what kind of products would be good for my kind of hair?

Hello CN followers,

I just saw this site today and fell in love with it. So much props to Nikki for making it happen!

So here is the deal:

I have always been natural. Well almost. My mom relaxed my hair at age 6 for reasons I don't know and that was the last time. I don't know how to describe my hair. It's like curly thick but not too thick. I'll post pics to show you all. Point is I want to start taking care of my hair. I am Dominican so I really only trust Dominican women when it comes to styling/treating my hair. However, I am away at school where there is absolutely no Dominican women or Dominican hair salons (Claremont, CA). However, next semester I will be at Spelman in Atlanta, GA so I look forward to finding out about new products, etc. When it comes down to it, I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT MY HAIR NEEDS! But I do know what I WANT it to do: that is grow MAD-SUPER-CRAZY LONG! What do you hair-goddess recommend me to use? Right now my ends need the most help. Also the middle of my hair does grow as fast or the same pace as my sides. How can I improve that? Some of my concerns/needs:

1. Products to keep my hair mosturized
2. Products to seal my ends
3. Product to detangle my hair

and thats all I can think of. Sorry if it seems all over the place!

Thanks

Here are some pictures of my hair:

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last one: my hair straightened

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hello hydration is a great conditoner it moistures very well evoo is good to seal your hair

Your hair looks healthy.

I love your country. I visited in March 2009 for my honeymoon (Puerto Plata). I will revisit.

In order to try to help, what do your hair strands (majority) feel like? Are they thin (barely there), coarse (think thicker than frayed thread) or normal (between thin and coarse)?

What products have you used to give you moisture?

What do you typically seal with?

To grow longer hair, it's all about retention. Moisture and sealing your ends will help you retain the length you gain.

@MEGAFAITH, thanks i will check it out!

@ ChrsLvsBks, thanks! i love my country too! i just got back a month ago from living there for about 5 months and im only now starting to get over it! Next time you go, try to visit Jarabacoa and Constanza. Also Bani is a great place to visit, close to the capital.
But back to my hair: my hair strands are normal. I've used the Olive Oil cream to moisturize and i dont think i've ever sealed my ends. Perhaps that is why they always look nasty! I just cut my hair last week and dyed it black so I can start over.

@SummerRuby, you're absolutely right about most-of color salons- they don't know jack! But I've been lucky enough to have great hair stylist that treat my hair. My mom and I also travel frequently to the DR and get many products from there but I want to try something different. Thank you for the list you provide, very well research/in depth!

Your hair is gorgeous. I personally use primarily organic products, and I make my own products as well (sprays and butters). As far as conditioners go, I can suggest Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut (it's cheap, but makes a GREAT detangler), Giovanni Direct Smooth As Silk, and Yes To Cucumbers Conditioner (also a great detangler). For a leave-in conditioner, I use Kinky Curly Knot Today. I use raw black soap as a "shampoo bar" to wash my hair. I use a mix of conditioner, water, and essential oils as a leave-in spray, and a mix of shea butter, mango butter and aloe vera gel to seal in moisture. I don't really use gel, but if I want hold I'll use either Kinky Curly Curling Custard or Afroveda PUR Whipped Gelly.

We all have blogs and personal threads on here, so definitely check them out. You just might find something you'll like. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]