2017 introduced a lot of game changers!

Confession: I love gel.

Thisssssss is always theeeeeee most difficult, yet straightforward category for me each year. There are a lot of cool, good, and even great curl definers out there - and brands seem to create more and more every year. But when it comes to curl definers, I'm very particular about who gets that HG designation. My holy grail curl definers are typically thick, heavy, gel-gels that form a legit gel cast and have my curls poppin' for days on end. Borrowed from Christina's Choice 2016 is my exact explanation of why (and nothing has changed lol):

1. My hair is a multi-textured beast. I don't have baby smoove 3c curls out the gate like the perfectly positioned selfie would suggest. The back half of my hair is somewhere between 3b and 3c (its wavy and loose when wet, and dries into legit ringlet wavy curls with minimal product and manipulation). The crown of my hair has yet to be captured by any chart I've ever seen -- there might be a curl deep down inside somewhere, but with the amount of frizz and shrinkage, the world will never know. The front/middle section is the most disrespectful of the bunch. Where the crown is absolutely not here for my shenanigans, my front/middle section is that friend who don't never listen. You told them to meet you at Starbucks at 7, and they show up to Coffee Bean at 4. Just all kinds of loud and wrong. When wet, my front/center hair looks all wavy and sleek, very similar to my back half. But let that sucka go 2 seconds without water or product and it's poof city. It frizzes and shrinks like nobody's business, and doesn't even really "curl" except for the ends. The vast majority of it is some deep wave that might have wanted to be a curl in life, but dropped out of school 3 semesters shy of the degree.

2. I'm a gel kind of girl. The thicker and heavier, the better. In particular, I love gels that contain the thickening agent carbomer -- because it tends to make for a heavier gel that laaaaaaaays the frizz. Did I mention that I LOVE gel?!

The perfect curl definer for my hair texture is a delicate dance between science and nature. I've discovered over the years that too much botanical action leaves me with sticky, stringy curls that never expand, while curl definers with too many ingredients that I can't pronounce will leave me with hair that is dull, rough, and dry.

These curl definers have been top performers in 2017 - and in the end, there could only be 4. Trust me, this was a HARD decision to make. Let's dive into the 4 curl definers that stole my heart in 2017:

Best Curl Definers

Some of my best wash & go's of 2017 happened thanks to these 4.

Urban Hydration Naturals Coconut Oil Curl Defining Gel
Has a hair product ever made you really, really emotional? Like, Carl Thomas Emotional? That's how I'm feeling about the Coconut Oil Curl Defining Gel. Now, don't go looking up all the lyrics, because you and I both know that what Emotional ain't got nothing to do with hair gel. 😂

But after watching my hair go from good, to great, to amazing over the course of 7 days, I couldn't help but feel a way about this Coconut Oil Curl Defining Gel. The Coconut Oil Curl Defining Gel has the properties that I love (plays nicely with leave-ins and creams) and has the thickness that I go nuts for. It's not quite as thick as EcoStyler, but it's definitely on par with my beloved tgin Curl Bomb. I can't ask for much more!

Read More: How to get 5+ days of curl poppage with Urban Hydration Naturals

Obia Naturals Curl Enhancing Custard
Obia blew my mind back in 2013 when I did my first review as a transitioner. 4 years later, I'm still strolling into Target (and now Sally's) to pick up a jar or two. Some products just have staying power, and I mean that both ways. Not only is Obia's Curl Enhancing Custard pH balanced for maximum curl poppage, it delivers shine, definition, and softness without leaving curls stringy or dry. Curl Enhancing Custard is honestly responsible for some of my best wash and go's in 2017. Point blank period.

tgin Curl Bomb Moisturizing Styling Gel
Curl Bomb is part of an elite squad known as Gels I Never Wanna Run Out Of. I literally spent 2017 making sure that I had at least one full bottle on my shelf at all time. At minimum. And here's why. First of all, I LOVE the consistency. It's a thick gel's gel. Sliiightly thinner than my beloved red-top Eco, but every bit as spreadable, and curl capturing.

It gives me beautiful definition, long-lasting wear (I can easily get 5 days out of this gel), and isn't flaky or drying. And simply put, Curl Bomb is one gel I continued to use over, and over, and over, and over....


