Search Results: Curly Suzy
Dear CurlySuzy: Have you ever seen or heard of curly hair losing its curl?
I’m 27, no children, not preggo and have what I believe to be 3b curls. I’ve been growing my hair out to get my natural color back. I recently chopped it to take away a big chunk of color and thought my hair would have more volume since it’s short. But the 3-4 inches of natural color I have seems to be more straight than the rest of my hair. I will add that I was born with straight hair and as I hit puberty, it turned wavy then curly.
Dear Cynthia: Sometimes when you cut curls they do go into shock. Weird, I know, but true. The curls can be lifeless and confused for a few days following a hair cut . They should get with the program soon, though.
You might consider using a mousse. Sometimes mousses can activate curls in a more powerful way than other styling products. You could try these over a leave-in conditioner or on their own.
Most mousses dry with a glaze or crunch. They are meant to be scrunched out. These three mousses survive the scrunching exceptionally well.
Out-of-the-Shower Tips
- Gently pat your hair dry.
- Try not to rub or scrunch hair. Any friction on the hair will get the frizz started.
- Curl Like Us Cloths are a good towel for that. The instructional video on the product page is great!
- You can also use an old t-shirt (no texture is what you want”>.
Drying Tips
- You will want to use a diffuser on your hair dryer to really get your curls activated.
- Try not to touch your hair at all while it is drying, as that causes frizz and destroys curl formation.
- Dry curls until they are almost dry (80%-90% dry”>.
- When your hair is completely dry, gently scrunch a few times for soft defined curls.
I am sorry that your haircut wasn’t what you intended. I feel like there is hope, though. Please keep me posted.
Honeydew melon, honey cake, honey buns, honey on my toast. Honey on my hair? Won’t that be sticky? What about insects? Can it really be the right ingredient for curly hair?
Since it’s September, and September is National Honey Month, we thought we’d offer up some fun facts and tips about this fantastic natural ingredient.
Honey is a natural humectant: This means it attracts and holds on to water molecules. This makes honey a great treatment for dry, damaged hair. Honey can be added to cleansers, conditioners, deep conditioners and oils. Or you can look for products that contain honey. Honey for your hair works best combined with other ingredients.
If you want to know the science behind honey in your hair, read this great article, Buzz About Honey, by NaturallyCurly.com’s curly chemist Tonya McKay Becker.
Honey recipes for your curls
Pre-Cleansing Honey Conditioner that will nourish and moisturize your curls and scalp.
Ingredients: 3-6 tbsp. of honey, 1-2 tbsp jojoba oil or olive oil and a few drop of favorite essential oil.
Directions: Mix all ingredients. Apply in sections to your hair and massage into your scalp. Leave on for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing out. Follow with your favorite cleanser and conditioner.
Read more about essential oils
Honey rinse for beautiful curls
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup almond oil, 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil and 1 tablespoon of honey (Do not use more honey than this or you will have sticky hair”>
Directions: Mix and put on your hair. Rinse with warm water. Presto, moisturized beautiful curls.
Want more honey recipes for your curls? Check out NaturallyCurly.com’s recipes area.
Guidelines for choosing essential oil:
- Dry or coarse hair: sandalwood, lavender, and geranium.
- Chemically damaged hair: sandalwood, lavender, frankincense, or geranium.
- Blond hair: lemon, geranium or chamomile.
- Gray hair: sage, rose, lavender or geranium.
- Hair loss: rosemary, juniper or lavender.
- Dandruff: rosemary, eucalyptus, tea tree or cedar wood.
Favorite products that contain honey
Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey
Curl Junkie Hibiscus and Banana Honey Butta Leave-In Conditioner
Darcy’s Botanicals Avocado Honey Twisting Cream
CATWALK TIGI Oatmeal & Honey Treatment Conditioner
John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor
Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner
Beecology Honey Botanical Sulfate Free Shampoo
Read more about the Beecology line.
Dear CurlySuzy: I noticed cetearyl alcohol in some of the products. I thought any alcohol was drying to the hair and not good for naturals. I’m a 4a.
