Search Results: Curly 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.
When ABBA Pure Performance launched 21 years ago, it was a pioneer in natural haircare.
Over the past two years, ABBA has taken that commitment to a new level, introducing new ABBA pure performance hair care. The new salon collection is a full range of cleansers, conditioners, styling and treatment products designed to not only match the right natural plant ingredients to specific hair-care needs but also redefine the way performance is viewed in the natural hair-care category.
Too often, natural hair care comes at the expense of product performance. With ABBA, product performance is due to these natural ingredients, not in spite of them, says Kersten Lee, marketing manager for ABBA.
“These botanicals are performance-based,” Lee says. “When we relaunched the line, we wanted to make that clear to the consumer.”
All ABBA products focus on aN Herbal RX system that customizes the products for the daily needs of an individual’s hair by identifying the specific botanicals that are best.
“Abba’s philosophy is straightforward: prescriptive product formulas based in natural plant ingredients,” Lee says. “The result is truly customized approach to pure performance hair care.”
All products within the line carry the brand’s “Commitment to Purity” seal, a pledge to produce products that are natural and pure while recognizing the brand’s social responsibility to protect the earth. All ABBA products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free and free of synthetic dyes.
This focus on performance has helped make the Pure Curl category popular for individuals with both naturally curly and permed hair. The five products in the curl family contain a combination of natural herbal ingredients — including lemon grass, orange peel oil and chamomile – to help revitalize and detangle curly and wavy hair while delivery shine and bounce.
Pure Curl line actually evolved out of ABBA’s True Shapes Perm — a low-ammonia, low-thio perm that is the company’s top-selling product. The perm conditions the hair with an herbal therapy of arnica, chamomile, rosemary and watercress and is designed to create a natural look.
“It is unusual for a perm to be a company’s top-selling product,” Lee says. “Because of that, curls have been a big focus for us, and it was a natural progression for us to create products that are good for textured hair.”
The biggest issues with curlier hair types are dehydration and frizz, and ABBA’s curl system and Herbal Remedy Leave-In Treatment Moisture Spray are designed to moisturize and nourish curls and prevent frizz. Lee also recommends finishing styles with Abba Pomade, which provides separation, definition and shine.
Dear CurlySuzy: I need a sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo (with essential oils”> for my natural African-American hair. My hair type is 4A. I have dry scalp issues so I need additional moisturizes that are effective at combating dry scalp, which can produce flakes. My flakes are very light _ if I can get rid of them – that would be great. I would like something similar to Naani’s Naturals Ahh Anti Dandruff Moisturizing Shampoo.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Vernette Garcon, PHR
Dear Vernette: I sure did like that Naani’s shampoo. I have two others in mind that are specific to scalp issues. I will also give you a few that are mild and sulfate-free that might help as well. Please email me again if you have any more questions.
Dear CurlySuzy: I have decided to go natural with my hair. I let it grow to an optimal length. Got it cut at Devachan last month and they gave me great styling instruction — now I just need the right styling product(s”>.
My hair is wavy/curly, thick, coarse with a strong tendency to frizz/pouf. (Type 2c I think.”>
I’m looking for water-soluble products since I wash my hair only once a week – but am open to hearing about any products.
I’ve used Deva Arc AnGell — the hold is nice at first but frizz is still there and somehow after about 5 hours the product seems to completely disappear from my hair and I lose ALL curl definition and hold. Puzzling and frustrating.
I also purchased Jessicurl Rockin’ Ringlets and Curl Confidence. I tried them each separately and in combination— and though the product smelled and felt great, it did not hold curl or control frizz for me.
I’m happy you’re available for questions. Blindly purchasing and trying products is getting expensive for me.
I’m hoping you can help. I’ve got a great cut and believe I’m just a product away from great hair!
Dear Jeanette: I am happy to make suggestions for your new curly cut. I think you need some more styling power in your products. Jessicurl isn’t going to do it for you unless you use those exactly like she suggests. She has some good styling videos on YouTube that can help possibly.
