Hey, NaturallyCurly world!
I’m Alexandra, I’m the Managing Editor. I have a mix of Type 3b, 3c and 4a curls, with medium porosity. I big chopped four-years ago and it has been an eye-opening journey learning how to care for my hair in its natural state. One change that has helped my hair become healthier and longer is creating a scalp care routine, it’s truly the foundation for healthy hair. I wash my hair about twice a week and use scalp care products every other week, depending on how much build-up I’m experiencing. Here’s the products I use to wash and style my curls for defined, bouncy and moisturized curls featuring this year’s Best of the Best.
Wash Routine
Shampoo with Sashapure Healing Shampoo, it’s a great gentle and moisturizing shampoo that cleanses my hair without leaving my hair stripped. Not to mention it smells amazing!
Condition with SashaPure Healing Conditioner. Like most curlies, a creamy conditioner is key and this is one of my favorites! I love how soft and defined this conditioner leaves my curls. I detangle my hair in the shower with the Curly Hair Solutions Flexy Brush , plus it’s great to use to clump my curls for extra definition.
Styling Routine
After I get out the shower I dry my hair with a microfiber towel which cuts down on the drying process, absorbs a ton of excess and helps to combat frizz.
Then, I apply a few drops of Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment.This scalp treatment is great to use after I wash my hair. I apply a few drops to my scalp to restore the balance and hydration in my scalp. It has a cooling sensation and it good to keep on hand to soothe my scalp when it’s itchy or irritated in between washes.
Next, I apply Kinky-Curly Knot Today to add slip to detangle my hair with ease. This leave-in has been a staple in my regimen for the last couple years and it never fails me. After that I rake through the Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse. Like you, I grew up hearing that mousses and gels leave hair crunchy and flaky, so I didn’t use either until recently and it has done wonders for adding shine, hold and definition. This mousse is my absolute favorite because it controls frizz, especially in the humid months, adds shine and leaves my curls so bouncy and moisturized without the crunch.
Depending on the weather and how defined I want my curls, I’ll either grab the SashaPure Curl Cream or CamilleRose Curl Maker. Less is more with both of these stylers, so I only use maybe two small squirts and rake it through. A trick I learned that has helped me avoid product buildup is to refresh with water throughout the week instead of adding products everyday. Not only do you save products, but you can stretch wash day.
Finish off with the Ouidad Mongongo Oil. This is my secret weapon, yall! This multi-purpose oil is what I use after I style my wash n go’s or finger coils. It’s the perfect lightweight, finishing oil that adds shine and controls frizz.
Last but certainly not least, to get voluminous curls, I fluff my hair with my pick or the Spriggle. I don’t leave home without my pick. Whenever I’m in need of some extra volume or want to refresh my curls throughout the day, the spriggle always comes through.
What are your holy grails? Let me know your faves in the comments below. To see the full list of winners, check out the 2019 Best of the Best winners here.