Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling product!

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

You have made me blush Thank you for your compliment! I am from a very complicated heritage, including Greek & Egyptian, but I have my fathers smiling blue Irish eyes

I mostly swim & wear a waterproof cap, so it doesn't need to be washed afterwards, but it does get clipped up A LOT. It isn't long enough really for a pony tail so I sweep the sides up with a little curby grip & then scoop up at the back with a long clip. It looks a bit 'period drama' but it works for me A good cut makes all the difference with my hair. Until last summer it was an awful lot longer & even I thought it looked nice (usually I think it looks a frizzy mess!) But my hairdresser (Toni & Guy & a specialist in curls) chopped it off as the ends were very sun damaged & had old fading colour in them. So since then we have kept it shorter with shorter layers, which I actually really like as it makes it really full, rounded & bouncy. All our curls are different & you have to keep trying things out. Expensive but necessary. I hope you can find something that works!

Well, you are not only gorgeous, but also precious! Today, I ordered the Johnson product you use. I did that after a disaster start with some new products this morning! Thank goodness the store that I purchased them from emphasized that I could return them if I didn't like them. I explain more in response to KaeKae's post.

I should take up swimming, but I am riding the stationary bike and lifting weights for now. It's hard to keep everything in check . . . do you know what I mean?

Your stylist is the incredible, and I wouldn't change a thing if I were you!

 

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

Hi Alex! I love your hair-it's so beautiful!!! I used to wear my hair that length but have grown it over the last few years and I find it very easy to take care of because I just let it air dry and the added length allows me to do so more easily if that makes any sense. Plus I love wearing pony tails or wearing it back. Very easy for me. Though I do miss the sassiness and at the same time professionalism of short hair. One day I will go back to the sassy short do.

Classy, here's a pic of my hair. Not as clear as Alex's shot but the best I could do. After I scrunch with my dh's t-shirt I let it air dry and then when it is dry I gently tousle it to break any crunchiness up and it is good to go.

Let us know how the products work out for you...I am sure you are bound to find some winners in the recommendations you have received here. Curly hair can be difficult in that each person's hair responds so differently...

Wow! Missy, you are gorgeous too! It must be a "trait" of PSers"! My hair is a few inches shorter than yours; I had a good trim a few weeks ago to get it a bit more blunt on the ends. I don't think my hair is as dense as yours though; it maybe somewhere between yours and Alex's. It is soooooo hard to find the right products, especially since I am feeling desperate. However, I agree with you that I have many good recommendations on this thread though. Today was a "misfire" though! :

 

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

Missy and Alex, you both have great hair!

ClassyRocks, how did the product trial go?

Hi KaeKae,

Oh my goodness : Today was the first day to try some new recommendations since I am busy on Sundays and don't typically wash my hair. I tried the DevaCurl OneConditioner. Then, with my hair dripping wet in the shower, I put in equal amounts of DevaCurl light Angel gel and DevaCurl lotion. My hair felt dehydrated with those products! My curls were stringy, and not the bed head ringlets/curls that I got with my old/discontinued product. I did not want to start all over, so I ended up using the round brush on my whole head. It was a very disappointing start I don't think the conditioner was hydrating enough, plus the gel was very drying. I will admit that my hair dried fast though! More experimenting will be required . . . stay tuned!

 

[missy]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

Oh Classy, I'm so sorry that the products you tried so far didn't help. It really is a trial and error process. What also matters is how you use the products. Depending on your density/thickness/coarseness etc will change the amount you use. In my experience any touching of the hair after you have applied the products can cause frizz so it's best to apply and leave or diffuse on low if you want to blow it dry.

Some of the products you tried today might still work for you-it can take a few times to find how to use them that works best for you. I spent many a day cursing my curly hair before I learned how to work with it. I know you will find your curly product(s) HG-don't despair!

ETA: Thanks for the hair compliment. It took me a long while to figure my curly hair out and you will too.

 

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

Oh Classy, I'm so sorry that the products you tried so far didn't help. It really is a trial and error process. What also matters is how you use the products. Depending on your density/thickness/coarseness etc will change the amount you use. In my experience any touching of the hair after you have applied the products can cause frizz so it's best to apply and leave or diffuse on low if you want to blow it dry.

Some of the products you tried today might still work for you-it can take a few times to find how to use them that works best for you. I spent many a day cursing my curly hair before I learned how to work with it. I know you will find your curly product(s) HG-don't despair!