In regards to the Arc AnGell, that one works best if you spray a few pumps of Set It Free in the palms of your hands first and then pour the Arc AnGEL in to that. This is a popular combination.
I have some ideas about some other products that I will list below. I hope this helps and please email me if you have more questions.
This is a great combination of a leave-in conditioner and mousse. Both of these products are very concentrated, so go easy. These products used together offer a lot of hold and frizz control. They will dry with a glaze, so just gently SOTCH (scrunch out the crunch”>. Be careful — if you scrunch too much you will lose the curls and get frizz.
These two products work really well together. They are a super popular combination and have received rave reviews on our product review section.
Apply a lot of the Curl Keeper (order the 4 oz. size to try it”> on very wet hair. It should make a squashy sound when you are scrunching in the product. This is a unique leave-in conditioner that works best with AG Re:coil. The Re:coil is a curl cream that has great holding power. Apply small amount in sections.
This is another great combination for your curl type. Using these two products together is the only way to use them effectively. Pour Structura Lotion first then half the amount of Control ll Gel into the palm of your hand and apply in sections. They will dry with a glaze, just scrunch a little bit and you will have soft, defined curls.
I don’t know if you like pomades or are interested in the, but they can help. This pomade is good for frizzy ends and adding midday moisture. You can also use on curls when they are dry for scrunching out the glaze left by your styling products.
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 CurlySuzy: I have hair that is curly, about 4 inches, light, not heavy, very fine, but a lot of it, and not really curly like your pics on the site and pretty straight or wavy-ish otherwise. I was wondering if you could offer some recommendations. I see a lot of gels, but am pretty happy with the Deva. I use the Mister-spray to freshen up and am hunting for a good shampoo for every so often and a deep conditioner and a regular one, if that makes sense. I also get a bit of frizz, too, and any recommendations would be appreciated. I’d like my hair to become more curly and I think I’ve found the right place.
Dear Anne: Here are a bunch of suggestions below. Your Mist-er Right and the gel would and could still be part of your hair routine. Sometimes in the summer, though, you might need something a little heavier than their gel to fight the frizz a little better. Or you could use the gel and try a mousse or a cream over it.
2 good shampoos to alternate with the non-sulfate ones:
Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo
A good conditioner:
Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner
Some good non-sulfate cleansers:
Innersense Pure Essential Hair Bath
John Masters Organics Evening Primrose Shampoo
Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Shampoo
Both of these work great under a mousse to activate the curls and keep them moisturized and frizz free
they are really concentrated so don’t use very much.
HPO Simply Curly Conditioning Styling Pudding
These are my favorite mousses. 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 of these are good for controlling frizz in humidity.
This is a great pomade for the ends that can get fuzzy.
Also good to use on hands when barely scrunching out the glaze.
Use a very little bit — the size of a small pea, rub between palms and then apply.
This a pricey item but it has 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. The mousse and the gel will dry with a glaze, barely scrunch and you will have soft defined curls.
This is a powerful curl cream. Be careful with it. A little goes a long way.
These are some great deep conditioners, use once a week for 30 minutes. Your curls will thank you for this!
Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
Curl Junkie Hibiscus Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner
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.
Dear CurlySuzy: I have recently cut all of my relaxed hair off and I am having an issue with keeping my natural locks curly and shiny. My hair type is 4b. I put tons of moisturizer on my hair and it still looks dull and dry. What products should I use to help maintain my curl and shine?
Dear Klinae: I think to keep your new curls really moisturized, you have to start out with a really gentle cleanser when you wash your hair. I would also suggest co-washing as well (washing your hair with conditioner”>.
The best cleansers would be non-sulfate ones. Are you using a leave-in conditioner? That will help hugely. What about a deep conditioner once a week for 30 minutes? I know this can be so overwhelming but new curls and curls in general are often so dry and fragile. I will give you some suggestions below to getting your curls moisturized from the start and to keep them that way. I hope this helps. Please email me if you have more questions.
