With airy, bubbly foams, it's like I'm not wearing any product at all. The ends of my hair dry first and become really frizzy and the gel makes a really noticeable and dramatic difference. I do, and I don't wish to repeat that experience. Define and humidity-proof your curls with this leave-in cream. Curly hair tends to be drier and more prone to tangles than straight hair, so you'll have to be careful about washing, conditioning, and styling your hair. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk, Best Butter: Deeply hydrating and nourishing, this Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie is great for thick, curly hair. Many curlies have a LOT of opinions on which products they will or won't use, and I've found this to be particularly true for people with fine, delicate curl strands. I was (and still am) very picky about the styling products I use, namely because it is so easy for fine-haired people to get products that don't work at all. Say goodbye to knots that lead to breakage and grow your hair longer and stronger with this herbal conditioner. Our curls can only be as good as the products we use—defined, gorgeous curls and healthy, hydrated strands go hand in hand, after all. Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream. Use a curl cream to define your curls while they are still soaking wet, such as directly out of the shower. The rice amino acids and avocado oil will help your hair … While some shampoos strain and strip your hair, this formula uses yummy ingredients like coconut oil, castor oil, and citrus extract to revive your curls for more manageable hair. Allow me to help: After decades of testing approximately 10,000 products and trying out hundreds of ways to make my hair look and feel good, I’ve amassed a number of solutions that actually work. Spray this leave-in conditioner all over your wet hair up to 10 times—seriously, it's so weightless, there's no need to be frugal—and it will leave your hair soft and shiny. Further, that difference in shape is largely why curly hair needs more moisture and hydration; it makes it harder for the scalp’s naturally moisturizing oils to travel all the way down the hair shaft. Coconut oil is this leave-in conditioner’s secret ingredient, which works to detangle and hydrate. looking defined for longer. Keep your hair healthy and manageable with this best selling formula. These products seal the external structure of your hair’s strands, the cortex, by evening ou the scales lying cross the shafts of the hair. Gel is awesome for definition, which can be really important for fine-haired folks who tend to be more breakage and frizz-prone or who want well-defined ringlets. A combination of water and glycerin bring curls back to life, reshaping and rehydrating them as soon as you spritz it on. Those with kinky curly hair know that wash day can be a time consuming task, but the slip in this moisturizing product makes detangling a breeze by smoothing the cuticle and removing knots. Because curly hair is naturally more prone to dryness than straight hair, the more hydration you can pack into your hair, the better. The featherweight formula is infused with argan oil to calm frizz and refine ringlets, all without ever feeling greasy or sticky. This post may contain affiliate links. I think that both products have great benefits and can create awesome looks for different hair types based on what you want out of your hair that day. Once your curls are damp but no longer soaked, you are ready to use the gel. You can scrunch your curls for looser definition, finger coil for tight springy curls, seal ends to fight frizz and so much more. Creams, in general, are all moisturizing, smoothing and defining, and are a bit more tailored for curly hair. This hair butter will leave your hair nourished and hydrated without weighing it down or leaving it greasy. This cream is made with 96% naturally-derived ingredients and contains no dyes or silicones, so it's safe to use on all types of hair. The best curly hair products, whether hair is fine and frizzy or thick and coarse. I find that if I don’t use gel, I end up with so much more frizz. Similarly, you’ll also want to make sure that any products you’re using are free of ingredients that can dry out your strands. 1. Kinky Curly Knot Today Detangler, What to Look For in a Product for Curly Hair, Have Curly Hair? To refresh second or third-day curls, try Miss Jessie's Curls So Fresh. It can be frustrating to spend a lot of money on something that you ultimately end up ditching, and seeing your hair still not look the way you want to. Use it as a traditional rinse-out conditioner for those with waves and loose curls, or try it as a leave-in for those with tighter textures. Another great way to tame coarse, flyaway hair is to use a relaxing balm. Remember that noise your hair would make in high school when you used cheap drugstore gel and it literally sounded like straw after it dried? Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our It holds curls in place without ever feeling or looking sticky or greasy. Yes, please! Do you have a preference for mousse or gel? Opt for using a leave-in conditioner first, then following up with a gel. The range of Shea Moisture hair care products is possibly the most popular among the curly community, especially those with 3/4abc type, textured curls. Too much heat and you get frizz. You should limit how often you shampoo, and use products to keep your hair moisturized. Bad Alcohol. Added shine without using silicone (which can build up on hair and weigh down your curls) is a tall order for a hair gel but is accomplished by many brands. Many of these products are actually moisturizing, unlike most gels , and they also help to keep each strand in place. First, you’ll want to head over to this post and get my super-secret DIY refresh spray recipe. It thrives with the least amount of styling and manipulation,” notes Hardges. Instead of locking them up in a boring topknot, reach for this spray. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. From my own experience, I swore off gel for many years after looking back at high school photos and being horrified at how crunchy and stiff my curls were. How to Use Gel to Fix Curly Hair. 2C/3A/3B - modified CG - fairly fine now, normal/low porosity/normal elasticity Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel. Hair masks for curly hair You can create a DIY hair mask from common household ingredients. A little of this serum goes a long way to keep strands moisturized and elastic. Start off with clean hair. For a wash-’n’-go, I start by leaving the Philip Kingsley … Sign up for our newsletter to get more tips and tricks. Best Overall: First and foremost, make sure you choose a product that’s specifically formulated for curly hair. When it comes down to deciding between mousse or gel for fine, curly hair, I feel like the cute little girl in the Old El Paso taco commercial: why not both? It will soften coarse, curly hair while enhancing your natural curls and eliminating frizz. In order to keep those curls looking … review process here. From styling creams to smoothing oils to leave-in conditioners, we've got you—and your curls—covered. Traditional shampoo is one of the most important products to avoid with the Curly Girl Method. If I'm layering, I always end with gel to lock in the goodness from my leave-in. On that note, there are some specific benefits of using mousse vs. using gel, as well as considerations to weigh when it comes to your hair type, frizz factor, curl density and desired texture: Can you say va-va-volume?! Having fine hair and curls can be ​tough since many defining creams can weigh them down. SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Styling Mouse, 2. Phyto Botanical Straightening Balm, Best Serum: I can definitely see myself using mousse on days when I want my hair to look good but don’t have the time required to use gel and diffuse for a full hour. Be careful, read the label and stick to natural ingredients where possible. Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. NaturAll Club Ice Cream Treatment Deep Conditioner, Best for Fine Hair: The difference in not using gel on my curls. Every head of curls is different, so it’s totally personal and down to you which you prefer for you and your hair, but it’s important that you know which to use for certain outcomes! Foams are very no-fuss. These masks are meant to be put on the hair overnight and then washed out in … 7 of the Best Curl Creams For Afro, Curly, and Multi-Textured Hair Fine hair will always take a little bit of guesswork when it comes to the balance of hold vs. volume in a product, so try new things! Their Bain Fluidealiste Nutritive Bain Elasto-Curl Shampoo is praised by beauty experts for its intense moisturizing properties. Think of this curl cream like nutrient-rich food for your curly hair. I can't speak for other curlies, but my curls don't form as tightly when I use foamy products. Brickell Men’s Products Daily Strengthening Shampoo for Men. Gel can be great on its own, or it can be layered with a cream or oil when you want more moisture or definition. A gel so you can define your curls or waves without making them crunchy (because nobody wants … Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream, Best Curl Refresher: Finding the right curl cream for thick hair is tough—you need … If you are using a gel and a moisturizer, always apply the gel second so that it can lock in the shape created by your moisturizer. To use, apply a small amount through damp hair and dry your hair as usual. Participate in product testing surveys discussions etc. We also love that it has lots of slip, making it ideal for detangling. Layer a small amount of gel over foam-based products for extra hold, use a conditioning foam if your hair tends to be dry or ditch the heavy gel for a thin, slippery product that won't weigh down your roots and see what works best for your curl type and density. Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Nourishing & Conditioning Styling Foam. The 14 Best Shampoos for Curly Hair That We Know You'll Love, 8 Expert-Approved Home Remedies For Dry, Frizz-Prone Hair, The 18 Deep Conditioners That Add Serious Moisture to Natural Hair, The 17 Curl Creams for Your Bounciest, Shiniest Curls Ever, These Are the Best Gels for Natural Hair—Trust, These Are the Best Leave-In Conditioners for Natural Hair, Hands Down, The Best Black-Owned Hair Products to Stock Up On, ASAP, These Are the 7 Best Conditioners for Curly Hair, Hands Down, The Curly-Hair Community Agrees: These Are the Best Products for Natural Hair, These Experts Explain Exactly How to Identify Your Curl Type, You're probably not the type you thought you were, Thank Us Later: These Leave-In Conditioners Make Curls Come Back to Life. Aloe really is an all-rounder ingredient suitable for all stages of a curly hair routine. If you have naturally wavy hair and follow the curly girl method I’d love to hear what you think. In other words, it puts your curls back in formation. If you're struggling to find a solution to dry, brittle curls, the right co-wash might be just what your routine is missing. The bottom line: Look for products that help you embrace your natural texture, and are specially formulated to give your curls what they need. With gel, I have to diffuse over an hour. Curly hair is a beast of its own, and sometimes requires more products as it can be naturally dry and coarse. “Curly hair needs lots of attention, but it also needs to just be left alone. Not all alcohols are created equal. It sounds obvious, but because curly hair is so different, using curl-specific products is paramount. Use other holding products: There are other great holding products aside from gel , like mousse, butter, lotion, cream, or pomade. Being a 3C curly, my hair gets dry super quick so I need the moisture from a cream but the hold of a gel to keep my curls. Caring for your curly hair using butter and natural oils means you’ll be conditioning and moisturizing. Celebrity hairstylist Kristin Ess (known for her work with Lauren Conrad, Lucy Hale, and more) has a line of affordable, high-quality hair products that you need to try ASAP. If you’ve embraced your natural texture, this is the product for you. I am obsessed with getting as much volume as possible out of my low-density, 3c hair, and I am always trying new techniques and products that promise not to weigh my hair down. Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter, Best Gel: Forms a loose “S” very easily straightened, Forms a definite “S” shaped like a corkscrew, Very tight curl when stretched creates an “S”, Hair intentionally matted to form "ropes", Guides and resources for easy product selection, Learn how to read your hair product labels, Easy-to-make recipes for all your haircare needs, Community member favorites make up this coveted list, Chat with curl friends about your favorite curly topics. Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Crème, Best Budget: Mousse vs. Gel: How to Choose the Best Styler for Your Fine Curly Hair, SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Styling Mouse, Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Nourishing & Conditioning Styling Foam, product that is specifically formulated for humid weather, Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel, consider donating very gently used products to hurricane relief efforts. Vernon Francois Pure For Hold and Shine Serum, Best Shampoo: AG Hair Re:Coil Curl Activator, These Are the Best Drugstore Products for Curly Hair, Best Cream: I lived in Houston until I was 18, and water-soluble foam was no match for the literal swamp air I dredged myself through on a daily basis. 2. To effectively use a curling gel to get structured, defined ringlets, you’ll … It also delivers major shine and frizz control. Made for kinky hair or tight coils, this serum encourages healthy hair growth by nourishing strands with a mix of six botanical oils. Bonus: This conditioner smells amazing (think tropical breezes and piña coladas). If you want to go straight on occasion, invest in a great ceramic/ionic … For some, this can take the form of a moisturizing gel, while others need a separate moisturizer, followed by a gel. 1) You can mix aloe vera gel into your prepoo oil, shampoo, conditioner or styling products. A gel that defines your curls without leaving it dry and flaky? They allow your hair to be moisturized from the inside out and won’t leave you with flakes or frizz. Kristin Ess Weightless Shine Leave-In Conditioner, Best Natural: Unless you can find a product that is specifically formulated for humid weather, it will probably not hold up well if you're regularly facing down 80% humidity or higher. Wearing your hair au naturel has never been cooler, but those of us with curly or wavy strands know that letting our kinks loose with abandon is easier said than done. This hydrating curl control jelly eliminates frizz and elongates curls while leaving it soft to the touch — making it the ultimate styler. And, if a product doesn't end up working for you, consider donating very gently used products to hurricane relief efforts: natural hair products are always in short supply during disaster recovery. Made specifically for curly hair, PATTERN is a haircare company created by actress Tracee Ellis Ross. In any curly routine, [the point is] is to activate and express the curl with the right moisturizer. Instead, your curls will look instantly defined and feel insanely soft. Sulfate-free products for curly hair are considered a must by curly hair experts. But not this gem from Moroccanoil. 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