NaturallyCurly reader Caitlin shared her photo and routine on StyleNook, and since I live in a constant state of “should I get bangs?” I had to ask her more about her routine. It often feels like you have to choose between volume and definition. I can use a strong hold product for definition, but then you lose out on fluffy, bouncy, touchable curls. That, or I can diffuse my wavy curls for extra volume but have to accept the bit of frizz and loss of definition that comes with it. That’s why I’m always impressed by curlies who manage to achieve both. Here is how Caitlin does it, along with her top secret bang styling trick.
What are your Holy Grail products?
My Holy Grail products would have to be:
- Ouidad’s Curl Recovery Whipped Curls Daily Conditioner and Styling Primer
- Dippity Do Girls With Curls Curl Defining Cream
- My large glitter purple pik by Tool Structure
Ouidad’s Curl Recovery Whipped Curls Daily Conditioner and Styling Primer
I only use my Ouidad’s product on wash day. It’s the very first product I apply to clean dripping wet hair. I use about a quarter size of product and scrunch it in. I love this because it gives my curls major hydration while prepping it for my styling products.
Dippity Do Girls With Curls Curl Defining Cream
I’m obsessed with the DDGWC Defining Cream because it’s one of few styling products that give my hair loads of definition without the feel of product in my hair. It literally feels like there is nothing weighing my hair down.
Large glitter pik by Tool Structure
Lastly, my purple pik! I have spent money on several piks and nothing compares to this one. I cannot live without it, I literally own 4 of them! One stays in my bathroom, one in my car, one in my purse, and one in my drawer at work. This is the best product to fluff your hair and get that big Beyoncé like volume. Trust me, I’m all about big hair and obviously my girl Queen B!
Are there any tricks or tips that you’ve figured out along the way that have made a big difference in the way your hair looks?
I have learned a lot along the way of my hair journey. I will say the best tip I have is to swap your styling products out either weekly or monthly depending on your curl type. I have noticed if I use my DDGWC Curl Defining Cream for too long that my hair tends to get used to it. So I usually end up with curls that don’t react the way I want them to. It’s like they get immune to product. So I’ll swap it out and use my other favorite styling cream. Which happens to be Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Cream by Briogeo. I love this styling cream because it gives me awesome defined curls while feeling lightweight. It makes my hair soft and leaves no product texture in my curls.
What piece of advice would you give to a someone who’s just starting out in his or her curly hair journey and feels frustrated?
I have felt frustrated many times on my hair journey and that’s putting it lightly. My advice it that your curls are badass and you should embrace them. They are unique and make you stand out as an individual. They have more of an impact than you think. People notice your hair! And most of the time they wish they could have it. Recently a stranger asked me if I hated my hair. Honestly I was offended by her question and proudly said, “No I love it.” Moral of the story stand up for your curls and be prideful in them. Embrace the uniqueness of them because that is what will help define your own individuality. I’m a fan when someone has confidence and owns their personality and I think hair has a big influence on how someone makes an impression on how others see them.
What’s your styling routine? How do you achieve definition and volume?
My routine is fairly simple. It’s just keeping the definition and volume on point until next wash day, which is the most difficult for me I use my Curly Co diffuser to get instant volume while drying my hair. To keep my hair defined the days after I wash I use leave in treatments, dry conditioner’s/shampoo’s and oils. I really love products that are lightweight and effective such as Curls Lavish Curls Moisturizer and Jane Carter Slumber Party leave in. I mixed these too along with Briogeo’s Rosarco Milk into my hand and scrunch them into my hair. Together they bring life and definition back to my curls.
Do you have any tips for keeping your hair healthy when it’s lightened?
I have naturally auburn hair and I lighten it to so that it is blonde. I prefer my hair lighter because it doesn’t age me as much. It also goes well with my skin tone. My tip for keeping it healthy is to find you a curly hair specialist. I don’t know much about dying/bleaching my hair that’s why I choose to spend the money and go to someone who specializes in it. It is key to have a good hair stylist. They are the expert and are trained to help keep your hair healthy and in shape.
Do you have any special advice for styling bangs?
Bangs are a love/hate relationship for me. Some days I love them and most days I hate them! They key is to not over think them when styling. Lately I have learned the fewer products you apply to your bangs the better they turn out. Let them do their thang girl! If they end up looking wack after they are dried I have a secret weapon. I got it from Wal-Mart for under $13 it’s the Revlon Curl Heat ½ inch curling iron. I love this tool because it’s small enough to mimic my natural curls. I only use it if my bangs act up, or if I have random hairs not acting right.
Thank you Caitlin for sharing your story and tips with us! If you’d like to see more of her looks and routines you can find her on StyleNook and on Instagram.
If you’d like to share your own selfie on StyleNook, you can post it here.
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