Dear Angela: The alcohol thing can be confusing. There are good alcohols and bad alcohols.
Here is some information about alcohols:
GOOD (fatty”> alcohols
Cetyl Alcohol: This is a fatty alcohol that is derived from coconut and palm oils. This alcohol is an emollient. It makes hair and skin softer.
Stearyl Alcohol: Another fatty alcohol. Stearyl alcohol is often used in conditioners and shampoos and acts as an emollient (softener”>.
- Cetyl Alcohol*
- Acetyl Alcohol
- Sterol Alcohol
- Stearyl Alcohol
- Lauryl Alcohol
- Lanolin Alcohol
- Stearic Acid*
*: see sidebar.
BAD alcohols
- Menthanol
- Ethanol
- Propanol
- SDA40
- Alcohol Denat
- Specially Denaturated Alcohol
- Isopropyl Alcohol
I hope this helps. Check out this article for even more information about alcohols.
Danielle tests out a spray that defines her curls.
Dear Curly Suzy:
My hair has been natural since July 2009. I need a good shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner and another products to make my hair more manageable. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I have in my cart, Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner, Darcy’s Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Moisturizing Conditioner. I’m tired of buying products that are not making my hair more manageable. I need your expertise.
Dear JoAnne:
The Kinky-Curly combination is a good one, but it can be a very tricky process to get them to perform well.
The Kinky-Curly Curling Custard is the tricky product in the combo. It does not work well if you use it with any other products. The Kinky-Curly Curling Custard only works well with the Kinky-Curly Knot Today.
The Kinky-Curly Knot Today is one of the greatest leave-in conditioners out there and it can be used under any styling product.
Kinky-Curly combination tips:
- Apply the Kinky-Curly Knot Today on very wet hair (if it is not wet enough, your hair will dry sticky”>.
- Apply Kinky-Curly Curling Custard evenly in sections to very wet hair (if it is not applied evenly, you will get frizz”>.
- Smooth the Kinky-Curly Curling Custard into each section from roots to ends.
- If sections start to dry out, spray water into hair and then add more Kinky-Curly Curling Custard.
- Thicker, tighter curls need more product and loose wavy curls use less. Use more product for very controlled curls and use less product if you want more fullness and body.
- Allow hair to air dry, do not touch hair while it is drying or it will start to frizz.
- When dry gently scrunch out the crunch.
The Elucence Moisture Benefit Shampoo and Moisture Balancing Conditioner are both really nice and you can’t beat the price. There are a few other shampoos and conditioners you might look at that are also very moisturizing.
Dear CurlySuzy: I have what may seem like a really silly question. As far as pillowcases and hair ties are concerned, is polyester as effective as silk or satin? I have satin pillow cases but I’ve had the hardest time finding satin hair scarves (besides the ones that only cover the top portion of your head and ties around the back”>. Nonetheless, I found some scarves that “look” like satin but says ‘polyester’ on the tag. I’m not sure if this questions is appropriate for NaturallyCurly.com since it’s more about fabric info than hair! I’ve read a few forums on the website but it seems no one really knows for sure!
Dear Alicia: There is a lot of confusion out there about this issue. I will try to be as clear as possible.
- Satin is a weave, not a fabric. A satin weave has no visible interlacing pattern. That is what makes satin smooth and shiny.
- Polyester, acetate and silk are used for a satin weave.
- Silk is the natural and most expensive fabric used in a satin weave. Silk thread is very smooth and produced by the silk worm.
- Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is used in a satin weave that is more affordable. This fabric does not breathe as well as silk.
- Acetate is another synthetic fabric that is used, but the quality might be compromised.
- Silk is the natural and most expensive fabric used in a satin weave. Silk thread is very smooth and produced by the silk worm.
The next issue is a charmeuse satin weave. This type of satin weave is softer and lighter in weight.
- The front side of the fabric has a satin finish whereas the back has a dull finish. It can be made of silk or a synthetic polyester.
- Silk charmeuse is more expensive. It is softer and more delicate.
- Polyester charmeuse is cheaper and can often withstand machine washing, but it doesn’t breathe as well as silk.
