(Part 2) Top products from r/curlyhair

Hi, fellow curlies! Long time lurker, but I created a separate account to show off my 3a/3b work in progress! I’ve divided this up into sections because it’s definitely of TL;DR length, so skip right to the routine part if that’s what you’re after.


HAIR STATS

Mostly very strong 3a, but there’s a good chunk of something approaching 3b at the crown.

Really thick, I can’t use small hair clips or ties, even with it being shorter. It feels like it’s become a tad less thick, maybe due to age (I’m in my 30s).

Last cut in March (8 months ago), it’s a shorter curly cut that’s growing out but still looks decent.

Highlights and color applied at last cut. The highlights were subtle, the color was close to my natural hair color to help cover the whites coming in.

No flat iron/high heat for the last 4+ years. Most heat I’ve used is a dryer on low with bursts of cold air.

No “bad” products for the last 4+ years. It’s only been curly approved products with no traditional shampoo! Only No Poo with the occasional clarifying shampoo.

Very dry climate. So dry here I have a sinus moisturizing gel I shove up my nose before bed to avoid nosebleeds. I know most curlies hate the humidity but I wish I had a little bit, I think my hair would benefit.

Hair washed once weekly, twice weekly at most. More often during the week if I’m exercising (which I haven’t done much of lately, hah), but coarse/dryer hair + very dry climate = fewer washings. I do a lazy pineapple to pin it up when I do quick body-only showers.


HAIR HISTORY

It’s a story that’s all too familiar here: My hair was NOT cool as a kid— the 90s were not nice to big hair, and I was also one of the only “ethnic” people in super white schools. When in its natural state, it was almost nothing but fuzz and it almost looked like I had an afro. Stylists had no clue what to do with my hair, so the cuts never helped.

I first heard about the curly method in 2009 or 2010. Even though that wasn’t THAT long ago, the spectrum of products we have available now versus then is night and day. With my limited hair understanding, I took the plunge and went natural, but it didn’t look so great. I stuck with it, though, mostly out of laziness because life got really busy and stressful. Straightening my hair literally takes hours, so laziness won. Used to use DevaCurl No Poo and One Condition in the shower before crunching in the DevaCurl Light Defining Gel. Never experimented with other stuff because, again, I was lazy and busy.

Recently, my hair was going limp and was feeling greasy no matter what I did, so I started reading through the links in this subreddit and experimenting with newer products now that my life has slowed down. I bought a few new products based on recommendations here, and what I outline below is after playing around with a few different things for the last couple of months.


NEW "ROUTINE"

“Routine” is in quotations because routine suggests I do this with regularity when this is the first time I’ve done this whole “routine” as outlined below.

I realized I last clarified my hair when my hairdresser cut it several months ago, so I figured it was time to clarify. The pics are from last night, a couple of hours after washing.

1. Clarify with Kinky Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo. I really spent my time massaging it into my scalp, and I liberally applied to my hair and worked it until it had the “squeaky clean” feel. I used a rake comb to help detangle and make sure the shampoo was applied evenly throughout. I NEVER, EVER tug at any tangles, I take my time gently combing them out.
   
   (I really love how my hair turned out, I’m not sure if I’m going to just clarify every time I wash my hair. I wash it so infrequently and it has so much product applied to it each time that I think I’ll be fine, but I’ll edit this post if it turns out to be a bad idea.)
   
   
2. Crunch out excess water.
   
   
3. Condition with Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner. I applied liberally, massaging it into scalp and crunching it up into my hair until my hair felt smooth/soft. I crunched by leaning my hair to the side (and switching sides periodically) and making sure the crunch action reaches my scalp to ensure that the product it applied throughout.
   
   NB: Don’t over-apply to the point that the conditioner is dripping out of your hair, it’s wasteful and doesn’t add anything more to your hair apart from making it feel too greasy later.
   
   
4. Crunch out excess water. Crunching will be your life for the next 20-30 minutes.
   
   
5. Crunch gently with a towel. I just used my regular bath towel. Same crunch method as detailed in #3. I crunch until the dripping mostly stops.
   
   
6. Apply Miss Jessie’s Multicultural Curls. I squeezed out a generous palmful, tilted my head to the side, and crunched it up into my hair. Same crunch method as detailed in #3. I crunched until I felt I’d crunched it up evenly throughout and my hands weren’t covered in product.
   
   
7. Apply Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls. Same directions as in #6.
   
   
8. Get a handheld hair dryer, remove whatever piece is at the head of it so the airflow isn’t concentrated in any particular way. I have a Che hairdryer I bought 10+ years ago that works well. (I had a diffuser, can’t find it, if I find it/use it I’ll edit this post. If anyone has any diffuser recs for someone with 3a/3b hair, let me know, I may have gotten rid of mine accidentally, oops.)
   
   
9. Tilt your head upside-down, and dry with the hairdryer on low heat setting with one kept a a few inches away while your other hand continues to crunch. Occasionally shift your hair to either side of your head and back to upside-down.
   
