Best Hair Products of 2018: A Year in Review

As 2018 comes to a close, I thought I would take the time to highlight some of my favorite products from this year. Some of these products launched in 2018 while others are just new to me, or old favorites. So let's get to it!

                                            (Wash and go with the Curls Green Collection)


Cleanser

Winners (tie): Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath and Curls Green Collection Shampoo

I have loved Innersense for several years now, particularly the Hydrating line. Read more about my love of their cleansers and conditioners (which can be left in or rinsed out) here. The Hydrating Hairbath continues to be one of my two favorite cleansers.

My second favorite cleanser was a surprise because I only tried it in December 2018, but it is unquestionably one of my favorites. The Curls Green Collection debuted on Black Friday ($25 for 5 products) and again several weeks ago ($45 for 5 products). On 12/30/18, the Green Collection launched at Target and on Curls.biz.  This shampoo is moisturizing and you only need a very small amount of product to get the job done. My hair felt cleansed but not stripped.

Deep Conditioner/Treatment

Winner: Briogeo Don't Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask

I first found out about this deep conditioner from @Hif3licia on instagram. She has wonderful product reviews. This strengthening deep conditioner has protein and is effective in just 20 minutes. Briogeo occasionally has 15-20% off sales, and you can also purchase this product from Sephora. My curls always spring back into place and are extremely defined after I use this deep conditioner 1-2x a month.

Leave-in Conditioner

Winner (tie): Innersense Color Radiance Daily Conditioner and 2GirlswithCurls Conditioner

My favorite leave in conditioners are technically rinse-out conditioners that can be left in. I love both of these conditioners because they are moisturizing and pair well with stylers from other brands. Innersense's products are extremely concentrated and last forever. (Read more about my experience with this line here.

I discovered that the 2Girlswith Curls conditioner can be left in after reaching out to the founders because the spray leave-in was too light for my hair. If you love the scent of lavender, you will adore the scent of this product which can be purchased on here or on NaturallyCurly.com.

Styling Cream/Moisturizer/Curl Cream

Winners (tie): My Soigne Hair Cream and 2GirlswithCurls Styling Cream

This winter, I've really been layering products (leave-in, curl cream, and gel in that order!)I discovered My Soigne in the fall of 2018. For my full review of the Hair Cream, click here. It pairs beautifully with the My Soigne Flaxseed Gel and with other products too.

2GirlswithCurls is an Ohio-based brand that I discovered in 2015 after I befriended one of the co-founders at Orangetheory Fitness. This brand is extremely transparent with all of its ingredients and all of the products have a light lavender-grapefruit scent that is not overpowering and does not linger (for those of us who are sensitive to strong scents.) I tried the Styling Cream back in 2015 and it was too thick. It has since been re-formulated and has great slip and is perfect for my 3c curls. This styling cream would likely work well with 3b-4c hair types. I love pairing this with the My Soigne lavender-scented Flaxseed gel. Products from this line can be purchased here or on NaturallyCurly.com (which I often prefer as they have 20-25% off coupons frequently.)

Gel

Winner: My Soigne Flaxseed Gel

Some of you may be surprised because you know I'm obsessed with Pattern Pusha by Curl Junkie and Curlmix's Flaxseed gel too. However, the My Soigne Flaxseed gel receives top billing because of how much it has helped me this winter. My hair has been really dry this winter (despite my efforts to keep my hair moisturized and conditioned.) The moisturizing properties of the My Soigne Flaxseed gel have really been a game changer and provide me with soft and defined curls year-round. Read my full review of this gel here.

Biggest Hair Product Surprise of 2018

Winner: Curls Green Collection

So, on New Year's Eve, I washed my hair with this whole collection after seeing lots of positive reviews on YouTube. This line is wonderful! The cucumber scent is light and not overpowering. The shampoo is tremendously moisturizing. The green tea rinse made my hair feel soft and strong at the same time (and helps to reduce shedding.) The masque was easy to apply and I was able to finger detangle my hair with it. The protein treatment (which can be used as a styler) shocked me as my hair can sometimes be protein-sensitive. And the mousse defined my curls and gave me volume as well. Plus, my hair dried in about half the time (4ish hours.)

What are some of your favorite products and brands from 2018? What products are you eager to try in 2019? Post below.

Happy New Year!

                                                                                                           -Rachel