Search Results: Cristina Cleveland
25 Best Gentle Shampoos for Curly Hair
Shampoos are an infamous product category in the curly community. When discussed by curlies, they are typically accompanied by the words “drying” and “stripping,” and many have removed them entirely from their regimens. But many use cleansers to remove product residue, oil, or dirt from their scalps and strands, and when they do, they need it to be gentle yet effective.
While the majority of these cleansers are shampoos, I have also included award-winning cleansing conditioners as gentle alternatives to traditional shampoos and clarifying shampoos that can be used as needed. All of these cleansers have been categorized by curly, coily, and wavy favorites, but many of these products are loved by curlies across the spectrum.
Whether you’re looking for gentle curly hair cleansers or the best sulfate-free shampoos for curls, we cover shampoos for every hair type and texture.
Coily Favorites
1. SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Shampoo
“I loved this shampoo; the smell is great, a lot like vanilla/brown sugar, and throughout the day, the smell keeps coming. I can really feel how it cleans and moisturizes my hair, it feels so much softer afterwards, Love it! Really recommend it!” – daniesg
2. It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Coily Hydrating Shampoo
“I fell deeply, madly, and unequivocally in love with the Cleanser! This product will be included in my hair product rotation. As I placed the cleanser in my hair, the shampoo began to lather, and to my surprise, my curls immediately started to clump! At no time during shampooing and after did my hair feel striped. This product did exactly as described. It cleansed & rehydrated my hair at the same time- A keeper!” – KinkyCurlyCoilyMe
3. Alikay Naturals Moisturizing Black Soap Shampoo
“I like this nozzle. You don’t want to put shampoo all over your hair; you want to put it on the dirty parts – your scalp. I feel like this is a superior way to clean. I can easily detangle without using a conditioner, just shampoo, and I can run my fingers through my hair. That does not happen.” – Nikki
4. Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo
“Looks like I’m the first 4a (actually 3c/4a combo) to review. It left my scalp clean and fresh and my hair pretty soft. It’s still a poo, so I only use it about once maybe twice a month. But it does what it says it will do. A nice gentle lather without over drying your hair.” – AimWard
5. My Black is Beautiful Hydrating Shampoo
“This has to be one of the best shampoo bars I’ve tried. I could actually detangle my hair while using it as a shampoo and it SUDS UP A LOT. That’s a PLUS as some I have tried do not have much lather. Smells yummy.” – deana80
6. 4U by Tia Moisturizing Shampoo
“Definitely, hands down, my favorite shampoo. It is very moisturizing and helps to stretch my 4c hair which is great since I have a lot of shrinkage. Also, it gets my hair so soft that I’m able to just run my fingers through my hair in the shower. Lovely smell and love that its all natural.” – love2323
7. As I Am Coconut Cleansing Co-Wash Conditioner
“I truely love this product! I have 4a hair and it detangles my hair perfectly. It smells great, too, and doesn’t linger. Also it helps clump my curls which makes wash & gos super easy to achieve. I love it!” – kristian9
8. Kinky-Curly Come Clean
“I love this shampoo for many reasons. I only need to wash my hair once, no matter how dirty it might be, and I only need a DIME SIZE AMOUNT!! It makes suds, but it really does clean your hair…it doesn’t make pointless suds. I never thought I would spend $12 on a bottle of shampoo, but I’m here to tell you that it is worth EVERY PENNY!!!!” – Mattier555
9. African Pride Moisture Miracle
“What’s there not to love about honey and coconut oil? I was WILD about it back in the day, and I’m wild about it now! It’s cost-effective, super moisturizing, has tons of slip, and gets the job done cleaning-wise! Plus, thanks to the natural oils, my hair is super soft and shiny Every. Single. TIME!“ – the mane objective
Curly Favorites
10. DevaCurl No-Poo Decadence Zero Lather Ultra Moisturizing Milk Cleanser
“I really like this product! Especially when combined with the Decadence One Condition. I can tell my hair is being cleaned and this product smells great! I don’t have to use a whole lot for it to “feel like it‘s working.” My hair feels stronger since I have been using this.” – Michelle.Lop
11. Ouidad VitalCurl+ Clear & Gentle Shampoo
“First, the smell is glorious! I love this smell. It’s fruity and fresh without being too overpowering. Second,I like that it’s a CREAMY clarifying shampoo. And third, it’s also moisturizing. I could do some slight detangling while having this shampoo in my hair. Fourth, a little bit goes a long way.” – Anonymous
12. PATTERN Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross Hydration Shampoo
“I love this stuff! It leaves my hair feeling clean and hydrated, without build-up. I love the scent, and a lot of people comment on good my hair smells.“ – Purplecurls17
13. CURLSMITH – Essential Moisture Cleanser, Gentle Nourishing Shampoo
“Unlike other shampoos, this one doesn’t strip my hair of all my natural oil. It cleanses but still moisturizes and leaves my hair very soft. I think it even defines my tight coils a little. ” – K_Frat55
14. Bread BEAUTY SUPPLY Hair Wash Gentle Milky Hair Cleanse
“I really liked this product. I didn’t need to use a lot of this product, and I have pretty thick hair. It also created a nice lather, and did not leave my hair dry. My deep conditioning and styling products seem to work better after using this product.” – Anonymous
15. Scotch Porter Hydrating Hair Wash for Men
“I loved this because it’s gentle, it smells good, and my hair feels clean, but it’s not stripped. The mix of oils – Argan, coconut, rosehip – played well with my curls” – Michelle
16. Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Love at First To Foam
“ As in, it lathers. But it’s so so so slippery that I understand why this is a water-to-foam shampoo. It’s magic.” – atx_eve
17. Aunt Jackie’s Curls and Coils Oh So Clean Deep Moisturizing and Softening Hair Shampoo
“I’m so glad I ordered this to try during a recent sale. Very cleansing without being drying and so mild I even used it to wash my 2-year-old’s hair tonight with no worries of it turning into a matted mess. Great value. Thank you!” – Anastasia
18. EDEN Bodyworks Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo
“This is one of my FAVORITE shampoos! I love the smell and the little tingle. It really gets my hair clean without stripping it. I have 3c hair, and it gets dirty pretty quickly because I work a lot, so I love to use a cleanser that is gentle but actually gets the job done. This one is it. The ingredients are pretty great, too.” – Anonymous
Wavy Favorites
19. Rahua Classic Hair Shampoo
“I swim every day and wash my hair every day. I am always looking for moisturizing shampoos. This shampoo is the best! It really gets my hair clean without drying out my curls. It has a great lather and smells amazing. I use all of the products in the line, and I love them!!!” – gisele22
20. V&Co. Beauty Wavy Hair Conditioner with Peptide Technology
“This shampoo is amazing! There are no suds, but it’s easy to scrub my scalp and doesn’t leave my hair feeling super dry after a cleanse (which is common for me). This is a shampoo I wouldn’t mind using over and over.” – susonnahg
21. ELEVEN AUSTRALIA Gentle Clean Balancing Shampoo
“Gentle and kind cleansing shampoo I co-wash every day, but once a month, I like to rid my hair of all buildup to start anew with completely clean tresses. This shampoo is amazing for this purpose! It cleans my hair thoroughly without damaging it or adding any moisturizing agents.” – Anonymous
22. Maui Moisture Lightweight Hydration + Hibiscus Water Shampoo
“With this shampoo, its benefits are provided on the bottle, and because it has a very concentrated formula, a little bit goes a long way. After I use it, it never leaves my hair tangled or dried out. Normally, I am not a huge fan of floral-scented products. This shampoo has a mild scent that almost borders upon some type of peach drink. Overall, this is definitely one shampoo that I will continue to purchase over and over again for sure!” – reservechic
23. Rizos Curls Biotin Shampoo
“I loved this shampoo. My scalp felt amazing when I left it on. Loved the tingle, and I could easily run my fingers through to detangle a little bit while I left the shampoo on. It felt clean and fresh afterward. Add in the conditioner, and I was totally hooked.” – KamiRushell
24. Kristin Ess Hair Extra Gentle Shampoo
“Talk about an amazing shampoo that does not completely strip your hair! My hair and scalp felt clean yet not dry and tangled as it always is with other shampoos! It has a very lovely light fragrance too, which is just amazing!” – nknaturals
25. Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo
“I love this shampoo! I have fine, frizzy, 2c hair, and it feels so clean and bouncy after I use this product. You’re supposed to leave it on for a few minutes, and you can feel your hair plumping up as it sits there. Also, can’t beat the price!” – Anonymous
Did your favorite make the list? Check out these 15 Hydrating Shampoos For Curly Hair.
OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.
As an editor at NaturallyCurly, it’s safe to say I experience my fair share of curl envy on a daily basis. I love my waves, especially now that I’ve gone heat-free and fully embraced them, but I know that if the wind blows the wrong way or I sleep in the wrong position, I can lose all of my curl definition. There’s nothing you can do to change your natural curl pattern (that’s genetics and hormones) but there are tricks and techniques that can help make waves look curlier and more defined.
These are the tips that have worked for me, some are short-term styling tricks that can give you more definition and some are changes in your regimen that will give you healthier, more elastic curls long-term.
1. Scrunch
Scrunching is the holy grail technique of wavy girls. Scrunching is using our fingers to gently squeeze the ends of our curls up towards our roots, creating an accordion effect. You can use this technique in every routine step, from conditioning to drying to styling. Curly girls have found great success getting their hair to absorb more moisture and form curls by using the “squish to condish” method.
When you get out of the shower, you can blot the moisture from your hair and encourage your curls to form by scrunching with a microfiber towel or t-shirt. Once your hair is partially dry, you can scrunch your styling product into it. When your hair has dried and feels a little bit crunchy (it happens) you can “scrunch out the crunch” to break the hard cast of your styling product for softer, more touchable curls.
Like I said, scrunching is a go-to for wavies!
Danielle, aka @curlyfitmom on Instagram, scrunches with her fingers to apply her second gel as well as with a microfiber towel to absorb excess moisture.
2. Pin curl
Image Source: @itzamelika
For years I used curling wands to spot treat the waves that were bent out of shape or refused to curl, but exposing your hair to heat will only make it less curly as heat damage leads to limp, shapeless hair. Ever since putting down the heat tools I have noticed more ringlets and curls taking shape.
Instead of using a wand, I’ve switched to using pin curls to spot treat any waves that look frizzy or lifeless. If I’ve just washed my hair, I’ll wait for my hair to partially dry before twisting a few face-framing pieces into a little bun and using bobby pins to secure it. Then I do my makeup or wait for about 10 minutes while the hair dries and remove the pins to reveal soft ringlets.
3. Diffuse
Image Source: @kianadalleave
If you have long, wavy hair, then you may find that when you air dry, the weight of your hair stretches out your waves when it is wet. Scrunching the curls and setting them with the diffuser can help counteract this common wavy problem.
Disclaimer: many wavies and curlies report that diffusing gives them frizz, but I personally like the boost in volume and bounce that the diffuser gives me. To combat frizz, I use a stronger hold styling product such as a gel to keep my curl definition. When the hair is partially dry, flip your head forward and cup your waves with a diffuser, scrunching the hair towards the roots.
4. Try the Curly Girl Method
You may have seen unbelievable before and after photos of curly hair transformations. Many wavies (like our own writer Sandra, aka JustCurly) don’t even realize they have curly hair until later. Healthy hair care can bring your curls to life, and many have found success with the Curly Girl Method.
Image Source: @goodgravyitswavy
This method advocates giving up damaging elements like sulfates, silicones, and heat. This may sound extreme if you use heat regularly or have never examined your ingredient labels closely, but the results speak for themselves. Many curlies have also modified the CG Method so that it fits their lifestyles, like using sulfates once a month or using silicones sparingly.