In making your choice between silk or polyester satin, the the issues to consider are price and durability. I hope this helps. Please email me if you have any questions about all of this.
The pillowcases we sell are a charmeuse satin polyester. They come in a variety of colors and are very durable.
Summer is winding down for many of us. Bikinis and sandals move aside for boots and scarves. My fall fashion choices are ready but my curls are not. They have definitely felt the heat, salt and chlorine from the summer months. My hair is a little weary and ready for a quick curl vacation full of R & Rs before autumn gets here.
Recover
Detangle and condition with gentle care.
Q: My hair is tangling more easily now and my curls are losing definition and shine, help!
A: Sun, salt and chlorine can all be drying. The clarifying shampoos to remove chlorine and product build up can also dry your curls out as well. Add all these things together and you have dry, hard to manage curls. Begin the recovery by carefully detangling in the shower with a wide-toothed comb and lots of conditioner.
Pumpkin Seed Conditioner
- Shower Comb
- Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Conditioner
- Darcy’s Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Moisturizing Curl Conditioner
- Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner
- DevaCare One Condition
ReHydrate
Deep Condition your hair once a week for 30 minutes to add lost moisture to your curls.
Q: Is it best to use a protein-rich deep conditioner?
A: Proteins can temporarily repair the hair and/or protect it. Occasionally proteins will build up on some people’s hair, especially on healthier hair. In this case, use a protein-free conditioner. Examples of proteins include silk, soy, wheat, keratin or individual amino acids (components of proteins”>.
Protein-free deep conditioners
Protein-rich deep conditioners
Replenish
Give your scalp and hair the lost oils and moisture it is craving after the summer months.
Q: What oils are good for my hair and scalp?
A: Botanical or plant based oils are the most restorative.
Avocado Oil
Contains vitamins A, D, E and potassium.
Coconut Oil
keeps moisture in hair
- Curl Junkie Hibiscus Banana Honey Butta Leave-In Conditioner
- Darcy’s Botanicals Organic Coconut Hibiscus Conditioning Oil
Jojoba Oil
Contains vitamin E and antioxidants
- Aubrey Organics 100%
- Organic Jojoba Oil
- HPO Happy Scalp
Renew
Make an appointment for a new cut and color for the autumn season.
Q: I plan on a new versatile curly haircut this Fall. I also want a cooler tone for my new hair color. Do you know of any salons that specialize in curly hair? Also, what can I do to help the new color last longer?
A: Check out NaturallyCurly.com Salon Reviews for your local curly hair specialist. To help your new color last longer use a sulfate-free cleanser. They are milder than regular shampoos and will help preserve your color.
Dear CurlySuzy: I just recently realized that my fine medium blond hair is really Type 2 wavy. I have always wanted curly hair so I am elated. The problem is I have had such a difficult time styling it in the past that it kept getting shorter and shorter and now many layers with texture for volume. It looks awful and I don’t know how to style it! I know the growing will be difficult but could you give me a few hints on how to style it while it grows? Any help would be appreciated.
Dear Sylvia: Growing out curls and waves is a challenge. Here is a link to our picture gallery for some style ideas. This is a great place to get ideas for styling during the growing-out phase.
I will give you some product suggestions below that will help keep your hair moisturized. That is the key to being happy with your curls and waves. The more moisturized the curls and waves are, the less they will frizz. Don’t worry; these products will not weigh your waves down. Also I will give you a link to one of our new bloggers who has wavy hair. Her articles are fun to read.
- AG Re:coil Curl Activating Balm
This is a curl cream that is very concentrated. Use a very small amount on wet hair and then scrunch it in. Air dry your hair or use a diffuser on your hair dryer. Your hair will dry with a glaze, so gently scrunch out the crunch for soft waves.
- AG Foam Weightless Volumizer
I really like this product as well. Follow the same same styling instructions as above.
- DevaCurl B’Leave-In
I like this leave-in conditioner, it is good for a light styler.
- Kinky-Curly Knot Today
- MOP Leave-In Conditioner
These are great leave-in conditioners that are heavier than the one above.
