Holy Grail products (HGs), are those that are tried and true. The products that you turn to when you MUST have perfect hair. For the time being, here’s mine:
Shampoo(s): Mehandi Shampoo Bars
Conditioner(s): Herbal Essence’s Hello Hydration or Totally Twisted, DevaCare One Condition, Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine, Generic Value Paul Mitchell the Detangler
Leave-in/Styler (s): DevaCare One Condition, Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine, DevaCurl Set it Free, Shea Butter
Deep Conditioner (s): Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose, Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment, Henna
Fotki/Photobucket: www.curlynikki.com
Hair type: 4a/3c mix
Share your favs in the above formatting in the comments section. Your list might help another curly form her routine!
**for more curly hair lingo (like HG), click HERE.
I just found a site that I LOVE! Their whole thing is about natural hair, and feeding it with non-synthetic, freshly made products. I just received my "fresh cream" leave in, which is GORGEOUS! Touch-itis, touch-itis on my kinks! I also ordered the mocha bean pom, which is a non petroleum, hair loving oil based pomade. Smell is fantastic and the shine+softies are the bomb!
They created it for their daughter who I think is mixed ?, and one of the reasons I was sold was their dedication to their daughter on the about page. She said it was created so that her daughter would see the beauty in everyone, but never be enslaved by anyone else's idea of what her beauty should be. Powerful words.
A little pricey, but so far, worth it!
http://www.littlepenguinsonline.com
Mrashi
My favorite conditioner is Tresemme's line of moisturizing conditioners. For like $4 you get a giant bottle and it is incredible as a leave in or to use to wash your hair instead of shampoo.
Shampoo: Chagrin Valley Coconut Milk poo bar
Conditioner: HE Hello Hydration
Leave-in: Qhemet Biologics Alma & Olive heavy Cream or Oyin Honey Hemp condish
Deep Conditioner: Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose + Organic virgin Coconut Oil & Honey
Hair type: 3c/4a
Hey Nikki! Love the site and all the knowledge I've gained from you and my fellow Naturalistas
Shampoo(s): water and Baking Soda or Dove wt Repairing Serum (only when I feel that I have a lot of build-up)
Conditioner(s): Herbal Essence's Hello Hydration, Dove Conditioner wt Repairing Serum
Leave-in/Styler (s): It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Treatment. Qhemet's Amla & Olive Heavy Cream. MorrocanOil products. If I absolutely have to have the ultimate wash-and-go I'll use Curls Rock by Tigi (but now that I'm using Qhemet's, I haven't used the Curls Rock in a few months). Every night I moisturize with It's a 10 and seal with Qhemet's Amla and Olive Heavy Cream.
Deep Conditioner (s): homemade – coconut milk, one egg, avocado and, jojoba oil under heat cap followed by co-wash for detangling
Hair type: 3c (maybe some 4a mixed in – still figuring that one out and loving the journey)
Just a caution Nikki when you try the Trader Joes Tea Tree Tingle:
It is VERY THICK. Which is why I use it to co-wash and as a leave-in. It lathers up VERY nicely as a co-wash and a little goes a very long way (because it lathers up easily) as a leave-in. Just wanted to forewarn you.
Shampoo(s): Biolgae Ultra-Hydrating Shampoo
Conditioner(s): Herbal Essence's Hello Hydration or Totally Twisted, Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine
Leave-in/Styler (s): Cantu Shea Butter Leave In, Paul Mitchell’s The Conditioner, Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine, Kinky Curly Knot Today & Curling Custard & Carols Daughter Vanilla Black Leave In
Deep Conditioner (s): Alter Ego Garlic Conditioner, Paul Mitchell Super Strength, MorrocanOil Hydrating Mask & Olive Oil Replenishing Pak. 

Hair type: 4a/4b/3c mix!