5. Get a trim
Image Source: @pedrinalovescurls
Damage and dryness often present themselves as hair that has lost its elasticity and ability to spring back, and you can tell this when the virgin hair that is growing out of your roots is curlier than the ends. If your ends are straighter than your roots, this is likely due to damage. The ends of our hair are the oldest parts of the strand, so they are most likely to be damaged over time.
I know we all have our hair length goals, but no good can come from holding on to damaged ends. Whenever I get a trim I immediately notice that my curls are springier and bouncier, and I have more shrinkage (which is a sign of healthy hair).
Trims are also another way to remove the weight that is pulling down our waves. I recently cut the ends of my hair off after dealing with damage from bleach, and I love the shorter, healthier curls that have come back to life! You may not be looking to make such a drastic change in length, but even a dusting can make a world of difference.
Read next: 6 Tricks to Try When Your Wavy Hair is Flat
This article was originally published in 2015 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.
The Curly Girl Method, from Lorraine Massey’s book “Curly Girl: The Handbook,” is a hair care method that trades in damaging habits (like shampooing and heat styling) for a healthy curly hair regimen using just conditioner and gel. While this set of recommendations has been shown to have incredible results for many curlies in our community, you should always feel free to modify them to suit your hair!
The Dos and Don’ts of the Curly Girl Method
The first step to starting the Curly Girl Method is knowing what NOT to do. There are many common, everyday hair care practices that many of us have been using all of our lives that are actually damaging to curly hair.
Here are seven things to avoid when following the CG Method.
Don’t use
- Shampoo
- Heat styling tools
- Combs & brushes
- Sulfates – namely sodium lauryl sulfate & ammonium laureth sulfate
- Non-water soluble silicones
- Alcohol
- Fragrance
Do I have to give up shampoo cold turkey?
No! You can wean yourself off by cutting down on shampoo over time, or using a sulfate-free shampoo, aka “low-poo.” Many curlies with fine hair or looser curl patterns find that giving up shampoo leaves their hair feeling greasy when they first experiment with this method, but many find that over time their hair and scalp balances out. It is all about finding a routine that works for your specific hair type and your lifestyle.
Do use
- Gentle cleansing ingredients – cocamidopropyl betaine & decyl polyglucose
- Emollients – Shea butter, olive & vegetable oils
- Proteins – wheat, wheat germ or soy
- Humectants – panthenol, vegetable glycerine, sorbitol
- Moisturizers – amino acids & aloe vera
- Styling gel ingredients – PVP and PVP/VA
How to Wash and Style
Lorraine Massey recommends the following routine for cleansing, conditioning and styling. Because this will vary depending on your hair type, she has unique tips for wavy, curly, and coily hair.
Step 1: Cleanse
Gently scrub and stimulate the entire scalp with fingertips (no nails!) and conditioner.
The friction will lift residue, sweat & oil to be rinsed out.
How often should you cleanse?
Wavy – You may use regular shampoo, but only once a week. Always condition before & after using shampoo.
Curly – Cowash with water and conditioner once a week or every ten days.
Coily – Between cowash days, wet your hair and go straight to Step 2.
Step 2: Condition
Smooth conditioner over hair in sections, until all hair has been coated with conditioner. Let the water distribute the product evenly.
- Wavy: Rinse your hair for just a few seconds. If a little bit of conditioner is left on the hair, that’s okay.
- Curly: You can either rinse or leave the conditioner in at this point, depending on how much moisture you need.
- Coily: If you have time when conditioning, wrap your hair and apply heat for 15 minutes for a moisture boost. Rinse completely to avoid a visible film.
Step 3: Dry & Style
Bend forward & blot dry by cupping curls in a towel – never wring or disturb your curls. Then air-dry. If you’re in a hurry, use a diffuser.
Scrunch gel from ends toward the scalp, starting at the nape and working up, scrunch the top layer last. Clip the roots for lift.
- Wavy: Encourage your curls to form with extra scrunching or by doing pin curls.
- Curly: When hair is completely dry, bend forward and fluff from underneath to create lift. Don’t touch the top layer to avoid frizz.
- Coily: While Lorraine recommends a wash & go, you can style your hair however you like. Just try to avoid heat.
CG-Friendly products
With the CG Method, you only need two products: conditioner and gel. If you want to use shampoo, Massey recommends only using a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser.
There are many products that are CG-friendly, you are by no means limited to this quick list, but if you are new to shopping this way then this list is a great place to start. We’ve divided them up by curly, coily, and wavy, but the curl pattern is not the only determining factor when it comes to the product. Other hair characteristics, like porosity, density, and width, will play a big role, so feel free to experiment with products from any of these lists.
We have Editors from wavy to coily on the NaturallyCurly team who use all of these products with success.
Conditioner
Wavy, Type 2
Curly, Type 3
Coily, Type 4
Gel
Wavy, Type 2
Curly, Type 3
Coily, Type 4
Shampoo
Wavy, Type 2
Curly, Type 3
Coily, Type 4
- SheaMoisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
- CurlyWorld Sham-Free Hair and Scalp Cleanser
Looking for more products? Check out The 51 Best Curly Girl Method-Approved Products I’ve Tried
This article was originally published in 2013 and has been updated as previously listed products have been reformulated and are no longer CG-friendly.
OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.
One of the many reasons curly hair is so beautiful is that it can create a halo-like effect of springy, bouncy curls around your head. But sometimes, this is easier said than done. If your hair is fine or low in density, it can dry like a wet blanket close to your head without the lift and volume we see with other curls.
Luckily, curlies have a hack for this. It’s called clipping at the roots. We asked Brianne Prince, a curly hair stylist at Brianne Prince Salon, to share her tutorials and tips for this technique. If you’ve tried clipping at the roots before and failed, it can be tricky at first; you might find her description of ‘O’ Clipping helpful; it definitely makes the concept clearer and easier to understand.
What is O Clipping?
O clipping is using clips at the root of your curls to gain height and volume. It adds lift and volume to heavier textures and can boost fine, limp curls. Depending on how many rows you place, it can also help round out the shape. The ‘O’ refers to your arm creating an O around your head when putting the clips in your hair; it just makes it easier to visualize.
Image Source: @curlywavypatty
I have so many clients who come in and tell me that they have tried clipping in the past and couldn’t get the hang of it. Usually, the reasons why are that they are using the wrong type of clip for their hair or that they are attempting to clip at an awkward angle, (either from underneath the curl or because they are crossing their arm in front of their face.) I get many complaints that the little hairs around the crown get caught around the top of the clip and cause snagging on removal.
All of these issues can be virtually eliminated by clipping in the example below:
Image Source: @anchoringangela
Something we used to discuss in beauty school was wrapping rollers “off base” to create more volume in the hair. Well, here we are using the same idea: allowing the hair to fall off base with your head tilted to gain maximum volume while leaving the clips’ heads exposed to hasten and simplify removal.
One thing I did not mention in the video is how to approach the back, and that is very simple. Just looking way up at the ceiling, I almost arch my back and grab a section, aiming the clip down towards the floor. I never attempt too many at the back of the head because we do not have eyes back there! This portion of your head will have to be done by feeling, and you don’t want to be fishing clips out back there that got put in sideways or upside down. Less is more until you get the hang of it.
How to Clip Curly Hair at the Roots
Image Source: @ringlet.riss
You can find eight more tips on how to get more volume at the roots here.
This article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.
The ingenuity of the NaturallyCurly community never fails to impress us. The techniques that you invent and the names that you come up with enter the vernacular of curlies worldwide, and that’s true of the popular nighttime style developed right here on NaturallyCurly: pineappling.
Image Source: @aminamarie
When you cut down on shampooing your hair, you must find ways to make your wash day definition last much longer. Pineappling is a technique for preserving your curls while you sleep, for your best second—and third-day hair and beyond.
What is a Pineapple?
The pineapple is a loose, high ponytail on top of your head that prevents the frizz, knots, and flattened curls that come with lying on a pillow. Only the back and sides of your hair will be subject to your tossing and turning.
What You Need
- A scrunchie or any type of loose ponytail holder. In the video above, Nikki used this spiral elastic, and Amanda used a scarf.
- For extra protection, a satin scarf, bonnet, or pillow.
The scrunchie or ponytail holder should be loose/tight enough that you loop it around your hair just once, if possible. This prevents a crease or dent from forming overnight. Many curlies like to use a satin scrunchie to prevent breakage and that terrible feeling of ripping your hair out with your hair tie.
Many curlies also wrap their pineapple in a satin scarf or bonnet to protect their hair from knots and dryness that come with rubbing on a pillow, but if you don’t like to sleep with that on your head, you can just sleep on a satin pillowcase.
If You Have Type 4 Coils
You may find that a scrunchie or elastic still leaves an indentation in your hair. If that’s true, you can pineapple just using a satin scarf and bonnet. This is especially helpful for shorter hair.
How to Pineapple
This will be a very loose ponytail, so NaturallyCurly community members Grace Currier, aka gncurrier, and Marni Foster recommend doing it “right before you lay down for the night. It may slip a little, but your hair should still be protected. Don’t forget your satin pillowcase!”
- Bend all the way forward.
- Gently gather your hair on top of your head.
- Slip a scrunchie or elastic around the base of your ponytail just once (or as loosely as possible”> The looser the better.
- *Optional: You can clip the ends of your pineapple to your head or don’t pull the ends all the way through to create a loose bun. Find a version that works for you.
- Add your scarf or bonnet last.
How to Take Down Your Pineapple
Image Source: @marissalanae1
The take down is as important as putting it up. You can’t simply take your hair out of a pineapple and expect to walk out of the house, there is some light styling involved.
What if Your Hair’s Too Short to Pineapple?
Like I said above, the curly community is endlessly innovative! They’ve invented the multi-pineapple, the modified pineapple, the TWA pineapple, and more.
A pineapple is definitely not the only way to sleep with curly hair. If you’ve tried it and it didn’t work for you, here are 8 more ways to sleep without ruining your curls. You may have even invented your own, if so share it below!
How do you pineapple?
This article was originally published in 2010.
In our NaturallyCurly Q&A section you can send your question directly to an Editor who has your hair type, and today I received this question from fellow Type 2c wavy, Manaralrubaye, that really hit home.
Question
What are some product recommendations for type 2C hair?
I feel like I have tried everything and still haven’t found an amazing product for my hair. So I have a 2C hair type that is super, super thick. It’s more curly on the bottom and kinda wavy on the top. It’s really frizzy, and I can’t get rid of the frizz even though I use a sulfate-free shampoo, rinse with cold water, comb with a wide toothcomb, and sleep on a satin pillow. It’s just so frizzy.
I want a product that will make my hair curlier, define the curls, and take away the frizz. I have tried the Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus shampoo, conditioner, and curling smoothie. They’ve worked for me, but not that great, though. I tried Carol’s daughter’s line, too; it was okay. I am trying the Kinky Curly Knot Today detangler, which makes my hair really frizzy.
So do you guys know any curly hair products for 2C, extremely thick, low porosity hair that will define the curls and give it a hold that will get rid of the frizz?
Answer
I know where you’re coming from. With age, hormones, and what I’ve done to my hair it has drastically changed over the years from extremely thick and coarse to moderately thick and from very high porosity to low porosity – so I have picked up a few necessary products and techniques along the way. Here’s what’s worked for me and what I recommend for you.
Are you getting enough moisture?