   
10. If your hair dryer has a cold burst setting, use it for 20 seconds every 60 seconds or so. If not, just remove the heat for a few seconds as you continue crunching. CRUNCHING IS LIFE, IT IS THE ONLY LIFE YOU NOW KNOW.
    
    
11. Dry your hair until it feels dry, never stop crunching. Your hands shouldn’t be damp or wet. I always used to rush through this part and the curls aren’t the same, the more time I spend with any low kind of heat (either with this hair dryer or using the helmet dryer at the salon), the better for me.
    
    
12. Finish your hair with a small amount of shine serum. I plopped my head upright and scrunched in a small palmful of serum, focusing on the hair at the crown, the most coarse/fuzzy. I have some old DevaCurl MirrorCurls Serum lying around. I don’t like the smell, I’m open to trying something else.
    
    
13. Fin. Maybe now is a good time to go gather the hair from the drain trap before your spouse yells at you for secretly threatening him with tribbles.
    
    
    GOALS
    
    I’m happy with my hair, but I have some things to work on:
    
    
14. Fuzz. It’s still a little fuzzy at the crown, way better than before, maybe I need to make peace with it? Maybe a diffuser would help.
    
    
15. Length. I haven’t had long hair in years, I’d like to continue growing it out and seeing how much more the thickness/length of the hair will weigh it down and make it less bouncy.
    
    
16. Finding these products in bulk. It seems impossible, but I won’t give up hope. I would be willing to spend more money upfront for this stuff if it meant it was cheaper per ounce.
    
    
17. Figuring out how to keep it looking good through the week. I do the pineapple at night with a giant, silky scarf and then cover the top with a night cap, but it still looks fuzzier/less awesome the next day. What do you recommend? This climate is WAY TOO DRY for me to do this this whole routine any more than twice/thrice weekly.
    
    
    Wow, that was a novella. Thanks for reading, and best of curls to you all!

Hi! Don't feel bad about all those years of shampooing and not conditioning. I was raised female, and still made that mistake. I'm 29 and didn't start conditioning until April of this year. I thought I was too greasy for conditioner!

On to your questions!

1. Nizoral is the bomb! I have scalp issues too-- my scalp gets super greasy, and I have eczema. Grease + sweat and dirt and debris = major issues with scalp eczema. If you want to pick it up at a store local to you, I find it's usually in the Beauty section. It's the only shampoo that's helped with my scalp issues, and the one sulfate in it is low on the list. Before I went mod CG, I loved the way my hair felt after washing with Nizoral, and hadn't had that kind of luck with a shampoo in a long time, despite trying all the usual dandruff shampoos (and some odd ones).
   
   If you want to totally ditch sulfates but still take care of your dandruff, you can experiment with Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle, Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat, or Shea Moisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo. I'm pretty sure there are more CG options I'm forgetting, but those are the ones that I remember off the top of my head. I've been experimenting with the Giovanni TTTT, and I'm still not sure how I feel about it. It seems fine with my hair, but my scalp seems to have issues in general with every tea tree product I try. It's often paired with mint/mentholatum, which is a skin irritant.
   
   
2. You can dry your hair with an old t-shirt (the softer it is, the more absorbent it seems, to me). You can scrunch your hair with the towel, and Curly Penny gives a pretty decent demo of this. You can also use a hair dryer, and the general consensus seems to be: use a finger diffuser (also called a bowl diffuser), use low speed/air, and low-medium heat and don't dry all the way with a blow dryer. You can also use a microfiber towel (the ones in the automotive section are cheaper, although they're smaller). Experiment to figure out which method works best not just for your hair, but for keeping your routine manageable.
   
   I get the best results with using a t-shirt to get my hair just dry enough not to drip, and then air-drying. But if I need my hair to be dry for some reason, I do break out the diffuser.
   
   
3. A lot of people swear by using a wide-tooth comb, with their head upside down, in the shower, with their hair full of conditioner. The conditioner does help, by providing slip so tangles come out easily and gently instead of causing hair to break or rip when you detangle. A wide-tooth comb reduces the likelihood of breakage as well.
   
   A Denman brush is this. As near as I can tell, it just means the bristles are spaced further apart, again to help prevent breakage and further tangling when you detangle-- but bear in mind that I don't really understand the Denman brush thing, either. It just looks like a brush to me. A wide-tooth comb has the bristles or tines spaced further apart as opposed to a fine tooth comb. I like a comb that has the tines almost chopstick-width apart. You can also just comb your hair in the shower with your fingers and your conditioner-- I like using a comb better because it feels more effective, to me.
   
   The other reason we don't comb after showering is because it breaks up clumps-- you want clumps if you want strong curls and good definition. Otherwise it can look stringy. I recently read someone talking about curly haircuts saying "ends need friends"-- and so they do, for curls to look right.
   