Shampoo: Kiss My Face Whenever
Conditioner: Kiss My Face Miss Treated
Leave-in: Infusium 23 Leave-In Treatment, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter
Stylers: Blended Beauty Curly Frizz Hair Pudding
Blended Beauty Curl Styling Butter
Shampoo(s): Creme of Nature(original formula) green writing, Giovanni 50/50
Conditioner(s): for co-washes, herbal essence totally twisted, aussie moist
Leave-in/Styler(s): whipped shea butter – mixed with olive oil, and castor oil, Giovanni Direct Leave-in, vegetable glycerin spritz, and for my daughter's hair, Hawaiian Silky 14-n-1, even though it does have mineral oil, it's the ONLY thing that works to make for 4b/4c hair SUPER soft…
Deep Conditioner(s): Lustrasilk Aloe Vera Cholesterol Conditioner mixed with Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Conditioner, olive oil, castor oil, and honey.
Strengthening pre-poo: Vitale Olive Oil Hair Mayo mixed with Neutrogena Triple Moisture Pure Strength
Hair Type: 4a/4b
I feel like I need to go ahead and give you my regimine while I'm at it..
1. Stregthening pre-poo for 30 min. I apply this to dry hair and cover with my plastic cap. I started doing this because I was experiencing more breakage than I liked, and realized that I needed to incoporate more protein my regimine. As long as I follow with a deep conditioning session, it does not make my hair hard.
2. Either shampoo or co-wash. I only shampoo about once a month, otherwise, I cowash.
3. Apply deep conditioning treatment, cover with conditioning cap, and scarf to retain body heat, and sleep with it on over night.
4. Detangle in the morning with the deep conditioner still in, and twist each section after detangling.
5. Rinse with twists in hair.
6. Spritz with glycerin spritz, and undo each twist and add giovanni direct and shea butter, and style!!
This process works like a charm! The strengthening pre-poo has thickened my hair, and reduced shedding sooooo much when I detangle. Hope this helps someone.
I just ordered sample sizes of Qhemet's stylers, and can't wait to see how it works…
Shampoo(S) – DevaCurl Lo-Poo, Samy Pure Smooth & Shine, Giovanni Mint & Tea Tree
Conditioner(S) – DevaCurl One Condition, Samy Pure Smooth & Shine
Deep Conditioner – Samy Pure Smooth & Shine Deep Conditioner, Ouidad Deep Treatment, Redken Smooth Down
Leave-in(S)/Styler(S) – DevaCurl Set it Free, DevaCurl Angell, Ouidad Botantical Boost (post workouts only, etc.) Ouidad Climate Control, Ouidad Krly No More Knots, Ouidad Moisture Lock, Redken Fresh Curls Curl Refiner, Miss Jessie's Quick Curls, and 2 serums from Avon that are supposed to help with frizz and split ends
Hair type – 3a/3b mix
Dr. Miracles Shampoo/Condish
Dr. Miracles Gro Oil
OMG…I am in LOVE!
I love Paul Mitchell shampoo and Herbal Essences (depending on my budget!) They always make my hair look awesome.
Shampoo: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo
Conditioner: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner
Leave-in/Styler: Shea butter, Coconut oil, Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer, Lavender oil
Deep Conditioner: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask
Hair Type: 3b/3c/4a
Shampoo(s): Creme of Nature(origninal formula), Betonite clay
Conditioner(s): Trader Joe's Nourish Spa, Herbal Essence's Totally Twisted, Aussie Moist
Leave-in/Styler (s): Trader Joe's Nourish Spa, Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment, EV Olive Oil
Deep Conditioner (s): Fresh avocado and honey mix, Aphogee Pack
Fotki/Photobucket: curlylikeme.blogspot.com
Hair type: 4a/4b mix
Okay Here goes:
Pre-Poos: Hair Veda Vatika Frosting or HairVeda CoCosta Shikakhi oil
Shampoo(s):Giovonni 50:50, Dr Bronners Castile soap
Conditioner(s): Herbal Essence's Hello Hydration, DevaCare One Condition
Leave-in/Styler (s): Shea Moisture ( i would be lost without it lol), Oyin Honey Hemp Conditioner, Oyin Juices and Berries (another thing i would be lost without)
Stylers: Curl Junkie Aloe fix, Qhemet's Alma and Olive Heavy Cream (for twits), shea butter, Eco Styler gel
Deep Conditioner (s): Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment, Curl Junkie Moisture Rehab ( crazy slip), Curl Junkie Hibiscus and Bananna deep fix
Hair type: 4a and a little 3c in some areas
Oh and Nikki, I just ordered samples from Karens Body because of all the raves lol.
