In our NaturallyCurly Q&A section you can send your question directly to an Editor who has your hair type, and today I received this question from fellow Type 2c wavy, Manaralrubaye, that really hit home.
Question
What are some product recommendations for type 2C hair?
I feel like I have tried everything and still haven’t found an amazing product for my hair. So I have a 2C hair type that is super, super thick. It’s more curly on the bottom and kinda wavy on the top. It’s really frizzy, and I can’t get rid of the frizz even though I use a sulfate-free shampoo, rinse with cold water, comb with a wide toothcomb, and sleep on a satin pillow. It’s just so frizzy.
I want a product that will make my hair curlier, define the curls, and take away the frizz. I have tried the Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus shampoo, conditioner, and curling smoothie. They’ve worked for me, but not that great, though. I tried Carol’s daughter’s line, too; it was okay. I am trying the Kinky Curly Knot Today detangler, which makes my hair really frizzy.
So do you guys know any curly hair products for 2C, extremely thick, low porosity hair that will define the curls and give it a hold that will get rid of the frizz?
Answer
I know where you’re coming from. With age, hormones, and what I’ve done to my hair it has drastically changed over the years from extremely thick and coarse to moderately thick and from very high porosity to low porosity – so I have picked up a few necessary products and techniques along the way. Here’s what’s worked for me and what I recommend for you.
Are you getting enough moisture?
Frizz and loss of curl definition can be signs of dryness and damage. When I first started working at NaturallyCurly I discovered I had heat damage from years of using a curling wand from time to time and damage from getting highlights, which involves lightening the hair and removing the pigment. Once I stopped doing these things and cut the damage out, my hair became curlier. My loose, undefined, frizzy waves started to resemble defined waves, curls, and even some type 3A ringlets.
It’s hard to say without knowing the state of your hair’s health, but in general, I would recommend that you stop any damaging habits and start making sure your hair is getting enough moisture. I like to incorporate a deep conditioner into my routine at least once a week or every two weeks, depending on how dry my hair feels. My hair always feels softer, and my curls clump better after a treatment. Personally, I like Cantu Grow Strong Strengthening Treatment and EDEN BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner.
Image Source: @keilanihair
Another point at which you may be losing moisture is while cleansing. I shared your question with curl stylist Evan Joseph, and he says that “all you really need is a good quality botanically derived silicone-free conditioner! You can use it to Co-Wash, Condition, and Style. Just make sure it is lightweight and easily dissolves in water.” Lorraine Massey, founder of Devachan Salon, Deva Curl products and The Curly Girl Handbook recommends that you don’t rinse your cone-free conditioner all the way out of your hair, instead leave some in as your leave-in conditioner.
“At my salon, Evan Joseph Salon, we teach our curly girls to spend their money on a few high-quality products. It’s all about consistency and regular visits to a curly specialist for trims,” says Evan. When you’re getting multiple uses out of the products you do own, you can get more bang for your buck. Evan carries and recommends NYC Curls and Briogeo at his salon.
Do you have enough hold?
On some days, I can get away with using a leave-in conditioner with a little hold and nothing else to style my waves, but depending on the dew point and weather in your area, you may need to add stronger hold styling products into your regimen. Clear gels and mousses tend to have a stronghold, and while some curlies find that these formulas give them “crunch,” it sounds like you could benefit from the stronghold to prevent frizz throughout the day.
Are you styling your hair soaking wet?
On days when I favor volume, I like to let my hair air dry a bit before applying styling products. When I want really defined and frizz-free curl definition, though, I style it soaking wet. To apply the gel, when your hair is freshly cleansed and soaking wet, gently blot your hair dry with a microfiber towel or t-shirt to remove the excess water. Then coat your hands with your styling product and scrunch it into your hair, gently so as not to break up the waves or create frizz. You will want to experiment to see how much product you like on your hair. Since frizz is your main complaint, I would apply a little more product than you normally would and then let your hair air dry completely without touching it.
Image Source: @just.shakila
Srunch Out the Crunch
Once your hair is dry, your waves will likely feel a little bit hard or crunchy, since you’ve applied extra styling product. That’s ok! The next step is to scrunch out the crunch. You can scrunch gently with your fingers to “break the cast” of the product. Again, be sure not to break up the curls, which can create frizz. Another great technique for applying your product and avoiding crunch is to try the Smasters Method.
A few strong hold styling products that I like are The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam, Taliah Waajid Curls, Waves & Naturals Curl Sealer, and L.A. Looks Sport Look Gel (dark blue). I know our community really loves Ecoco Ecostyler Professional Styling Gel With Olive Oil too.
Image Source: @farmergyalpurr
One final word of advice is to be patient with your hair. I know I used to be very impatient with my hair, and if I woke up with curls out of place, I would simply take a curling wand to them to “fix them.” While my hair may have looked good on that day, it was damaged in the long term and meant that my waves became permanently unmanageable. I hope these lessons I’ve learned have helped you out, and thank you for sharing your question!
For more product recommendations for Type 2 wavy hair, check out this list.
For more curly hair inspiration, follow @NaturallyCurly and @EvanJosephSalon on Instagram.
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