   I think this stuff is hard, and a lot of us just don't get good info on hair or skincare. Good luck to you.

Okay, I'm a guy but I have the best curly hair in the entire world.

Here's what I do:

Step 1:

You need to find a leave in conditioner. The best one I've used so far is Acanthe, by Rene Furterer.

Expensive, but worth it.

How I use it:

I take a shower, (or whenever,really) and I put it in while my hair is a bit damp.

After an hour or two, I play with my hair again and my hair is dry, but it's no longer frizzy and the curls are defined, can be styled, and the hair is super soft.

Step 2:

You need to find a good shampoo that won't dry your hair out, I use Molton Brown.

Shampoo every other day, condition every day.

The conditioner can be whatever, but try to find one that is dedicated to curly hair.

Step 3:

When shampooing, comb your hair, and leave the shampoo in your hair for 2-3 minutes. Make sure it's there from the root to the tip.


Step 4:

When drying your hair, just dry it enough so that it isn't soaking wet. That is the best time to apply the leave-in conditioner.

The most important part of this step, wait for at least an hour, don't touch your hair. Style it with the conditioner, then wait for that hour and play around with it. It's amazing

A good leave in conditioner is the BEST and most important tool.

Links to good products I use:


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018KAH8M4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CNTJHQO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AEBFN8Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Hope this helps.

creme does not hold up as well as gel does, but i think it looks nicer, on my hair at least.

Maybe you could find a picture of what you want your hair to look like to give me an idea? Like what is your goal, what would you want your hair to look like.

It sounds like you might want more...volume? Your hair seems more on the fine side and like a 3B/3C. I follow the curly girl method, you can learn more about that on the sidebar. I use Yes to Carrots Conditioner, but I'll be stopping that when the new formula makes it to the local grocery stores (they just started adding silicones, but old formula, which is still available near me, doesn't have that in it). And I use Curls Goddess Curls for gel. For creme, I use whatever I find on sale that fits curly girl friendly.

Gel is great for humidity, it also is lighter and helps curls curl better. Cream is heavier, better for dryer conditions because it adds moisture, but it's heavier and will loosen curls.

And you have to find the right balance of conditioner so your hair isn't too weighed down, but also isn't frizzy. For your hair, I'd think a poker chip size amount of conditioner would do and then half of that for the styling product.

First of all, your hair is beautiful! Love the curls.

My only suggestion would be to add layers. It looks like you may have some in the back but they should be trimmed up a bit. That'll help a little with volume.

My hair is alot like yours. To get the volume I want, I use gel and scrunch the living heck out of it. Add the gel when your hair is soaking wet and scrunch upside down. Make sure you use enough as all the water dilutes it. You'll have to play around with this to find the right amount.

I also use a diffuser with long teeth (does this make sense?) and use it to lift my top layers for added volume. Diffuse on low/hot setting. I alternate diffusing by lifting and by putting my hair upside down. LOTS of volume. Also, when my hair is almost dry, I scrunch in additional gel. It gives me better curl formation. If your curls come out crunchy you can scrunch out the crunch. It'll all depend on the gel you use.

Don't worry about using Deva products. There are others just as good and 1/4 the price. Also, what other others may recommend for styling products may not work for you. I use Kinky curling custard
https://www.amazon.com/Kinky-Curly-Original-Curling-Custard/dp/B00KJSAT86
and others swear by Eco Style Gel-Olive https://www.amazon.com/ECOCO-Eco-Style-Olive-Ounce/dp/B003E7UNE4/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_194_lp_t_4?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=TJ18SNCBJKDZD98F22B3&th=1

The curling custard is expensive and I use it when I want my curls to look spectacular. Otherwise, I go for a good strong hold gel.

Look at Youtube videos too. There are a bunch out there on getting volume for curly hair.

My hair looked just like this when I was a kid, I feel this picture in my very bones. Her hair looks pretty similar to mine, so based on my experience:

1. The first thing I would recommend is an Olaplex no. 3 treatment. It’s pricey, but you can get it on Amazon, and it’s so worth it. It repairs curl patterns in hair that’s been damaged. Have her wash her hair and while it’s sopping wet, add a literal handful of conditioner. Starting at the ends of her hair, use a wet brush to detangle. It might take a really long time, and handfuls of hair will probably come out. That’s normal. Once her hair is brushed through and detangled, rinse out all of the conditioner. Turn off the water. Brush gobs of olaplex from root to ends, and leave it in for at least ten minutes. It looks like she might want to leave it in for 30-45 minutes.
   
   
2. Rinse out all of the olaplex. Apply another handful of conditioner, brush it through, rinse it about half way out. While in the shower, she should flip her head over and gently scrunch the water out.
   
   
3. LA Looks Extreme Sports Gel is bright blue and you can usually find it at Walmart for super cheap, but I linked it to Amazon below because you can buy in bulk. Flip hair over, scrunch in golf ball sized amount of gel. Repeat. It will seem like an outrageous amount of gel. Use more.
   