They are super for when you need extra frizz control and they will work well under curl cream or mousse.
Dear CurlySuzy: I need help with my granddaughter’s hair problems. She is a mix of 3b and 3c. Lots of hair—if she does not wear a pony tail, she will come up home from school with her hair very wild. Since she is only nine years old, she still does not care too much about it, but her mother and I do.
Dear Magda: I am going to give you a bunch of product suggestions and tips. I hope you do not find it too overwhelming. Please know that you are welcome to email me with questions about any of this.
I think the best bet for your granddaughter’s curls are products from two of our children’s lines and a few other products. They are all specific to curls for little ones and Curlies that need extra moisture. They are gentle and have a lot of moisturizing ingredients ( *they are all silicone free”>. I hope this helps.
If you do decide to go shopping with us please use the 10% discount coupon – SUZY10.
Cleansers
- Curly Q’s Curlie Cutie Cleansing Cream
- Blended Cutie Silky Swirls Shampoo
- Curl Junkie Daily Fix Cleansing Conditioner
- Kinky-Curly Come Clean
Good mild sulfate-free cleansers
Try to use a sulfate-free shampoo on her curls—most shampoos are super drying and won’t help her curls. Also you don’t really need to wash curls very often; you can co-wash them on some days (wash with the conditioner”>. There are also sulfate-free cleansers in stores; I like Giovanni Organics and Tigi Bedhead Super Star (pink tube”>.
Conditioners
- Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Conditioner
- Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner
- Darcy’s Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Moisturizing Conditioner
- Curly Q’s Coconut Dream Moisturizing Conditioner
- Blended Cutie Tug Me Not Conditioner
Conditioners that you can put on in the bath and comb through her curls with a wide-toothed comb really makes detangling a breeze—she can probably do this herself as well if that is an option. Try to leave it on for at least 5 minutes or more before combing. You can also use these for co-washing her hair.
Leave-in conditioners
These will really help with frizz and curl definition.
- Blended Cutie Curly Cake Shake (spray”>
- Darcy’s Botanicals Daily Leave-In Conditioner
- Curl Junkie BeautiCurls Leave-In Conditioner
- Kinky-Curly Knot Today
- Curl Junkie Hibiscus Banana Honey Butta Leave-In Conditioner
- Blended Cutie Down and Out Styles
This will keep the moisture in and helps with definition and frizz. Start at the ends and work your way up. You might have to clip up the curls in sections and work your way through the hair with the spray or cream.
Stylers to use over leave-in conditioner
These hold curl and keep away frizz.
- Curl Junkie Curls in a Bottle
- Darcy’s Botanicals Natural Coils Curling Jelly
- Blended Beauty Happy Nappy Styles
- Oyin Handmade Shine and Define Styling Serum
These are all very concentrated so go easy with them
Blended Beauty Hair Demo videos
These videos are good for how to use the Blended Cutie/Blended Beauty products. She is a mom of 4 girls, so her demos are fantastic!
Curl Refresher Sprays
Good to use on dry hair to style, great for bedhead and midday frizz.
Info about silicones
Products with non-water-soluble silicones can cause build up which leads to dryness and frizz.
Not Water Soluble–
Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone
Water Soluble–
Dimethicone Copolyol, Hydrolized Wheat Protein Hydroxypropyl Polysiloxane, Lauryl methicone Copolyol, PEG -12 Dimethicone, PEG- 8 Dimethicone, any PEG-modified Dimethicone
I love Best of the Best here at NaturallyCurly. I like being surprised by products I have not tried and welcome the return winners that are so loyal to our curls. This year there were also several products that perform well on a variety of hair types.
A good example is DevaCurl Set It Free. This products works great for type 2 hair as a finisher if used in small amounts. Type 3s can use it mixed with DevaCurl Arc AnGel to add a little moisture. Type 3c and type 4’s can use it as a sealer on twists. I am sure there are more ways Curlies are using the DevaCurl Set It Free that I don’t even know about. The creativity and unique ways that curlies use hair products is always an inspiration to me.
