Dear CurlySuzy: I’m new to NaturallyCurly.com and someone suggested that I email you my product questions. I have really learned to tame my hair over the years and I currently use the following, which seems to be working pretty well: Pantene Curls Shampoo/Conditioner, Infusium 23 Leave in Treament, Tresemme Curl Hydration Lotion, Pantene Curl Mousse, Pantene Spray gel, any hairspray.
My hair has been less full lately and I’m not sure if its a result of the cut (REALLY short layers on top”>… or what, but I’d really like to give CG a try because there are days when my hair looks absolutely gorgeous and I’d love to make that more often than not!
I have found that conditioners weigh my hair down and don’t leave it soft and smooth and it’s only the Infusium that does that… would you believe for years I never even used conditioner? I also don’t like the whole crunch that gel leaves and so have always gone for mousses… cremes tend to weigh down or don’t add enough curl hold and definition but for some reason the Tresemme works well underneath a mousse. I want to go for more definition and volume but less frizz… and on a budget if possible.
Here’s what I come up with as a first shot list so far by reading the forums:
- LoPoo: Giovanni Tea Tree Treat
- Cowash: V05 Strawberries and Cream or Suave Coconut
- Condish: Loreal Vive Pro Nutri Gloss or Giovanni 50/50
- Leave In: Giovanni Direct Leave In
- Styling: In search of a curl cream maybe? Got2B Kinky Curl Mousse, L’ Oreal Out of Bed
- Kinky Curly Curling Custard
Any suggestions or opinions on what I’ve listed would be greatly appreciated! I have 3a/3b hair that is fine and normal/high porosity and I’m diffuser dependent! :”>
Dear Marisa: I like your whole plan. CG, in my opinion, is the only way to go. Silicone products can be thrilling but you pay a high price (dry, frizzy, lifeless curls that are choked in silicone”>. The build up is just so damaging and then you have to use a strong shampoo to get the products out, making your curls even more dry. So you are always playing the catch-up game with moisture. Using more moisturizing products from cleansers to stylers is the key to good curl definition and frizz control.
The only thoughts I had were no way on the Kinky-Curly Curling Custard. That will not work on your hair. It will be sticky and crunchy most likely. That product is very tricky. It does not work well with other products. It can get clumpy and white. It only works well over Kinky-Curly Knot Today. That is a great leave-In conditioner that works great with everything. Anyway, the Custard works best with that leave-in on very wet hair. The best results from this product is on thicker, coarser curlier hair, I think.
If you want to stay with your new plan I would try a mousse over a leave-in. Have you tried the Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Mousse or the Giovanni Hair Styling Foam? I like both of those. My favorite curl cream is AG Re:coil.
It is very concentrated, so it will last a long time. Great for curl activation and frizz control. It is not heavy unless you use too much.
I hope this helps, and good luck with your great new plan. If you have any more questions, please email me again. I would love to know what you choice for your last step is.