Frizz and loss of curl definition can be signs of dryness and damage. When I first started working at NaturallyCurly I discovered I had heat damage from years of using a curling wand from time to time and damage from getting highlights, which involves lightening the hair and removing the pigment. Once I stopped doing these things and cut the damage out, my hair became curlier. My loose, undefined, frizzy waves started to resemble defined waves, curls, and even some type 3A ringlets.
It’s hard to say without knowing the state of your hair’s health, but in general, I would recommend that you stop any damaging habits and start making sure your hair is getting enough moisture. I like to incorporate a deep conditioner into my routine at least once a week or every two weeks, depending on how dry my hair feels. My hair always feels softer, and my curls clump better after a treatment. Personally, I like Cantu Grow Strong Strengthening Treatment and EDEN BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner.
Image Source: @keilanihair
Another point at which you may be losing moisture is while cleansing. I shared your question with curl stylist Evan Joseph, and he says that “all you really need is a good quality botanically derived silicone-free conditioner! You can use it to Co-Wash, Condition, and Style. Just make sure it is lightweight and easily dissolves in water.” Lorraine Massey, founder of Devachan Salon, Deva Curl products and The Curly Girl Handbook recommends that you don’t rinse your cone-free conditioner all the way out of your hair, instead leave some in as your leave-in conditioner.
“At my salon, Evan Joseph Salon, we teach our curly girls to spend their money on a few high-quality products. It’s all about consistency and regular visits to a curly specialist for trims,” says Evan. When you’re getting multiple uses out of the products you do own, you can get more bang for your buck. Evan carries and recommends NYC Curls and Briogeo at his salon.
Do you have enough hold?
On some days, I can get away with using a leave-in conditioner with a little hold and nothing else to style my waves, but depending on the dew point and weather in your area, you may need to add stronger hold styling products into your regimen. Clear gels and mousses tend to have a stronghold, and while some curlies find that these formulas give them “crunch,” it sounds like you could benefit from the stronghold to prevent frizz throughout the day.
Are you styling your hair soaking wet?
On days when I favor volume, I like to let my hair air dry a bit before applying styling products. When I want really defined and frizz-free curl definition, though, I style it soaking wet. To apply the gel, when your hair is freshly cleansed and soaking wet, gently blot your hair dry with a microfiber towel or t-shirt to remove the excess water. Then coat your hands with your styling product and scrunch it into your hair, gently so as not to break up the waves or create frizz. You will want to experiment to see how much product you like on your hair. Since frizz is your main complaint, I would apply a little more product than you normally would and then let your hair air dry completely without touching it.
Image Source: @just.shakila
Srunch Out the Crunch
Once your hair is dry, your waves will likely feel a little bit hard or crunchy, since you’ve applied extra styling product. That’s ok! The next step is to scrunch out the crunch. You can scrunch gently with your fingers to “break the cast” of the product. Again, be sure not to break up the curls, which can create frizz. Another great technique for applying your product and avoiding crunch is to try the Smasters Method.
A few strong hold styling products that I like are The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam, Taliah Waajid Curls, Waves & Naturals Curl Sealer, and L.A. Looks Sport Look Gel (dark blue). I know our community really loves Ecoco Ecostyler Professional Styling Gel With Olive Oil too.
Image Source: @farmergyalpurr
One final word of advice is to be patient with your hair. I know I used to be very impatient with my hair, and if I woke up with curls out of place, I would simply take a curling wand to them to “fix them.” While my hair may have looked good on that day, it was damaged in the long term and meant that my waves became permanently unmanageable. I hope these lessons I’ve learned have helped you out, and thank you for sharing your question!
For more product recommendations for Type 2 wavy hair, check out this list.
For more curly hair inspiration, follow @NaturallyCurly and @EvanJosephSalon on Instagram.
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If you have ever looked in the mirror and thought, “I like my hair better when it’s wet,” you’re not alone. Our curls, coils, and waves are most defined when just out of the shower. Then we start applying products, touching them, and inevitably drying them, and our curls transform. If you are searching for the best way to dry your wet curls to stay defined and frizz-free, here are the methods and techniques that work for us.
1. Air Dry
Many curlies have found air drying is the best bet for the ultimate curl definition. For your best curl formation, follow these steps:
- Blot your hair dry with a microfiber or t-shirt to remove excess moisture.
- Apply your leave-in conditioner and scrunch a good styling product into your curls from the ends towards the roots.
- Keep your hands out of your hair while air drying, which can lead to frizz.
If frizz is a major issue for you, you can apply too much styling product to your wet hair, then when your hair is fully dry you can scrunch out the crunch to break the hard cast of your styling product.
2. Diffuse
For some curlies it can take hours for their hair to air dry, so one way to speed up the process is by using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer.
- Follow the same steps as you did for air drying.
- When your hair is partially dry, flip your head upside down and cup your curls in the diffuser and turn the diffuser on.
- Diffuse on low heat to avoid heat damage.
- Repeat this process in sections until all of your hair is complete.
Image Source: @mor.rales
3. Hooded Dryer
A hooded dryer is another tool that helps speed up your drying time, especially when setting wash & gos, twist outs, and roller sets. While they are an investment, they are not only a time saver for your hairstyles but can also be used to improve your deep conditioning regimen.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to buy a hooded dryer, read Janelle’s article on whether or not they’re worth the investment.
4. Plop
Plopping is a tried and true curly technique that uses a t-shirt or microfiber towel to “accordion” your curls for curlier results, faster drying time, and less frizz.
Follow the same steps as you do when you air dry, then it is time to plop.
- Lay a long-sleeved shirt or towel on a chair or counter with the sleeves closest to you.
- Flip your head forward and place your curls in the center of the towel.
- Fold the bottom of the shirt or towel over your curls to the base of your neck, and tie the sleeves in a knot to keep it in place.
Image Source: @g.ilikethewayitcurls
5. Clip The Roots
If you have bouncy curls at the ends but your roots dry flat to your head, you may want to try clipping your roots while they dry. Follow the same steps that you did for air drying:
- When your hair is still wet, lean over to the side so that your hair lifts away from your head.
- Insert duckbill clips at the roots so that the mouth of the clip points away from your roots.
- Repeat this step in small sections at the crown of your head.
- Leave the clips in for at least 15 minutes while your hair is drying, then carefully remove them.
6. Stretched
Styling your wet hair into stretched styles like braids, bantu knots, twists or bands while it’s drying works to stretch your natural texture while it dries. This is a heatless way to alter your curl pattern temporarily. Many curlies use these styles to prevent tangles and breakage, as wearing your hair in a wash & go can lead to longer detangling sessions at the end of the week.
Image Source: @lexibabiee
7. In Your Car
If you’re pressed for time, don’t worry. Many curlies find that the heater or AC in their cars creates a small, hooded dryer environment that works well for curls. You can also roll down the windows for a little extra volume.
The great thing about these techniques is you can mix and match them to find the perfect combination for your hair. If you have low porosity waves, you can clip your roots and diffuse to speed up your drying time and create volume and lift. If you like to refresh your hair with water every morning, you can use the car method to bring volume back to your curls as they dry. If detangling sessions are the least favorite part of your regimen, you can stretch your curls or coils with a braid out and use a hooded dryer to speed up the process.
Let us know which method works best for you!
This article was originally published in 2015 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.
All of these recipes have been submitted and highly reviewed by NaturallyCurly readers. Big shout out to the MVP, Curly-Kinky, who has always contributed many of the top curly hair recipes on NaturallyCurly.
Simple Morning Curl Refresher
You can use this right when you get out of the shower (wet hair) or after waking up (dry hair). I use it on my “not as curly” hair and my daughter’s “very curly” hair. This will rejuvenate your curls back to the healthy look you are trying to maintain.
- water
- favorite conditioner (leave-in or regular)
Take a spray bottle and fill it about 3/4 full of water. Add your favorite conditioner (about 1/4 cup or more *NOT TOO MUCH*). Close the water bottle and shake. Mine usually turns white-ish or murky-looking. Spray on hair and run your fingers through it or comb it out. It’s a great detangler to add moisture back to your hair from drying out from sleeping. – Necolemarie
Yogurt Hair Mask
- 1 cup of yogurt
- 2 tbs honey
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- a couple of vitamin E gel capsules
- distilled water
- extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- your favorite conditioner
I take about 6 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle and mix in 2 capfuls of EVOO and 2 tablespoons of my favorite conditioner. I shake well, and there you have it, a simple, easy, moisturizing homemade leave-in conditioner spray mix. – tiffjust2002
Review
“Love this leave in. I put the conditioner in first then the EVOO and last water it mixed great” –Lesa31
“I just spend $5 on a small bottle of leave in conditioner… never again. This works so much better on my hair. It is quick and easy to do and it uses stuff I have around the house.” – SBolton35F
Shea Butter Leave-In
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons shea butter (raw)
- 5-10 large drops of honey
- You can add oils if you want (tea tree, avocado, jojoba, grapeseed, etc. to name a few)
Melt coconut oil, shea butter, and honey in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or on top of the stove for about 2-5 minutes. Pour the mixture into a bowl and stir until well blended, then pour into a dark glass container with a lid and put in the freezer for bout 5-10 minutes. After it hardens you can take out and store it in your bathroom! This works wonderfully on my hair. Hopefully, it will do the same for you. – Curly-Kinky
You can whip the mixture with a hand mixer until blended for a pudding-like consistency.
Review
“Very moisturizing perfect to have a frizz free day” – frizzycurlz88 (3b)
Herbal Infused Oil Blend
- 1 cup of organic carrier oil
- tightly closed jar
- 3-5 tablespoons of herbs of your choice
Place approximately 3-5 tablespoons of herbs in a glass jar. Cover with 1 cup of organic carrier oil. Steep this mixture in a tightly closed jar for two weeks. Shake the jar daily. Once infused, strain out the herbs.
Tip: If you don’t want to wait two weeks, speed up infusion by gently warming the mixture on the stove at a very low heat for about 15-20 minutes and then steep overnight. This can be refrigerated for up to 6 months. – purelynatural
Sweet Avocado Deep Conditioner
- 1 avocado
- extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- honey
Blend them together to a thick consistency, apply them to your hair, and put on a plastic cap. Leave on for an hour. – Kinky-Crimpy
Review
“I have the hardest time fighting dryness and dullness. This is amazing and long-lasting and gets my hair life. I just need to stop being lazy and use it more often!!” – BkAsh
“This deep conditioner is the best!!! I used two tablespoons of honey and evoo but also the avocado was pretty big.” – Dede2005
“I use 1 ripe avocado, pitted and scooped out 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons honey 2-3 drops lavender essential oil (optional)” – Nikki.Coffee
Aloe Vera Leave-In Gel
- 2-4 oz vegetable glycerin
- 3-4 oz aloe vera gel or juice
- 8 oz distilled water
- 2 heaping tablespoon MSM (methylsulfonylmethane”> powder
- 20 drops peppermint oil essential oil
- 10 drops lemongrass oil essential oil
- Spray bottle
Mix the MSM powder with water. Make sure it’s dissolved, and then add aloe vera gel or juice, shake, and add glycerin. Shake some more, add the oil, and mix. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and spritz on hair and scalp. – Curly-Kinky
Review
“I love this! I make it every other month for my hair and it works wonders.” – brandi.kirkw
Peppermint Pre-Poo
Many products on the market can be used as a prepoo. Many of them are conditioners, and some of them are oils like Coconut, Olive, and Grape Seed. I decided to stick with oil because it is less expensive and they are natural. About 30 minutes before my shower, I will rub it into my scalp and hair (roots to end). I have also slept with this mixture in my hair – for extra moisture. My scalp feels tingly, and the smell is so refreshing. I love the results! Try it out and let me know what you think.
