Search Results: Curly Suzy
Dear CurlySuzy: I can’t decide what type of curls I have. My hair is shoulder-length, processed and medium to course in texture. Areas of my hair have ringlets and others larger curls. If left alone with no product it is a frizz machine. With product I can make it look ok until I recently had it highlighted. Here is the issue. Now I am REALLY, REALLY dry. It gets in tiny knots, it doesn’t look smooth on the ends, and I can even see split ends. I need product advice to get my hair back in condition.
Dear Aimee: The answer is deep conditioning! Once a week for 30 minutes with heat. Follow with a cool rinse. That should really make a world of difference. Also use a sulfate-free cleanser. That will preserve your highlights and will be a lot more moisturizing. I will give you a bunch of suggestions below. I also really love Aubrey Organics HoneySuckle Rose cleanser and conditioner. (usually in health food sections of grocery stores and we will be selling it soon at CurlMart!
You might also want to think about trimming the end just a bit. Here is a link to our salon search if you need a good Curly Stylist.
Deep Conditioners
- Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
- DevaCurl Heaven in Hair
- MYHoneyChild Olive You Deep Conditioner
- Curl Junkie Hibiscus Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner
- Curlisto Deep Therapy Masque
Sulfate-free Cleansers and Favorite Conditioners
- Curl Junkie Daily Fix Cleansing Conditioner
- Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Conditioner
- I love these new Curl Junkie products
- DevaCare No Poo
- DevaCare One Condition
- good combo
- Kinky-Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo
- great cleanser
- Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner
- good conditioner, great for the price, good for co-washing as well
- MOP C Curl Enhancing Shampoo
- MOP C System Hydrating Conditioner
- love
- HPO Spa Hair Conditioner
- another good conditioner
Do you have a question for CurlySuzy? Post it below!
Dear CurlySuzy: I live in Cape Coral, Florida and I have type 3c, very thick hair. It’s past my shoulder blades when wet, but just touches the tips of the shoulders when dry.
I have two issues I would like your opinion about. First, I would like your recommendation on a deep conditioner. When I lived in NY (back in the days”>, I used to use L’Oreal Mermade Deep Penetrating conditioner, but it has been discontinued. Can you recommend a similar type of product currently on the market?
Also, I texturized about 6 months ago (I used a store-bought product and applied at home”>. At times, my hair has that “straight at the ends” look. I’d like to get it “trimmed”, but the last time I went to a hair stylist (based on salon listed on the website”>, I received a shorter than expected haircut. I really don’t want to lose the length because it takes FOREVER to grow. I haven’t really seen anyone with my same hair type. I have talked to friends, but their recommendations haven’t helped; the stylists I’ve gone to can’t even style my hair right! Any recommendations?
Dear Lisa: I think doing a deep conditioner once a week for 30 minutes (with heat”> is the answer to both of your questions. The more moisture the you have in your hair the healthier it will be. I think that might let you go a little longer with out getting it cut. I use to live in NYC way back when also. I didn’t use that conditioner though. I should have, my curls weren’t at their best then. I know it was super popular and very moisturizing. Here are some deep conditioners that are great. Maybe they are close to what you used to use.
Also here is a link to our curl community and a thread for your curl type. There is a lot of information when have time for reading. It is all very helpful!
Deep Conditioners
- Arbre de Vie Shea Hot Oil Treatment
- Blended Beauty Herbal Reconditioner
- Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
- CURLS Curl Ecstasy Hair Tea Conditioner
- Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment
- MYHoneyChild Honey Hair Mask
- MYHoneyChild Intensive Oil Treatment
- MYHoneyChild Organic Shea Butter Hair Paste
Dear CurlySuzy: I hope you can help me. I have been curly now for five years. I have 4a hair which I get slightly relaxed or texturized about every five months to control the bulk. I used to get it bone straight. I absolutely love my curly hair. My problem is that after spending literally hundreds of dollars on different products, what really works for me especially in reducing bulk, giving me shine and nice curl definition is Kinky-Curly Curling Custard. I love this product. I also use the Knot Today. My problem is this. When I use anything else with this product I end up with tons of white flakes in my hair, and I am not exaggerating. I like to condition wash, and when I use the Come Clean shampoo, I like to use conditioner after. But everything I use seems to produce tons of white flakes. I e-mailed Kinky-Curly and they said to stay away from any silicone products, which they said could possibly be the cause. So have you heard of this problem from others? What conditioners would you recommend? I love my curly hair but this is really getting to me. Please HELP!!