Missy, you are such an encouragement! I am particular with my hair which is probably why I want something to work now! I remember experimenting with so many products in the past until I found the Artec product. I will try the DevaCurl lotion product again by itself . . . minus the gel ! I think my hair responds to lotion/creams better than gels. I am going to use my normal conditioning regime also.
I certainly have many more products & combos to work with this week!

 

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

Missy,

Your hair is perfect! I am picky, so I wouldn't say it if it were not so!

 

[missy]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

Thank you Classy. You are very sweet!
My hair also does better with creams/lotions vs gels but this product is both and my hair really likes it.

http://www.ouidad.com/Moisture-Lock-Define-And-Shine-Curl-Styling-Gel-Cream

Also, Ouidad is having lots of sales right now plus you can purchase sample kits with a few small size products for your hair type so it won't cost you an arm and a leg to try.

http://www.ouidad.com/Special-Offers

 

[Ally T]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

Disappointing start for you, Classy But I'm glad you're going to give the Johnsons Leave-in Conditioner a go. Your hair sounds like mine so fingers crossed! I only rub a small amount through the top (the size of a large coin - abount in inch in diameter) and then the same again through the rest, sometimes a teeny bit more. Too much & it gets overloaded. But my hair feels SO soft with this stuff. Fingers crossed!

My hair hates mousse or get - it goes crunchy then stringy & looks wet for HOURS. I stick with the creams now & all I really need is a leave in conditioner. Must be genetic as the cream also makes my daughter's hair look gorgeous, but I have never tried anything else on her hair - she is too young. She just needed something to help with tangling, hence I stumbled on the Johnsons Baby range.

Keep us posted about the next trial. And thanks for the compliment kaekae

 

[missy]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

Classy, not sure if you have checked out this website. It has a number of useful tips. Here's one of them and a link to the website.
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/home/how-to-use-curl-creams?utm_source=nc_newsletter&utm_medium=email&ut_campaign=20130625_curly

KaeKae, thanks for the compliment! I missed your comment the first time.

Alex, I'm with you on the mousse. It doesn't do pretty things to my hair either.

 

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

Disappointing start for you, Classy But I'm glad you're going to give the Johnsons Leave-in Conditioner a go. Your hair sounds like mine so fingers crossed! I only rub a small amount through the top (the size of a large coin - abount in inch in diameter) and then the same again through the rest, sometimes a teeny bit more. Too much & it gets overloaded. But my hair feels SO soft with this stuff. Fingers crossed!

My hair hates mousse or get - it goes crunchy then stringy & looks wet for HOURS. I stick with the creams now & all I really need is a leave in conditioner. Must be genetic as the cream also makes my daughter's hair look gorgeous, but I have never tried anything else on her hair - she is too young. She just needed something to help with tangling, hence I stumbled on the Johnsons Baby range.

Keep us posted about the next trial. And thanks for the compliment kaekae

Hopefully, the Johnson's Leave-In Conditioner will come by the end of the week. In the meantime, I really don't know which product to try next. I have one of KaeKae''s recomendations, plus the "curly haired" stylist at store suggested a Redken product which I promptly purchased! Do you detect some desperation on my part?

I don't know if I will experiment today since I am going to skip going to the gym, and take care of other things. I will just have to wear yesterday's hair with a little help of a curling iron (dirty word for curlies)!

 

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

Classy, not sure if you have checked out this website. It has a number of useful tips. Here's one of them and a link to the website.
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/home/how-to-use-curl-creams?utm_source=nc_newsletter&utm_medium=email&ut_campaign=20130625_curly

KaeKae, thanks for the compliment! I missed your comment the first time.

Alex, I'm with you on the mousse. It doesn't do pretty things to my hair either.

I stumbled across that website Sunday when I was reading hair product reviews. It is pretty overwhelming . . . who knew there would be a whole website dedicated to curly hair? I discovered I am a 3a curl!

I think I am going to purchase the moisture lock define and shine today in hopes of trying it later this week. I saw it Saturday, but I thought I would try the DevaCurl line first, then move on to the next recommendation.

I know I will find something that will work . . . I just want to find it now! As you already know, it is discouraging to use a product only to have it be a flop! I guess I'll be flipping and flopping and maybe "plopping" this summer. There is something on that website about plopping . . . I guess it is a fancy way of using a t-shirt? This is getting too complicated.

 

[KaeKae]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

plopping is what I tried to describe with the tshirt. It really works with my hair.

I've learned a ton on the naturally curly website, it's been around for years. But, I started using it when it was much smaller and easier to navigate. Knowing you are a 3a (as I am) should help to narrow down the advice, though it's still such an individual thing. Our straight haired sisters have no idea how much work goes into figuring out how to work our own hair!