The return winners, first being Kinky-Curly Knot Today is a true holy grail product for all curlies. It has won two years running as the best leave-in conditioner. I love this product and panic when I am getting low. I always have that second bottle in the cabinet, ready to go. It is a well-deserving winner. Any kind of styling product works well over it. The smoothing, de-frizzing qualities make it an instant winner to any curly. The Kinky-Curly Curling Custard also won in 2009 and 2010. The loyal following for this product is huge. It can be hard to use when you first give it a try. Once you do get the hang of it, the results are so rewarding. It is a very unique custard that works well for definition and of course it controls the frizz.
Other products that have won two years in a row are Jessicurl Hair Cleansing Cream for best cleanser. It is a cleanser that does everything right. Lots of moisture and it really helps keep the frizz away. The only problem with this cleanser is deciding between the citrus lavender scent or the island fantasy. It is a hard choice. Jesicurl Awe Inspiraling Spray also won again this year. This product is always in my purse, car and desk. It is a real curl emergency answer. I think it works best on frizz and giving curls a midday boost.
Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner is new to CurlMart. We are thrilled to have this line on our shelves. It is not a new line to curlies and it is well loved by many members of the CurlTalk community. This conditioner is another winner two years in a row. It won as the best deep conditioner, but I think it is also a fantastic daily conditioner. You can’t go wrong with this in your shower.
AG Re:coil Curl Activating Balm, is a no-surprise winner two years in a row as well. It has consistent 5-curl ratings on our curl review pages. All hair types have found a way to make it work for them. Some use it alone, some combine it with a leave-in conditioner. This silicone free curl cream is the one product that is hard to beat for curl definition, hold, frizz control and clumping. It does everything you want it to do. The only challenge with this product is how much to use. Once you have mastered that, you are going to have a good hair day!
The Best of the Best winner for best mousse is another two-year winner, Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Mousse. First, it has to be said that mousse is not for everyone. It is difficult to use and only really works for those curlies who like and are familiar with the ways of mousse. Yes, it can be sticky going on. Yes, it can be crunchy, but you can scrunch carefully and get the soft curls you want. I like this mousse because it is affordable, but you have to be a mousse professional to make this your winner.
Another Herbal Essences winner was the Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner. I had not tried this conditioner before it was a winner. I have read a lot of good things about it, as well as a few not-so-good reviews. I have since used it a couple of times. I am not a huge fan of the cones in this conditioner so I was not very excited about it, but I actually liked it more than I thought I would because it does offer a lot of slip and moisture. I can see how some curlies love this. I only found it to be an okay conditioner for my 2b/2c curls. Not all curly products are for all curlies. This one is for a curly crowd that needs a lot of moisture and slip for detangling. It has a great summer tropical scent.
Last but definitely not least for the two years in a row winners is Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding. The curlies who are Transitioning love this curly pudding. This product is really a curl creme and pudding combined. It helps stretch out and elongate curls for soft, maximum curl definition. It is versatile and can be used for fingerstyling, TWAs, coiling, transitioning, kinky weaves and more.
The new products on the Best of the Best block are definitely worth trying. I have the Curls Like Us Cloths and use them daily. I even took one on vacation a couple of weeks ago. Just could not imagine getting out of the shower without it. I also use it to scrunch in product. These cloths (more like a mini towel”> help my curls clump, and I get good curl formation.
Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk and Carol’s Daughter Lisa’s Hair Elixer both are new winners for the Best of the Best. Carol’s Daughter products created by Lisa Price, a Brooklyn native, are filled with essential oils and natural moisturizers. They are top of the line products for healthy curls. I can imagine more products from Carol’s Daughter winning next year.
Another new winner was Eco Styler Krystal Styling Gel. I have never tried this gel, which only means that I don’t use gels very often. I think for the price of under $5, why not try it if you like gels? The other winner that I have never tried is the Curly Q’s Moist Curl Moisturizer. Both of my boys have very straight naturally soft hair. I think if I had a curly child this would be a morning detangler that I would undoubtedly be overjoyed with.