EcoStyler Argan Oil Gel
Can we all agree that there are no surprises here? Okay, maybe a bit of surprise since EcoStyler was notably absent during the 2016 award season. And I'm sure you might've expected to see the JBCO gel (that fanfare died down quickly, eh?) instead of old faithful red. With my hair back healthy again, I've been able to enjoy my OG fave EcoStyler Gel and bask in the fact that:
1. It's incredibly affordable
2. It makes curls POP
3. You can get a lifetime supply for $10 or less
4. IT WORKS.

Are the ingredients all that? Not really. Is it pH balanced? Maybe. Eco Styler Argan Oil Gel is a super popping curl definer without all the pretentiousness. If you need a little more convincing, read on:

I'm in Love with Ecoco!
The $5 Wash & Go
How to Get the Perfect Wash & Go Curls

Deserted Island Pick

The BEST of 2017.

HAYYYYYYYY CURL BOMB!

I swear, everything Chris-Tia does, she does with excellence. Do you hear me? EXCELLENCE. I haven't met a tgin product that I don't like. I've been rocking with tgin about as long as I've been rocking with Samuel - and both of 'em are keepers for real. Sure, Samuel's been around since 2010. But still. You get my point. In all seriousness, tgin is a brand that moves with intention. And those intentions are always to deliver the absolute best for our hair - and it shows. Curl Bomb 137% deserves this spot - and I'll be rocking with it well into the new year!

Click here for more from Christina's Choice 2017!

Want to see 2016's winners? Click here.

The antidote to all things dull and dry!

Whether you're an LOC natural, LCO gal, nightly moisturizer, or twist-out queen, moisturizers have earned their rightful place in any natural hair regimen. Depending on my mood, the season (or curl definer of choice), I may skip my leave-in altogether and go straight to the creamy moisturizers to pull double duty. And that's the col thing about these products - if you're looking to become a natural hair minimalist or just spend less money, these picks are packed with nourishing oils and butters that will keep your curls hydrated, moisturized, and soft for days on end.

Not to mention - they pack some pretty serious detangling power, too!

Best Moisturizers & Detanglers for Natural Hair

Bet this lineup surprises you!

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Twisting Souffle
I know what you're thinking - how does a girl who can't even do a twist-out right fall in love with a Twisting Souffle? Allow me to explain it simply - I think the product was named wrong. 😂 Much like with the Leave-In Conditioner from the Pomegranate & Honey Collection, I fell in love with the Twisting Souffle after first use. It's super thick, rich, creamy, and yet manages to have tons of slip. It's the perfect moisturizer between wash days, and works on its own and in the LCG scencario (leave-in, cream, gel). The fragrance is out of this world appealing, and I deeply appreciate the consistency of the Twisting Souffle and how it coats the hair while enhancing curl definition. Can I speak to the levels of twist-out greatness it provides? No. But something tells me you'll want to give it a try anyway!

Zotos Professional 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream
If you've been around these parts any length of time, then you know I roll deep with Zotos Professional/180PRO. The Miracle Damage Eliminator especially got me through some tough times (and still does!). But the 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream changed the game for me in a real way in 2017, earning a definite spot on this list. Not only is it a stellar combing cream that eliminates the fuss and drama notoriously associated with detangling natural hair - but it also works to repair and prevent damage. The 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream binds to the weakest parts along the hair shaft, reinforcing these points against breakage that happens during combing, styling, and everyday wear. If you're bouncing back from damage, or have breakage-prone hair, the 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream is a lightweight, extremely hydrating breakage fighter that can be used as a leave-in, moisturizer/refresher, and detangler.

Read More: 5 must-have products for color treated natural hair
Alikay Naturals Knots Be Gone Hair Detangler

CURLS Blueberry & Coconut Hair Milk
I got suuuuuuper attached to the Blueberry & Coconut Hair Milk in 2017. Like, I love the Blueberry Bliss Leave-In, but there's something about the Blueberry & Coconut Milk that just hedges it out a teeeeeeny bit. They're both creamy, but the Blueberry & Coconut Hair Milk is just a lil' bit richer. More slippier. Feels amazing on the strands. Not only is it a great detangler, but it helps moisturize the hair and soaks into the strands without leaving white residue. Plus, it seriously helps tackle and minimize frizz. The moisture, the slip, the shine, it's all there y'all!