 

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

I feel like I owe mscushion and Rosebloom an apology. They were both so gracious to recommend a product line to me that works for them. I really appreciate the tips from both of these ladies, so I hope my disappointment yesterday did not hurt either of your feelings. : I should have been more sensitive in describing my experience. Please forgive me . . .I hate the way things come across in black and white.

The good news is that I used the DevaCurl lotion on my second day hair, and I think it helped! I re-wetted and dried my bangs, and touched up some places with a curling iron. Then I used small amounts of the DevaCurl on some of the unruly/frizzier locks. I couldn't believe it, but people were stopping me to compliment my "mop"! So, while I am still on a quest to find a product to use for the natural look, the DevaCurl line may actually be a HG for blow dried, big curl days! Who knew?

 

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

plopping is what I tried to describe with the tshirt. It really works with my hair.

I've learned a ton on the naturally curly website, it's been around for years. But, I started using it when it was much smaller and easier to navigate. Knowing you are a 3a (as I am) should help to narrow down the advice, though it's still such an individual thing. Our straight haired sisters have no idea how much work goes into figuring out how to work our own hair!

Geez, I didn't know using a t-shirt on the hair had a real name! I wonder what it's called when paper towels are used?

KaeKae, you are so correct about the curly personalities! My hair needs its own therapist! To others, it looks effortless. Despite what I may be projecting on this thread, I really do like my hair and what I can do with it . . . the manufacturers just need to quit discontinuing products!

 

[Rosebloom]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

I feel like I owe mscushion and Rosebloom an apology. They were both so gracious to recommend a product line to me that works for them. I really appreciate the tips from both of these ladies, so I hope my disappointment yesterday did not hurt either of your feelings. : I should have been more sensitive in describing my experience. Please forgive me . . .I hate the way things come across in black and white.

The good news is that I used the DevaCurl lotion on my second day hair, and I think it helped! I re-wetted and dried my bangs, and touched up some places with a curling iron. Then I used small amounts of the DevaCurl on some of the unruly/frizzier locks. I couldn't believe it, but people were stopping me to compliment my "mop"! So, while I am still on a quest to find a product to use for the natural look, the DevaCurl line may actually be a HG for blow dried, big curl days! Who knew?

I just saw this but absolutely positively no apology needed! You are so sweet to even think of that. Hair is so personal, especially curly hair. It would be so nice if the same product worked for everyone wouldn't it! I'm quite sorry my recommendation led to your bad hair day though. Never fun.

I got a little overwhelmed with the naturally curly website although it was fascinating. But I did find this nice short summary that I found quite helpful:

http://dormroomcurly.blogspot.com/2008/12/style-definitions-table.html?m=1

I'm new to the curly hair world. I have worn my hair curly a few times in the past for a year or so but it also will go straight pretty easily so I generally do that. But as its getting gray (to my dismay!), it's getting curlier (silver lining. Get it? ). So I decided its time to go curly again. I could learn a ton from all the curly PSers so I've been enjoying this thread!

Keep us posted on your quest!

 

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

Rosebloom you are the Best! Thank you!

I have been reading the info on link you sent today. You are so right, the NaturalCurly website is overwhelming, plus I find myself wanting to run out and purchase more products! I could soon be a hair product junkie ! It helps to have a smaller synopsis of curly product/styling tips. I have been sulfate free for sometime, but I think I have an arsenal of silicone products. Silicones have those sneaky names, and it takes a chemist to decipher that they are really just silicone! Now, I am wondering if I have "rebound dryness" . . . I sound like I have a disease!

BTW, do you ever use hairspray? If so, do you have one that seals off humidity?

 

[baby monster]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

ClassyRocks, thanks for starting this thread . I have wavy/curly hair and typically have it under control but this summer is doing a number on my hair. The high humidity kicked in early this year and I'm struggling with too much frizz and volume. My regular routine of leave-in conditioner and curly cream gel don't seem to be helping at all. I have even bought hair oil and have been putting it on dry hair to tame it down with only marginal improvement.

And thanks to Rosebloom for linking up that blog. My hair looks likes the before so I'll try some of those suggestions. I have heard of going no sulfite but never actually tried it. Maybe now's the time.

 

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

BabyMonster, I have learned so much too! We "curlies" need to stick together. Please let me know if strike gold with new products, and I will do the same!

 

[mrscushion]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

I just saw what a disappointing experience you had with the Deva gel. I'm so sorry that didn't work out. I'm actually a 3A curl, too -- but I guess the effect really depends on the specific consistency of one's hair. I am glad to see the cream worked a little better, though - so not everything was a waste of money. Best of luck finding the right combo for you!