For those curlies who voted and for those who want to try something new this is a great list of Best of the Best products. Have fun shopping or reading the reviews, there just might be a new holy grail product for your curls.
Dear CurlySuzy: My son is growing out his hair, as he wants his curls to resemble those of Corbin Bleu from “High School Musical.” He is biracial and has thick ringlets. Any suggestion in terms of products? In terms of conditioner, we use the Blended Cuties Butter Me Up. Thank you.
A: I like the Blended Cutie Butter Me Up as a conditioner. I will give you some product suggestion for his curls in terms of stylers:
Leave-in conditioners
Great to control frizz and define curls, both of these work great with any styler over them:
Stylers
- Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding
- Curl Junkie Curls in a Bottle
- Curl Junkie Coffee Coco Curl Creme
- Blended Beauty Happy Nappy Styles
On dry hair to refresh curls
Dear CurlySuzy: I’m really confused. I keep reading articles and hearing people say different opinions on washing your hair every day. Some people say that co-washing your hair (not shampooing”> is bad because it dries out the hair. On the other hand, I have also read that co-washing every day is OK, as long as you’re not shampooing. Which party is right? I have really thick wavy/curly 2c hair. I’ve tried co-washing my hair only three times a week, but my hair still gets really knotted and matted when I sleep, despite my attempts at the pineapple or sleeping with a bonnet. Co-washing my hair every day is the only way I can avoid stepping out of the house looking like Don King, but I’m afraid I might be drying out my hair. What is your opinion? I would really appreciate your help, thanks!
Dear Annabell: I think co-washing on a daily basis is fine and cleansing once or twice a week is a good routine. In regards to co-washing drying your hair out, I think it depends on the conditioner that you are using. I think it is great to co-wash daily if you are using a moisturizing conditioner that is silicone-free. That way you are not causing build-up that then leads to dryness. Here is some silicone info:
Not Water Soluble
Learn more about silicones here.
Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone
Water Soluble
Dimethicone Copolyol, Hydrolized Wheat Protein Hydroxypropyl Polysiloxane, Lauryl methicone Copolyol, PEG -12 Dimethicone, PEG- 8 Dimethicone, PEG-modified Dimethicone
Here is a list of some silicone-free conditioners that are super that we sell—
- Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner
- Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Conditioner
- Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner
- DevaCare One Condition
I hope this clears up the confusion about co-washing. Please email me if it doesn’t or if you have more questions.
When clients come into Elie Elie’s two D.C.-area salons during the summer months, frizz is their No. 1 complaint. But with a few simple steps, it need not be, says Elie Gerdak, an expert with curls.
- Cut is key: Make sure you go to a stylist who understands your texture, and can help you find a style that fits with your curl type, face shape and lifestyle, says Gerdak. While you may think short hair would be easier in the summer, if could make life more difficult for you if your hair is super coarse and kinky. If you opt for layers, make sure you’re getting the right kind of layers for your hair type.
- Pamper your locks: Summertime activities—sunbathing and swimming—can be especially tough on curls and kinks, which tend to be dryer anyway. If you spend a lot of time outside, make sure to use a deep conditioner, such as Curl Definesse Revitalizing Treatment Masque, No. 5, at least once a week. If you spend a lot of time in the pool or on the beach, leave it in for several hours, says Gerdak.
- Protect your locks: While hair can’t technically get sunburned, it does get damaged by the elements. To help protect it from damaging UV rays, spritz on a leave-in conditioner, such as Curl Definesse Leave-In Conditioning Spray, No. 4.
- Cut Down on Poo-ing: “Don’t wash it everyday,” Gerdak says. “Wash it twice a week, at the most.” If you exercise a lot, rinse and condition your hair daily to keep it fresh. And when you do wash it, use a moisturizing shampoo, such as Curl Definesse Moisture Shampoo, No. 16.
- Apply section by section: On humid days, use a stronger-hold styling gel designed for your curls, like Curl Definesse Élixir Bouclé for medium to thick hair, No. 9. Then apply a dime- to quarter-size to individual sections (these become the curls”>, from the roots to the ends. Too many times, people miss sections of their hair when they apply their styling product, resulting in frizz, Gerdak says. To keep the ends looking frizz-free and polished, apply a pomade to the ends, such as Curl Definesse Polishing Gelée, No. 7.
