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Original poster

Curly hair products

39 replies

Thomasthetank456 · 09/02/2017 13:36

I have frizzy curly hair I always straighten. I got some curling tongs a couple of years ago and want to start using them.

Can anyone recommend good curling products to either use with the tongs or to put on my hair to encourage the curl.

If I leave it to dry naturally I look like side show bob from the Simpsons.

Wold particularly like something to use when on holiday thanks

OP posts:
AnaisB · 09/02/2017 14:51

This is probably not want to here, but using curling tongues will not help your natural curl pattern or frizziness.

I have naturally curly hair and find John Frieda scrunch jelly, Boots curl cream and Lush "Mr Dandy's Hair Candy" all good. (I alternate a bit.)

I'm not sure about products to use with curling tongues - I'd probably use some form of heat protection and a natural hold hairspray.

ppeatfruit · 09/02/2017 14:59

I agree that straighteners etc. don't do your hair any favours. I used to have very curly, more like bushy hair. Now I use either macadamia oil on the frizzy bits , or if it's not too dry then I use Argan oil. The condition has improved dramatically . I also use very natural shampoos and conditioners, Mistry is amazing. So I can control it much better. (though it has gone straighter since the menopause).

Oh and a good cut is important if you don't have it long.

Leostar · 09/02/2017 15:25

Watch the LOC method for natural hair on youtube. Curly hair gets frizzy as the natural oil can't run down thw hair shaft.

It's worked a miracle on my hair

I use Shea Moisture products which are 'bad' chemical free

ppeatfruit · 09/02/2017 16:00

Oh also I use 'softened' water when I wash my hair, that really does help.

MissAdaSmith · 09/02/2017 16:47

Google "curly girl method". made a massive difference to me

25bottles · 09/02/2017 16:48

Soft n free from the Afro hair shop. The white bottle green writing.

Original poster
Thomasthetank456 · 09/02/2017 16:49

Thanks will give that video a watch. I only straighten it after washing so not every day only wash twice a week as I like a few days after a wash.

If I leave my hair to dry natural after I find its too frizzy and I don't like it. I would love smooth curls which was why I thought tongs might help.

I've always stayed clear of curlys as I hate the scrunched look of the 90s and don't like crispy hair.

If you have curly hair can you brush it with out curly going?

I would love the soft beach wave sort of curly but don't think my hair likes this. Washing it later so will leave it and try and post a pic. Maybe someone could suggest some techniques

OP posts:
MissAdaSmith · 09/02/2017 17:04

I don't brush my hair between washes. I only detangle it when I have conditioner in.

Flushedwithsomething · 09/02/2017 17:06

I second the "Curly Girl Method". It's a (life changing) book by Lorraine Massey. Fiver on amazon. Best fiver I ever spent!

user1471440709 · 09/02/2017 17:16

Be curly by Aveda. It's expensive, but lasts for ages and is a total game changer!

IToldYouIWasFreaky · 09/02/2017 17:25

Never brush curly hair! Shock I never even comb mine, just detangle with my fingers when I wash it.
I do a version of Curly Girl so avoid shampoos with SLS and any products with silicone in. I usually co-wash with a conditioner.

Evilstepmum01 · 09/02/2017 17:28

I tried the curly hair thing but couldn't find a decent cowash conditioner to use that wouldn't break the bank! I find shockwaves mousse good and not too crispy!

Evilstepmum01 · 09/02/2017 17:29

I tried the curly hair thing but couldn't find a decent cowash conditioner to use that wouldn't break the bank! I find shockwaves mousse good and not too crispy!

AnaisB · 09/02/2017 21:20

The pink Boos curl crème is not crispy. Its really good.

Curly girl didn't work for me - looking at the people it does work for I think mine is too fine "angel curls" and the heavier products ended up weighing them down - I need the SLF to get it clean enough to spring!

IToldYouIWasFreaky · 10/02/2017 09:21

Evilstepmum which co wash conditioners have you tried? I used to LOVE the Original Source tea tree and mint one that you could get in the pound shop but it was discontinued a couple of years ago and I've never been able to find anything quite so good Sad A few own-brand tea tree and mint ones are quite good and usually very cheap (less than £1) so no great loss if you don't like them. Plus I use it on DS's hair with the NittyGritty comb when he gets nits!