 

[missy]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

I just saw what a disappointing experience you had with the Deva gel. I'm so sorry that didn't work out. I'm actually a 3A curl, too -- but I guess the effect really depends on the specific consistency of one's hair. I am glad to see the cream worked a little better, though - so not everything was a waste of money. Best of luck finding the right combo for you!

I'm a 3a too! Not sure if anyone has posted this but I think it helps explain all the different qualities our hair has that goes into its multiple personality disorder that often takes over. I rarely have 2 of the same hair days in a row even when doing my routine exactly the same. The temp/humidity and other factors all come into play. I have learned to embrace the uniqueness that is curly hair. Hope you are having fun getting to know your hair all over again!

http://www.naturallycurly.com/texture-typing

 

[KaeKae]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

3A Curlies Unite??

My hair is different every day. When I get down about it, I remind myself how a former colleague used to tell me that my hair 'always looks good.' I felt the same way about her straight hair, but the point is, we can be harder on ourselves and our own hair than we should be.

 

[missy]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

3A Curlies Unite??

My hair is different every day. When I get down about it, I remind myself how a former colleague used to tell me that my hair 'always looks good.' I felt the same way about her straight hair, but the point is, we can be harder on ourselves and our own hair than we should be.

Totally agree KaeKae. And on truly bad hair days? We can put our hair back or put it in a pony tail and our curly hair looks good. Remember we have options ladies. Gotta love having options.

 

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

I just saw what a disappointing experience you had with the Deva gel. I'm so sorry that didn't work out. I'm actually a 3A curl, too -- but I guess the effect really depends on the specific consistency of one's hair. I am glad to see the cream worked a little better, though - so not everything was a waste of money. Best of luck finding the right combo for you!

Oh! I am so glad you came back! I used the DevaCurl lotion again today, except I used 3 X as much! I have more hair than I think I do; it is strange how we have different perceptions of how or what we have. I also switched to a stronger DevaCurl gel; I also used more of it than I did the light version. My hair looked pretty cute when I left the house! Plus, I did not have any crunchies from using the gel!

I did errands, including a stop at the store that I purchased the DevaCurl. The salesclerk who assisted me a few days ago was raving about how great my hair looked, and her client chimed in too! They wanted to know which products I put in my hair since I bought more than just the DevaCurl product line.

I am in the HUMID Mid-South, and it's pretty tough to maintain anything right now. I did a quick assessment of "the hair" when I came back from errands. I may tweak it tomorrow with more gel. It's soooo hard to get the amounts of product correct, plus trying to act as a weatherman too! It's a tricky balance. I also need to learn more about the different products in the DevaCurl line. There are probably other things that can help with the extreme humidity.

mscushion, I appreciate you so much! Besides our curl's 3A personalities, I think the climate where we live throws a whole different light on how our curls react!

 

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

I just saw what a disappointing experience you had with the Deva gel. I'm so sorry that didn't work out. I'm actually a 3A curl, too -- but I guess the effect really depends on the specific consistency of one's hair. I am glad to see the cream worked a little better, though - so not everything was a waste of money. Best of luck finding the right combo for you!

I'm a 3a too! Not sure if anyone has posted this but I think it helps explain all the different qualities our hair has that goes into its multiple personality disorder that often takes over. I rarely have 2 of the same hair days in a row even when doing my routine exactly the same. The temp/humidity and other factors all come into play. I have learned to embrace the uniqueness that is curly hair. Hope you are having fun getting to know your hair all over again!

http://www.naturallycurly.com/texture-typing

missy, I did not see this quiz before! Thank you so much! You are so right in that the temp/humidity and other factors completely change the rules! I once lived in a dry heat climate . . . you wouldn't think I have the same hair. So, I am 3A, dense, fine, long hair; I need to do the porosity test yet. I feel like I am doing a personality test! I guess I am, just for my hair!

 

[texaskj]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

I'm a 3A also and the next person who tells me how lucky I am to have curly hair is going to get back handed.
How many people check the humidity before they do their hair?
I'm very interested to try the Johnson & Johnson stuff because my favorite gel was discontinued three years ago and my supply is about gone.

 

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

3A Curlies Unite??

My hair is different every day. When I get down about it, I remind myself how a former colleague used to tell me that my hair 'always looks good.' I felt the same way about her straight hair, but the point is, we can be harder on ourselves and our own hair than we should be.