Good non-sulfate cleansers
Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Gentle Cleanser
Kinky-Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo
John Masters Organics Evening Primrose Shampoo
MYHoneyChild HoneyNutt Scalp Cleanser
L’Oreal makes a good one too – it is in their Ever Pure line
Deep Conditioners
Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
Curl Junkie Hibiscus Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner
MYHoneyChild Olive You Deep Conditioner
Leave-In Conditioners
Kinky-Curly Knot Today— super top favorite!!!
Here is our Curly Cocktail (Curlarita Cocktail“> for your hair type and an article about the woman who created it: The Women Behind Our New Curly Cocktails
Great article about transitioning: Making the Transition
Dear CurlySuzy: I have baby fine, very curly, very thin hair. I live in a very dry mountain climate: Park City, Utah…..
I have currently been using the Deva products: No Poo shampoo, One Condition, AnGel and Set it Free.
I have had in my collection Pureology curl cream as well which seems to hold better than the Deva after shampoo products.
Do you have any other suggestions of products that might be better than that which I am using now…… I am looking for volume and more crunch rather than the ringlets……..
Dear Lisa: I would stay with your Deva products and maybe add or combine to what you are already doing. Have you tried using the DevaCare Arc AnGel? That has more hold than the DevaCurl AnGel. Also a lot of curlies spray the Set It Free in the palms of their hands and then pour the AnGel into it. Mixing them together and then applying the combination to your curls can work really well.
For more volume here are some suggestions below to some cleansers that you could alternate with. I would not give up the No Poo, though.
If you like your Pureology Cream continue with it and add a mousse over it for added volume. You can also try the mousse on its own and see if that works for your curls. Experimenting is what we Curlies are constantly doing. I hope the suggestions below will help you find what works best for your unique curls. Good luck!
Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo
Dear CurlySuzy: I have recently cut all of my relaxed hair off and I am having an issue with keeping my natural locks curly and shiny. My hair type is 4b. I put tons of moisturizer on my hair and it still looks dull and dry. What products should I use to help maintain my curl and shine?
Dear Klinae: I think to keep your new curls really moisturized, you have to start out with a really gentle cleanser when you wash your hair. I would also suggest co-washing as well (washing your hair with conditioner”>.
The best cleansers would be non-sulfate ones. Are you using a leave-in conditioner? That will help hugely. What about a deep conditioner once a week for 30 minutes? I know this can be so overwhelming but new curls and curls in general are often so dry and fragile. I will give you some suggestions below to getting your curls moisturized from the start and to keep them that way. I hope this helps. Please email me if you have more questions.
Good non-sulfate cleansers
Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Gentle Cleanser
Kinky-Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo
John Masters Organics Evening Primrose Shampoo
MYHoneyChild HoneyNutt Scalp Cleanser
L’Oreal makes a good one, too — it is in their Ever Pure line
Deep Conditioners
Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
Curl Junkie Hibiscus Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner
MYHoneyChild Olive You Deep Conditioner
Leave-In Conditioners
Kinky-Curly Knot Today— super top favorite!!!
Here is our Curly Cocktail (Curlarita Cocktail“> for your hair type and an article about the woman who created it: The Women Behind Our New Curly Cocktails
Great article about transitioning: Making the Transition
Dear CurlySuzy: I need a good moisturizer for my 5-year-old daughter. Her hair is not really kinky, but very soft and extra dry no matter what I put in it. I can grease her scalp and her ends and when she goes to sleep and when she wakes up, it’s dry again. It is breaking very badly and I don’t know what to do. Can you help me, please?
Dear Liz: Here are some suggestions for your daughter’s hair. I think she needs more moisture in the forms of butters and oils. The line Blended Cutie is made by a mom of lots of girls. I will give you the suggestions below. Also the line Curly Q is a good one as well. I hope this helps!
Here are two good, mild cleansers; try to use a non-sulfate 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”>.
