Before you set out to perform any task, it’s important to make sure you have the right tools. While many products can be picked up on the cheap in the drug store or at your grocery store, you owe it to yourself to get the best products you can afford. While we don’t believe in paying a lot of money for fancy packaging, a name brand or a foo-foo salon, we know that there are much better products available from specialty stores like Treasured Locks or even your local salon.

Here are the basics you should have:

• Wide tooth comb or pick or brush made for African American hair. We like “detangling” combs and the Kakakiki KombBrush
• Good moisturizing shampoo and cream conditioner
• Moisturizing solution or spray
• Deep conditioning treatment or hot oil treatment for once a month application
• Satin sleep cap or satin pillow cases
• Spray bottle to spritz hair in case you just want to hit it with some water to comb
• Microwaveable or professional conditioning heat cap