- 1 – 2 – Tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil
- 5 – 10 – Drops of peppermint oil
Mix 5 or so drops of peppermint oil with a spoonful of coconut or olive oil. Get your hands wet with the mixture and massage into your scalp. Make sure to rub the mixture through to the end of your strands. Find this and more at CurlyConundrum. – CurlyConundrum
Review
“This pre-poo is seriously amazing! Every other pre-poo I have tried left my hair feeling crispy, but this one is golden. My 2C-3A curls are bouncy and beautiful. I can’t wait for my next shampoo! Will recommend this to ALL my curly girls!” – curlykels
“Wow, I love this, it’s perfect! I recently have been experiencing knotty and dry hair ( thanks humidity!) And I brought a really crappy shampoo and conditioner that makes my hair bleurgh! so I thought that trying this might help. Boy, did it ever! even with crappy shampoo, my hair is healthy, shiny, and soft, and everything in between! Smells great, it’s flawless! But the downside was that it was a little expensive. But it does my hair a treat. Highly recommend” – curlypunk
Poo-Free Shampoo Recipe
No more shampoo or conditioner for me. I have been “poo free” for a couple of weeks and still can’t get over how great my hair looks. This treatment costs around 3 cents and does the same as sulfate-free shampoos.
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 8 ounces of hot water
Mix baking soda with hot water and stir or shake until well dissolved. You can use a funnel and put this in a container like a squirt bottle. Wet hair well, rub in some baking soda and mix into your scalp well. Rinse. – Curly-Kinky
Review
“This stuff is great, it did wonders on my hair. i’m now poo free for about two months” – jenniejoseph (2b)
“I use this, plus I do an apple cider vinegar conditioner made with hot water and 1 teaspoon of vinegar in a spray bottle. My hair is very soft and not so wild the next morning. ” – melindaann (3b)
DIY Henna Hair Dye
- henna color of your choice
- hot water
- plastic or glass mixing bowl
- plastic spoon or spatula
- plastic or latex gloves
- shower cap or plastic wrap
- old towel
- olive or jojoba oil
- petroleum jelly
Don’t wash your hair at least 12 hours before you color, a little of your hair’s natural oils is a good thing…
Mix henna (Most will have mixing directions on the container).
Apply the henna paste the same way you’d apply any other hair color. Section the hair, start at the roots, and work your way down the hair shaft. Once you’ve covered all of the sections, go back and cover your entire head with any leftover paste to make sure it is thoroughly applied.
Once you’ve allowed the henna to sit for the desired time, rinse it out in the shower. Rinse in warm water and gently move and work your fingers through the hair to get out as much of the henna as you can.
The color won’t look very different until your hair is dry, so be patient and let it dry. But if you can’t wait, go ahead and blow it dry but be kind to your hair and use either a low or medium heat, never high! – Devri1
Review
“I have been dyeing my hair with henna since junior high. I have dyed my hair with chemical dyes before and it never took and came out well. Henna always looks good and never fades, none of the problems I used to face. To get the color I get with henna, I have to bleach my hair, which causes a lot of damage. I love henna. I can’t say anything about it.” – Kdabbs
Snowymoon’s Moisture Treatment
- 4 parts conditioner (cone free; I used Giovanni 50/50)
- 1 part aloe vera gel
- 1 part honey (warmed 10 seconds)
- oil (optional”>–I used coconut
The measurements that I used yielded more than enough for one use. I place the remainder in a clean, airtight container. I used 1/2 cup of conditioner, 2 TBSP of honey and AVG (aloe vera gel), and one teaspoon of coconut oil. You can warm it all together or just the honey and add the remaining ingredients. I just warmed it for about 10 seconds; be careful not to warm it for too long. Mix all ingredients and place in freshly washed hair with excess water squeezed out. Leave in for 30-60 minutes, rinse and style as usual. You can use it with or without heat. – Curly-Kinky (3c)
Review
“It made my hair shiny and really soft, I used avocado instead of conditioner and it became a wonderful and cheap diy treatment, works great for any hairtype!” – CindyBeth
“Made my hair so shiny and moisturized. Amazing slip” – NaturallyZumi
No Fail Flaxseed Gel
Since I made this homemade hair gel work PERFECTLY twice in a row, I decided to post it here for you guys.
- 1 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of flax seeds (linseeds in the UK)
- Large saucepan – you need room for the seeds to move around in the water
- Wire or nylon mesh strainer – as fine as you can find, but mine is pretty loose, so I passed the strained gel through a smaller one I have – the small wire mesh type you’d use for OJ pulp
- Large bowl – deep enough so that the gel can get through without the strainer touching the surface
- Small wire whisk – not the springy kind you jam up and down like a plunger, but the classic teardrop shaped kind
- 4-5 oz bottle – for storing your finished gel
I poured 1 cup of water (not warm or hot – just cool from the tap) into my saucepan, then 1/4 cup of flax seeds (linseeds in the UK), and then turned the heat on high. Stir every so often to keep the seeds moving and keep them from sticking to the bottom of the pan (I think this also helps the gelatinous stuff slough off the seeds as you stir, as it seemed to help my consistency in the finished product”).
Once your water boils, stir gently, but almost constantly, when you start getting a thin, foamy jelly, turn the heat down a little, but keep stirring, watching for the point when you let the seeds settle for a second and they suspend in the clear jelly instead of sinking to the bottom.
Once you hit that point, shut off the heat, give one last stir, and immediately pour the liquid and seeds into the strainer over your bowl. I let the gel strain out of the seeds while I rinse my pan (don’t let the gel dry in there or you’ll have a mess to clean up later!), then I lift the strainer and check for stray seeds in my gel. If there are any, I pour the gel back into the pan for a second while I swap strainers for my finer mesh, then pour the gel through again.
If you want to add any AVG, EO, or FO, this is the time to do it (never add EOs or FOs to your water before boiling, because boiling breaks them down and destroys their scent and other properties”>. Then, I take my whisk and give the gel a good, quick beating (10 seconds or so”>, just to break up any really gelatinous strands there might be or to mix in whatever I might have added and pour it into the bottle.
It sounds complicated, but the whole process takes me only about 6-8 minutes, and I have FSG, the consistency of egg whites, which is perfect for me. If you want it thicker, you could always return it to the pan for a few minutes after it’s been strained, but I think you would lose the FSG’s ability to really get into your wet hair and give you great slip and clumping, because it would get too gloppy. Plus, the color of the finished product isn’t green or yellow – it doesn’t look like boogers at all. *lol* It’s almost clear but with just a touch of milkiness and a little golden hue. Nothing obtrusive or offensive at all. In fact, if you didn’t know what it was, you could easily mistake it for egg whites – color and consistency are almost identical.
Also, you can save the seeds and make at least one more batch of FSG from it – sometimes more, depending on the quality of your seeds. By watching your gel and knowing what point to strain, timing doesn’t matter – I tried ten minutes once, and my gel was so gross that it was completely unusable. It was like Jell-o that had been all broken up but couldn’t be liquified, you know? Or, now that I think about it, it was almost EXACTLY like the drippings from a chicken or a turkey that had been left to cool, and got all jelly-like. Color and all. *shivers* I was scared to try again, but I’m glad I did.
Anyway, you can keep using the same seeds to make batch after batch of this homemade hair gel just by watching your consistency as it boils until it finally just won’t give you that jelly-ish consistency anymore. I put my used seeds in a ziplock bag in the fridge, and I’ll use them again next week or the week after. – Curly-Spirally
Review
“Flaxseed hair gel is AWESOME! LOVE LOVE this stuff. I make my with 2 cups of water instead of one. For me, 1 cup of water is too thick.” – joslin2005
“I love this hair gel. TIP: I strain it into a mason jar through a cheap nylon knee-high. Roll the knee-high over the opening of the jar and pour while still very hot – it’s faster and easier than a strainer. I’ve played around with the recipe a few times and have learned my hair does not like aloe, so I no longer add that. I add 8-12 drops of vegetable glycerin to the finished gel for shine. I have also added honey for stronger hold, and it works well.” – McWavy
“To say I love this gel is an understatement!!!! It is by far the BEST product I have used in my hair and the ONLY product I need. My curls have never looked better! No dryness, no crunchiness, and more coils than before. Usually I have to rinse my hair every 2-3 days to revive my curls, now all I have to do is put in some leave-in conditioner and this gel. Today is day four, and my hair looks freshly rinsed! This gel is DA BOMB!!!!- brandie442001
What do you do when you wake up with limp, misshapen, and generally out-of-whack curls? Sure, you could throw your hair up into a top knot or ponytail, but you know when you take your hair down, you’ll be dealing with all sorts of dents. If you want your curls to stand a chance of making it to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th day of hair without having to wash and re-style it, then there are a few must-know steps you can take.
I’ve watched, read, and listened to countless curlies share their 2nd-day hair tips, and while every head of curls is unique, I did manage to find some major similarities between almost all of them. I’ve tested out many of the tips on my own curls and waves, and here’s what works best for me:
How I refresh my 2nd day curls
- Step 1 – Fill a spray bottle with water (mix in some leave-in conditioner for extra moisture) and spritz this throughout your hair. Alternatively, you could wet your hair with a spray bottle and then spray your hair with a liquid leave-in conditioner. I swear by the Curly Girl Hair Spray Bottle
- Step 2 – Rub a styling product in between your hands and run your hands over your curls, scrunching from the ends up to the roots.
- Step 3 – Your curls should be rejuvenated at this point, but you may find that a few are still out of shape. Rub a dime-sized amount of gel between your fingers and use your fingers to spot-treat your curls, twisting them around your fingers and holding them in place with a bobby pin. Once your pin curls are dry, remove the bobby pins.
- Step 4 – Flip your head forward and zhoosh up your roots. What do we mean by zhoosh? Rub your fingers at the scalp to create lift and volume, fluffing up your curls and avoiding any crunch.
You can watch my refresh routine here.
And never, ever rake your fingers (or any type of comb or brush) through our curls when refreshing. This will create frizz, separate your curls, and disrupt your curl definition. The one exception is if you prefer a big, voluminous look and don’t mind the frizz – then by all means, fluff and separate.
Watch to see how YouTubers The Glam Belle, Jennifer Benitez, Waterlily716 and Gena M use their own variations on this 2nd day refresh.
The Glam Belle
- Spray water throughout 2nd day hair using a spray bottle until your curls are slightly damp.
- Spritz a styling spray, Glam Belle uses Frizz Ease Dream Curls Daily Styling Spray throughout the hair lightly; you don’t want to saturate the hair. While you spray the Styling Spray, scrunch your curls with your fingers or you can scrunch with a 100% cotton t-shirt. The t-shirt can also blot excess product if you spray too much.
- Use a diffuser for just a minute or two to rejuvenate the curls, boost your volume, and dry them so you’re not stepping outside with wet hair (which can lead to frizz).
- Rub a dime-sized amount of your favorite serum she used Biosilk Silk Therapy, between your hands. run your hands lightly over your hair, and use your fingers to lightly massage the scalp. Do not rake your fingers through the curls, as this will disrupt your curl pattern.
- Optional: You can skip this step completely, but if you want you can finish off the look by wrapping a couple of sections around a 3/4″ curling wand for a more uniformly defined look. Do not use the curling wand clip, just wrap the curl around the outside.
Jennifer Benitez
- Fill a spray bottle halfway with water (Jennifer got hers at the dollar store), then add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite leave-in conditioner into the bottle; Jennifer used Cantu’s Shea Butter Leave-In. Shake the spray bottle until the mix is fully incorporated.