Dear Lucy: I need some clarification. After you wash your hair with Come Clean, you then use a conditioner, then the Knot Today and then the Curling Custard? Do you ever skip the Knot Today and just use the Custard? What I have heard is that the Custard does strange things, mostly involving white flakes or, worse, white clumps (yuck”> when used without the Knot Today. The Custard is a tricky but amazing product. It could very well be reacting to your conditioner if you are not using the Knot Today.
Another bit of information could be that when you are putting the Custard in your curls your hair has to be VERY wet. The Knot Today should be put on VERY wet hair, and then add the Custard. While you are putting the Custard in — if the sections where you have not gotten to are starting to dry, spray that part with some water before you put the Custard on.
If you are using the Knot Today and you are still getting the white flakes, another thought is you might be using too much Custard? In regards to the silicone/conditioner issue, I agree that could be a problem. The build up of the silicone will not allow products to get absorbed into your hair shaft. You curls could be coated with the silicone and then the product flakes and turn white. Here are some silicone-free conditioners below.
Please let me know if any of this is useful. I value Curly information on any product! The Kinky Curly products are really fantastic, the Custard included. It is just tricky.
Silicone free conditioners:
Dear CurlySuzy: I have chin length, thick, 2c/3a curly hair. My main issues are poofiness and lack of curl definition. I generally use Shea moisture leave in, followed by Biosilk Rock Hard Gel. I’ve tried to reduce volume in my hair by applying these right side up. Nevertheless, when my hair dries, it feels like cotton candy, it doesn’t hang down right, if you know what I mean. I’ve tried billions of products and they either make my hair poof, or my hair is stuck to my head with no movement! You’re my last resort!!
Dear Kris: That gel is super popular. You might try using Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper under it. That is a popular combination. Curl Keeper is a unique leave-in with a lot of power. You have to apply it to very wet hair and scrunch it in, section by section. It should make a squashy sound when you do this. Then follow with the Biosilk Rock Hard Gelee. Another super popular combination with Curl Keeper for definition and frizz control is AG Re:coil curl creme.
Another thing you might try is cleansing your hair with a sulfate-free cleanser. That is going to add a lot more moisture than a regular shampoo. Regular shampoos are harsh and drying. That could be part of the problem. L’Oreal Ever Pure line, Tigi Bedhead Foxy Curls and Superstar, Aubrey Organics and Giovanni Organics all have sulfate-free cleansers. We sell some as well.
Next, lots of conditioning and deep conditioning. The more moisture in your curls the less frizz and poof you will struggle with. I hope all of this helps. Please email me if you have more questions.
Sulfate-free cleansers and silicone-free conditioners:
- DevaCurl No-Poo
- DevaCurl One Condition
- Kinky-Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo
- Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner
- Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Shampoo
- Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Conditioner
- John Masters Organic Evening Primrose Shampoo
- John Masters Organic Lavender Avocado Intensive Conditioner
- MOP C Curl Enhancing Shampoo
- Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
- DevaCurl Heaven in Hair
- MYHoneyChild Olive You Deep Conditioner
- Curl Junkie Hibiscus Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner
- Arbre de Vie Shea Hot OIl Treatment
Styling Product Combo:
These two products work really well together, super popular combination. Apply a lot of the Curl Keeper on very wet hair, it should make a squashy sound as you are putting it in your curls. Follow with the AG Re:coil, use a dime size and apply in sections, you might need more but be careful it is very concentrated.
Dear CurlySuzy: I am asking you to be candid about the Baka Beautiful Natural-Laxer. I am only writing to you because I trust your site beyond question. I am new to my natural curly hair. I have 6″ of 3C/4A textured hair and have not had any chemicals in it since 12/08. I did the big chop this past May. Your site has been a constant source of information and has offered everything that I need to make this a pleasant journey to date. I cannot thank you enough for that.
To that end, I am considering the Natural-Laxer because I do not want to damage or ruin my hair with chemicals but I would love to loosen up my natural curl just a bit to make wash and go styles still easy as my hair gets longer. I do not really enjoy twists, braids,etc. in my hair. I am strictly a wash-and-go person.
In your opinion, which I trust, do you think that this product is worth trying and do you think it might do as it claims of loosening my curls slightly? If not, I am open to any suggestions that you may have.
Dear Iva: Thanks for all your nice words. So great to read! In regard to Baka Beautiful, I think it is a complicated product. I do think it will loosen your curls and many people with your curl type love the product. The downside is it is pretty messy to use. Be prepared for that. Second: it can be drying. So be sure to use very moisturizing shampoos and conditioners. Baka Beautiful recommends products that have silk protein in them. I would also try to stick to sulfate-free cleansers as well.