   
4. Using a microfiber towel or turbi-twist, or an old T-shirt, plop her hair up for about twenty minutes. The key here is not to stretch her hair out into the twisty part of the towel. You want the hair stay as close to her scalp as possible. Basically lay out the towel and flip head over, slowly lowering the curls onto it so that they coil close to the root.
   
   
5. After about 20 minutes, remove towel, and let her hair air dry the rest of the way. It will be really tempting, but try not to touch it at all. When her whole head is dry and crunchy from the gel, flip hair upside down and gently scrunch-out-the-crunch. Done. Leave it for a few days.
   
   Hope this helps!
   
   conditioner
   
   hair gel, 3 pack
   
   olaplex
   
   Edit: to be clear, olaplex is a one time treatment. Do it once. The rest of it is do all of the time stuff.

I don't follow CG method but I use certain products to come up with my own routine.

Hair Wash Day-

Step 1: I comb through and massage my scalp and hair with Avocado Oil and use the Vanity Planet Scalp Massage and let it soak in for an hour. I specially use more oil on the ends.

Step 2: I use a hot towel to steam my hair a few times by the end of the hour

Step 3: Use OGX Biotin and Collagen Shampoo to wash off the oil.

Step 4:Condition with Cantu Hydrating Cream Conditioner

Step 5: Use a microfiber head wrap or a tshirt to remove excess water

Step 6: I then use a couple of dollops of Miss. Jessie's Pillow Soft Curl Cream and scrunch my hair .

Step 7, for the top of my head hair I use Frizz Ease serum and comb through and make it sit in place with Bobby pins(This makes the top part straight without me having to use heat at all)

Step 8: I let it dry naturally

​

Days following the wash:

--Post-Workout Care: I workout a lot and sweat in the scalp like cray-cray so I always wet my hair completely after the workout and use the already existing products in the hair to set it back, letting it dry naturally.

--Days after wash morning routine: I braid my hair at night and when I wake up the curls are almost always intact. But I do use a spray bottle already mixed with a few drops of Curl cream and re-scrunch the curls and let dry naturally.

--Next wash Schedule? -- I usually wash on day 3 with just Cantu's scalp rinse and use the conditioner. But like today if I don't have the time, I wet my hair completely by spraying water all over in sections and follow Step 6,7 and 8.

​

I do the deep oil conditioning atleast once a week. That is the only time I use the shampoo. For every following wash after the oil conditioning I use Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Conditioner instead of regular conditioners.

Pshhh, as long as you put the old shower head back on when you move out, there's nothing they can do to penalize you. They're fairly easy to attach/detach without many tools. I just had to do this for my disabled mother, and I love that I can wash all the pink hair dye off the shower walls now!

I have scalp dryness/dandruff and have been using Sage shampoo about 1-2 times per week. While its nice that it's sulfate free, be warned it smells like a Whole Foods beauty aisle. It does seem to dry my hair out a little bit (feels squeaky when rinsing) so I combat that by running conditioner through the length of my hair before shampooing and sometimes follow up afterward with a deep conditioning treatment (I use DevaCurl's Heaven in Hair) to restore more moisture.

>On to your questions!

>1) Nizoral is the bomb! I have scalp issues too-- my scalp gets super greasy, and I have eczema. Grease + sweat and dirt and debris = major issues with scalp eczema. If you want to pick it up at a store local to you, I find it's usually in the Beauty section. It's the only shampoo that's helped with my scalp issues, and the one sulfate in it is low on the list.

That's a pretty ringing endorsement. Okay then!

>If you want to totally ditch sulfates

I've never heard of sulfates until now. I'm not bothered by them.

>2) You can dry your hair with an old t-shirt (the softer it is, the more absorbent it seems, to me). You can scrunch your hair with the towel, and Curly Penny gives a pretty decent demo of this. You can also use a hair dryer, and the general consensus seems to be: use a finger diffuser (also called a bowl diffuser), use low speed/air, and low-medium heat and don't dry all the way with a blow dryer.

Okay then. I'll have to look into that. Thank you.

>You can also use a microfiber towel (the ones in the automotive section are cheaper, although they're smaller).

Good to know!

>3) A lot of people swear by using a wide-tooth comb, with their head upside down, in the shower, with their hair full of conditioner.

Another question about conditioner: How do I apply it, anyway? Does it get rubbed into the scalp like shampoo, or just sort of slathered onto the ends of the hair? I remember reading on Reddit in another thread "Shampoo is for the scalp, conditioner is for the hair."

>You can also just comb your hair in the shower with your fingers and your conditioner-- I like using a comb better because it feels more effective, to me.

>The other reason we don't comb after showering

Okay, so...combing in the shower is okay with the conditioner, but combing after isn't?

>I think this stuff is hard, and a lot of us just don't get good info on hair or skincare. Good luck to you.

Thanks. I'm kind of intimidated. Part of me want to get a crewcut again and be done with it...:P.

