One question that I always get asked and is difficult to answer is, “How do you get your hair like that?”

Be prepared to take out a notebook and pen because I’m really about to go on for days.

It’s a bit difficult to answer that question because there is so much that comes with having healthy, curly hair. For starters, my natural curl pattern is revealed the moment I step out of the shower. However, if it wasn’t for the shampoo and conditioner I use, its texture would look a bit different when it dries. Same goes with styling products- without them, our curls won’t be as poppin’.

Then comes the drying process.

How you allow your hair to dry will be a direct reflection of its final result. If you dry it with a regular towel you will experience frizz and less definition. If you follow the imaginary curl handbook, you’d be wise enough to either:

A) Air dry

B) Use a microfiber towel

C) Use a cotton T-shirt

It’s really all about a routine and a lot of us have created our own. However, I’m hoping a lot of us are incorporating the use of sulfate-free shampoo in order to keep our color, hydration, and most importantly, our strands intact.

A lot of the people who ask me about my hair routine and share theirs with me reveal that they have been using a shampoo with harsh chemicals like sulfate.

ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE.

Even if you’re still in the transitionary period, using a shampoo with healthier chemicals for your hair can cause the slightest difference in your wash-and-go’s appearance.

1. L’Oréal EverPure Sulfate-Free Blonde Shampoo

I’ve been using this shampoo religiously since the moment I got my first set of painted highlights. I knew I wasn’t going to pay over $150 for a service that I was just going to irresponsibly wash out if I didn’t use the proper shampoo. I love how it smells and it actually lasts me a very long time (because I co-wash, too). It’s priced at around $8 in RiteAid and I will continue to purchase it until it is no longer in stock. I got my first set of highlights in April 2017 and up until this day, they are still bright (if not brighter) as the same day I got them. This is also a (light) purple shampoo which keeps the severe brassiness away from my golden locks. (P.S. It’s also 100% vegan.)

2. Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Shampoo

I was a Shea Moisture maven at one point in time but I still recommend their products to everyone, especially starters. Their sulfate-free products really do benefit those who are transitioning. Not only do they all have a pleasant smell, they are very effective. The Grow and Restore shampoo improves the overall health of your hair and it lathers well. The Jamaican Black Castor Oil line is probably the most popular one in Shea Moisture as it specializes in the restoration and strengthening of the hair. It’s a quick snag at your local drugstore or online for about $12.

3. DevaCurl No-Poo Original Conditioning Cleanser

When I began transitioning almost three years ago, I heard about DevaCurl and thought my damaged hair will immediately come back to life if I spent about $40 on both their shampoo and conditioner. Not only was I upset that I was making a very low salary and I spent this amount (this was before the natural hair movement blew up) on both these products, but…MY HAIR DID NOT CURL AFTER USING THEM! AGH! This is actually a common mindset those who aren’t educated about curly hair have- they think that by using a product made for curly hair, it’ll restore their hair. WRONG. It really is a process, which is why it’s kind of vague when people ask how do I get my hair the way it is. This shampoo doesn’t lather (that’s a good thing if you don’t want the shampoo all up in your eyes) and you don’t need to use a lot of it because of that reason. I think it’s a good product because it lasts long and makes your scalp feel refreshed afterwards.

4. Maui Moisture Heal + Hydrate Shea Butter Shampoo

Not only is Maui Moisture’s packaging spectacular, so are their products. You’ll notice more shine in your hair and a different feel of your texture after using this product. It is thick, however it lathers nicely. If you struggle with a flaky scalp, this is the fix you might be looking for. Anything for that healthy natural hair glow, right? Indeed. Your local drugstore and Ulta invite you in to purchase this shampoo for no more than $7.

5. Eden BodyWorks JojOba (yes, that’s how it’s written) Monoi Moisturizing Shampoo

I’d say almost every product with jojoba oil does the hair right. Not only does jojoba oil remove the residue from all the products you’ve used, it also promotes hair growth. Since this shampoo works best as a cleanser, it’s recommended you use it when your hair is super dirty and has accumulated lots of build-up. It is also thick so don’t hesitate to mix it with a little bit of water and shake it. This shampoo is mainly for those who are transitioning because it keeps your hair strengthened and is even more effective when used with its partnering conditioner to provide the ultimate moisture.