Shampoo(s): Elucence Moisture Benefits (1x week); Elucence Volume Clarifying (every 3 months)
Conditioner(s): Elucene Moisture Balancing
Leave-in/Styler(s): Oyin Honey Hemp; Oyin Shine & Define; Jane Carter Nourish & Shine; Curl Junkie Aloe Fix; shea butter (100% unrefined)
Deep Conditioner: Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix
Hair type: thick 4a, with 3c "big hair" tendencies
Shampoo: Darcy's Botanicals kalahari watermelon seed shampoo bar
Conditioner: DB deep conditioning mask
Leave-in: DB curl detangling milk, leave-in conditioning spritz, daily leave-in
Styling: DB madagascar styling creme, tucuma butter, organic coconut and aloe moisture pudding
Hair type: 4b
Can you tell I like Darcy's Botanicals. Her products are the best!
Update to my line-up: For the last 2-3 nights, I've been doing my nightly twist-up with a mix of conditioner, water, and something else. I used an equal part mix of water, Hello Hydration, and BRX, but I didn't mix that much, and I used it all. Since I liked the results so much, I mixed up equal parts Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner and coconut oil with two parts water. I think I'm gonna like that one, too, especially since it makes such a good delivery system for the coconut oil which I now love.
Awesome ladies! I keep hearing about Trader Joe's Tea Tree, and Karen's Milk, so I'm going to break down and get them 🙂 I love this post…gives me great ideas of what to try next.
Keep em' coming!
Here you go!
Shampoo: Creme of Nature (the OLD formula w/out SLS)
Conditioners: Herbal Essence's Hello Hydration or Color Me Happy, Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine, and J/A/S/O/N Natural Biotin Conditioner
Leave-in and Stylers: Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine, Herbal Essence's (listed above), shea butter/coconut oil mix, and Fantasia IC Aloe Vera gel (for my edges…shea butter doesn't do the trick).
Deep Conditioner: Pantene Pro V Relaxed and Natural Deep Conditioning Mask
Hair type: 3c/4a mix
Shampoo: Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo
Conditioner(s): Only "VO5" (I mostly use the first one but have alternates in case it gets discontinued like my baby VO5 Strengthening Nectarine): Herbal Escapes Strengthening Pomegranate Grapeseed; Tea Therapy Nourishing Chamomile Tea; Herbal Escapes Balancing Sun Kissed Raspberry; Herbal Escapes Clarifying Kiwi Lime Squeeze
Leave-in/Styler (s): "Refined" Coconut Oil (NO Smell…Spectrum brand or whatever refined one…used more for pre poos now since it is highly comedogenic); I leave this mixture in (it works for me; the VO5 makes it smell so good…I may try avocado oil since it's easier to get in stores…anywho I multiply the recipe to suit my needs)-
2 tsp melted avocado butter (sometimes 1)
3 tsp castor oil (sometimes 2)
2 tsp coconut oil
1 tsp grapeseed oil
5 tsp vo5 chamomile conditioner (or Pomegranate)
Deep Conditioner (s): Pre-Poo with Coconut Oil ("every time" before shampooing); Deep Condition with VO5 (sometimes)
Fotki/Photobucket: Neither one
Hair type: Porosity= Normal; Protein= Balanced; Texture= Fine and coarse; Curl Pattern(s)= 3b-4a
Shampoo(s): Organix Coconut Milk, Aphogee Deep Moisture
Conditioner(s): HE Hello Hydration/Totally Twisted, Aussie Moist
Leave-in/Styler (s): HE Aphogee ProVitamin Leave-in, HE Hello Hydration, Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in
Deep Conditioner (s): Keracare 2-minute re-constructor
Fotki/Photobucket: http://members.fotki.com/pwatem/
Hair type: 4a/4b do far (still transitioning)
I'm a new CG devotee
Shampoo(s): J.A.S.O.N Natural Cosmetics Lavender Shampoo (no sulfates & organic)
Conditioner(s): Alberto V05 Tea Therapy Clarifying Conditioner and Burt's Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet conditioner
Leave-in/Styler (s): Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Milk, Shea Butter
Deep Conditioner (s): Hot Oil treatments with honey and I want to try Karen's Body Beautiful Luscious Locks Moisture Hair Mask
Fotki/Photobucket: http://public.fotki.com/xtremelyperfect
Hair type: 4a/4b mix
Some of this stuff is HG, some is on trial. But here's the current line-up.