Here are some cleansers that are sulfate-free and have silk protein in them:
Here are some conditioners with silk protein in them:
Here is a styling product that might help with elongation. As an alternative to the Baka Beautiful product. You can cleanse your curls, apply this product and be on the go. Please Follow her styling instructions exactly for best results.
I hope this helps you make some decisions. Please email me again if you have any more questions.
Best,
Suzy
Dear CurlySuzy: My name is Amanda and I am looking for a product to loosen my curls. I am a 3b or 3c and my hair is almost always frizzy. I am also looking for a product to make my hair grow faster. Thank you a lot.
P.S: Here’s a suggestion for the website: it would be great if you could divide products in some way by curly hair type (3a.3b,3c…”> and what would work best for what. Just a tip to make it easier for us. Still I love the site. It helps a lot.
Dear Amanda: Your suggestion is in the works. We appreciate your input. We have been working on changes that will be upcoming this winter. We know there are big differences in curl types even within the curl type! A 3a is very different than a 3c.
In regards to products that will loosen your curls I will give you some product suggestions below. I will also give you a link to vitamins and a hair oil that some say really help with growth.
Frizz is the biggest battle for curlies. Hopefully the products I will give you will help with that. Three other things that can help are using a sulfate-free cleanser, a good leave-in conditioner and deep conditioning once a week for 30 minutes. All of this is going to keep the moisture in your curls and help with frizz.
Vitamins and a hair oil
Products to help with shrinkage
- Miss Jessie’s Stretch Silkening Creme
- Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Aloe Fix Hair Styling Gel
- CURLS Whipped Cream
Sulfate-free cleansers and great conditioners
- Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Gentle Cleansing Shampoo
- Oyin Handmade Honey Wash
- Kinky-Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo
- Long Lovely Locks Green Tea Hair Cleanse
- Curl Junkie Curl Theory Moisturizing Hair Conditioner
- Blended Beauty Curl Quenching Conditioner
- HPO Spa Hair Conditioner
- Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners
- Kinky-Curly Knot Today
- MYHoneyChild Sweet Almond Hair Milk
- Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Leave-In Conditioner
Deep treatments
- Curl Junkie Hibiscus Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner
- CURLS Curl Ecstasy Hair Tea Conditioner
- MYHoneyChild Olive You Deep Conditioner
3C Curls – The Dream Styling Package
Also: Check out this article about the woman who created the Curlarita Cocktail. She is the second woman in the article so scroll down.
Miss Jessie’s Travel Size Value Pack is a great way to try a variety of Miss Jessie’s products.
Dear Curly Suzy: I need your help, I am going to order the Miss Jessie’s Pudding. I wash my hair once a week; what type of shampoo must I use with Miss Jessie’s Pudding? Tell me what leave in condition I need. I would like to use all Miss Jessie’s products, if possible. As soon as you give me a list of items that I need to use to maintain my natural look, I will place my complete order.
Dear Kathy The Curly Pudding is like a style/curl setting product. It works
best on wet hair. Don’t use too much or you will get white flaking when it dries. The most
popular product to use over that is the Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercream. This product has the most moisture.
There are 2 cleansers that she makes. I like the Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo.
Her daily conditioner — Creme de la Creme — is good.
Be sure to use the deep conditioner Rapid Recovery as well, at least 3 or 4 times a month.
Dear Curly Suzy: I have mid-length curly hair and I swim at least 3 times a week. I do wear an cap but I was wondering if I should use any other products to give extra protection. I know you not really supposed to wash the hair too often but because of swimming, I wash it after each swim. Is this the right thing to do? Also could you tell me which shampoo/conditioner to use as there are so many to choose from?
Dear Sue: The best thing to do when your hair is going to be in chlorine is to get it wet first and add a little conditioner. Wet hair absorbs less water, so the chlorine will get into the hair less. The conditioner will help get it moisturized while in the cap. Washing your hair after swimming is okay. Make sure you rinse the chlorine out first right away. The cleansing should be done with a really mild cleanser. Regular shampoos are super harsh for everyday use, especially after you already had chlorine on your hair. So use a clarifying shampoo to get the residual chlorine out maybe once or twice a month. I know this is complicated, so email me if you have questions. Also I would do a deep conditioning once a month to add a little extra love and moisture to your hair. I will give you some product suggestions below.