EDIT: Is that why the downvotes? My dumb joke?

True! Okay so i use OGX coconut milk sulfate free shampoo (when I need it) and conditioner, which I've never had a problem with before. And if I just use those, I'm okay. I use this sometimes, which before I had long hair was okay -Curls Goddess Curl Gel but sometimes I use Not Your Mother's Sea Salt Spray if my curls are more relaxed into a wave. I'm anywhere from a 2b to a 3a, just depends on what it's feeling hahaha. My curls get heavy really easily, so I try not to weigh them down besides the obvious of growing them out. I put either product in after I get out and lightly pat dry my hair, and kinda scrunch or whatever plopping motion that is to lightly distribute the product. I try to stay away from the hair under by my neck and by the edges of my face to avoid breakouts, but here we are. Haha. That's about it. They're fairly low maintenance curls/waves.

I'm a big proponent of plopping into a turban. When my hair was really long it was a huge help in the morning, plus it does nice things for the lift at the roots.

Do yourself a favor, though, and skip the cheap Walgreens ones. The Turbie Twist has a rougher microfiber that creates frizz and doesn't absorb much moisture. Not so curl-friendly.

Spring for the the Aquis. It's made of the nice, smooth, highly-absorbent type of microfiber. It's also very generously-sized- way deeper than the Turbie Twist. My method is to plop right into the top of the turban (just like you'd do with the tshirt), and wrap kind of loosely (without doing the button). Then, I take a regular cheap Turbie Twist and put that on top, more tightly to secure it. That stays on for about 20-30 minutes.

Jason is a great CG friendly Antidandruff it’s serious stuff (has a strong smell but it works!) and it’s affordable. It treats dandruff, scalp dermatitis and mild psoriasis. I was using head and shoulder,not CG Friendly, on only my scalp and when I switched to this my hair was a lot happier.

Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FGDIAS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QwrRDbQR7VN15

La looks and deva curl doesn’t work for me. I use either SM momongo gel, the eco styler flax seed or SM gel with the pink label. The SM curl enhancing smoothie too.

CG approved styling foam includes creme of nature styling foam, and there’s one by styleID I LOVE bc you can use heat (I diffuse with med heat idc idc)

I use twisty Bobby pins like this and hair clips like this puff cuff like i said, great when I need a pony without the headache.

I had a similar problem but for a while it was RIGHT after a shower and my hair dried. Grease. My hair didn't used to be like this it just decided to one day. I've found using Giovanni Tea Tree Shampoo has helped me combat this almost entirely. It's not totally CG if I remember correctly but IDGAF if it gets rid of my grease. And honestly it makes my hair wonderfully shiny...hopefully this helps you! Good luck!

I would recommend to stop brushing. If you really just want to brush, only do so when soaking wet. Apply your cream (and think about adding a gel or something to hold the curl better) to damp but not wet hair and diffuse or air dry and use a pick to help shape and get volume. As for sleep, try a silk pillow case like [this]
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0070U9GSU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) or a hair buff to sleep in like this

ETA: My favorite products for my hair, which is similar to yours are Cantu Curl Activator and [LA Looks Gel] (https://www.amazon.com/LOOKS-SPORT-XTRME-HLD-Pack/dp/B005JT5XLI/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1518620771&sr=1-2&keywords=la+looks+hair+gel).

I use a Shea moisture one, which I buy online as it isn't available here. That one is sulphate free. I'm sure there are sulphate free ones in the UK, but i can't use them due to my scalp stuff.
You want to find a sulphate free shampoo (if you decide to shampoo at all) because sulphates are super drying, and unnecessary if you aren't using silicones in your conditioner/styling products

Edit: I use this one, but probably only once or twice a month at most (I actually can't remember the last time I used shampoo). I mainly wash my hair using conditioner.

Ugh, yes - it can be so tough! But I finally got a few budget-friendly products. In case you're interested, here it is:

• Shampoo: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038U4TQU/ref=oh_aui_frsh_dp?ie=UTF8&fpw=fresh
  
  
• Conditioner: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XWFS2KM/ref=oh_aui_frsh_dp?ie=UTF8&fpw=fresh
  
  
• Leave In: Same as conditioner plus olive oil (or oil of choice)
  
  
• Products:
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008Y9Y7UI/ref=oh_aui_frsh_dp?ie=UTF8&fpw=fresh
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EVQ39X8/ref=oh_aui_frsh_dp?ie=UTF8&fpw=fresh
  
  Everything is CG approved! This link has been probably the most helpful thing in helping me choose my products: http://isitcg.herokuapp.com/
  
  As for that haircut, I have an appointment on Saturday! Woo!

I used to use head and shoulder's every day too. I never really gave my shampoo any thought and I wish I had.

The problem that curly girl tries to address, is that there's this vicious cycle of sulfates and silicones. You use shampoo with harsh detergents (sulfates) to strip all the build up out of your hair. Then, you follow it up with conditioner full of silicones to replenish your hair's moisture, but the silicones cause build up and then you NEED to shampoo.

