Trying an endless list of products seems to be a rite of passage for most women with curly or coily hair. There’s so much to consider when developing a haircare routine – hair density, porosity, texture… A product someone else swears by might do very little for your hair, even when your curl patterns look similar. 

I’ve probably spent thousands on hair products over the years (the day I learned I could return opened haircare products, my credit card bill rejoiced). After lots of trial and error, I found a favorite: Pattern Beauty.  

Pattern was founded by Tracee Ellis Ross with a mission to empower women to embrace their natural curls. Like many women of color, Tracee felt pressure to conform to beauty standards growing up, describing how she tried to “beat [her] curls into submission.” Seeing her haircare journey inspired me to try the product, but the quality of the line is what has kept me coming back.  I first tried the brand about two years ago, and its Hydration Shampoo, Leave-In Conditioner, and Curl Gel have become staples in my routine.

My Journey Back to Natural Hair

I relaxed my hair for several years growing up, but the chemicals eventually left it thin and brittle. During the pandemic, I finally decided to do the “big chop”. Cutting off my relaxed hair gave me a fresh start, but it also meant I had to learn to care for my natural texture.

That process involved trying plenty of products and figuring out what my hair responded to. I have 4C hair, so keeping it moisturized and finding a routine I can maintain beyond wash day are priorities for me.

The Pattern Products I Keep Coming Back To

Pattern’s Hydration Shampoo has become an essential during my wash days. When taking care of coily hair, it’s important to include moisture in every step of your routine. I like that Pattern’s shampoo is designed to clean my hair without stripping away moisture. 

The next step in my routine is the Leave-In Conditioner, which contains honey and a blend of oils to help seal in moisture and define my curls. It gives my hair extra hydration without feeling too heavy or weighing it down.

I follow the leave-in with the Curl Gel and finger-coil my hair for my wash-and-gos. The gel contains aloe vera, coconut oil, and cacay oil, and has a light feel that helps hold my coils in place. It’s not something I’d reach for to slick my hair back, but it works well for the curl definition I want. A lot of other products I’ve tried have left my hair feeling stiff as it dries, but this combination helps my curls hold their shape while staying soft.

One thing I noticed early on is that the leave-in and gel can leave a slight white cast while my hair is wet. It usually disappears as my hair dries, but it’s something to be aware of when trying the combination for the first time.

Is Pattern Worth It for Me?

After years of trial and error, Pattern has earned its place in my routine. These three products fit the way I care for and style my hair, which makes my daily haircare regimen less overwhelming.

That doesn’t mean they’ll work the same way for everyone with 4C hair (density, porosity, and styling preferences matter, too). But for me, finding products I consistently want to repurchase feels like a win.