I've Been Wearing Braids for 15+ Years—These 15 Products Save My Curls

They're post-braid staples.

Over the last 15 years, I've been wearing my hair in protective styles on and off. Over time, I've developed a skill for curating haircare and building a high-performing product lineup that meets all my hair needs. When testing products, I also spend a good chunk of time noting which ingredients help revive my tight curls after they come out of their braids and twists and which ones send my hair to an early grave. I can't even begin to tell you how many hair products I had to give away because they left my strands feeling worse than they did before application!

As we all know, finding the hair products that work best for your unique needs and lifestyle can be challenging, but it doesn't mean the search won't pay off. To make yours a little easier, I've gathered 15 detangling products, shampoos, conditioners, and more that have completely restored my curls to their healthiest state from brands like OurX, Briogeo, Mielle, and many more.

Emmanuelle Koffi wearing an orange bikini with knottless braids

(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Washday Prep

Washing and Conditioning

Amaka Hamelijnck wearing long knotless braids

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Detangling

Styling and Setting

Why Trust Who What Wear

Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Explore More:
Maya Thomas
Associate Beauty Editor

Maya Thomas is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.