Shampoo: Garnier Fructis Moisture Works Fortifying Shampoo
Conditioner(s): Herbal Essence's Hello Hydration or Totally Twisted, Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner (just added to try, like it a lot so far; think I will use for leave-in and styling)
Leave-in/Styler (s): 1 to 3 ratio mix of BRX Braids and Extensions Spray and water, Long Aid Moisturizing Gel Activator (looking to replace this with something a little less tacky), unrefined coconut oil, Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine (just added to try, haven't liked it straight, will try again diluted), Shea Butter (just started using regularly; this works so much better for me when I apply it to wet hair)
Deep Conditioner(s): Henna, a wet head full of one of my leave-in/stylers under a Wal-Mart bag overnight
Fotki/Photobucket: Don't have one yet
Hair type: After reading the desription on naturallycurly.com several times, I'm still not sure. The strands are fine, but there are a lot of them. They vary in curl size from pen-spring size to preschooler's fat pencil size with most of them falling somewhere between. So I guess that makes me 4a with some 3-something thrown in. The coils are elongating as they grow, and I'm now actually starting to have fun with the anticipation.
i cant wait to try some of these out when i get some length! im rocking the short crop like nadia's:
wash/cond (once a wk)-suave vibrant shine
DT- miss jessie rapid recovery (once a wk)
leave-in-GF sleek n shine w/shea
co-wash (every 2-3 days) suave coconut
kisha
hair type: ???? i have no idea
Shampoo(s): Aveda Dry Remedy, Giovanni 50/50
Conditioner(s): Aussie 3 min miracle, Traders Joe Nourish Spa, Garnier Fructis SS, Giovanni Calming
Leave-in/Styler (s): Qhemet Amla Heavy Cream, Jane Carter Nourish & Shine, Jane Carter Leave In, Taliah Waajid Healing Oil
Deep Conditioner (s): Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose, Aveda Dry Remedy Masque
Fotki/Photobucket: curlynikki,
Hair type: 4a I guess
shampoo: chagrin valley poo bars
conditioners: moisture: ao hsr mixed with a small scoop ayurvedic powders, olive oils, honey aloe; protein: ao gpb mixed with olive oil, honey, aloe
leave in: honey hemp cond.
style: qhemet biologics aohc, ohhb, brbc mixed with amla pomade and karens hair butter for hold and softness
daily routine
spritz: rosewater
moist: super silky
seal: olive oil
Shampoo(s): Shikakai Bar
Conditioner(s): Aussie Moist
Leave-in/Styler (s): Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, SheaMoisture leave-in, Cantu Shea butter leave-in treatment
Deep Conditioner (s): Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose, Aubrey Organics GPB Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner, Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment, Henna, Honey, EVOO
Fotki/Photobucket: www.fotki.com/Calishelly/
Hair type: 3c/4a
Shampoo(s): Giovanni 50:50 balanced hydrating-clarifying shampoo, dr.bronners peppermint liquid soap
Conditioner(s): Aubrey organics white camellia ultra smoothing conditioner.
Leave-in/Styler (s): Shea butter, organics leave-in liquid hair mayonnaise by Africa’s best, Giovanni direct leave-in conditioner, eco styler olive oil gel, fote aloe vera gel.
Deep Conditioner (s): Aubrey organics GPB conditioner, (egg,olive oil, mayonnaise treatment).
Fotki/Photobucket: http://members.fotki.com/galacticdust/about/ (you have to be logged in to view my pics/journals.