Curly Qs Curlie Cutie Cleansing Cream
Blended Cutie Silky Swirls Shampoo
Here’s a conditioner that she can put on in the bath and comb through her curls with a wide tooth comb — really makes detangling a breeze, really! Try to leave it on for at least 5 minutes or more.
Blended Cutie Tug Me Not Condiitoner
Next step is to spray this into curls by sections. 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.
Blended Cutie Curly Cake Shake
Here are some good leave-in to keep the moisture in and begin to style. Apply in sections; they are very concentrated, so go easy.
Blended Cutie Down & Out Styles
This is a good gel/cream with a hold that you could use on top of the ones as the last step when she wears it down.
These videos are good for how to use the Blended Cutie products
Good to use on dry hair to style:
Dear CurlySuzy: My hair is free of chemical relaxer for more than 4 years. I just let my hair out of the braids and want to try something different. I do have a permanent color on my hair. My problem is that my hair is so thick, it is so difficult for me to style. I live in Atlanta and the humidity is harsh on my hair. The sweating starts and my hair regresses all the time. What do you suggest?
Dear Brenda: Here are a bunch of suggestions for products. I hope some of them look good to you. Please email me if you have any questions about them.
Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Gentle Cleansing Shampoo
Lots of moisture in this shampoo and conditioner:
Curl-Junkie-Curl-Theory-Moisturizing-Hair-Conditioner
Great curl cream with a little hold: very concentrated:
Curl Junkie Coffee Coco Curl Creme
Super-deep conditioners; good idea to do at least once a month for 30 minutes:
Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
Curl Junkie Hibiscus Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner
Kinky Curly is a good line, love the cleanser and the Knot Today is a great Leave-In conditioner (super in humidity”> that works well with any other product over it. The Kinky-Custard is only effective with the Knot Today for curls. Just use a little bit or it will get sticky.
Love this new line, HPO. Super moisturizing.
The Curlarita Curly Cocktail is a great splurge and works well for 3C and all type 4 hair types
This woman created the Curlarita Curly Cocktail; it’s fun to read about her. (She is the second woman in the article, so scroll down.”>
All of the Oyin products are fantastic.
Blended Beauty Happy Nappy styles is another good styling creme with some hold; it’s very concentrated.
Blended Beauty Kick for Curls Aloe Juice Spritz is a great curl refresher.
Curls has some great products for your hair type.
Can it really be time to start thinking about back to school and fall weather? In the north you might be getting ready to enjoy the end of the season with those beautiful Indian summer nights. In south, where we are, I can only think about the fall weather as something in the distant future. What we all have in common, though, is healing our summer curls.
Whether your summer included a great vacation in the tropics, mini weekend getaways or a stay-cation, the curls were in the summer elements. The pool, beach and summer humidity have most likely left your their mark on your locks. To begin preparing for Fall the first step would be to do some rescue treatments for your thirsty and parched curls. Our First Aid Kit has all you need to start this. Give your dry and damaged curls the love they need. Lots of deep conditioning is a great place to begin. Deep Conditioners and Oils tend to be thicker and more moisturizing than a daily conditioner. Be sure to leave on the deep conditioner or oils on for 30 minutes with heat. The heat swells the cuticle and allows the conditioner to better penetrate the hair shaft. Get a magazine or book and put a conditioning treatment in your curls. Cover your curls with a cap and sit under a dryer or use the a Hair Therapy Wrap. Your curls will say a big thank you.
My Favorite Deep Conditioners
- First Aid Kit
- Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
- Curl Junkie Hibiscus Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner
- Curlisto Deep Therapy Masque
- MYHoneyChild Olive You Deep Conditioner
- Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment
- DevaCurl Heaven in Hair
- HPO Butter Drops
- Hair Therapy Wrap
- Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner
- Ouidad Deep Treatment Intensive Conditioner
Once the cool weather does finally arrive, you should have your curly cold weather routine ready. The key is to plan ahead. In the fall and winter, you will need to replenish the moisture in your curls. The extreme cold temperatures outside and the dry indoor heating are going to pull all of the precious moisture out of your curls.
