https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:20:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-321654 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 15:49:42 +0000 Kristine 321654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Although I'm not wearing my hair curly as often these days, I've found spray gel is the best product for me. I blot the ends, find the part, spray it with gel and keep my hands off until it's dry. Once it's dry I gently scrunch it. Stylists tend to recommend curling cream over spray gel, but it just doesn't define the curls as well for me. The trick is a light spray gel (not syrupy or gummy), the one I used most recently was Tresemme Simply No Frizz. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-321583 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 14:14:27 +0000 nicoleb 321583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Steph - sorry i'm just seeing this now. The curls that look like super ringlets up top are probably made by the curling iron. It kind of depends on the day, how "fresh" my haircut is, etc. That's why i like it so much. It makes it less of a chance for me to have a bad hair day since curly hair can be so unpredictable. </p> <p>Sorry to hear about your diffuser experience! That sounds scary lol. If you have time to air dry, then by all means go for it! Better for your hair anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-320437 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:50:44 +0000 JenT 320437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have found that the less I touch my hair, the better. I let it air-dry with gel (Redken for curls), then once it's dry I scrunch it with my hands to soften the crunchy gel and release the curls. Then I add a second product - either a serum or a finishing cream. I also add a couple of curls to the top (with a curling iron), because now that I'm 40, my grays are turning unruly and can look frizzy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-320320 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 04:33:14 +0000 rosee 320320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>wow, this is my first forum post. ;)</p> <p>I've also checked out naturallycurly.com, but it's quite a maze to get through. I did manage to bookmark a few pages that had really good info and product suggestions. I don't think their co-wash method will work for me b/c I have shoulder-length, fine textured, wavy-curly hair that I also dye (too young for greys). I need to wash my hair about 2 to 3 times a week b/c it gets greasy otherwise.</p> <p>@yublocka: Aveda products are very good (also $$$) but they can have ammonium laureth /lauryl sulfate in the shampoos which is not SLS (sodium...) but a milder sulfate, but it can still be drying on the hair. Salon brands don't necessarily mean no sulfates and silicones. To check if there are silicones, look for ingredients ending in -one and sometimes -ane. I used to use Aveda a lot but now I have a different budget. I don't mind ALS's as much because they seem to be gentler on the hair and they clean well. I'm trying different sulfate-free shampoos (mostly "natural" brands, I say that in quotes on purpose, depends on their ingredients) and haven't found a solid routine yet.</p> <p>I have tried a gel that I have had some success with: Giovanni LA Natural Strong hold. Nice ringy-waves and no frizz, some volume (I don't like a lot of volume). The problem is that I don't always get consistent results, mostly I believe due to the weather (Alberta, Canada, where the winter temperatures can change from 0 to 60F in a few short days and goes from humid to dry as well).<br /> I would love to try some of the specialized curly and salon brands, but that's not in my budget right now, so I usually analyze drug store brands and products from iherb.com. Desert Essence shea and coconut shampoos /conditioners seem to be working well also, and they are no sulfate, no silicone. Problems again is still looking for consistent, weatherproof results.<br /> (if you do go to iherb to check out what's on offer, use the discount code "RUG268").</p> <p>I still have some Garnier Fructis Curls and Shine Leave-In treatment but it's so full of silicones. It's now a discontinued product, but I usually liked what it did for my curls. It's similar to AG's ReCoil, but less expensive and I had better results. I may consider getting ReCoil again though -- I checked the labels and I didn't recognize any silicones in it. I also liked that it is a cream formula, put it in my hair and let it air dry. The more I do to my hair the worse it gets. I'm not much of a styler.</p> <p>Cheers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-320240 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:35:23 +0000 yublocka 320240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've just started going to a salon that uses Aveda only products. They smell delicious. So far the only product I have bought is a conditioner which seems to be silicone-free (someone please correct me if I am wrong). I am hoping their shampoo will also be SLS free too but haven't checked it out yet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-320123 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 19:34:41 +0000 Jonesy 320123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Second vote for Sebastian's Potion 9 (a leave-in conditioner). I've tried all sorts of other leave-in products, but this just works the best for my curly-wavy, very thick, course, plentiful hair. I use Aveda shampoo and conditioner, usually every 3-4 days. On non-wash days, I just wet down the top layer of my hair (standing at the sink and wetting my hands, then sticking them in my hair and scrunching) which seems to re-activate the Potion 9 somehow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-319926 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:43:21 +0000 lynne 319926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a fan of some of the Deva products, too. I find them at Ulta but used to buy them online. Have you checked out the website <a href="http://www.naturallycurly.com?" rel="nofollow">http://www.naturallycurly.com?</a> Lots of information. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-319852 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 10:20:32 +0000 April 319852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Steph, I haven't tried Deva's No Poo -- I just skip the shampoo most days, and use a sulfate-free formulation when I do shampoo (once every week or two). I do use their gel and recently bought their conditioner. I like it, though I think in general my hair needs something a little richer. </p> <p>The ArcAnGEL has the most wonderful, light citrusy scent. (A major issue of mine is hair and body products that smell like fruity children's gum. When did Fake Watermelon become the manufacturers' scent of choice?) