I have a very specific curly/wavy hair product question!

[FolornLawn]

I'm looking for something to put on curly hair after it's dry. I use Boucleme gel, but once it's dried and the cast has broken it can still be a bit fluffy (combo of greys and highlights not helping).

So, something to add shine and definition, and get rid of fluff. Not sticky, not oily, and not heavy.

Jumping in on here to ask for any suggestions. Going to try and get the curl back. Cantu cream too heavy for me and a mousse I tried too light, any suggestions for a product I can try that will encourage the curl without making it too crispy? Bit creating body?

It really is a minefield!

I use imbue spray for dry hair days and Cantu hair custard when it's wet.

Has anyone tried Curlsmith? They seem to have a big range. As well as something to give shiny clumps I'd like a revitalising spray for day 2.

This is how it always goes isn't it? Curly hair is the Columbo of coiffeurs, always one more thing.

@FolornLawn

I've woken up to so many tips! Thank you, I'll investigate all of them.

Interesting that I should try a different gel with a stronger hold. I think in my mind 'stronger' means 'more likely to be sticky', but obviously I'm wrong.

Cantu has been too heavy for me, but maybe I used the wrong product.

I haven't tried lube on my hair, but on more fluffy days I might whack it with a fish slice, if that counts. Do you just scrunch it into dry hair?

The Only Curls range isn't very heavy. Even the stronger hold one. I actually use both the gels from there. Also make sure you put the gel onto soaking wet hair. It helps to form clumps and keeps more of the moisture in. Curly hair can be blimen tricky!

@FolornLawn

Has anyone tried Curlsmith? They seem to have a big range. As well as something to give shiny clumps I'd like a revitalising spray for day 2.

This is how it always goes isn't it? Curly hair is the Columbo of coiffeurs, always one more thing.

The only thing I've tried is the bonding oil, which might work for your frizz? Very expensive, but effective and you only need a really tiny bit (my hair is mega thick, porous & coarse and I use loads of cream, mousse and gel. But can't take much of this oil)

I don't need to use it so much now I've switched to snot gel though. It is such a firm hold. It's really easy to reactivate. If I have frizz, I can remedy this using wet fingers to twist the frizz back into its nearest curl. Understanding that frizz is simply hair that has lost its curl clump has helped me loads.

Can I HIGHLY recommend this blog

curlmaven.ie/the-best-curly-hair-products-of-2021/

Really excellent suggestions and tips. I’ve switched to a number of the products she’s recommended and they’re amazing.

@Thoosa

Curly products are so tricky.

One day soon someone will make a small fortune starting a “try on” bar to find your ideal product.

Not helpful, I know, but it’s my dream.

I would pay good money for someone to look at my hair and tell me what it needs and when and how to apply it. One blog says frizz needs moisture, another says waves need protein. Waves need gel; no, gel's too heavy for waves you must use mousse, no, mousse doesn't have enough hold, use gel. Use Boots curl creme, no that's too heavy for wavies. Apply to dripping wet hair, apply to damp hair... and on it goes.

It would save me so much on products that don't work well - or maybe they do, and it's my hair that's the problem. In which case, "Yeah, that's just you, go with silicones to smooth the frizz and be grateful for any temporary wave you get" would save me chasing the impossible.

BTW, I scored some Flora & Curl in TK Maxx yesterday. Not cheap but cheaper than elsewhere.