Washing your hair less often or co-washing to keep as much moisture in your hair is a good way to begin taking care of your winter curls and waves. Lots of conditioners should be ready and waiting in your cabinets.
CurlySuzy wants you to be able to try out some of these great products, so she’s offering a special promotion code to her readers. Type in CurlySuzy15 and get a 15% discount at CurlMart.
Next, it is time to start switching from your summer styling products to the cold weather line up. In doing this there are a few things to consider. When you are cleansing less and co-washing, the styling products you should avoid are ones that will cause a lot of build-up.
Ingredients that have a high wax and resin content, heavy oils and non-water soluble silicones are going to cause build-up. The best plan for product build-up is to avoid it in the first place. Be a label and ingredient reader. Another quick way to know if a product will cause a lot of build-up is if you can’t wash a product off your hands with cool water easily, then it’s not going to come out of your hair easily, either. Rich creams, puddings, custards and leave-in conditioners with lots of humectants and butters are going to be great. Curl refreshing sprays and pomades are super winter products as well.
Fall and Winter Conditioners:
- Curl Junkie Curl Theory Moisturizing Hair Conditioner
- Curls Coconut Sublime Moisturizing Conditioner
- DevaCurl One Condition
- HPO Spa Hair Conditioner
- Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner
- MYHoneyChild HoneyNutt Conditioner
- Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner
Fall and Winter Styling Products:
Leave-in conditioners
- Kinky Curly Knot Today
- Curl Junkie Curl Assurance LEave-in Conditioner
- John Masters Organics Neroli Detangler
- Long Lovely Locks Coco Light
- Karen’s Body Beautiful Hair Milk
Creams, puddings and custards
- Kinky Curly Curling Custard
- Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercreme
- Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding
- Curl Junkie Coffee Coco Curl Creme
- MOP C-Curl Curl Defining Cream
- AG Re:coil
- Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding
Refreshing sprays and pomades
- Blended Beauty Kick for Curls Aloe Juice Spritz
- Devacurl Mist-er Right
- Curl Junkie Curl Fuel Curl Enhancing Spray
- Curls Quenched Curls Moisturizer
- Kinky Curly Gloss Pomade
- MOP Glisten High Shine Pomade
- Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade
- Wild Woozle Tiare Pommade
In addition to products for the winter months you can also re-think how your hair is going to dry. That sunshine and warm air are gone for air drying your curls. Absorbent smooth towels and a diffuser for your hair dryer are what you need for the cold weather.
With all these changes in climate and your curly routine it may take a few weeks to get your winter curls looking the way you want them to. In the meantime, keep a cute hat or a cloth hair tie in your bag for curl emergencies.
Some curlies may want to experiment with a new fall hair style by planning once a week to establish a curl pattern by re-twisting curls in sections and then taking it out. There are lots to choose from, like a twist-out, coil-out, double strand twist, bantu knot or braid-out, recommends Titi Branch of Miss Jessie’s. Keep these styles safe by wearing a satin cap or sleeping on a satin pillowcase, she adds.
Right now we are all wishing for some cool autumn breezes. In the meantime, getting your curls ready for them is what August is for.
Fall and winter curly extras:
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 recently bought the Kinky Curly Curling Custard, Conditioner and Spritz for my daughter. I would like to know what product to buy to elongate her curls?
Dear Rhonda: There are a few products that I will suggest that will do that to some degree. The Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner and the Spray that you have will work well with the products that I list below. Please do not use the Curling Custard with any other product but the Knot Today. It is unpredictable and can do weird things. I hope this helps and please email me if you have any more questions.
Both of these work best when you follow the instructions exactly:
Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Aloe Fix Hair Styling Gel
Miss Jessie’s Stretch Silkening Creme
Blended Cutie is a good line for kids; you might want to look at it.
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.