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-319829 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 06:54:02 +0000 thimblelina 319829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>P.S. Don't use my 3/23 WIW picture as a DevaCurl reference. It was a hot mess of big bad bed head all the way, and no products were harmed in its creation.. L </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-319821 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 05:29:50 +0000 thimblelina 319821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Steph, I've really liked all their stuff. I feel like it cleans my hair. But I've never shampooed multiple times in a row with the No Poo. Try to get the starter kit; its got 4 little bottles all slightly larger than travel size so you can see how their styling products work too. I think you can order that kit online. Good luck. We are having a monsoon season here in Northern CA and I've forgotten what my regular hair looks like... L. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-319706 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:27:02 +0000 Steph 319706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April, can you tell me more about your no poo method? Do you use Deva's no poo, or do you just not shampoo at all? I tried not using any shampoo for about a month this summer and I just didn't think it helped me at all, so I stopped. If you use Deva's no poo I would love to hear what you think. Do you feel it gets your hair really clean? I have to figure out where to find Deva products. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-319701 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:20:19 +0000 Steph 319701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all of the help! The one great thing about my hair is that it is not damaged, and I don't really think it's dry either. Hairstylists always say that it is very healthy. I never blowdry, so that probably helps. I also go to the gym every weekday, so I really do have to at least get my hair wet--and probably wash--every weekday, because when I work out my hair ends up wet with sweat, and that's just gross. </p> <p>@Mo, that is a GREAT photo! Dressed up as a cat while sticking your tongue out and holding a glass of wine. Looks like a fun party. Your curls are what mine look like on the days when I'm a little less curly, if that makes sense. (I swear, my curls have a mind of their own.) What is the name of the sulfate-free shampoo you started using? Your hair is SO long in that photo--it is amazing that you are able to keep it looking so healthy at that length! </p> <p>@Nicole,in the photo you posted, are the curls on the top of your head that look kind of ringlet-like made with the curling iron, or are those your natural curls? I'm just curious. I have always been a huge fan of your hair whenever you post photos. Unfortunately, I can't imagine I could handle the blow-drying. I tried using a diffuser once and my hair ended up knotted inside of the diffuser. I am a pro at blowing it straight, but I don't think I could handle it for the curls. </p> <p>@Dottie, in my experience I have found that mixing products, as you do, seems to give me better results than just using one. I wish it were otherwise, though. Looks like two votes for the John Freida serum!</p> <p>@thimbelina, I was just reading about DevaCurl. Are you using the no-poo? What do you think? The non-lathering thing seems strange to me, but I'm guessing I would get used to it. </p> <p>@tarzy, on my best curly days, my curls look almost like yours, but with a little less bounce and a little less curl (my hair is a lot longer, so that could account for some of that). I rarely have those good days, though. I might try your suggestions first since your texture seems most similar to mine (although I don't color, so I don't have that added complication). It's interesting, because I have used some Bumble and Bumble and some Tigi, but not the ones you have used. </p> <p>Of course, after I initially posted this I ended up showering and putting some Frederick Fekkai Belle Boucles cream in my hair, kind of cupped my hand and plopped the ends of my hair into it, and then left it alone. A half hour later, it looked great. I went out in the very humid almost-rain for about an hour, came home, and it still looked pretty good (a little frizz around the outside of the hair, but it was almost raining, so I can't complain too much). Yet I have done this several times before--although not in the past six months or so--with results that did not border on anything close to good. I just don't get it, but I might play with the Fekkai a little more to see if it continues. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-319695 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:07:10 +0000 April 319695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use a combination of Deva Curl Arc AnGEL and Potion 9 leave-in treatment by Sebastian. I find that anything that can be spritzed on creates frizz, so I stay away from everything that calls itself a curl refresher or curl activator. </p> <p>I use the no-shampoo (more like "rarely shampoo") method that the Deva folks recommend, and "wash" my hair with conditioner only. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-319693 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:59:00 +0000 tarzy 319693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not sure what your hair looks like. Mine is fairly curly and very thick, and gets totally frizzy. (I also color my hair, so it's pretty dry.)</p> <p>The endless search for curly hair products! I've tried so many, and I get different results depending on the day, the time, where the moon is positioned, whether my cat is in a good mood - there's no consistency. At all. </p> <p>I wash, GENTLY blot with a non-friction towel (I use the Curl-Ease) - no rubbing - then I put some styling cream in my hand, warm it up, and run it through ONLY from ears down. (If I put it anywhere near the top if my head, I get hair glued to my head.) Sometimes I scrunch, sometimes I do rake &amp; shake (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVMFgPM9YYY" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVMFgPM9YYY</a>) It doesn't seem to matter - it usually looks pretty much the same.<br /> I like Bumble &amp; Bumble Curl Conscious cream for styling.