Read More: How I preserve my curls overnight with the CURLS #TripleThreat Collection

Jane Carter Solution Curls to Go! Curl Cocktail Conditioning Styling Cream
Curl Cocktail accomplishes something that I absolutely love in a product - thick, creamy, rich, and super moisturizing without being greasy. That right there is enough alone. But Curl Cocktail goes beyond that - it's incredibly versatile. You can use it as a leave-in, pair it with a leave-in and gel, or use it all on its own. It can even be used as a re-moisturizer for hair between wash days. Curl Cocktail goes on super easily, has nice slip, and makes the hair feel super smooth and lush. Another bonus? A little goes a long way, so that 12oz jar will definitely last!

Read More: Jane Carter Solution Curls to Go! full line review

Deserted Island Pick

She beat out the best!

Are you shocked? Don't be! Okay, maybe be shocked a little bit. Because I definitely left y'all in the dark about the Pomegranate & Honey Twisting Souffle. No excuses, no lies - I shoulda told y'all sooner. But I'm telling you now, so that you're ready in 2018. It's definitely worth picking up a jar. I'm OBSESSED with this unlikely hero!

Click here for more from Christina's Choice 2017!

Want to see 2016's winners? Click here.

A great leave-in is the foundation to the perfect wash & go.

Best Leave-In Conditioners

Weeeeeeeee are the champions....

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner
When I first got my hands on the new Pomegranate & Honey Collection from Mielle Organics, the homegirl @Naturalista86 (Hey Michelle girl!) told me that the Leave-In Conditioner was EVERYTHING. She ain't NEVA lied. I've been waiting for a leave-in from Mielle Organics like this for a long time. While the White Peony was nice, it wasn't the kind of leave-in I preferred. In general, I don't rock with spray leave-ins like that (barring a handful of exceptions). But this right here? This stuff right here?! Worth. The. Wait. Tons of slip. Ultra hydrating. Rich and creamy, without being greasy. Penetrates easily into the hair, leaving it silky smooth. Easily one of my favorites from the Pomegranate & Honey Collection - and a definite stand out in 2017!

Urban Hydration Naturals Coconut Oil Leave-In Conditioner
Where do I begin?! My love for the Urban Hydration Naturals Coconut Oil Leave-In Conditioner was INSTANT. Like, magical. Even on my naked, non-drenched hair, the curl poppage with the Coconut Oil Leave-In was instant. As was the shine. The Coconut Oil Leave-In was honestly thicker than anything I've ever experienced in a leave-in conditioner, but the performance was AMAZING. No white residue whatsoever. Despite its thickness, the leave-in soaked right into my hair, while making it incredibly easy to work through. I literally could not ask for anything more from a leave-in!

Read More: How Urban Hydration Naturals Gave Me 5+ Days of Wash & Go Curls

Kriya Botanicals Royal Fruits High Porosity Leave-In Conditioner
I love a good leave-in that makes my curls pop. That's exactly where Kriya's Royal Fruits High Porosity Leave-In Conditioner comes in. Because it's pH balanced and designed for high porosity hair, this leave-in gets my curls ALL the way together. I'm not even gonna say much else - just look at the levels of clumpage, poppage, shine, and definition in this video - and then you'll understand why Royal Fruits High Porosity Leave-In Conditioner is on the list!

tgin Green Tea Super Moist Leave-In Conditioner
You guys know I love me some tgin. When tgin dropped their Green Tea Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner in 2016, I was hooked instantly. Packed with green tea extract, aloe, cocoa butter, argan, and sweet almond oils, this ultra creamy and moisturizing (yet light) leave-in showed my curls some major love. It plays nicely with virtually every curl definer in my stash - including another tgin product that I fell head-over-heels in LOVE with this year. I can't count how many bottles of Green Tea Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner I went through in 2017.

Inahsi Naturals Aloe Hibiscus Leave-In
Of all the Inahsi Naturals products, the Aloe Hibiscus Leave-In easily one of my favorites, for a number of reasons. I absolutely love everything about the leave-in - from the consistency and feel, to the performance and how well it plays with other products. It's super creamy and smooth, but does not feel greasy, or waxy whatsoever. Seriously, the Aloe Hibiscus Leave-In is pretty much foolproof - you can use a little or a lot and still get great results without your hair feeling parched or weighed down with product. It gives me the same pH balanced curl poppage as Kriya Botanicals - especially when paired with Obia Naturals Curl Enhancing Custard. That's literally one of my FAVORITE wash & go combos ever.