Move over, summer reading list, and make way for the Favorite Curly Celebrities, the Best Curly Columnist and all the Best Curly products with NaturallyCurly’s Best of the Best list. You will be happy to see some of your favorites and will be inspired to try some new products that you may have wondered about.
Having curly hair and trying new products is an ongoing project. I am constantly reading product labels, product reviews, curly hair blogs and magazine articles to find out about curly styling products. NaturallyCurly’s Best of the Best now tops my list.
Since I have become so obsessed with hair products, I can’t go to the drugstore, Target or grocery store without a quick trip down the hair-care aisle. I always notice people with really great curls and wonder what their secret is? What are their favorite products? But there is always room for more, which is why Best of the Best is so much fun.
What keeps me interested in all of this is my ever-changing curly hair. My products and my curls never stay the same. I used to think that there was one perfect combination that I could use every day, with never a worry about the weather or frizz. My bathroom cabinet would have a clean, minimalist look.
Now, I know this is impossible. We all have our favorites and lots of them. Instead of the clean, empty bathroom cabinet, I have the categorized cabinet: one row for humidity, another for dry cold weather.
The list continues, as all curlies know. Looking at the Best of the Best I am rethinking what I have and what I want to try. As the dog days of summer drag on, I plan to keep going down the Best of the Best list throughout the summer.
Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment
My eye goes first to the deep conditioners on the Best of the Best list. My highlights are looking a little frizzy, and I need to spend 30 minutes doing a conditioning treatment. Those topping the list are: Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner, Ouidad Deep Treatment Intensive Conditioner and Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment.
I tried Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner first and was thrilled. It’s definitely one of the best deep conditioners. I already really like the Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment and agree it is another good deep conditioner. The Ouidad is next on the list, and I love this stuff! My hair was dramatically different. It’s well worth the price.
All three of the Best of the Best mousses — Joico JoiWhip, Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam and Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Mousse — are new to me, so I am going to see how I like those.
Then I will move on to the leave-in conditioners. All this summer heat has my curls begging for more moisture, and Kinky-Curly Knot Today, Karen’s Body Beautiful Hair Milk and Giovanni Direct Leave-in Weightless Moisture Conditioner all sound like amazing products.
I will keep you posted about where my Best of the Best journey takes me, and whether I’ve found any new Holy Grail products. Stay tuned.
Dear CurlySuzy: Wondering if you can help me pick the best product for my hair. I am African American and I believe I am a 3B — with S shaped curls. My dilemma is that my curls seem to have disappeared. I’m looking for a product to revitalize my curls and keep them moisturized. I’ve tried Miss Jessie’s and it seems to heavy for my hair. Other products I’ve used with success are Curls Milkshake and all the Jane Carter products. Are there any products that can help redefine my curls?
Dear Billie: Here are some suggestions to get the curl back. Making sure that your hair is moisturized from the get go is super important. Starting with the cleansers. Using a non-sulfate gentle shampoo will help so much. Your next step would be lots of conditioning after you cleanse. Also doing a deep conditioning once or twice a month is a good practice. Then the stylers that you use will work a whole lot better and the curls are happier. I hope this helps and please email me if you have more questions.
Lots of moisture in this shampoo and conditioner:
Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Gentle Cleansing Shampoo
Curl Junkie Curl Theory Moisturizing Hair Conditioner
Great curl cream with a little hold; very concentrated:
Curl Junkie Coffee Coco Curl Creme
Super deep conditioners — good idea to do at least once a month for 30 minutes:
Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
Curl Junkie Hibiscus Banada Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner
Good line — love the cleanser, and the Knot Today is a great leave-In conditioner that works well with any other product over it. The Kinky-Custard is only effective with the Knot Today for curls. Just use a little bit or it will get sticky.
Love this new line: HPO. Super moisturizing.
The Curly Cocktail Curlarita is a great splurge and works well for 3C and all type 4 hair types. And click here to read about the woman who created the Curlarita.
All of the Oyin products are fantastic.