I also really like the Palmer's one in the green bottle that is specifically designed as a co-wash for curly hair. It's not quite so cheap (£5 ish a bottle) but lasts well. You can get it in Superdrug.

TheLongRider · 10/02/2017 10:27

I love Redken's Curvaceous Full Swirl cream. It gives me the best results on my fine hair. Two pumps on sopping wet hair before drying with a diffuser and bingo lovely spirally curls. I don't particularly rate the accompanying shampoo and conditioner.

ppeatfruit · 10/02/2017 10:42

The conditioner that has so few ingredients in it, it's incredible, is made by Mistry AND ITS CHEAP!!!! I get it from Health food shops (it is on line ) it's made in London too! I like all their products.

I also remembered when my hair was curlier I used a silk pillow slip. Not so good for fine or greasy hair though.

Cornwall73 · 10/02/2017 13:39

Aveda' s Be Curly leave in conditioner is excellent. I put it on after washing my hair and let it dry naturally. It does not go crunchy or stiff. In between washes I just dampen my hair and detangle with fingers.

ggirl · 10/02/2017 13:51

OP if you brush your hair it WILL be frizzy
You probably have gorgeous wavy to curly hair .
Once you figure out how to care for it its much easier embracing the way your hair is naturally rather than straightening all the time.

There is a lot of info on the internet about curly girl method , bit of a minefield and it takes a while to get it right cos everyone's hair is different . I have 2c curls which are looser and have fine hair so will need different products and care than someone with springy tighter curls.

DaisyBD · 10/02/2017 14:02

The curly girl method is amazing and has changed my life. I had lovely curls when I was young, thick and coily, but as I got older my hair got thinner and limper and less curly - almost flat on top, with weird ringlets underneath. I thought it was just my age and got it all cut off. Now that I've completely changed the way I look after my hair it's transformed itself, it's amazing.

evilstepmum I use natural extracts conditioner from superdrug to co-wash, it's often less than a pound. I use a different thicker one to condition, then add crunchy gel when it's soaking wet, plop for a few minutes Blush and diffuse dry, then scrunch out the crunch. Lovely soft bouncy curls! It's so fab to have my real hair back. And I'm growing it long again.

Key thing I think is to avoid sulfates, parabens and (most importantly) silicone. I would agree with pp though that the routine is different for everyone - some people need to leave a ton of conditioner in but I tried that and it made my hair a leaden matted mess within hours.

silkpyjamasallday · 10/02/2017 14:04

I've found that there is very little difference on the frizz front using expensive chemical free shampoo and cheap and cheerful products, so can't advise on that, but I use this www.kerastase.co.uk/hair-care-products/oleo-curl-cream-150m
after washing, leave it on damp hair and scrunch it with your hands and it defines curls beautifully and doesn't leave them feeling crispy with product, which I've found a lot of anti frizz stuff does. It's a bit pricey, but honestly lasts for AGES and you only need a tiny bit, I use a 10p size blob and my hair is almost elbow length. The biggest difference came with just letting my hair dry naturally, heat styling damaged hair so so much. Hth

GreenShadow · 10/02/2017 14:28

Curly Girl friendly conditioners needn't be expensive. Super drug own brand ones are dead cheap and free from sulphates/silicone etc which are what you your curls need to avoid.

LindyHemming · 10/02/2017 14:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

GreenShadow · 10/02/2017 16:58

I should have said it is the Extracts range of Superdrug conditioners that are CG friendly - like this

Tightarseinleggings · 10/02/2017 17:58

I love Tigi Catwalk stuff esp the honey and oatmeal shampoo and conditioner. And the serum is fab! Mine ran out and money was tight so I tried John Freida at 3 for 2 in Boots. Yuck!

Im sicking with Tigi.

Anothe piece of advice is comb the conditioner through the hair and rinse. But do not comb/brush afterwards. Just use your fingers to loosen the hair.