I didn’t like my hair growing up.

It started long before I was allowed to even have an opinion about how I should wear it. At about age 4 or 5, it was decided for me that I would wear my hair pressed and curled.

I hated sitting in the kitchen, waiting for the hot comb to heat up. It was like torture! And when the hair grease popped because it was so hot or the hot comb would touch my ear by mistake, you’d think someone was beating me, I’d holler so loud.

The whole experience left me mentally scarred. But that was what I had to endure every two weeks so that I could have “pretty” hair. I can still hear my grandmother: “You will not be walking around here nappy headed!” as she fussed and told me to keep still.

As a teen in the 80’s, I sported a Jheri Curl and then finally a permanent relaxer. I never knew what my natural hair looked or felt like until 2001, when I cut out my perm.

The freedom I felt. I’ve been natural since.

After years of believing that my hair needed to be altered to be pretty, I’ve learned to love my natural hair. It’s thick, coarse and some days unruly -- but it’s mine.

Finding the right hair care products can be a challenge, however.

“It’s a misconception that it’s easier to maintain natural hair,” said Tinesha Matthews, co-owner of Lockstar Natural Hair Salon. “You need to put as much time as when you had a relaxer.”

Hair comes in many types and textures. Here are some products I’ve found that work for natural hair.

If your hair is dry and you want to replenish your thirsty locks, try Miss Jessie’s products. The new Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo smells like green apples and does a wonderful job of moisturizing and cleansing the scalp. ($16, 8 oz., www.missjessies.com)

Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercreme ($32, 8 oz.,  www.missjessies.com) is an excellent moisturizer made with shea and cocoa butter. Although I didn’t like the peppermint smell, it made my hair feel softer. I also like the Rapid Recover Treatment for damaged or dried out hair. ($48, 12 oz. www.missjessies.com) 

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Herbal Shampoo ($12.50, 8 oz.) and Black Vanilla Leave-in Conditioner ($11.50, 8 oz, both available at www.carolsdaughter.com) make a winning combination. The Tui Hair Oil has become a new favorite. It’s light and adds a beautiful shine to dull hair. ($18, 8 oz. www.carolsdaughter.com) 

On a budget? The entire line of  Organic Root Stimulator products are good too. I use the Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion ($5.29, 8 oz. Available at local drugstores)  

If you have a favorite product that works for natural hair, share it with me and other Qcitymetro.com readers.

(Lashawnda K. Becoats is a lifestyle consultant and owner of La Concierge in Charlotte, N.C. Email her at la@concierge.la. Read her column here each Thursday, only on Qcitymetro.)

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