Hair type: 3c/4a…I’m not really sure..just a guess
oh, and castor oil+ rosemary oil for pre-shampoo treatment on scalp
coconut oil + Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Treatment as a pre-shampoo treatment for hair shaft
Shampoo(s): VO5
Conditioner(s): Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose
Leave-in/Styler (s): Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose and avocado oil
Deep Conditioner (s): Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose
natural 4a; mildly relaxed about 3c-ish
ALL ABOUT THE LEAVE-INS:
(1) Oyin Handmade HoneyHemp Conditioner as a leave-in!!!! Just ordered the salon-size bottle. Can't live without it.
(2) Adara Peach-Scented Coconut oil.
Daily Moisturizer-
Carol's Daughter:hair milk and
Oyin Handmade Juice & Berries
Deep Conditioner-
Aubrey Organic:honeysuckle rose conditioner and Beauty without Cruelty: organic conditioner and a jar of organic coconut oil
Shampoo-
Carol's Daughter:tui herbal shampoo
and Giovanni:tea tree shampoo
Combing Conditioner-
Herbal Essence:break's over and
hydralicious
Leave-in-
Oyin Handmade:honey hemp and Giovanni:direct leave-in conditioner
essential oil-
peppermint and rosemary for my itchy scalp
a bottle of Alba: mango moisturizing conditioner that I put in a spray bottle with distilled water and use it as a hair freshener during the day.
also a jar of shea butter and a small bottle of Carol's Daughter hair balm for my ends
Shampoo: Mehandi shampoo bars
Conditioner: Herbal Essence's Hello Hydration or Totally Twisted
Leave-in/Styler(s): Kinky Curly Curling Custard, shea butter, jojoba oil
Deep Conditioner(s): Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose, Jessicurl Deep Treatment, Pantene Relaxed and Natural Deep Treatment Mask
Hair type: 4a/3c
Shampoo(s): Giovanni 50:50, Nexxus Aloe Rid
Conditioner(s): Herbal Essence's Totally Twisted, Oyin Honey Hemp, EO Sweet Orange
Leave-in/Styler (s): SheaMoisture Leave-in, Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Cream, Jane Carter Nourish and Shine
Deep Conditioner (s): CJ Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix, Aussie Moist 3 min DEEP, Aubrey Organics Island Naturals
Hair type: 4a
Off topic, Nikki–bumping in this thread–with a just FYI. I just read an interesting response to Chris Rock's "Good Hair" over at Entertainment Weekly magazine. Well, actually EW.com. Thought you might find it interesting, too.–Ree 🙂
Here's the link address to "How Chris Rock Got It Wrong."
http://popwatch.ew.com/2009/10/12/good-hair-hardly-how-chris-rock-gets-it-wrong/
Shampoo: Castile Soap, Bentonite Clay (not a shampoo but I use it to remove buildup)
Conditioner(s): Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle, Aubrey Organics Repleninshing Condish/Honeysuckle Rose, Suave Naturals Coconut
Leave-in/Styler(s): Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle, Shea Butter, Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream
Deep Conditioner(s): Suave Naturals Coconut Condish mixed with my special blend of oils (oils my hair like i.e., coconut, tea tree, evoo, jojoba, etc)
Fotki/Photobucket: www.fotki.com/tazzyrific
Hair Type: 3c/4a/4b
Shampoo: brocato cloud 9
Conditioner: trader joe's nourish spa and aussie moist deeeep
Deep treatment: karen's body beautiful mask and any type of amla based mix
Styling: combing with shower comb before shampooing (hair must be wet), lottabody setting lotion (I mix this with another styling product such as mousse or gel), large bobby pins (I pin my hair to my head at night… And don't you love the British word for them? Kirby grips!), and KBB hair milk to moisturize ( I want to try her hair nectar)
Shampoo(s): Shikakai Bar, Giovanni 50/50
Conditioner(s): Aussie Moist
Leave-in/Styler (s): Aussie Moist, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Deva Care One Conditioner
Deep Conditioner (s): Pantene R/N Mask, Henna
Fotki/Photobucket: www.fotki.com/Honeydew1014
Hair type: 4a/3c/3b mix