By Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks
Originally published May 28, 2013 | Refreshed October 2026
Hello, my beautiful Curl Friends! 💕
Today, we're taking another trip down memory lane, revisiting a time when natural hair subscription boxes were creating excitement throughout the natural hair community.
If you were embracing your curls and coils during the early 2010s, you probably remember how thrilling it was to discover new conditioners, creams, oils, and styling products.
Every package offered the possibility of finding that special product that would leave our curls moisturized, soft, and beautifully defined.
And ladies, didn't we all want to discover our next Holy Grail product? LOL!
Let's revisit the May 2013 Curl Kit and some of the discoveries that made that month's box memorable.
A Little Natural Hair History
During this period, subscription boxes became a popular way for natural-haired women to discover brands that weren't always available in local beauty supply stores.
For a monthly fee, subscribers received a collection of beauty and hair-care products to sample and explore.
What made these boxes especially interesting was their introduction of smaller and independent businesses to an audience of women searching for products that understood their unique curls and coils.
For many of us, the excitement wasn't simply receiving another box of products. It was discovering new possibilities for caring for our natural hair.
What Was Inside the May 2013 Curl Kit?
One of the pleasures of this particular box was its variety.
Rather than focusing exclusively on styling products, the selection included hair care, body care, and a little something to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Among the featured products were:
ORI Essentials Cleansing Conditioner
A cleansing conditioner was an interesting addition because many women in the natural hair community were experimenting with co-washing and gentler cleansing routines.
The idea was simple: cleanse the hair while minimizing that stripped feeling some shampoos left behind.
However, as we've learned over the years, cleansing conditioners and shampoos serve different purposes.
A cleansing conditioner may work well between shampoo days, but regular cleansing is still important for removing scalp buildup, excess oils, and styling products.
What works best depends on your scalp, hair, products, and personal routine.
Nyah Bath Soak
Ladies, sometimes a natural hair-care day deserves a little pampering!
The Nyah bath product introduced a self-care element to the subscription box.
And I believe that remains relevant today.
Whether we're deep conditioning our curls, detangling our hair, or simply enjoying a quiet evening, caring for ourselves should never feel like an afterthought.
A little relaxation can make a routine feel less like another chore and more like a moment of restoration.
Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners were already an important part of many natural hair routines in 2013, and they're still popular today.
For women with curly and coily textures, a suitable leave-in can help improve manageability, reduce friction during detangling, and provide a softer feel.
One of the lessons I've learned is that using more products doesn't automatically mean getting better results.
Sometimes a lightweight leave-in followed by an appropriate styling product is all a beautiful head of curls needs!
The secret is paying attention to how your hair responds.
Yum Yum Soy Candle
Now, this was a lovely little surprise!
Including a candle alongside hair-care products made the experience feel like a small beauty retreat.
I have always appreciated the idea of creating a pleasant atmosphere when caring for our hair.
Put on some music, gather your favorite products, and give yourself permission to enjoy the process.
Healthy hair routines don't have to be rushed.
What the May 2013 Curl Kit Taught Us
Looking back, what stands out most is how much experimentation shaped the natural hair movement.
Women were sharing their experiences through blogs, YouTube videos, product reviews, and online communities.
We were discussing everything from porosity and moisture retention to styling methods, protective hairstyles, and the ingredients in our favorite products.
Some products became staples. Others simply weren't right for our particular hair.
And that's perfectly fine!
A product that works beautifully for one woman may not provide the same results for another.
Hair density, strand diameter, porosity, styling preferences, climate, and individual routines can all influence the experience.
Our curls and coils have never needed a one-size-fits-all approach.
Are Subscription Boxes Still Worth Exploring?
The beauty of a discovery box is the opportunity to try something different without necessarily purchasing several full-sized products.
But there are also lessons worth remembering before buying any beauty subscription.
Consider how much product you already own, whether the ingredients suit your needs, and whether you're likely to use the items included.
It can be tempting to keep purchasing something new when the products already sitting on your shelf may be working perfectly well.
Ladies, our goal should be learning what our hair needs—not collecting every product that catches our eye!
And believe me, I understand that temptation. LOL!
A Note From the Crowning Glory Archives
This article reflects the products, packaging, and subscription-box experience presented in May 2013.
It is preserved as part of the history of the natural hair community and my own blogging journey.
The products, formulations, prices, and availability discussed in the original review may have changed since publication. Nothing in this archival feature should be interpreted as a current offer or endorsement of product availability.
What remains valuable is the spirit of discovery, education, and fellowship that encouraged so many women to celebrate their natural hair.
Let's Talk, Ladies!
Do you remember the early days of natural hair subscription boxes?
Were you a product junkie who couldn't resist trying something new?
Or did you discover that keeping your routine simple worked best for your curls and coils?
I'd love to hear your memories and experiences in the comments!
Until next time, beautiful ladies, remember:
Your crown is uniquely yours. Learn it, love it, and wear it with confidence!
Happy Curls to You! 💕
Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks
Celebrating Every Coil. Every Kink. Every Crown.
© 2026 Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks by Lady Carolyn M. Summerset. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or republished without prior written permission of the author.
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| Picture By: appleloniasway |
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