Good, non-sulfate cleansers:
Innersense Pure Essential Hair Bath
John Masters Organics Evening Primrose Shampoo
Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Shampoo
Good clarifying shampoos:
Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo
Hair Rules Aloe Grapefruit Clarifying Shampoo
We have so many great conditioners, I had to stop myself from giving you too many options!
Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner
Curly Hair Solutions Conditioner
Curl Junkie Curl Theory Moisturizing Hair Conditioner
Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Conditioner
These are some super deep conditioners; use once a week for 30 minutes.
Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner
Dear CurlySuzy: I need a recommendation for a product to control frizz. I’ve bought lots of things that DON’T work. My hair is rather coarse, stays straight in winter and frizz free unless I get rained on. In summer it goes crazy and curls into lots of waves and spirally curls, which is ok, but I can’t find anything that holds the frizz down in Virginia humidity. I don’t want a stiff, hard spray.
Dear Donna: The trick, I think, to managing the summer curls in humidity is to keep them moisturized. Try to use a mild, non-sulfate cleanser or at least alternate with one and your current favorite. Shampoos can be very drying, and that leads to frizz, especially in the summer. Most drugstores and grocery stores have non-sulfate cleansers — just read the labels. They almost always have it right on the front of the bottle. Then a leave-in conditioner would be a good practice in the summer. I also gave you some links to product combinations that are very effective in the humidity. I hope this helps.
Good non-sulfate cleansers:
Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Shampoo
Good leave-ins
Be sure to experiment with how much to use. Start off with a little bit. They can get sticky and weigh your curls down if you use too much. All of these will work great with a mousse over them.
John Masters Organics Citrus Neroli Detangler
HPO Simply Curly Conditioning Styling PuddingThis is a heavy leave-in; just use a little bit. Love this one!
Favorite mousses:
Good to use on dry hair. Just a little bit between the palms of your hands, rub together and then smooth over curls or gently scrunch
will help keep the moisture in. Seriously concentrated, so be careful how much you use. Great to use to break the glaze left by some products.
Deep conditioners
They can help with frizz, too. Once a week for 30 minutes can work slight miracles.
Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
MYHoneyChild Olive You Deep Conditioner
Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment
These two products work really well together, super popular combination, rave reviews. Apply a lot of the Curl Keeper on very wet hair and follow with the AG Recoil. Curl Keeper is a leave-in that really helps with frizz and definition. AG Recoil is a curl activator and has some great hold to it — a little goes a long way. Apply in sections.
Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper
Great combination for humidity; use Structura and Control ll together — only way to use these products. Pour into palm of hand and apply in sections. Structura first then half the amount of gel. Will dry with a glaze.
Dear CurlySuzy: I am a 58-year-old Caucasian female with very fine, thinning curly hair. I also have highlights. I had my hair cut in a bob but the blow drying and flat ironing has made a dry mess. Since I live in East Texas, humidity is a big factor the more we get into warm weather. I’m trying to let my hair be natural but its frizzy, lifeless and not very becoming. If you can give me some direction and advice about products and styling, you will get the “gold star” and a huge “e-hug” from me. My hair is not really long; basically just below my chin. I do hope you can help me.
Dear Mickey: Here are a bunch of suggestions below. I truly believe your curls can be fabulous. I think you need a lot of moisture in those curls. These suggestions are to help with the frizz, dryness and sad curls.
For Blow Drying
Professional Finger Diffuser is good to use when you blow dry your curl. Try not to touch or scrunch too much while you are styling.
Shampoos & Conditioners
For a great sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, try DevaCurl No-Poo and DevaCurl One Condition.
Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo and Jessicurl Aloeba Daily Conditioner is another good combination. I also like the Jessicurl Trial Size Collection of products to test how they work for your curls. It is important to follow the instructions in the sit for best results.
Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo is a good shampoo to alternate with the non-sulfate ones.
Mousse
Any of these mousse products would be great for volume and curl activation. They will dry with a glaze, so just scrunch a very little bit for soft defined curls. All good for controlling frizz in humidity.
Pomade & Styler
MOP Glisten High Shine Pomade is a great pomade for the ends that can get fuzzy. Also good to use on hands when barely scrunching out the glaze. Use very little (the size of a small pea”> rub between palms and then apply.
Curlisto Structura Spray is a great spray to use on curls after they dry. Just a little bit and you will have great frizz control.
The Curltini styling elixir is a pricey item, but includes products that we chose for this hair type that work best together. There is even a handy recipe card that gives instructions and lots of options.
AG Re:coil Curl Activating Balm is very powerful — just use a very little bit.
Deep Conditioners
These are some great deep conditioners that you can use for 30 minutes once a week:
Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
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