- Spray the mixture throughout the hair, scrunching with your fingers as you go. For more volume, flip your head forward and scrunch upside down.
- Rub a small amount of gel; Jennifer used La Bella Lots of Curls Gel, between hands and scrunch the product through your curls from the ends up to the roots. This will help prevent frizz and provide curl definition.
If you’re looking for additional refresh inspiration, check out these videos below:
Image Source: @lyssamariexo
Image Source: @doseofroxanne
You can follow these steps on your 3rd, 4th, and 5th-day hair; you may just find that as the week progresses, you have slightly more product buildup to deal with. If the hair framing your face stops cooperating later in the week, you can take that section of hair and create a cute waterfall braid, a simple twist, or just pin those curls back using a bobby pin.
How do you refresh your curly hair? ShopNC has got you covered with your favorite products.
This article was originally published in 2015 and has been updated with my video tutorial.
If your hair feels like it’s stopped responding to all of the moisturizers, stylers, and products that used to work so well, it might be time to use a clarifying shampoo. For your curly hair products to work, your hair needs to be able to absorb them, and if your hair has a layer of built-up product residue or silicones sitting on the surface, then your curls won’t look or act their best. The first step in many curly girls’ journeys to healthier hair is to distance themselves from their shampoo bottles. However, occasionally, using a clarifying shampoo that’s gentle enough for curly hair can do your hair and scalp a lot of good.
Clarifying shampoos & sulfates
Clarifying shampoos can contain sulfates like sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate to remove the buildup of ingredients like silicones from the hair, but they don’t have to. There are sulfate-free shampoos that use gentler, non-sulfate surfactant ingredients such as Cocamidopropyl betaine, which, according to cosmetic chemist Tonya McKay, “can effectively remove most dirt, oils, and silicones from the surface of the hair.”
What about natural sulfates?
While sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate is known to be the harshest, most drying sulfates, sulfates that are derived from oils or natural sources aren’t necessarily going to be good for your hair. According to cosmetic chemist Erica Douglas, better known as Sister Scientist, “it ultimately does not matter whether the source of the alcohol is from a natural source or not, it is the sulfation process that makes the surfactant potentially harmful.”
Using a clarifying treatment too often can be drying, so be sure to use yours sparingly. How often you need to clarify will depend largely on how dry your hair is and lifestyle factors such as how often you exercise or swim, how hot the climate is where you live, and whether you have hard water in your area.
Whether you choose to use sulfates when you clarify is up to you; we have both options listed below!
1. 4U By Tia Clarifying Shampoo
4U By Tia brings a purifying shampoo that cleans curls using a patented silicone alternative while removing dirt and grease. Whether you have waves, curls, or coils, this can easily remove build-up and revive the scalp without stripping essential moisture. Your hair will love the warm amber and vanilla scents while getting more shine and less breakage.
Sulfate free? Yes
2. EDEN BodyWorks Papaya Castor Scalp Cleanser
Healthy curls start at the scalp. This scalp cleanser by EDEN Bodyworks helps your curls keep their moisture while balancing the pH level of your hair and removing buildup and dead skin cells that prevent your curls from growing. If you struggle with scalp conditions, give this cleanser a try.
Sulfate free? Yes
3. Bounce Curl Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
Curlies love this Best of the Best award winner cleanses curls gently with pomegranate and pumpkin enzymes. If you love volume then this is the cleanser for you, botanical extracts in this cleanser create volume and texture for fine or thin hair.
Sulfate free? Yes
4. Kinky-Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo
Another Editors’ Choice award-winning shampoo, Come Clean is a sulfate-free cleanser that’s gentle enough for everyday use. Mandarin orange extract, white willow bark, and sea kelp remove dulling buildup from your scalp while keeping your moisture balanced.
Sulfate free? Yes
5. Baking soda
Baking soda is a popular DIY clarifier due to its high pH of 9, which works to open your hair cuticle. It is typically paired with an acidic rinse like apple cider vinegar to re-close the cuticle afterward. Some curlies have a lot of success with this natural cleanser, however some find that the highly acidic nature of ACV strips their hair of its natural oils.
Sulfate free? Yes
6. Alikay Naturals Moisturizing Black Soap Shampoo
This shampoo is 100% organic and natural. Ingredients like aloe vera juice, cocoa seed butter, tea tree oil, and coconut oil clean and moisturize hair simultaneously. This has won several Editor’s Choice awards, and we have editors with several different hair types who love it.
Sulfate free? Yes
7. TRESemme Clean & Replenish Deep Cleansing Shampoo
Tresemme has long been known to give you a bang for your buck, and this clarifier, at $0.22 per ounce, is no exception. This shampoo does contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate, but some curlies find it beneficial to use a sulfate shampoo occasionally, for example, once a month.
Sulfate free? No
8. EDEN BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo
If you’re addicted to the cool, tingly feeling of cleansing with peppermint or tea tree oil, this shampoo is for you. The botanical ingredients in this cleanser make your shower an exhilarating treat, and your hair is left feeling soft and clean.
Sulfate free? Yes
9. Morrocanoil Clarifying Shampoo
More hair brands are now incorporating ingredients into their products that focus on the scalp and the hair. This popular haircare brand infuses argan and avocado oils to create a shampoo that cleanses without stripping your hair. We love it when shampoo comes in these pointed applicators because it allows you to apply it only where you need it: the scalp.
Sulfate free? Yes
10. Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
We love this fan-favorite brand because it delivers two sought-after results: a clean, exfoliated scalp and voluminous hair. Bond-building technology helps repair brittleness and breakage and penetrate your damaged bonds. If you want to improve the shine, malleability, and strength of your curls, coils, and waves, look no further.
Sulfate free? No
11. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Rinse
Even though this shampoo comes at a lower price point, you still won’t find sulfates, silicones, mineral oil, or petrolatum here. This formula will protect your hair’s pH balance while working to seal the cuticle and prevent breakage.
Sulfate free? Yes
12. Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
Let’s hear it for Ouidad, bringing the heat with this fantastic product. These ingredients remove dulling residues, hard water deposits, and chlorine and remove build-up without depleting curls’ essential moisture. This can be used with all curl types and textures and can serve as a reboot for a curl pattern for a fresh start.
Sulfate free? Yes
13. Adwoa Beauty Blue Tansy Clarifying Gel Shampoo
Say hello to a gel shampoo that brings the suds while removing oils, buildup, and impurities that can affect your hair’s health. We love hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil and glycerin that work to detangle and moisturize your curls, coils, and waves.
Sulfate free? No
14. SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
This shampoo was formulated to help natural, chemically processed, color-treated, and heat-styled hair grow and flourish. It contains Jamaican black castor oil to aid in growth and apple cider vinegar to regulate and balance the pH level of your scalp.
Sulfate free? Yes
15. Bentonite Clay
When combined with water, this naturally occurring clay produces a negative electric charge that removes positive-charged buildup from the hair. Curlies combine bentonite clay powder with water or apple cider vinegar to create a highly absorbent DIY bentonite clay mask.
Sulfate free? Yes
16. Giovanni Eco Chic 50:50 Balanced Hydrating & Clarifying Shampoo
This shampoo is gentle enough for dry, overworked, environmentally stressed, and color-treated hair. It leaves the hair feeling clean, pH-balanced and reawakened. It’s also vegan friendly as it’s cruelty-free and contains no animal by-products.
Sulfate free? Yes
17. Lorraine Massey’s Lemon Aid
Lorraine Massey, the author of The Curly Girl Handbook, uses this moisturizing and neutralizing DIY recipe to remove buildup from her curls, add shine, and protect it from hard water. She says it’s “more clarifying and cleansing than any shampoo.” Combine the juice of a large lemon with the amount of conditioner you typically use, apply it to your hair, and then rinse it out. You can learn more about this recipe and Lorraine’s other go-to DIYs in her book.
Sulfate free? Yes (if your conditioner is sulfate-free)
18. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment
Not only does this sulfate-free clarifying scalp treatment rid your hair and scalp of product buildup, chlorine, and hard water minerals, but it’s also formulated to ease itchiness and irritation in the scalp.
Sulfate free? Yes
19. Camille Rose Naturals Lavender Fresh Cleanse
This is another popular drugstore clarifier in NaturallyCurly’s Curltalk forum community, largely due to its $10.99 pricetag. Your scalp will thank you for a boost of rejuvenation and strength that brings new life to your scalp and hair follicles.
Sulfate free? No
20. Girl+Hair Clarifying Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
This gentle clarifier uses ingredients like apple cider vinegar and rice water to gently but thoroughly remove product buildup and repair damaged follicles without stripping hair of moisture.
Sulfate free? Yes
OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY.COM. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.
I’ve loved twisted updos for the fall/winter protective styling season. Seeing how other naturals manipulate their hair to create these fabulous updos is fun. There isn’t much of a learning curve because the hairdo depends more on our creativity and style.
Three little reasons twisted updos are awesome
- They can last a week or two, reducing styling time and hair manipulation.
- They help keep the hair moisturized without having to reapply often since the hair is tucked away.
- Upon takedown, it’s easy to transition this style into another (if you so desire by simply adding misting with water and re-styling.)
When watching the tutorials below, still keep it interesting by adding your flair and doing what you feel like looks best on you: this could be adding a bang, a little eyeshadow for a pop of color, an accessory, etc. Having fun with your style makes protective styling easier!
Start on freshly washed, conditioned, deep-conditioned, and detangled hair.
Check out the following twisted updos below for inspiration!
Natural Hair Flat-twist Updo Protective Hairstyle
Image source: @tramthetrendsetter
Elegant Flat Twist Hairstyles | Natural Hair Tutorial
Image source: @knottynandi
Flat Twist Updo | Natural Hair Tutorial
This article was written by Kanisha of BlackNaps.org and published on CurlyNikki. It has been updated since it’s original publication in 2015.
Let’s play a game. What do you think of when you hear the word “mousse?” If you’re anything like me, it may bring up associations with crunchy curls, the 80s, and drying alcohols, but you should know that things have changed. Hairstyles, techniques, brands, and product formulas have all evolved since the days of teased, crispy curls. But because we still get flashbacks when we pick up a bottle of mousse, we spoke with a few curly hair experts about who should be using mousse today – and who shouldn’t.
Why use a mousse?
Brooke Michie, curl stylist and owner of Lyric Salon in Austin, Texas, first made me reconsider mousse when she used it in Grace’s wavy hair transformation. She loves using mousse on her curly haired clients because it’s “easy to apply, economical per use, has buildable coverage and hold, and can be layered with so many other types of products.”
What hairstyles is mousse best for?
Maya Smith, International Master of Natural Curls and founder of The Doux®, a haircare line she created specifically for naturally curly hair, says mousse can be used for “any style that requires definition and light hold. It can be used not only to set wash & go’s, but for twist outs and rod sets as well.” As I’ve been starting to experiment with mousse more, I’ve wondered if I can use it on my dry hair as a refresher on second-day hair. According to Maya, “Mousse is best applied to wet hair for Wash & Go styling, but it can also be used to set a dry twist-out and to redefine the curl pattern. I wouldn’t recommend using it to replenish moisture on next-day hair.”
What causes that crunch?
Maya says “It’s common for mousse to be combined with gel or cream because most mousse on the market contain alcohol to make the hair dry faster. They are also polymer-rich, which creates a sticky coating on the hair, much like a hairspray. This can leave hair feeling dry and stiff. We formulated our Mousse Def as an all-in-one solution for this problem. It creates the shine and definition of a mousse, yet leaves hair soft and touchable with no flaking.”