It takes time, but you follow the curly girl(/guy) method, your hair will find it's natural balance and not be so greasy. No-poo and co-washing are still too unnerving for me. So, I use a low-poo "Shea Moisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo Sulfate Free" and use a shampoo brush every 3 days. That shampoo and the shampoo brush help deal with dandruff.

I pin my bangs back the first day because my skin is oily and it greases up my bangs very quickly. Day 3 isn't my favourite (in terms of hair oil), but it's manageable and slowly becoming better.


Shampoo: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0038U4TQU

Shampoo Brush: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00XUUKDXG

Video (CurlyPenny on Causes + Fixes to a Flaky Scalp):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY4427Ojt1w

I have been having the EXACT same issue so I'm definitely interested in hearing what others have to say.

I have been using this (https://www.amazon.com/Scalpmaster-SC20-Shampoo-Brush-Purple/dp/B000NJG82W/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1478544166&sr=8-2&keywords=shampoo+brush) and it helps somewhat but not 100%.

When it gets really bad I use T-gel shampoo (not cg friendly) and it stays more under control for a few days after that.

These help but I would love a better solution

I've been using JASON Natural Cosmetics Dandruff Relief Shampoo. It's inexpensive and does the job quite well. Make sure he uses some kind of conditioner to restore moisture. I alternate between this and Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo from Eden Bodyworks. My hair is very thick and I have a dry scalp so I have to shampoo fairly regularly. I also use a shampoo brush to make sure I really get everything out.

It was literally called free and clear. amazon link here. I'm pretty sure it's not sulfate free but it was recommended by my derm and was on my allowed product list (i also had eczema on my eyelids so I had to completely remove all fragrance from my routine and wanted to be safe).

I've also used jessicurl's no fragrance added products and they were fine for me but they do have some added oils and watnot that may irritate. If you're looking to go fragrance free make sure the product says fragrance free and not just scent free or unscented because those products can still have masking fragrances which can also cause reactions.

I suggest you see a dermatologist. You said you saw your GP about this issue, but she never identified the issue. I think a dermatologist would be able to help you more. It's difficult to give any helpful product recommendations without knowing what exactly your skin is reacting to (i.e., which product ingredients).

In the mean time, you can try the free and clear shampoo and conditioner. They're specifically designed for people with reactive skin.

For controlling the frizz, try using a gel. Apply it to your hair when it's wet, but not dripping wet. You said you're using a cream, but creams help moisture and define your curls; they don't provide the best hold or frizz protection. A gel would be better suited to minimizing frizz.

Apparently the Aquis microfiber turban. i just looked on Amazon for something under $20 and with good reviews. I don't prefer my curls untwisted, so I kind of put them in loosely and then twist the towel only once halfway so I can button it. It holds my curls on top of my head without twisting them, and I love that I don't have to clip it or worry about balancing it. It was a great buy for me.

Nizoral is super drying! I'm assuming you are using it because you have dandruff. If you felt comfortable switching shampoos, I've read that tea tree oil really helps with dandruff because its antimicrobial. I use the Trader Joe's Tea Tree Oil Shampoo maybe once a week. If not, I would try giving your hair an oil treatment right before you shower. Leave it in for maybe a half hour. You can just put coconut oil in your hair, then once in shower try to use the same amount of shampoo you always do, rather than using more to make up for the additional oil in your hair.

A lot of people with curly hair find silicone to be drying, so check the back of your conditioner bottle and see if there are any 'cones in there. If so try a different conditioner. I really like the DevaCurl Decadence conditioner, but it's a bit pricey.

Edit on shampoos: I also saw this one at Marshall's today that looked good!

Here is a link to the cream!

Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream, 12 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LTIAU7Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1zqmDb5HSJJ6P

In this photo my hair is about 90% air dried. Once I got out of the shower I held the diffuser about an inch away from my head and put some heat on it to kind of get rid of some of the dampness (it was soaking wet) but once it wasn’t dripping wet anymore I stopped diffusing

I also own a denman brush! It definitely helps clump the curls together, reduces frizz, and helps distribute product throughout the hair. I will use it about every other time I wash my hair to REALLY detangle and smooth. I’ll put conditioner in it and run the brush through to smooth out the cuticle and form clumps.

So, you use no product, and you hair just looks like that? Very nice. Also, for you dandruff, may I suggest the AMAZING product, Nizoral. http://www.amazon.com/Nizoral-AntiDandruff-Shampoo-7-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B00AINMFAC/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1425628128&sr=1-3&keywords=dandruff+shampoo

I have a funny shaped head too (there's a wave at the top!) and really thin hair, so volume is impossible for me. What I've recently been doing is the clipping technique and it's actually amazing. I do my routine, plop while I do my makeup and get changed, then I get these clips:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CY87MQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They're the same as the Deva clips only ridiculously cheaper. I clip them using the "cross" technique. The trick is not to clip up a lot of hair, just a little bit so the hair isn't drying flat against your head.