- Shy away from strong chemicals: Summer is not the time to bleach your hair blond or to do dramatic highlights. Strong chemicals don’t mix well with sun, salt and chlorine. The result can be frizzy, dry curls, says Gerdak. “Treat your curls with care during the summer,” he says.
Do your curls need moisture and soothing? The new No Frizz Fizz Cocktail is what you have been waiting for. Win the battle against frizz with curls that are moisturized and healthy. These products will help your curls be activated and frizz free. Perfect for all hair types, the new Frizz Fizz Cocktail™ includes:
Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo
Darcy’s Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Moisturizing Conditioner
Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
Massage a few drops of HPO Happy Scalp essential oil blend onto your scalp to stimulate and awaken your roots. That is the first step to keeping your scalp healthy and clear of product build-up.
Cleanse your curls with the ever-popular Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo. This shampoo will correct and prevent dryness. A special combination of lipids, vitamins and polysaccharides provides needed hydration to correct moisture-depleted hair.
Follow with Darcy’s Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Moisturizing Conditioner. This conditioner with pure pumpkin seed oil will help to soften, moisturize and condition your curls. Use a wide toothed comb to detangle your hair while this conditioner is soaking into your curls. Follow with a cool rinse. Now your curls are ready to face a hot summer day.
You next move depends on how your curls are feeling. If they still need more moisture, apply Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment for 30 minutes. This deep conditioning treatment is perfect for a once week spa treatment for curls. Follow with a cool rinse.
Gently pat your hair dry and apply MOP Leave-in Conditioner. This leave-in conditioner will lock in moisture with extracts of certified organic echinacea & dandelion. All hair types will benefit from a leave-in conditioner. Curlies with hair type 2 will need to use less than the 3 and 4 hair types. You curls are now moisturized and ready for your favorite stylers. Cheers to a happy, no-frizz day!
Dear CurlySuzy: Do you carry any products that have olive oil in them? I thought this was very good for coarse, curly hair.
Dear Melissa: Here are some products that contain olive oil. It is a great ingredient for curls.
MyHoneyChild Olive You Deep Conditioner
Here comes the frizz!
Open season for frizz
The frizzy hair season is officially here, which means frizzy ends, frizzy curls and a lot of questions. For example, why are my curls frizzy? What frizzy hair remedies work best? Why is my hair more frizzy when it is humid? Find the answers to these and other frizzy mysteries below.
Why does curly hair frizz so much?
Straight hair has a smooth cuticle with the layers lying tightly together. With curly hair, the hair follicle is curved causing the outer layer or cuticle to bend. This bending results in the cuticle being permanently lifted and becoming very fragile. Add the damage caused by chemicals, heat and friction (brushing, rubbing with a towel, touching, sleeping”> and your smooth curls become frizzy curls.
What is porosity?
Hair porosity refers to the ability of hair to absorb and retain moisture. Hair with high porosity is like a sponge with many tiny holes that can absorb a lot of water. Low porosity is like a sponge with uneven holes and tears which can’t absorb or retain as much water. Curly hair cuticles are like torn sponges, while damaged curly hair is a torn sponge in really bad shape.
Do oils moisturize damaged, frizzy curls?
Many oils, including heavy cholesterols, do not have the ability to penetrate into the hair shaft. Instead, they lay on top of the cuticle, coating just the outer surface. Oils can add some shine to your hair, but they will also lead to build-up of product on your hair, which can damage your curly locks.
Products that limit friction and heat damage to your curly hair:
Deep conditioners that repair damage and add moisture to your curls:
Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment
Curly hair is more porous hair, and more susceptible to frizz.
Does product build-up cause frizzy hair?
Product build-up comes from products that contain heavy oils (excluding essential oils”> and non-water soluble silicones. These coat the hair, preventing your curls from absorbing moisture and leaving them dry and brittle. To avoid product build-up, many curlies have embraced a no shampoo method of hair care.
