My frizz in all it's glory

[wavecurlnoidea]

Or should I blow dry it smooth? It works well smooth but I usually just tie it in a clip or have an updo day to day.
It is natural colour, mousy with brighter highlights probably from sun, lots of frizzy bits, some stuck in neck of my teeshirt here so not the best pic!

No idea if this is curly or wavy, so would like some opinions, god help me, if anyone has the time
Would you say the frizz is a bit too much? Am not looking for products just advice on how you'd wear it really. I've tried all the defrizz stuff and settled on what i have. I did not brush after washing and adding a light frizz cream so this is it in all it's glory.

I am not fond of the over-done look and I am very lazy so it would have to stay like this, maybe I should add a lightweight oil or serum. Or just blow dry it, lol.

It looks dry here but is actually very fine and soft to touch.

Beautiful wavy hair with the potential for full on curls with a bit of hydration. I would recommend washing' with silicon free condition and then styling with silicone free product (simply scrunched into wet hair); my favourite is Umberto Giannini curl gel but there are loads out there. Most products have an ingredients list and if you avoid dimethicone (and any of other 'cones) your curls will flourish

Regardless of what our hair texture is like, we all use the same products!

I think it looks lovely. I'm older, with very similar wave pattern, but mine is shorter and now completely grey. I also like the half up style, since it is practical and still shows my wave. I also have what some call Irish wave, where it is straighter on top and wavy underneath, so this style works for me.

I think the less you do to it the better! A bit of curl cream or shine spray and let it dry naturally. Finger fluff to separate, then maybe an anti-humidity spray. Diffuse with hair dryer if you need it to dry faster.

I'm currently using John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls styling spray. In the past I have used Moroccan oil curl cream, but not a lot since I don't like it to be able to feel the product.

For styling when going out, I will let it dry naturally until just damp, then use either a round brush or Babyliss hot air styler for softer waves.

Ok? Except we don’t!
i use leave in but rinse it out, and a strong shampoo and a hard hold gel
I never use a rich or deep conditioner or co wash and I need to wash 3 times a week
type 2/3/4 hair all need different treatment, fine hair needs different to thick

Looks good, leave it.

I like either a curl cream, curl custard or coconut oil worked through it (find all of those work better than frizz-ease/serum to maintain the curl and minimise frizz without the mousse/gel helmet hair issue). Or at least leave some conditioner in it to moisturise (a small amount of your normal conditioned combed through will be fine). But your hair looks great as it is.

Yeah we definitely don’t 🤣

Curly and wavy hair does not look glossy because of the cuticle. Even a spray on shine will only do so much, and disappear in an instant. Instead, you need to keep your hair as hydrated as possible, use a tshirt or microfibre cloth rather than a towel to dry it, and sleep on a silk pillow case.

And there will absolutely be products out there for you. Unfortunately, it's more trial and error. You should be looking at super hydrating products, all sulphate free. If you live near a Space NK get some samples of Ouai shampoo and condition for fine hair. I think this will work well on you as it is so gentle. Then, either use a little oil or a v. light curl creme. I just don't think you need to be doing curly girl method or experimenting with gels and mousses. Stay away from anything with silicone in it too.

Don't put Vaseline on your hair, it will do nothing apart from make it feel gross.

Also, if you are going to commit to wearing it in its natural state, you need to give it time to retrain your hair. As you have been straightening it, it's a project more than an overnight thing. If you have a hair dryer, invest in a diffuser, that will most certainly help bring out the waves and curls too.

Thanks for such a well thought out reply.

My problem with frizz and dryness doesn't seem to have a fix. I have honestly tried pretty much everything you suggest. In the curly world I often feel that if you can't get sleek curls there's a presumption that you haven't tried the correct products and fixes, or tried for long enough. I think there is an odd pressure that I can't put my finger on. All of these things just won't work for everyone, sadly.

I did wavy girl solid for over 4 years. I definitely gave it time. I tend to switch around now for a bit of variety, but the fuzziness has got me down a bit lately and I am not yet sure what to do. I want it to take up less space in my life, so curly methods are really not for me. I would be happy to use GHD's a couple of times per week for an easy life. Just not sure yet.
Hairdryers seem to make it more frizzy.

And there will absolutely be products out there for you

I just can't afford to keep looking for the magic bullet, and I am honestly a bit tired of it all. I really do appreciate the help, though.
It reminds me of when people say they went with their natural hair because they were sick of fighting with straighteners. I am kind of the opposite, to get a wave to look ok takes much more effort for me, and money.

Maybe trim up the dead ends and it won't look so dry.