Here's a link to Deva's website with all kinds of different info about clipping.

http://www.mydevacurl.com/curly_lifestyle/devaclips_cross

Since the back of your head is flat, I would put clips back there too. You can put them wherever you need volume!

Hope this helps!

I use a microfibre towel turban (something like this but much cheaper, I find them at the dollar store or big box stores). I keep it in my hair for 10-15 minutes, while I'm getting ready for the day. I find the microfibre really helps to absorb a lot of the water and it does dry my hair faster.

I had the same problem with hair ties so I got this style of hair clip. I pile my hair on top of my head and use this clip to keep it in place. This probably wouldn't work for people with very long hair but mine is just about shoulder length so it works for me. The next morning I use a small spray bottle with a mixture of water and conditioner (mostly water, probably about 10 parts water to 1 part conditioner). I spray my hair and scrunch the curls with my hands. Honestly, some days my second-day curls are better than the first day.

The best product for dandruff is Nizoral. It's expensive, but it truly works, and if you want proof, [check out the reviews on Amazon:] (https://www.amazon.com/Nizoral-AntiDandruff-Shampoo-7-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B00AINMFAC/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1468665209&sr=1-1&keywords=Nizoral#customerReviews)

SECTION | CONTENT
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Title | The Rake And Shake Method
Description | Today I will show you how to enhance your curl texture with the rake and shake method! It is simple and easy. Enjoy! Amazon Link: DevaCurl Styling Cream: http://amzn.to/1RfbecV fb: http://goo.gl/ByOTTC ig: http://goo.gl/zYml3l tw: https://goo.gl/isUdCl favorite products: https://goo.gl/G3xJNj MUSIC: carousel by iMovie treehouse by Beakers Check out Beakers' music here: https://soundcloud.com/beakersproductionlibrary subscribe: http://goo.gl/6bmOS1 get notified when I upload: https://goo...
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Some people really like to use bonnet attachments. Easily found on Amazon but I'm not sure that would prevent frizz for you.

So I was thinking this could help
Hot Sock Diffuser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006Q01EI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QWqyCbCCBKR4Z

But I know there is a better one out there. Lemme get back to you with that. Tomorrow. I'm falling asleep

Pretty sure they were talking about this or something similar.

I love this

Hot Socks! It's not going to give you real diffuser curls, but it will get you by, plus it fits on any gym-provided dryer. I still end up putting my hair up or half up most days, but it gets my curls much much better than when I didn't have it.

I’m not sure, but it is on Amazon. I bought mine at Dollar General and I’ve seen it at Target.

Link Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream, 12 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LTIAU7Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wmHQCbGFZP0S7

This

They sell them at Sally Beauty Supply stores which is better than having to pay shipping. I use them and allow your hair to dry more while plopping. Personally I plop overnight with it, but my hair still doesn't dry all the way by the morning so I'm still experimenting...

I use a tangle teezer, but something like this one would work: https://www.amazon.com/Scalpmaster-SC20-Shampoo-Brush-Purple/dp/B000NJG82W?th=1 it basically exfoliates the scalp.

Ok, so yes, I too used to hate plopping with a seething passion. Then one day I tried plopping with a turban instead of a tshirt or towel, and it changed EVERYTHING.

I lay the turban flat, like you would do with a tshirt, and I plop my hair in the area where your scalp is intended to go. Then I twist the long, thinner part (which has no hair in it) and fold it back over my head and secure it with either the button or elastic (I have two different kinds). It takes 30 seconds and could stay on my head through a Zumba workout -- seriously, rock solid.

Hi, I have similar hair to yours, but probably thicker... I can't really tell from your picture. Anyway, I found some things that really moisturize my hair. In the shower I use this stuff as a normal conditioner. Even though it says masque, it works really well for my hair if I use it in the shower. I usually leave it in for about 10 minutes while I do whatever else I need to do in the shower, and then rinse it out last. I also use this leave in cream while my hair is wet. It really moisturizes my hair and smooths the frizz. Then I usually use this gel It seems to keep my hair really soft, at least compared to other styling products I've tried. I think the thing that helped the most was that shea moisture masque though, so I'd encourage you to try it!

I use Giovanni Tea Tree Shampoo and it works really well.

Hi! I know this is a little late, but I just found Pillow Soft Curls for a decent price on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Jessies-Pillow-Curls-Ounce/dp/B0094KPK70

I use DevaCurl Styling Cream. It's not too heavy for my hair (leaving in conditioner is as well as Shea Moisture products). It just gives my that slight extra push my hair needs. Not too heavy at all.