Yes! We need to have a "Curlies GTG"!

I so agree with you KaeKae and missy. I never have two days of the same hair in a row. Sometimes my husband will say " your hair looked nice yesterday, wear that outfit and fix your hair like it was yesterday". Ummm, no can do! My hair does not take orders, especially in the summer. I really do like curly hair, I just need to find mine the right potions!

 

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

3A Curlies Unite??

My hair is different every day. When I get down about it, I remind myself how a former colleague used to tell me that my hair 'always looks good.' I felt the same way about her straight hair, but the point is, we can be harder on ourselves and our own hair than we should be.

Totally agree KaeKae. And on truly bad hair days? We can put our hair back or put it in a pony tail and our curly hair looks good. Remember we have options ladies. Gotta love having options.

I lived in baseball caps with a pony tail when I was in southern Florida last month! It just wasn't worth fighting the Tropical Storm Andrea!

 

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

I'm a 3A also and the next person who tells me how lucky I am to have curly hair is going to get back handed.
How many people check the humidity before they do their hair?
I'm very interested to try the Johnson & Johnson stuff because my favorite gel was discontinued three years ago and my supply is about gone.

texaskj, you are too funny! My husband will often for warn me that it is going to be a "bad hair day"! He has stick straight hair, so I guess he has been around me a while!

I have not received the Johnson's leave in conditioner yet, so I cannot chime in at this point. Alex's hair looks gorgeous in the photo, so it definitely works for her and the UK's climate. She also has a very good cut, which makes a world of difference. I really think I am going to try to find a DevaCurl trained stylist to trim my hair especially at the crown.

 

[baby monster]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

ClassyRocks, how's product testing going?

I evaluated all of my curly products and all of them except one have silicones. So I used my regular shampoo to wash everything out, then scrunched in a ton of silicone free conditioner and rinsed it out. Then I used Dove Curl leave-in gel, which is my only silicone free product, and didn't brush out my hair as I usually do. I got a lot less frizz and more curl definition so not brushing worked for me. I also got a few other sulfate and silicone free products suggested on the forum and will be testing them out.

However, what do you do the second day? Maybe I haven't gotten to that part of the curly forum but brushing on second day totally destroys all of my curls and creates ton of frizz. Suggestions welcome.

 

[ClassyRocks]

Re: Please recommend your favorite curly hair styling produc

ClassyRocks, how's product testing going?

I evaluated all of my curly products and all of them except one have silicones. So I used my regular shampoo to wash everything out, then scrunched in a ton of silicone free conditioner and rinsed it out. Then I used Dove Curl leave-in gel, which is my only silicone free product, and didn't brush out my hair as I usually do. I got a lot less frizz and more curl definition so not brushing worked for me. I also got a few other sulfate and silicone free products suggested on the forum and will be testing them out.

However, what do you do the second day? Maybe I haven't gotten to that part of the curly forum but brushing on second day totally destroys all of my curls and creates ton of frizz. Suggestions welcome.

Hi baby monster!

I saw this earlier, but I had to wait to evaluate "today's hair"! I used the DevaCurl products again today; I thought I should try them for at least a week. I am not going to throw them out, but I don't feel like they give my hair the shine that my discontinued product did. It has nothing to do with how little or how much product I am putting in since I have gone from one end of the spectrum to the other. Earlier this week, there was a hair stylist at my salon that uses DevaCurl. Honestly, her hair was dull and even milky! Just saying.....

Today, I purchased the product missy uses; I know I said I was going to a few days ago, but I decided to wait. I am going to try it for a week and see what happens. Also, I have decided I am not going to toss all of my silicone products!! I am not sure that they are bad for my hair type. Earlier this week I clicked onto an article stating that certain silicones are beneficial and do not build up in the hair like some of the lower end priced silicones. I am hoping that mine are the good kind; however, I am not going to use them until I test missy's, KaeKae's, and Alex's products. If those products need tweaking, then I will enlist the aid of some of my silicone serums. Sulfate shampoos are a different story; I will not use one unless I feel my hair needs it for buildup.

I am also finding for every product on the naturallycurly website that someone likes, someone else says it is terrible! Then some sites say no silicone, but then some research says not all silicones are bad! I don't think it is so "cut and dried" . . . pun intended!

To answer your question about second day hair, I never use a brush if I am wearing my hair naturally curly. One exception is if I need to dampen my bangs and style them with a round brush. Otherwise, I just gently shake my head to "fluff" my curls. Maybe someone else can chime in about second day hair?

Finding the correct products may take all summer! It's an adventure . . . . Right?