sulfate shampoo regularly. I’ve read that silcones in hair products are most chemically similar to the caulk used to waterproof bathroom fixtures. Buildup will occur over time. If using natural products, it’s good to cleanse and clarify the hair with shampoo (sulfate or sulfate free) or a shampoo alternative like a clay cleanser or vinegar based cleanser. Shampoo, may be drying but the key is to find the right shampoo for your hair and to use it on a schedule that works for you.