<br /> I also use TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock, which is more of a gel - stronger hold (my stylist suggested that one.)<br /> I plan on trying something from the Living Proof line (they have it at Sephora) next. </p> <p>I'm also looking for a second day product, when I don't want to wash my hair. Without product on the second/third day, it's a wild mess. I tried Mist-er Right from DevaCurl, but hated it. It felt like alcohol on my hair, and dried it out too much!<br /> Anyone have any other suggestions? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-319640 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:46:06 +0000 thimblelina 319640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm more wavy than curly, but my stylist still gave me samples of a line called DevaCurl to try. She went to NYC and did a workshop w/them and just loves all their product. They do a sulfite free shampoo called No Poo. Very clean line. Doesn't enhance my curliness in any way but definitely cuts down on fog induced frizz. L </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-319612 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:02:05 +0000 Mo 319612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have used and liked Bio silk as well. I should have mentioned that I rarely *do* anything to my hair and so I don't like to put a bunch of stuff in it. I don't rewet it daily and I don't want a gunked up pillowcase lol. I do wash my bangs and around my face every day but the ends get washed only every 3rd day or so. So I just use the before mentioned products after a full shampoo. And on the rare occasion, I will also pull out the curling iron for half a dozen defining curls on the top layer like Nicole does. HTH. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-319602 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:52:13 +0000 dottie 319602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've tried most drugstore products and several salon ones. The one I like best overall is Marc Anthony Strictly Curls curl envy perfect curl cream, and the curl enhancing styling foam. Mousses tend to work best for me, but my hairdresser has told me they are too drying, so I'm trying creams/lotion products more these days. I also have Kevin Murphy Motion.Lotion from my stylist. It works great on my hair. I've used a mixture of Biolage Gelee firm hold gel with John Frieda's Frizz-Ease hair serum extra strength with some pretty good results too. Another product I like is Biosilk's silk therapy. It helps tame the frizzies. For context, my hair is sort of medium-coarse texture and highlighted, and is one ugly mess if I don't use product in it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-319571 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:06:00 +0000 nicoleb 319571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use...<br /> "It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Product" (<a href="http://amzn.to/eBM5iU" rel="nofollow">http://amzn.to/eBM5iU</a>) post shower.<br /> Followed up by John Frieda's Frizz-Ease Defined Gel (<a href="http://amzn.to/hFyQjf" rel="nofollow">http://amzn.to/hFyQjf</a>) which i run through my hair with my fingers and then scrunch for curl definition. </p> <p>Then I...<br /> I take a blow dryer w/ a difuser and blow under and up while slightly tilting my head to help create volume at my crown. </p> <p>I just recently starting using a curling wand (<a href="http://amzn.to/hxqY7Y" rel="nofollow">http://amzn.to/hxqY7Y</a>) at my stylist recommendation for defining a few curls here and there @ the top of my head. I LOVE this tip. Really helps stay away from that triangle, bulky shape that can happen with curly hair. </p> <p>More tips:<br /> I don't wash my hair everyday (except for my bangs). I do re-wet it every morning though. </p> <p>I switch up shampoos and conditioners often. I feel like my hair gets to "used" to the same thing and doesn't look at good. I use, Matrix, Biolage and Catwalk for brands. Anything that talks about "for curls" or "hydrating".</p> <p>HTHs!</p> <p>ETA: I posted this photo before to show my makeup but this shows my hair pretty well too i think.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-319564 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:01:05 +0000 Mo 319564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use CurlySexyHair leave in detangler (in a dark blue bottle) and sometimes an anti frizz serum like CitraShine or(oops edit!) John Freida for the ends. I'm trying to shy away from the serums lately what with all the silicone and Sulfate talk. I just started using a lower sulfate shampoo and I"m not sure if I notice much difference. Anyway, I have wavy to curly hair, quite a bit of it, although the individual strands are not that thick themselves. As seen below worn long (ignore the expression please! it's the best pic of my longer curls) and in my avatar worn a bit shorter.<br /> <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&#038;_trksid=p4340.l2557&#038;rt=nc&#038;nma=true&#038;item=320642268581&#038;si=R41PsyU7BRWJW0OcEqv5Okmoj6I%253D&#038;viewitem=&#038;sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT" rel="nofollow">http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA.....MEWNX%3AIT</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/favorite-products-for-curly-hair#post-319555 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:44:12 +0000 Steph 319555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My hair is naturally curly/wavy. I don't have ringlets, but my curls are more than just a loose wave. I have a lot of hair and it is relatively thick, and when it is worn curly, it has a tendency to frizz. </p> <p>My new goal is to find a way to style my hair that allows it to look good while curly with some reliability. Right now, my hair sometimes looks great curly, but there is no way of knowing when I'm going to have a good hair day. If I ever have an event where I want to be sure my hair looks great, I have to straighten it. </p> <p>I know that curly hair is very idiosyncratic, so I realize what works for one person might not work for another. But if you have curly hair and like the way it looks, can you let me know what products you use? I think that some kind of cream to put in my hair post-shower, that would minimize the frizz and help the curls form, would be ideal. If you have any special tips in addition to products, I would love to hear those as well. I have gone to naturallycurly.com, but I find their forum difficult to navigate--ideally I would find someone with hair that looks like mine and use the products and methods they use, but thus far I haven't had much luck. </p>