We were lucky enough to meet Kris Brooks coming out of private social club Soho House in New York. Brooks, a longtime NaturallyCurly community member, is a New York-based, world-touring professional musician, and has worked with performers such as Stevie Wonder, John Legend, and Mary J. Blige. She checked in from Australia, where she just finished up her second world tour with Sam Smith.
We checked in with her at the 13-month point to get an update on her loc journey. She shared the products and tools she can’t do without.
1. Essential oils
For the scalp and ends of hair. It’s always best to explore, to find the best one for your hair type/texture, but I find having a product with a handful of oils is easiest because you’re getting the great nutrients from a few different oils! My favorites are Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil and Tropic Isle Jamaican Black Castor Hair Growth Oil.
2. A gentle shampoo
My favorite shampoo — which doesn’t contain sulfates, parabens, or mineral oil – is Hair Rules Aloe Grapefruit Shampoo.
3. A good refreshing mist
When you’re on the go, it keeps your locs refreshed between washes, such as Jamaican Black Castor Oil Daily Hair Growth Leave-In Conditioning Mist. This product does have shea butter in it, which I’ve tried to stay away from (after this happened“>… But I find that this product is made so well, that the shea stays in liquid form, and actually melts in my hair, rather than building up.
4. A satin scarf
Not only does this help maintain my hair ‘do, but it also protects the actual fibers of my hair — especially those edges, ladies. The hair that frames your face is the most delicate. Unless you’re sleeping on satin and silk pillowcases every night, that cotton is gonna keep adding pressure to that delicate hair as you roll about in bed, and your hair will get weaker and weaker, and could eventually break off. We don’t want that. Protect ya edges! Here are some of my favs here, here, and here. And this leads into my last suggestion:
5. Lint-free towel
Lint can be a major and equally annoying problem in the loc community. It’s impossible to not get lint in yours locs — from the clothes we wear, to the drying cloths, and towels we use. However, you can prevent a lot of non-hair fibers from wrapping around your locs by using a towel fabric that has the least amount of shedding possible. Microfiber towels are AMAZING, yet not that great when it comes to the environment, in the way that they’re produced. If you want a more sustainable option, try bamboo towels, which are mold and mildew free, antibacterial, absorbent, and sustainable!
Do you have locs? What are some things that you’ve found you can’t go without? Share with us in the comments below! Embedded content: https://youtu.be/W418tH8STJA