If you can’t part with your heavy oil and non-water soluble silicone products, use shampoos that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, or ammonium lauryl ether sulfate when you wash. While we do not recommend shampoos containing sulfates as a general rule of thumb, they are effective in removing product build-up—just don’t make a habit of it.
Why is my hair more frizzy when it is humid?
The drier your hair is, the more it will expand or swell in the humidity. Because curly hair—especially damaged curly hair—is porous, it tries to take in as much moisture from the air as possible. The surface of the hair then becomes rough as it expands, tangling the strands together. This expansion also causes curly hair to lose its curl pattern, turning your ‘do into a big, frizzy mess. Well-moisturized, undamaged hair is less prone to expanding in humid weather.
What frizzy hair remedies work best in high humidity?
Products that contain fewer humectants, or anti-humectants, are most effective in humid weather. Humectants only add to problems with humidity-induced frizz and leave your hair over-saturated and feeling sticky. Many products use silicones as an anti-humectant as they seal your hair against the humidity. Although anti-humectants don’t help moisturize your hair, they can be effective at preventing frizz.
If you are trying to avoid silicone and want a more moisturizing product, there are many natural ingredients to chose from. Hydrogenated castor oil, beeswax, and plant triglycerides such as coconut oil, palm oil, olive oil, and shea butter are all super anti-humectants.
Is a good hair cut important for fighting frizzy hair?
Split ends are the first to frizz, and you can eliminate them by getting your curls trimmed every 6-8 weeks. Don’t cut too short, since shrinkage can be a real problem in humidity. You can find the best stylist for your curls using our Salon Finder.
With the mystery of frizz solved and a list of frizzy hair remedies at your disposal, you now have a plan of attack for no-frizz hair. Good Luck!
Moisturizing conditioners for harsh hair cleansers:
A great way to learn how to create a new hairstyle or improve the way you are now doing your hair is to connect with people who have similar curl types. Curly haired people love to share their knowledge and curly hair expertise on a social level with other curly heads.
The sharing of information has been our philosophy since the beginning of our fascination with curly hair. The wealth of useful information available on our website has been gathered through hands-on experience from thousands of curly heads sharing their experiences and techniques. Once you connect with other people, on a personal level, who share a common feature, it will help you to go above and beyond your own styling ability.
Sharing is caring, so take part in our “Share with a friend” contest. During the month of June, we are holding a “Share with a friend” contest where everyone who shares with a friend will automatically be entered into a drawing. The winner will receive a free gift basket containing all of our Curly Hair Solutions products worth $250. Share with a friend NOW!
Also, when you share with a friend you will receive a mystery discount coupon code e-mailed to you that can be used on your next order placed at www.frizzoff.com. For more information on the “Share with a friend” contest, e-mail us at info@frizzoff.com or call us at 1-800-783-8971.
Caring is Sharing Special
• Order Silk Shampoo 1L/33.8oz and get 4 FREE Silk Shampoo 2oz/59ml – Click Here
• Order Treatment Shampoo 1L/33.8oz and get 4 FREE Treatment Shampoo 2oz/59ml – Click Here
Check out the video below to watch the whole experience!
Some of you have been following my experience with my keratin treatment. With tons of questions on CurlTalk, I wanted to see what all the buzz was about. So I took one for the team and got one myself—in this case, the Brazilian Blowout.
Three months later, my curls were shrinking up to their pre-treatment coils. And with sky-high humidity, my hair was looking frizzier than it had in a while.
So I decided to go in for a touch-up treatment. The touch-up is identical to the original treatment – about 90 minutes and I was able to workout and wash it right away. It was also the same amount of money—not inexpensive—which was a little painful.
Unlike the last time, I wasn’t petrified. I knew what to expect and wasn’t freaked out by the flat-ironed, stick-straight hair.
I am loving the results. My hair is so shiny and bouncy, and I have much better curl formation, even with humidity. I’ve had several people ask what styling products I’m using.
Like last time, I’m still very much a curly girl. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s just my curls, but better.