Deserted Island Pick

The best of the best of the best.

Y'all - in 2017 I HAD to give it up to tgin. The Green Tea Super Moist Leave-In Conditioner has easily been the most dependable, reliable, consistent, super-performing leave-in. I can't tell you how many bottles I've purchased. At one point during the year, I had a stash of 3 leave-ins, and 3 bottles of Curl Bomb, and was still going to Sally's to re-up. Heck, last week I was in Sally's and saw the limited pink label and picked it up just because. The love is just that real. And so is the fear of running out.

Click here for more from Christina's Choice 2017!

Want to see 2016's winners? Click here.

Got damaged hair that breaks and splits easily? You'll need these deep conditioners in your corner.

Every year, the category for Best Deep Conditioners for Natural Hair gets harder and harder. As new brands come on the scene, and brands that I've been rocking with release new products, my ability to narrow down the best of the best begins to wither away.

And if your hair is hella dry? You'll need these babies, too.

Best Moisturizing Deep Conditioners

#HydrationSquadGoals

Alodia Hair Care Nourish & Hydrate Deep Conditioning Masque
The Nourish & Hydrate Deep Conditioning Masque is literally everything. The consistency, fragrance, and performance reminds me of what would happen if Soultanicals Afrotastic and Mielle Organics Babassu Mint got together and made a deep conditioning baby dripped in moisturized, minty goodness. The Nourish & Hydrate Masque is thick, rich, has crazy slip, makes my scalp tingle, and leaves my hair feeling baby smooth after rinsing. Packed with grape seed, avocado, silk amino acids, aloe vera, basil and more - Nourish & Hydrate is EVERYTHING for maintaining a moisture balance in the hair and feeding the scalp.

tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask
I don't think Honey Miracle Hair Mask will not never be on this list. It's one deep conditioner that I've seen naturalistas of all textures and types flock to - not only does it smell amazing and feel super creamy, it's loaded with honey, olive, and jojoba oils - providing a decadently moisturizing punch while making the hair feel super smooth and shiny. And the slip? Off the chain. I can't get enough of Honey Miracle Hair Mask - From heat damage, to healthy, to color damage, recovery, and the road back - Honey Miracle Hair Mask has seen it all. And performed beautifully in each scenario.  No matter what condition your hair is currently in - Honey Miracle Hair Mask will work it out for sure!

Read More: tgin Review

Genedor Beauty Moisture Resuscitate Deep Conditioning Treatment
I told y'all there was more Genedor Beauty to come! The Moisture Resuscitate Deep Conditioning Treatment most certainly lives up to the name. Packed with an amazing assortment of moisturizers and humectants - from aloe vera and honey to Tahitian vanilla and mango butter, this deep treatment hydrates, nourishes, and leaves hair supple and buttery smooth. Not to mention, it's packed with slip - making product distribution and removing tangles easy breezy. Don't believe me? Just watch...the video. Trust me - you're gonna wanna put this one in your rotation ASAP!

Miche Beauty INDULGE Deep Conditioner (formerly LUSH)
INDULGE is the brainchild of beauty YouTuber Michelle B.//Everything Mich and burst onto the natural haircare scene back in 2016 in a real way. It's thick, rich, full of mega moisturizers like aloe, castor oil, babassu oil, and honey - while maintaining an intense amount of slip that will make any naturalista happy to have wash day. The fragrance is a dream, and it makes my curls feel smoooooth as buttah. INDULGE Deep Conditioner is a knockout offering from Michelle, and I love the idea of supporting a content creator branching off into full-blown entrepreneurship.

Read More: INDULGE Deep Conditioner Review

Best Strengthening Deep Conditioners

Hair so strong...

