For Minksmas Day 5, I’m getting right to it and sharing my disappointing natural hair products of 2025. I keep a running list in my notes app of favorites and flops, and baby… the disappointment list had some weight this year. I’m talking shampoos that claim “hydration” but leave me feeling like I need to immediately follow up with something super moisturizing, styling products that flake no matter how I pair them, and “strong hold” gels that just give me medium hold at best. I break down what didn’t work for me and why: the Eden BodyWorks Hibiscus Hydration Shampoo (odd consistency, tangles, and I had to use a ton), the Olaplex No. 10 Gel (expensive and flaking is a hard no), Pattern’s Bounceback Pre-Poo (watery and messy unless you’re reverting from a stretch style), and the Alikay Naturals Black Soap Shampoo (waxy/clarified feeling and too much product needed). I also talk about gels and mousses that let me down—like the TGIN Water Activated Gel, Curls Extended Hold Gel, and Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Gel-to-Foam Mousse—plus a Camille Rose Coconut Water rinse-out conditioner that’s way too thick for that pump packaging. As always, just because it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for you—so tell me what flopped for you this year.