Coarse, curly, wild, crazy hair - what do you use to make it behave?

[Lottapianos]

I'm in need of some product inspiration people! I'm also in need of a haircut - it's been 3 months and hair is looking extra wild, so am booked in at hairdresser on Saturday.

My hair is armpit length, curls beautifully when wet or otherwise well-moisturised but I find it almost impossible to keep it like this when it dries. The curls pull out and turn into waves whenever I tie it up, and I often get a halo of frizz all over. The ends get knotted very easily. At the moment, I shampoo 2-3 times a week with Body Shop Rainforest shampoo (brilliant), then use Body Shop Rainforest Butter as a leave-in, then a bit of Boots Curl Creme on top , then Umberto Giannini gel. I 'plop' it in an old t-shirt, then air dry for ten bloody hours. It looks lovely when its dry, but has turned to a state again by the next day.

I would love to cut down on drying time but have had no success at all with diffusing, I also don't reallly have the time so would just like it to air dry faster, especially coming into autumn/winter. All advice gratefully received (no silicone though, thanks!)

I tried the glycerin thing but it is basically sugar, and there was a wasp about, and that was that for me.
can I lurk on this thread? my hair's a frizzy nightmare and I'm back to work full time next month (aargh!)

I do CG, and spray my second (and third) day hair with a mixture of water and gel. Then I twizzle it around a bit when it's damp to define the curls. It's better than it's ever been.

I use:
Bodyshop Rainforest Shampoo
Faith In Nature Conditioner (seaweed)
L'Oreal Gel.

I don't get on with the Boots Curl Creme, makes my hair frizz. I agree with the person who said you need WAY more conditioner than you think you do.

You can plop with a towel, but a t-shirt or microfibre turban thingy are much better as they are smooth textured. The smoother texture means less frizz and less breakage.

Also fine to tie it pack while it air dries, but it will end up with a kink in it. That's why I clip it instead.

Did I mention that its a whole lot of trail and error?

Yes to Faith in Nature. I love it for my hair too.
I have also given up on Boots Curl Creme but it really works for loads of people on here.

Wasps

Laughing at wasps too!

I think as was said up thread it's really trial and error but the no sulphates/ silicones advice is sound.

Does anyone know which gels are silicone free?

Umberto Giannini Scrunching Curl Friends is the one you need.

You can also get a little travel size one from Boots, so you can see if you like it.

Thanks

You need to use a conditioner in the shower as well as a leave in. Conditioning generously makes ahuge difference to curly hair

will definitely give that scrunching gel a try jet. So glad I found this thread!

I think I may have my frizziness sorted - well almost!

I didn't get on with the Body Shop stuff - the Rainforest shampoo and conditioner smelt lovely in the bottle but left a strange smell on my hair. The brazil nut creme made my hair into one bit mat my the end of the day.

However, I have tried Liz Earle shampoo (all hair types) and conditioner (dry) hair followed by the Umberto Gianinni scrunching jelly and I only have a little bit of frizz, not the previous halo!

I use the L'Oreal conditioner with no silicone, can't remember the name, in the shower, and then Aveda curl cream afterwards. There is still a bit (that hangs over my face) that goes dry and frizzy though, it's difficult getting the balance right with the coconut oil.

I'm on the lookout for cheaper shampoo and conditioner now, as I can't afford Body Shop Rainforest at the moment.

What is this umberto gel of which you speak???

Ooh just spotted the pic up thread!

I've recently started using Naked, Bounce shampoo and conditioner plus the bounce styling creme stuff.

I LOVE it. My hair has never felt so good or behaved so well.

Im a hairdresser and only do my hair once to twice a wk if its lucky.
U wash with a colour shampoo and conditioner coz its red so it helps it from fading.but I use tigi foxy curls mousse and diffuser dry.

My hair isnt dry or frizzy.I very occasionally spray water onto ends if they need a bit more bounce.
Never comb curly hair unless its wet.

I used to use the bodyshop cottonseed leave in stuff but they discontinued it. I cant use the rainforest shampoo and conditioner due to the nut content. Anything else from bodyshop any good?

I think the Banana shampoo and conditioner are silicone-free.

I am not sure about being nut-free, so please check ingredients carefully

I don't know what they are like though as I have never tried them.

I think the Banana shampoo and conditioner are silicone-free.

I am not sure about being nut-free, so please check ingredients carefully

I don't know what they are like though as I have never tried them.

Sorry about the posting twice thing. It happens whenever I reply using my tablet.

Curses ....

I do like the banana stuff I stupidly bought some massive tresemme bottles but am nearly finished so will go back to using good stuff. I also like the lush seaweed solid shampoo and coconut conditioner..

I looked at the Lush coconut conditioner but was worried about the bits in it - does it wash out ok?

Yes it does, although fpr best results I add a bit of water and whiz it with a hand blender to get rid of the bits