Kriya Botanicals High Porosity Intense Rehab Deep Treatment Masque
Because my hair can't ever just be one thing (one texture, one porosity, one length, one color), I tend to appreciate products that appeal to both the high and low porosity ends of the hair spectrum. , which is formulated for normal and high porosity hair. After my first time using the Intense Rehab Deep Treatment Masque, I IMMEDIATELY sent Claire a DM and thanked her profusely. Not just for making products that contain strawberry, papaya, and royal jelly, but for including ingredients like turmeric banana, and hemp, which are proven to help scalp conditions like psoriasis. Y'all, my hair and scalp felt SO good after deep conditioning. I wish I could bathe in it. I just need y'all to know this jar is empty - those yellow remnants are there just to make the photo look like something. It's time for me to re-up.

HydroQuench Systems Coconut Mango Repair Mask
It seems like every year, I drop a bomb or two on you guys! I put up a product you've never seen me review or talk about in depth. Don't worry - that time is coming for HydroQuench systems. While playing in an assortment of their products during the later half of 2017, I fell madly in love with the Coconut Mango Repair Mask. It's one of the fluffiest deep conditioners I've ever encountered. It's intensely moisturizing, but leaves my hair feeling soft, smooth, and strong. It's got great slip, and because it's not ridiculously thick, it penetrates easily into the low porosity sections of my hair. If you're in search of a strengthening mask that will make your curls pop (but also be protein free), this is the one for you my dear!

Soultanicals 'Fro Despair Vitamin Hair Repair
Y'ALL KNEW THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. I told you back in this review that 'Fro Despair is is literally peak deep conditioning. Seriously, 'Fro Despair is life giving. It's literally like a green juice shot for your hair and scalp. I am completely, utterly, and hopelessly obsessed with 'Fro Despair Vitamin Hair Repair. It's rich, creamy, packed full of stellar ingredients, and has ridiculous amounts of slip. Every time I use it, I feel like I'm feeding my hair and scalp. But the real win is how ah-MAY-zing my hair feels after I rinse. Soft, baby smoove, like buttah, and STRONG. Soultanicals has definitely cornered the market on moisture and strength with 'Fro Despair.

Curls & Potions Bamboo & Rice Water Strengthening Hair Rinse
I know, I know... Curls & Potions Bamboo & Rice Water Strengthening Hair Rinse isn't a true deep conditioner. Technically, it goes underneath your favorite deep conditioner to enhance it, but it can also be used as a standalone treatment. I couldn't put it in any other category though, so it's here - and deservedly so. Curls & Potions literally changed the game for me on wash day. Like, I'm in 2038 with it.  Forget mixing oils into your deep conditioner, that wave is over. Bamboo & Rice Water Strengthening Hair Rinse is where it's at. And baaaaaaaaby let me tell YOU something! It makes my hair so soft, shiny, strong, and really helps my curls pop. I've also found that my scalp feels less dry. Trust me - if you've got length goals for 2018, you need the Bamboo & Rice Water Strengthening Hair Rinse in ya life, post haste.

Deserted Island Pick

You guys already know there's two picks in this category - one moisturizing deep conditioner, and one strengthening.

So without further delay, get into these top of the tippity top picks:

Best Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

A 2017 newcomer and already the heavyweight champ!

Congratulations to Alodia Hair Care! I'm telling you, this Nourish & Hydrate Deep Conditioning Masque is NOTHING to be trifled with. If  healthy, moisturized hair and a healthy scalp is on your menu this year, you definitely want to give Alodia a lil' bit of your time. And coins.

Best Strengthening Deep Conditioner

Get your weekly dose of greens.

Did I really have to say it? I obsessed over this product from the moment it was released. I purchased the salon size, the regular size, and guard it with my life. 'Fro Despair is bae in the strengthening realm, and that says a LOT. I didn't think Ayo could top Afrotastic, but she did!

Click here for more from Christina's Choice 2017!

Want to see 2016's winners? Click here.

Meet the Cleansing Class of 2017!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! ARE YOU READY?

No but like, forreal forreal ready? I'm SO excited about Christina's Choice 2017. Easily, this is my favorite series of the year, but it's also the most difficult.

You guys know by now that I'm a full fledged product junkie. "No buy" is not in my vocabulary. "Sale","BOGO", and "half off" is my love language.

If this is your first time around these parts for Christina's Choice, welcome! I'm glad to have you. My triple OG's already know the deal - but I'm happy to share a few things about how Christina's Choice came to be, and why it's so important for me to do.