Curly, thick but very dry and frizzy puffy hair - have tried EVERYTHING :(

[Smyths]

I have curly thick hair (probably similar to pic 3a or 3b in the attached photo).

It looks great with defined curls on the day I wash my hair and then once fully dry, is a tangle, frizzy, straw-like, puffy mess.

I have tried almost everything:

• not used any heat tools on my hair for nearly 5 months

-deep condition my hair using morrocan argan oil deep conditioner, John freida frizz ease deep conditioner -oiling my hair before washing -applying leave in conditioners (they are always highly scented which I’m allergic too) -trimmed 4 inches off my hair 1.5 months ago -hair protein mask

Yet my hair is the worst it’s ever been :(

Stop using shampoo and go silicone free?
Silk scarves/pillowcases stop the frizz created from sleeping on it.

Have you tried curly girl method? Worth a google if not.

Doesn't look like you've tried the curly girl method. I think that may end up being the answer. The 'curly girls (conditioner washing for women)' group on FB has loads of info and lots of people to guide you through.

Have you tried label m rejuvenating oil.

Best thing I've ever used. You can use it wet it dry.

Thanks everyone.
I use a microfibre hair wrap to wrap my wet washed hair in (I don’t rub with a towel)

And have even tried avoiding shampoo for a few months and even that didn’t help.

Thanks - I have heard of the curly girl method but it seems so complicated, requires a lot of products and seems a lot of trial and error in products is needed before finding the right regime. Also, a lot of the products are heavily scented which triggers migraines and nausea in me :( @Slurpy

If it’s dry and straw-like you might be putting protein on your hair when it doesn’t need it. I have to use purple shampoo to keep my balayage from looking brassy but they all contain wheat protein and I can barely get a brush through it afterwards.

Does anything in your routine contain coconut? It mimics protein so I can’t use that either. My hair is also 3a and thick.

Have u looked at Wen by Chaz Dean? I used to have 2b hair but its loads smoother now. Used it for a year or 2 but I dont need to bother anymore.

I follow cgm and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Have a look at sensible curly girls UK Facebook page it’s not as regimented as the original. I cowash and condition with the same product, dry for 10minutes, apply gel, air dry. Deep condition twice a week and that’s as much effort as you get from me. I am a 2b, and my hair hates coconut.

I have thick hair that is naturally curly but I have it chemically straightened every six months. I use GHDs daily so have to be careful as it can get very dry and damaged. I only ever use salon grade products and for the last year or so have used Kerastase Discipline or Nutritive shampoo, conditioner and masque. I often slap loads of masque in my (towel dry) hair at night and wash as normal in the morning or more recently I've been using Olaplex No.3 which is great - I put it in an hour before washing and it leaves my hair soft and smooth. None of these products come cheap, but they are very good and a little lasts a long time.

I suggest using sulphate and silicone free shampoo’s and conditioners. Thats made the world of difference to my curls. Also never brush it unless it’s wet, and it’s possible to over-wash it which just makes it dryer. I only actually shampoo/condition mine about once every 4 days.

I have that hair. Took me ages to work out but I have a regime that works brilliantly now.

I brush just before washing, never after. I have to wash daily (no two ways about this) and use a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner to wash, followed by plain conditioner as usual. Rinse, and put straight into a hand towel turban for 15mins (while I eat breakfast/get dressed etc). Then take off towel, smooth on serum (I use John Frieda oil elixir) and leave alone. Hair must not be brushed or messed with otherwise. Nice curls that last all day.

Start getting keratin treatments. It's literally changed my life.

Boots Curl Creme.
Not Curly Girl "friendly", but brilliant.

Detangle hair when wet with a wide toothed comb. Use whatever shampoo and conditioner works for you. Using a leave in conditioner is often a good idea. I am currently liking the Cantu Leave In conditioner/repair creme. My hair is much softer.

Use an old cotton t shirt to 'plop' hair, or to just squeeze out excess moisture. Get some curl Creme in your hands, rub them together until it goes from pink to white, flip head forward, then smooth it through your hair. Gently scrunch your hair upwards to encourage the curl clumps.
Allow to dry naturally, or use a diffuser attachment on a dryer (loads of tutorial videos online).
When hair is dry, gently scrunch again to remove any 'cast' (crispness from the product).

The biggest thing is to find the products that work for you, and to leave your hair alone as much as possible while it is drying.
Silk or satin pillowcases are good for hair. Also for reducing wrinkles, so I have heard!

I struggled with my curly hair for years - straighteners, chemical straighteners, products, regular blow dries - I tried everything. A couple of years ago I took the plunge and cut it short. It's still very definitely curly but is SO much less hassle and looks much better (normally, not after 3 months of no haircut!).

When it was a bit longer and curly I washed and brushed it out every day, scrunched up and either diffused it until it was only a bit damp them left to dry naturally.

You could try co washing ( special conditioner used to wash , no shampoo )

Nuxe multi use dry oil is really good

I do a version of curly girl- wash it with my normal conditioner (Aldi Tresemme knock off!), never use shampoo, never brush, use wide tooth comb when the conditioner is on in the shower. Try that before spending any money, it may work for you too!

Yes I would second Keratin treatment, so worth it. I no longer hate my hair.