What are some ingredients to watch out for?
Maya recommends watching out for ingredients such as sodium laurel sulfate (SLS, Isopropyl, and Prolyene, which “have been found to cause breakage and dry out your hair). The best way to achieve healthy hair is to have that balance between protein and moisture.”
Who should use mousse?
Brooke says it depends on the mousse, “lightweight, airy mousse or foam is great for wavy hair. Denser mousse is great for 2s and 3s and as a thin layer of added hold for more definition over a moisture foundation for well-hydrated 4s even!” For Maya, it depends on the hairstyle “I recommend mousse for hair up to Type 4b, depending on the desired results.”
But before you rule mousse out for your Type 4c coils Gerilyn Hayes, NaturallyCurly Senior Copywriter, loves using mousse on her 4c wash and go, “I use about 5-6 pumps of mousse in my hair after shampooing and conditioning. I do this because I want to make sure that I’m starting with a clean scalp and curls that are free from any other previous products. And because my curls are very coarse and need lots of hydration, I make sure that my curls are soaked with water (which is why the shower is great for applying mousse to my hair).
To avoid product and water getting into my eyes, I flip my head over and scrunch my curls’ ends to my scalp. Although I do not have a lot of length, I still use this ends-to-root scrunching method to get the optimal curl definition. Sometimes I rake the mousse through my curls and then wrap them in a scarf, giving them more shine. Although rake versus scrunching may look similar to any onlooker, the textural differences are apparent to me!”
Who shouldn’t use mousse?
“Curls with moisture as the number one priority,” says Brooke, “or those who don’t need a product with general hold, but seek more of a product/product combo to hydrate than seal.” So if your curls are thirsty and your top priority is moisture, then you may want to opt for something like the LOC Method, which layers a leave-in for moisture, an oil to seal in the moisture, and then a cream for hold.
How to use mousse
Brooke prefers “the lightest weight mousse in wavy hair for primary, general hold,” and this is how she recommends applying it:
- On freshly rinsed detangled hair in the shower, glaze a small amount over the surface area of the hair.
- Then flip and glaze another small amount over the underneath surface area.
- Then apply the majority of it via scrunching by distributing it in your palms, making sure not to flatten the airiness of the foam.
- Before scrunching the ends of the hair up toward the scalp with a flat palm into a clenched fist motion, rotating your head to reach curls on either side.
If you’re using a denser foam and need more moisture, Brooke recommends applying it:
- Once a leave-in or moisture foundation is either combed through or scrunched in sopping wet hair.
- Then add a little denser mousse by finger combing detangled sections, or for longer curls, scrunching as above.
“This will create a cast of hold,” says Brooke, but before you worry about the crunch, remember you need to break that cast by scrunching out the crunch. “Release the cast once hair is fully dry by touching curls gently, or scrunching once more to release the wet-looking hold that was necessary during the drying process to maximize definition.”
Interested in trying a mousse? Check out these 15 Alcohol-Free options for your curls, waves, and coils.
As kids head back to school-or get their first taste as a kindergartener – it can be an exciting time. They will learn new things and make new friends. For some parents of curly kids, it can be a little nerve-wracking. Time is usually in short supply as you get your child dressed, fed and off to school.
“Getting out the door each morning can feel like a Herculean feat for moms and dads of young children, and parents of curly girls in particular often find themselves scheduling extra time to get their kids’ hair in tip-top shape,” says curl stylist Jonathan Torch, founder of Curl Keeper
Curly confidence starts early and you can help them embrace their texture as they head into the classroom. The right cut, stylings and products can keep your child’s curls looking their best every day.
Get a good haircut: The right cut can make it easier to keep curls looking their best. Find a curl-savvy stylist. You will want a cut that works with your child’s natural texture rather than one that require a lot of time to style every morning. You will want a cut that offers options, whether that’s a bun or a curly ‘fro. While bangs can be cute for some children, they may not be the best choice for others. For some children, a short cut may reduce the headaches that come with tangles.
Here is a list of products, tools and accessories you’ll want to have on hand:
Shampoos and Conditioner
The Little Mermaid on 6 Limited Edition Products!
Carol’s Daughter was an exclusive haircare partner of Disney’s live-action film, All four products, featuring specially-themed packaging, will be available exclusively in stores nationwide. In addition, there is a Black Vanilla haircare kit featuring the Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner and a Goddess Strength Kit featuring the Divine Strength Leave-In Cream.
Kinder Curls Creamy Curls Hair Moisturizer
Creamy Curls™ is specially formulated with Jojoba to deposit moisture into dry curls without leaving a heavy, oily residue. Perfect for medium, tight and kinky curls. A sweet treat for your beautiful curls!
Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-In Conditioner
Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-In Conditioner is very light weight yet packed with moisturizing ingredients to moisturize and protect the hair.
SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Shampoo & Conditioner
With hydrating mango butter and nutrient-rich carrot at the center of its formula, the SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Shampoo & Conditioner preserves the health of their curls by enriching their strands with deep nourishment and hydration. Best suited for little ones with dry and damaged hair, this shampoo and conditioner duo invigorates the scalp, detangles and locks in moisture for healthier, bouncier curls.
Fairy Tales Curly-Q Natural Curl Maker
The luxuriously fragrant Curly-Q™ shampoo gently cleanses, Curly-Q™ Conditioner hydrates and Curly-Q™ Spray Gel defines and holds curls.
Detanglers:
Kinder Curls Magic Mist Detangler
Magic Mist Detangler™ is formulated with gentle conditioners that loosen tangles so that hair can be brushed with ease. Magic Mist Detangler™ is designed to make hair slippery for easy and quick styling.
CurlKeeper Slip Detangler
This silicone-free detangling leave-in conditioner will instantly loosen hair knots, lock in color and eliminate flyaway hair. The conditioning ingredients of the curls detangler will leave your hair soft, smooth and shiny without ever over-moisturizing the hair.
Tangle Teezer Original
This hairbrush is ideal for regular hair types, it glides through wet and dry hair, helping to loosen tangles with no pulling and tugging. The patented two-tier teeth deliver a painless experience – the long teeth detangle, whereas the shorter teeth smooth the hair cuticle. The results are smooth and healthier looking hair with increased shine.
So Cozy Curl Leave In Conditioner Spray
This is is a multi-purpose lightweight conditioning spray that detangles tough knots and effectively restores curl’s softness, strength, and manageability. Formulated with a special blend of moisturizers, this leave-in spray penetrates to nourish and rebuild damaged hair cuticles, prevent split ends, and stop hair breakage.
Refreshers
Ouidad Featherlight Touch-Up Gel Cream
This lightweight styler that goes on dry curls and combines the soft hold of a gel with the deeply moisturizing benefits of a cream to refresh and extend styles.
Rizos Refresh and Detangle Spray
This is the ultimate go-to for keeping curls looking stunning. It detangles and refreshes between wash days. With ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, it also hydrates the curls
The Mane Choice Sweet Strawberry Fruit Medley Kids Hydration Spray
Sweet Strawberry Fruit Medley KIDS Hydration Spray has emollient and soothing humectant properties which helps the hair to attract and retain moisture.
DevaCurl Dry No-Poo
The revolutionary dry shampoo absorbs excess oil, impurities, and sweat but also provides essential hydration and nourishment, maintaining the health and flexibility of your curls while staying free from benzene and talc powder.
Styling Products
Hip Peas Curl Tamer
This is a a detangler, leave-in conditioner and gel all-in-one that enhances and defines your child’s natural curl pattern with its hair-healthy formula. Comprised of strengthening amino acids, moisturizing vitamin E and reparative panthenol, this blueberry-scented product combats frizz and static while delivering a weightless, untraceable feel.
Just For Me Curl Peace Defining Curl & Coil Cream
This nourishing cream defines kids’ kinks, coils and curls without weighing them down. Give the balanced hydration and nourishment kids need for defined curls and coils that pop.
Cantu Care for Kids Curling Cream
With moisturizing shea butter, and strengthening coconut oil, this curling cream will help you keep your child’s hair healthy and shiny. It creates great curl definition, and helps stretch and elongate hair.
CURLS Curly Q’s Kids Curly Q Gel-les-c Curl Jelly
This botanical based, organic curl enhancing, shine promoting styler is lightly scented with cucumber melon and citrus. The perfect curl enhancing frizz-fighting solution for all curly hair types and textures.
Kinder Curls Super Curls Styler
This water-based and silicone-free styler that is pH balanced to safely smooth the hair cuticle, creating shiny, manageable curls. No oily build-up means that curls stay clean, light, and bouncy and it easily reactivates with water so curls stay fresh and defined for days!
Ouidad KRLY KIDS® PUMP N’ GO Styling Spray Gel
Easy spray gel that refreshes, reshapes, and calms kids’ delicate curls. Defines and holds curls with a lightweight feel. No stickiness or residue
Accessories
Forever-femme in floral print, this soft hair scarf is featured in a classic triangle design and colorful fabrication with a stretchy elastic back for a perfect fit.
Kit-sch Assorted Satin Sleep Scrunchies
KITSCH Sleep Scrunchies are your newest nighttime necessity Their satin construction won’t crimp or agitate your strands while you sleep, allowing you to wake up frizz-free and ready to take on the day!
Frog Sac Ultra Soft Stretch Knot Headband
These stretch elastic headbands crisscross knot headband. They come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Natural Life Octopus hair Claw
Made for the best of hair days! This octopus-shaped hair clip is the perfect hair accessory to just throw in and go! It’s so pretty and looks so cute twisted up in a bun or for half-up, half down looks!
Bobby Pins
Bobby pins can be a lifesaver. They can keep styles in place as well as add creativity to a style.
How will use these products, tools, and accessories to create your ultimate back to school curls look? Let us know in the comments.
You have sworn off heat styling tools, tossed out our your terry cloth towel, and decided to banish silicones and sulfates from your life. You’ve taken your “before” photo and you’re ready to let the Curly Girl Method totally transform the way your hair looks and feels.
You fill your online cart with the silicone-free and sulfate-free products your favorite YouTuber listed in her curly hair favorites video and then…you slowly back away. Are people really spending a small mortgage payment on their hair every month? Judging by the handfuls of conditioner your hair needs to stay moisturized, you’re going to need to spend wisely.
Luckily there are plenty of Curly Girl-friendly products in your local drugstores that will give you the moisture and hold you need, at a fraction of the price of salon products.
The products on this list are widely available in stores such as Walgreens, Target, CVS and Walmart. Availability may vary depending on your local store.
Read more: How to Follow the Curly Girl Method
1. Taliah Waajid Black Earth Stimulating Herbal Cleanser
If you’re a strict follower of the Curly Girl Method you may not have a shampoo in your regimen at all, but some curly girls still use a shampoo occasionally. The Taliah Waajid formula won’t leave your hair dry or straw-like and can help with itching or irritated scalps.
Price: $7.35
2. Curls Creme Brule Whipped Curl Cream
This curl cream provides soft hold and plays well when cocktailed with gels or leave-ins and works on a variety of textures. Before purchasing just note that this product does smell like sweet creme brulee, which may or may not be your thing – scent is so personal!
Price: $10.99
3. Maui Moisture Nourish & Moisture + Coconut Milk Conditioner
Maui Moisture is perfect for it’s blend of aloe vera and coconut water that can help improve the health of your hair. The hydrating combination of sheer guava oil and mango butter help create a lightweight blend that won’t create build-up and let’s your hair shine.
Price: $8.99
4. Cantu SulfateFree Cleansing Cream Shampoo
Cantu has been a fan favorite for years because of it the hydrating ingredients that provide optimal definition and curl without breaking your bank. This sulfate-free shampoo help add moisture and manageability to dull and dry strands.
