“Its touted as a detangler, but I use this organic product as a moisturizer on dry hair,” says Nikki. “It leaves me with shiny, moisturized and defined Twist-n-Curls. Rain in a jar!”
02
Kimberly Elise
Nikki is a huge fan of this stunning actress’s natural styles. Check out this half-cornrowed, half-coily ’do — so flirty!
03
Treasured Locks Argan Oil
“Blended with argan, castor and jojoba oils, it reduces frizz and locks in the moisture from my conditioning treatments,” says Nikki. “It also keeps my hair pliable, preventing breakage.”
04
Henna
“My regular readers know that henna is my boo! It thickens my fine, fragile strands and leaves me with glossy color that I can only liken to baby doll hair. I purchase mine from Mehandi.com.”
05
Tracee Ellis Ross
With her lush tumble of ringlets, the ESSENCE September cover girl is one of Nikki’s favorite naturalistas. “She goes hard for the natural hair community,” she says.
06
Curlformers
“I stretch my wet hair to reduce tangling and breakage. These funky, colorful hair rollers are heat-free but manage to get my roots and edges straight. The perfect primer for a dry set!”
07
Lacio Lacio High Shine Leave-in Conditioner
“I roller-set my wet hair in order to stretch it for my actual styles,” says Nikki. “This Dominican leave-in leaves behind no white residue no matter how much I use, and helps smooth the cuticle.”
08
Yvette Nicole Brown
Nikki gains inspiration from the ‘Community’ star’s lush, shoulder-length wash-and-go ’do. Chemical-free fierceness!
09
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo
“Effective yet mild, this shampoo removes buildup but doesn’t strip my hair of natural oils. And thanks to the tea tree oil, folks with dandruff may see some relief with continued use!”
10
Kim Coles
Nikki is a devoted strand-fan of the coily-haired comedienne. “Her candor in our interviews illustrates that although we may seem alone, many of us have shared experiences.”
11
Hair Therapy Wrap
“Loves it! I use it with my conditioning and henna treatments as well as with oil treatments on my dry hair. It gives off a gentle heat making your treatment of choice more effective.”
12
Aussie Moist Conditioner
“Hands-down one of the best instant conditioners,” says Nikki. “Used in conjunction with the water stream from the shower, even the toughest tangles bow down!”
13
Chrisette Michele
This sexy songstress had natural blogs buzzing when she chopped her locks last year! Nikki loves the chanteuse’s elegant, bleached-blonde TWA.
14
Ouidad Double Detangler
“I don’t use many tools, but this one rocks. It detangles without ripping through my curls or shredding my strands. I use it on wet hair, or on dry hair to prep for a dry set.”
15
Karyn Parsons
This actress has been a proudly natural since we first met her as Hilary Banks on “Fress Prince of Bel Air.” Nikki finds her rich chestnut spirals absolutely “gorgeous.”
16
JessiCurl Too Shea Moisturizing Conditioner
“This intensive treatment can be used as either an instant or deep conditioner. The slip factor really aids in detangling and the moisture punch it packs is unrivaled. I’m never without it, never!”