What to use for curls?

[MrsPelligrinoPetrichor]

After years of blow-drying I've decided to embrace my natural wave. Looks good when it's wet and as it dries but after a few hours looks a bit unkempt.

What can I use to make it look a bit more defined?

Thanks in advance

I've been embracing my waves/curls for about a month now. Originally I was using mousse after a shower and scrunching my wet hair and then letting dry naturally.
Now I use Cantu shampoo and conditioner, then squeeze out excess water then apply Cantu curl activator. I scrunch and then wrap in a cotton t shirt for about an hour. Let it down then dry naturally.
Your hair will probably be frizzy at first because it's used to the blow drying etc. But after a few washes you'll see the curl pattern start to emerge.

Oooo fab thanks,will look that up!

Is that the cream?

Try following the 'curly girl' method - lots of info online and a Facebook page.

Another vote for Cantu curl cream. Use it on wet hair, brush it through with a Denman brush and let dry naturally. I also use gel too after the curl cream. It holds the curls until they’re dry, then I scrunch any crispiness out.
I’ve also recently discovered the benefits of keratin conditioner which really helps with the frizz.

Yes the cream - I also use the next day curl revivor, works well for me. You can also use a diffuser on your hairdryer but my hair is really damaged so I don't want any heat

As @Lydia777 says , there's many curly pages and wavy pages . Certain products better than others, keeping loads of moisture in your hair etc.
There are curl cut hairdressers too .

For example, this is 2nd day waves, I've just put a bit more product in so it's drying. It won't ever be super massive ringers because my hair isn't like that but beachy waves that people seem to like!

My hair is similar TheFabledSnake

I've ordered some Cantu.

@TheFabledSnake

Yes the cream - I also use the next day curl revivor, works well for me. You can also use a diffuser on your hairdryer but my hair is really damaged so I don't want any heat

When you use the next day curl reactivator, what do you do? Do you spray it all over your hair til it's wet and diffuse it dry again?

I just spray a bit into my hands and put through my hair. Just leave it to dry honestly, I find better results for my hair type

@MrsPelligrinoPetrichor OK then you'll get some nice curls at the bottom and back of your hair then wavy at the front. Cantu works well from 2a to 4c types so pretty good

Yup, Cantu shampoo, conditioner, and curl cream is the absolute best combo!

@TheFabledSnake your hair looks lovely! Yes- beachy waves are definitely popular.

@AllisoninWunderland which keratin conditioner do you use please?

@CovidPassQuestion thank you very much! I veer from loving my hair to absolutely hating it so nice to hear a compliment!

I love boucleme curl cream. Just work it through your hair when still damp and let it dry naturally.

Works well with a hairdryer too if you’re in a rush.

What's 2a and 4c?!

Types of waves and curls. See the pic, helps to see what type of hair yours is and if a product can help you

Ah ,so I'm a 2b or 2c!

I never use shampoo and I leave my conditioner in.

Sometimes use a finishing cream by john frieda to smooth any wispy bits if I have my hair up.

I am 3a

Another vote for Cantu, my hair has never looked better. Also worth getting it cut in a way that works with your curl if you plan on wearing it curly, it makes a world of difference.

@CovidPassQuestion

I’m currently using this (it’s out of stock at Boots but you’ll find it elsewhere I’d think): www.boots.com/hask-keratin-protein-smoothing-conditioner-10217730

As per that chart I’m a 3b-3c. My hair curls differently in different places.

I use the cantu curl activator but mixed with boots pink curl creme, I've got really long hair and I find it goes a bit wild with just the cantu I need something with a bit more hold. Just brush my hair with a tangle teezer wet brush straight out of the shower, let it start to dry food ten minutes or so and while it's still pretty wet but not sodden I put the mixture through my hair with my fingers and scrunch. Usually just air-dry but I'm lazy, works with a diffuser too my hair is a 2c -3a in different places