Curly Girl | My Current Faves

When I cut my hair in August of 2019, it was slightly botched (not by my current stylist), but I loved it!  It wasn’t cut the right way and I felt like my curl pattern was very different than the shoulder length curls I was accustomed to.  It was quite frustrating because I felt that I needed to relearn my tresses, and all of my fellow naturalistas know that finding the right products can be quite taxing.  So, I set out on another search to figure out how to keep these short coils moisturized and defined.  I get compliments on my hair all of the time.  Not trying to brag, but with the compliments come the questions about the products I use so I thought I’d share my recent faves.

First, let me let you know that my hair type/curl pattern is mostly 3c with some 4a at the crown.  My hair has low porosity.  These 2 pieces of information are very important to know and will make your quest to find what works for your hair so much easier.  If you want to find out more about how to find out your curl pattern and porosity, go here and here.  Also, I’m NOT a product junkie.  I’ll try things here and there, but once I like something, I stick with it.  If it ain’t broke, don’t need to fix it, right??

So what do I use?

SHAMPOO/CONDITIONER

I have fallen in love with Pattern Beauty! Since the launch last September, this has been a staple in my hair regimen.  It is nourishing and moisturizing and I feel like it really helps to define my curls.  Now, I could do without the evergreen smell.  It smells like a Christmas tree and I’m just not a fan of those kinds of smells.  Otherwise it’s awesome.  There are some mixed reviews regarding ingredients (which might be a slight problem for me now that I have color) and there has been a huge concern regarding the price.   It can be a tad on the expense side but when I purchased in September, I didn’t have to buy again until early 2020.  To me, it was worth it and only about $8-12 more than some other products.

Honorable Mention : I always have Design Essential Naturals Almond & Avocado shampoo and conditioner on hand as well.  Always.  Gentle and helps retain moisture + makes detangling a breeze.

LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Pattern is the winner here too.  The leave-in is light and adds more definition to my curls.  By the time I use the leave-in, my hair is already detangled.  I start finger detangling while I condition.  Then I use a large, wide-tooth comb to prevent breakage.  I never use a brush to detangle.  Learned that lesson when wads of hair kept being the end result.  I use a Denman brush to work the leave-in through my tresses and then I can get on to styling.

Honorable Mention : Aunt Jackie’s Knot on my Watch Instant Detangling Therapy.

CURL CREAM

Lately, I have used Shea Moisture’s Make it Last Wash & Go Gel Oil religiously.  It keeps my curls defined but soft.  It is super conditioning, and I don’t get a lot of frizz (as long as I let my hair completely dry before manipulating).  With a consistency that is a true mix of a gel and an oil, a little goes a long way here.

Honorable Mention : Mousse Def Texture Foam by The Doux.  I wrote a whole blog post singing it’s praises HERE. I’m pretty sure I will always have this one close by!

OIL

I’m not very picky when it comes to oils.  I’ve used organic coconut oil, jojoba, grapeseed, Jamaican castor oil, black seed oil, all the oils. Coconut oil is probably my favorite. According to the natural curly powers that be, I’m supposed to do the LOC (Leave in-Oil-Cream) method to maintain moisture, but that really made my hair more frizzy.  So I use the LCO (Leave in-Cream-Oil) and apply the oil last.  I have it in spray form to use right after styling with a cream and I’ll use again when doing twist-outs.

Photos :: Kim Thomas

Cut  & Color :: Sharon Clark of The Row Salon

 

Do you have a staple product for your hair?