I don't know how to braid, but I use these clips to keep my hair up. http://www.amazon.com/Scunci-No-slip-Grip-Octopus--Count/dp/B001SXPSD2/ref=sr_1_8?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1412255253&sr=1-8&keywords=hair+clips

I take my hair, twist it, and then pin it up with the clip. My hair doesn't look as good when I take it down, but it usually looks okay.

This has made a world of difference. Makes it so much more manageable.

It's this one. I love it so much https://www.amazon.com/Cantu-Butter-Natural-Moisturizing-Activator/dp/B01LTIAU7Y/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1540409944&sr=8-4&keywords=cantu+curl

Here's the clips I use: Soft 'N Style Boxed Pin Curl Clips, 80 Per Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CY87MQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.-NMBbE3P8HVA

Here ya go!

I use this stuff:

Conditioner 1

gel


conditioner 2


It frizzes out all the time, but such is life in the south. I don't rinse anything out. I don't use a lot of the gel. I'll update again when I go full simba.

DevaCurl has a cream! http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006K26D9E/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

My latest thing is mixing it with the gel - 1 pump creme, and maybe a dot or two of gel. This gives it control without the crunch.

(I have a mix of 3a and 3b, with 3b on top)

Here is the mobile version of your link

Have you heard of or tried a hot sock? http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Sock-Diffuser/dp/B0006Q01EI

I use this shampoo once a week and it helped immensely. After shampooing I just put conditioner on the last few inches of my hair.

Curly Girl: The Handbook https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YL4KS0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_OLUKBbA0VQW5N

This was the book.My hairdresser gave it to me to read as she did my deva curl haircut

Gel.

After it dries, break up the crunch.

The jac-o-net mesh scarf. I plop wet after the shower with product in. Take it off in the morning. Not as perfect as air drying but I’m not going to wake up that early!

Jac-O-Net Triangle Veil Net https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003I5XLFA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fMJaBbJZSCQCM

Curly girl method -- no silicones, sulfates, mineral oils; cowash with conditioner -- developed by Lorraine Massey, founder of Deva Curl.

Please do tell us your products! It looks fabulous. My dryer is a cheaper one I found at Target- the Conair You(they were discontinuing it, I know that much). It is a ceramic, ionic dryer that came with it's own diffuser. The link is the dryer but doesn't include the diffuser... not sure why.

When looking for a diffuser, try to find one with a lip around the edge that creates a little bowl. The fingers don't do much for me, I find them to be kind of annoying, actually, but if there isn't a lip on the edge, it's harder to keep the hair in. That's the only problem I have with my current diffuser. I have to use my hands to cup the hair into the bowl.

This diffuser is similar to what I have now, with no lip. Do you see how nothing really keeps the hair in the diffuser? Just as an example, this diffuser is a deeper bowl with an edge around it. It's a little thing, but it makes a big difference for me. Not the end of the world, but makes things a tad easier.

Also as far as speed goes, it makes no difference with curly hair. The more speed= more frizz, even with the best diffuser(which is why we diffuse on low setting). I know lots of curlies over on NaturallyCurly.com go for the travel dryers, since they are a tad weaker.

I believe the parts of my hair that are colored are damaged have high porosity while the parts that are brown have low porosity. I thought maybe I needed moisture, so I did a hot grapeseed oil treatment followed by another reset wash. It didn’t help. I am now thinking maybe I need to try a protein treatment? I am considering Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner.

Here is my current routine:

I do cardio every day and sweat a lot, so I shower daily. Every three days I use the low poo Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo for Anti Dandruff (it is CG approved) and condition with Alberto VO5 Pomegranate Bliss. Other days I just condition with Alberto VO5. These both have humectants, but I live in Seattle so not a hot or dry climate. In the shower I use a wide tooth comb when conditioner is in. For gel I use Herbal Essences Totally Twisted. I tried squish to condish with leaving some conditioner in. I tried the super soaker method. Both looked worse than this picture - more stringy and oily. My method: I apply gel with prayer hands and scrunch while head is flipped over. Once right side up again, I put a little more gel in hands and scrunch areas that need more gel. I plop with microfiber towel for ~5-10 min. Then I diffuse on low heat and low power for just a few minutes. I tried not diffusing, and again it looked much worse. I let the remainder air dry and then break the gel cast. I put just a little jojoba oil on my hands while breaking the cast to minimize frizz. I O-clip for volume while the remainder air dries. At night I pineapple and I have a satin pillowcase.

There is one product that I use that is not CG approved. Every 7-10 days I use Overtone Deep Treatment. Unfortunately I just bought two tubs before starting CG. I am careful not to get it on my scalp. The same day I use overtone, I also reset wash with Neutrogena Anti-Residue Formula (clarifying shampoo) to avoid build up. Going forward I will use Arctic Fox for color.

Any thoughts on what my problem could be? Could the Overtone be my main problem or is it likely something else? If my issue is that I need protein, is Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner a good one? Any advice on routine tweak is appreciated.

My hair goal: defined waves that look fuller and are not stringy

Edit: added more detail on how I use gel, goal, and humectants