Price: $5.99
5. Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner
This is one of the most expensive product on the list at about $10.99 for 13 fl oz, but its ingredients list full of natural and certified organic ingredients justifies the price. SheaMoisture was voted the Best Overall Brand of 2016 by thousands of NaturallyCurly readers, and its products consistently make the Holy Grail lists of our writers and Editors.
Price: $10.99
6. Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner
Another favorite of our devoted CurlTalkers, this a great product that can help restore moisture and replenish protein in your curls. As a deep conditioner the natural sources like amino acids and babassu work to help restore dry and damaged hair.
Price: $13.99
7. KinkyCurly Knot Today
Who doesn’t love a great KinkyCurly product? This leave-in conditioner and detangler can help smooth the cuticle and remove knots from any hair texture. It can be used to remove braids, extensions, and is found in most popular drugstores.
Price: $11.99
8. Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel
Let’s give those curls and coils a nice stretch with this formulated blend of flaxseed, shea butter, and extra virgin olive oil. This can be used regularly and won’t cause any frizzing or crunch when creating your perfect styles.
Price: $8.49
9. Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner
Alikay Naturals has been a NaturallyCurly award winner for years and it’s because of this tantalizing leave-in conditioner. The lemongrass works to penetrate the hair cortex and lock in moisture to help strengthen and condition each hair strand.
Price: $13.99
10. OBIA Naturals Curl Hydration Spray
We could all use a refresh and this curly girl drugstore friendly product is perfect for giving your hair and scalp the refresh it needs. The pH balanced formula works to condition, add shine, and detangle hair without buildup or residue.
Price: $9.99
Did we leave out your Holy Grail product? Share your drugstore finds below!
*Editor’s note: At the time this article was written there were no silicones or sulfates in these product formulas, however formulas do change so it is always best to check the ingredients list of any product before purchasing.
This article was originally published in 2014 and has been updated due to discontinued products and changes in formula.
As a mix between Type 2c waves and Type 3a curls, my hair can range from curly and bouncy to loose and shapeless depending on the products, the techniques, the weather, and the overall health of my hair. And when my curls go missing, or straighten out, a curly hair hiatus can last anywhere from a week to months until I can figure out what my hair is trying to tell me. Here are 5 methods that help me revive my curls when they go missing.
1. Do a Deep Conditioning Treatment
Wavy, curly and coily hair is more susceptible to dryness, and dryness can cause a whole host of issues from frizz to breakage and in my case, I have found that it contributes to a loss of curl pattern. To remedy this my first step is always to deep condition. I would be lost without my heat cap from Thermal Hair Care. I apply deep conditioner to my damp hair in sections so that it is fully saturated, then pop the Wrap into the microwave for 48 seconds. Do not microwave it for too long, even if it doesn’t feel warm to the touch it is done at 48 seconds, any more and the gel inside will start to melt. Then I place the Wrap over my hair for 30-45 minutes. It is the ultimate Sunday treat and will increase the benefits of your favorite deep conditioner for your hair. One of my favorites is the Mielle Organics Moisture RX Hawaiian Ginger Moisturizing Overnight Conditioner.
2. Try a Protein Treatment
Protein-rich products work to temporarily fill the gaps in your hair strand that have been caused by chemical processing, heat styling or normal weathering. Whenever I dye or highlight my hair, I find that it is more prone to frizz and dryness. I very rarely heat style my hair, but when it is damaged I find it much more difficult to revive my curls back to a healthy state after a heat styling session. If you use permanent hair dye, bleach, or heat on your hair then it is possible that your curls are damaged. One of the best weapons in my toolkit for this has been protein-rich products and treatments. One of my favorites is the ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment, and here is a full list of 20 protein-rich products if you’re interested in trying one out.
3. Diffuse
I used to be able to let my hair air dry overnight and I would wake up with beautifully formed waves and curls, but lately my waves will only form into ringlets with the help of a diffuser. If you feel like your hair has the potential to be curly but you just do not know how to revive your curls, I recommend you try diffusing it when it is already 50% dry. It may take a few tries to get the hang of it – I know that the first few times I tried diffusing I experienced a frizz halo, but Marilisa Sears tips for how to help my curls during the summer months has been a game changer. The RevAir has been an easy and simple way to quickly dry my curls without heat damage.
4. Scrunch
I could be using the most powerful Holy Grail curl cream ever made, but unless I scrunch that product into my hair it is not going to curl. Wavy hair can easily be weighed down by water when it is soaking wet from a shower, or by products with a thick or creamy formula, so it is important to counteract this by scrunching your fingers through the hair with an upward motion. This will also aid clumping and prevent the dreaded crunchy curls look. Make sure when scrunching to be gentle, you do not want to pull the curls apart because this will create frizz.
5. Get a Trim
If you have tried all of these methods and your hair still will not curl, then it is time for a trim. Not a dusting, not a search and destroy session, but an actual trim and possibly a reshaping. Protein and conditioning treatments can do their part to mend damage temporarily, but a long-term solution is to trim away the damage and then take better care of the healthy, new growth. Long hair can weigh down your waves, so depending on your curl pattern, many wavies find that when they get a shorter haircut their curl pattern becomes curlier. I know this has proven true for me.
Do you have any tricks that help you bring back your curls when they need to be revived?
You can find my favorite products and watch my full regimen step by step here.
Most of us grew up traumatized by bad salon experiences and stylists who made us feel like our natural texture was inherently wrong. And we know just how challenging it can be to find haircut inspiration that features real, natural curls. Luckily, there is a growing number of curly hair specialists today who have fully embraced the beauty and versatility of curls – and are teaching others how to do the same. Here are 18 haircuts by top stylists in the industry, featuring real curls of varying lengths, shapes, sizes and styles.
1. Fringe and fro
Stylist: Isabella Vázquez, Hairdresser, Editorial Stylist, Artistic Director, @Curlpop_n_hair
Isabella: This is the type of shape that walks into the room before you do. It definitely gets noticed from all directions and angles. What makes this square curved shape eye candy is that it’s naturally and unapologetically curly while softening it with a fringe commonly known as a bang. The cushion we mainly refer to as frizz is utilized to create a different type of volume. This is a rounder, expanded, denser volume. We can appreciate the thickness of the hair. The fringe area draws attention to the eyes and it also creates a cut out face frame.
Who does this work best for? This is for thicker and denser curls or higher textures of curls. It’s also for the curly girl who is not afraid of attention. Aside from a small fringe trim done every 6-8 weeks, a full haircut salon visit won’t be necessary for a while. Air drying is best for this look before picking it out into a fro.
2. Oval shape with long layers
Stylist: Shai Amiel, owner of CAPELLA salon
Shai: Alyssa’s hair is very dense. She has lots of it. This type of hair is usually really heavy and doesn’t have a lot of movement. This shape is great for the curly girl that wants to keep as much of the length but loves volume. It’s ideal for short to medium hair but can work on long hair. I decided to create an oval shape to contour her cheek bones and allow me to gradually build weight on the crown for that added height on top. The entire cut is square to remove bulk but keeping the top a bit shorter and rounded. This shape works great with the curl by curl method to create that random uneven look even though it all blends in.
Who does this work best for? This is another versatile shape that works well on all hair textures.
3. Versus Diametrix
Stylist: Christo, Global Artistic Director of Curlisto® products and Christo Fifth Avenue Salon
Christo: This is a long diagonal angled cut in which the Diametrix Cutting Technique is applied to take away the bottom bulkiness of the style to allow the curls to lie beautifully framed around the face. We simply call this Versus Diametrix because the frame is cut on the opposite side of the face to allow the diagonal angles of hair to frame the face by avoiding the awkward “shelf effect.” Versus Diametrix allows clients with long curls to enjoy the versatility of hairstyles, as well as create more defined curls and avoid frizz. We used Curlisto’s Repair Cream, Lotion Plus, and Glow & Shine.
Who does this work best for? Long length hair for all curl textures ranging from loose to tight.
4. Foundation cut
Stylist: Robin Sjobolm, owner of Southern Curl salon, Curly Hair Artistry’s Curly Artist of 2015 and one of the Refinery29’s top 15 curly hair artists
Robin: This is Candace, a client of mine. I call this cut a “Foundation Cut” which is a curl by curl cutting method I developed based on DevaCurl dry cutting training principals. I call it a foundation cut because the cut is built from the foundation up. Each curl is trimmed and shaped so that it does not sit on the section below it, which gives the cut a beautiful silhouette.
Who does this work best for? This cut creates a weightless shape that is beautiful on curl types 3B-4A.
5. A-Line bob
Stylist: Shai Amiel, owner of CAPELLA salon
Shai: This girl wanted something a little funky. She grew out her hair to her “dream length” but when she achieved it she realized she wanted something a little edgier and shorter. I cut the back on the shorter side but left the front as long as I could for that dramatic look. The back is really rounded that works well with this length. I also cut some shorter fringe for a more dramatic effect. The entire hair is layered for movement and volume. The top has a square shape that works well for a line haircuts.
Who does this work best for? This shape works well for all curl types. I love versatile looks that can be incorporated for everyone.
6. Bloused triangle shape
Stylist: Isabella Vázquez, Hairdresser, Editorial Stylist, Artistic Director, on Instagram as @Curlpop_n_hair
Isabella: We are no longer looking at the triangle shape or bell shape as a don’t. This shape, when Bloused on the ends, opens up the curls creating a balance between length and volume. The volume exists in width starting from eyes to the shoulders. It is created by dusting the very ends of the curls with a slight elevation. This elevation won’t create direct layers however it mainly will open the triangle, creating its Bloused effect. Opening the curls at a starting point of the eyes will accentuate and draw attention to the eyes, cheeks and lips. It’s also the type of shape that plays on air drying or diffusing with the ability to shake and disrupt the curls with your fingers while maintaining a beautiful curl pattern.
Who does this work best for? This shape works great for shoulder length hair that falls under a curly to tighter curl pattern, with medium to thick density and length. Maintenance on this shape will include a 6-8 week visit to the salon. Since it allows for air drying it’s very low in time consumption. Think of it as “dry, blouse and go.”
Opening the curls at a starting point of the eyes will accentuate and draw attention to the eyes, cheeks and lips.
7. Curly shoulder bob
Stylist: Christo, Global Artistic Director of Curlisto® products and Christo Fifth Avenue Salon
Christo: It is essential to apply Diametrix Cutting Technique to this kind of shape in order to puzzle the curls and create definition. It helps the curls to intertwine into each other and gives you more length to sustain as well as giving absolute leverage of the style. We love to bring creativity to our styles! Add a colorful scarf or fresh flowers to clip into your curls that will have everybody complimenting your hair wear! For this look we used Curlisto’s Protein Boost, Structura Lotion, with a touch of Finishing Pomade and a few spritzes of Structura Spray.
Who does this work best for? Girls with loose to medium curls who prefer shorter length.
8. Short & Sassy
Celebrity Stylist: Pekela Riley, CEO & Founder of Salon^PK
Pekela: Because she was going to wear this cut curly, I wanted it to be in the state that she was wearing it when I cut. If I blow dried it, the shrinkage could be 30%. So instead I finger coiled and dried her hair to allow it to define and shrink. This allowed for it to be pre-shrunk so I could know what length it would be when it was curly. Then I styled the cut creating volume at the top, and a taper at the bottom.
Who does this work best for? This haircut works really great for 3s & 4s because it’s a style that looks good in its curly kinky state, and works with shrinkage.
It goes best with heart & oval shapes because the volume at the top and taper at the bottom works well with those with slender jaw lines.
9. Long layered bob with fringe
Stylist: Shai Amiel, owner of CAPELLA salon
Shai: Janaye has been growing out her hair from her original big chop 3 years ago when I cut it to remove all the dead straight hair. It has been growing so fast and her major complain has been volume. She loves the volume but didn’t like how it flattens when it’s due for a trim. Every time I trim her hair I end up adding more layers on throughout the entire head. I keep the layers square on the bottom and more rounded on top. I also keep her fringe shorter to open up the shape. The top has really short pieces that almost stand straight up.
Who does this work best for? This works great for all curl types. It is a very versatile shape that works well for those who want to continue growing out their hair but enjoy movement.
10. Upside down curved triangle
Stylist: Isabella Vázquez, Hairdresser, Editorial Stylist, Artistic Director, on Instagram as @Curlpop_n_hair
Isabella: This shape will enhance the volume towards the top of the head while reducing the weight on the ends of the curls, almost like a cone curl shape. It is done by creating an elongated diagonal perimeter and requires a high elevation haircut outs in which short to longer curls are layered so that it disconnects from the length and stacks up so that the short to long curls are supporting each other . It creates volume in width and height. This will also draw attention to the eyes while slimming other facial features.
Who does this work best for? This works for the curly girls with lots of fine curly hair and also for medium to thick curls that requires to lessen the density and enhance volume. This shape will require a 4-6 week visit to the salon. Less controlling products and more volumizers are utilized to help enhance the volume of shape. A diffuser will be required. Once hair is dry remove the diffuser and blow high pressure air all around the curls.
11. Bold D
Stylist: Stacy Hill, CEO of DyeVerCity SAGH, Inc.and DyeVerCity Hair Salon
Stacy: Big hair, Diana Ross glam, round in shape. Pulling the hair at a 90-degree angle around the entire perimeter creates perfect roundness. To add texture cut into individual curls and shape them at various points of their grooves. This has to be done strategically so you don’t add uneven dips in the hair. Disconnection can be cut into the crown and bang area, by over directing the hair forward and cutting into the groves of the curls.
Who does this work best for? Perfect for all hair types and sets, as well as a blown out fro. Your options are endless from protective styling, Bantu sets, shampoo and go, or pin ups.
12. The chin length shag
Stylist: Shai Amiel, owner of CAPELLA salon
Shai: This shape is terrific for someone that wants a versatile haircut. It can look sophisticated or a bit more playful. The front has a hint of longer pieces that don’t blend in with the exterior outline for that random look. I cut the hair behind the ears different that I do the hair in front of the ears. This creates so much movement for hair that is dense or thin.
Who does this work best for? It works well with all hair textures.
13. Flirty tousled curls
Stylist: Isabella Vázquez, Hairdresser, Editorial Stylist, Artistic Director, on Instagram as @Curlpop_n_hair
Isabella: I call this shape Flirty and tousled because the layers that live inside the shape create a controlled volume while decreasing bulk. It allows for you to be playful with your curls. They live toward your face but not in your face. You can actually see where some of the shorter curls are laying in different directions instead of where they would normally sit. It slightly opens up the face while still creating a mystery.
Who does this work best for? This definitely works best for the curly girl who does not want to loose her length but wants to have non committal layers that are playful. Curlier textures that have movement and length. This type of shape doesn’t require a full haircut every time there is a salon visit. This is the type of haircut that requires more of a detailing effect. There is no set timeline for a salon visit it’s more of a look and feel type of salon commitment. If it looks like and feels like it’s time for a salon visit then sure enough that’s when you book the appointment. May require diffusing but most likely it will live in the wash and go category.
14. Layers for medium hair
Stylist: Shai Amiel, owner of CAPELLA salon
Shai: Bianca has great curls. She keeps her hair very healthy allowing her to try new shapes that will work with her curl pattern. She didn’t like how flat her hair was and it lacked movement. After examining her hair, I realized it was not cut curl by curl and her stylist left it all one length. One length does not help with volume so we agreed that she needed shorter pieces throughout her hair. I layered the entire thing and even cut shorter pieces on the top for added volume and length. This shape will also work great for the curly girl that doesn’t have a fringe.
Who does this work best for? I love this haircut so much because it will work great for all curl types! A regular trim every 3 months will help to keep the ends healthy and maintain her length.
15. Signature Sunflower Cut
Stylist: Kristy Ramos, owner of Sunflowers & Scissors.
Kristy: What makes the magic in my Sunflower Cut is adding lots of shorter layers in the crown area to give the curls freedom to move & not collapse heavily onto each other. Curls have a tendency to clump into each other (which is great for definition”>, but that creates a less voluminous overall look to the hair. When there are little to no layers in curls, the hair lays super flat & movement is lacking so the life to the cut is lacking. Adding lots of floating layers in the hair help give the illusion of the curls blossoming which is what inspired the name of my version of the curly shag, the Sunflower Cut.
Who does this work best for? My Sunflower Cut works great for people with curls who want to keep their length but add a ton of movement, who have very high density hair that gets weighed down easily, who have finer texture & low density hair who crave more volume, & for curlies who want to express their inner rock star with their cut. This cut is ideal for curl types ranging in the 3a to 4a categories.
16. Layers for long hair
Stylist: Shai Amiel, owner of CAPELLA salon
Shai: Jasmine’s hair was very long when she came in but her ends were damaged from old blowfrying and avoiding regular trims because she wasn’t able to get what she wanted. I started with long hair and was able to keep most of it because she’s been very careful with her styling choices.
We knew we had to remove some bulk allowing her hair to move freely. I cleaned the bottom section but decided to go for more of a U shape instead of straight across the bottom. I layered the whole thing and kept the top layers square. This created so much movement and volume.
Who does this work best for? This shapes works great all curl types and on hair that is either dense or fine. I also framed her face with shorter pieces around her face.
17. Strong, clipper bob
Stylist: Isabella Vázquez, Hairdresser, Editorial Stylist, Artistic Director, on Instagram as @Curlpop_n_hair
Isabella: This haircut is one of the strongest lines we have been seeing this year. It was done, believe it or not, with clippers. It requires a strong, even-leveled perimeter. We start about a good inch under the chin, knowing that when it dries it will shorten by an inch or 2. This will make the curls sit slightly above jaw line. This is definitely the type of curl cut that strengthens features, accentuates your jaw and opens the space between the shoulders and neck. Doing so will give the illusion of an elongated body. It’s very Chic, fashionable and bold. It also allows for some shorter, to very little tailored pieces that draw attention to the eyes as well.
Who does this work best for? Although many curly textures can carry this look, it really favors wavy to curly fine textures. Most of the time we layer fine textures of curls in hopes of creating volume however a strong perimeter will push the hair to curl and expand when cut at chin length. It requires a salon visit of 5-8 weeks and minimal diffusing or fussing with.
18. Graduated bob
Stylist: Anthony Dickey, Stylist & Co-founder of Hair Rules salon and products
Dickey: Interestingly enough if this cut were on straight hair or if this cut was blown dry straight,the layers would look minimal. The front is left long for more drama.
Who does this work best for? Type 3b and 3c textures allow for more daring, less traditional shapes. Texture should encourage you to embrace big hair.
How to find a stylist
Finding a shape or length that suits your personal style is only the first step, the next is to find a curly hair stylist who can customize that look to suit your unique hair type. This list of top stylists is a great place to start, but there are salons all over the world that cater to curls.
Ready to upgrade your stylist, search Black-owned Salons in your state!
Going to a new stylist? Check for the 6 Signs a Stylist Knows How to Cut Curly Hair.
For more curly hair inspiration and eye candy, follow us on Instagram @NaturallyCurly.
Which of these cuts do you want to try?
AFROPUNK 2023’s Circus of Soul was an invitation to express creativity and freedom through hair, makeup, fashion, home made looks, and so much more. The annual music festival may have had a new venue and a new feel, but it brought the same jaw dropping style inspiration. These are our favorite hairstyles and creative looks from the event, held August 26 and 27 at the Skyline Drive In in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
All photos by Karston Tannis @skinnywashere for NaturallyCurly
As our bodies and hormones change with age, so does our hair. We’ve heard plenty of stories from readers who had stick straight hair as children, and grew curls all of a sudden with puberty, or women whose hair has transitioned from tight curls to loose waves in adulthood. I recently spoke with curly hair stylist Dianne Nola of Nola Studio in San Francisco, who has been supporting her clients through all hair stages for over 25 years. One of the top concerns she sees her clients struggling with is the loss of hair density that many women experience as they go through menopause.
What are some common changes that happen to the hair for your clients during menopause?
The hair follicles become spaced further apart than they used to be; it’s a very distinctive look––so much so that I can look at a new client and know she used to have very dense hair.
Women lose hair all over, but I see it first in the recession area (sides of the forehead), above the ears, and at the cowlick on the crown. Many women believe the back is not affected. We do have hair loss there but since there is more skin with hair follicles, it doesn’t show as much.
Another change is each individual hair becomes smaller in diameter. It’s as if the hair has lost its vibrancy. It is less robust and can appear downy.
What are the top questions you get from your clients who are dealing with these changes?
Should I take Biotin?
What do you think about Rogaine?
Should I see a dermatologist?
<pNo one wants to lose their beauty and identity. Essentially, women are scared and I definitely can understand. I have also lost at least a third of my hair since my 20s.
It’s important to realize, though, that other people don’t view your hair in the past; they see it now. They see the shine, health, and movement of your hair. They also see the vibrancy of you, so keeping yourself healthy while you age is extremely important.
I do recommend seeing your dermatologist and having tests for blood count, hormone levels, iron, thyroid and Vitamin D.
As for biotin, there are not any substantial studies, but many of my clients attribute that it makes their hair thicker with less breakage. They take 2,500mcg/day with plenty of water.
What do you recommend to clients to help with changes in density?
As curly girls, we avoid touching our hair because it will frizz. But it is so important to get movement in the scalp area. Capillaries underneath the skin shrink and need to be stimulated to increase the blood flow to the hair root. This action helps to keep it alive.
A woman loses her estrogen when going through menopause. Then there is a loss of moisture and elasticity throughout the body, including the scalp. In each hair strand, we lose oil (sebum), which contributes to increased dryness.
It is also important to keep the scalp area cleansed and free from buildup, which enables the hair to grow. I use Deva’s Buildup Buster but there are a few on the market. Think of a rose garden filled with nourishing soil where the weeds are pulled, exposing the flowers to air and light.
Are there products, a regimen or techniques that you’ve found to be effective?
The only well-publicized and approved studies are with Minoxidil (Rogaine). It prevents hair loss, but you have to use it every day for the rest of your life! It costs approximately $40/month. I have only a few clients willing to make that commitment.
It works by enlarging the capillaries that supply blood, thus increasing the hair’s growth cycle. Hair has three cycles: growing, resting and releasing. Each of these cycles varies with each person. Nutrition, genetics, medication, and trauma all play a part because the hormones are affected.
Some people use topical caffeine daily to increase the blood flow. There are many cleansers and conditioners available that contain caffeine to slow down thinning hair. Caffeine also enlarges the capillaries and stimulates blood to the hair root.
and bone broth for protein support. The hair is 90% protein, so by taking this it allows the hair to be strong, warding off breakage.
Remember, everybody is different and responds differently to medications, supplements, and hair products, as we’ve learned. So these treatments might work for you, but not for your best friend.
#NaturallyCurlyWorld, have you experienced changes to your texture or density with menopause? Share your story with us in the comments below.
This article was originally posted in 2017 and has been edited.
