Search Results: Stacey Biro

By Stacey Biro · Updated December 6, 2024

Volumizing sprays are game changers for curlies with fine, thin, or thinning hair. They can give the appearance of thicker density at the crown, boost the holding power of gels to combat flat roots, and help to add volume to the hair while keeping curls intact. They can be used to add texture and movement, too. Read on for tips, techniques, and products for the best volumizing sprays for fine hair.

General Tips

Image Source: @megan_a_james

• While some volumizing sprays can be used on both damp and dry hair, to amp up their staying power, use them on slightly damp hair.
• When spraying, focus on the roots of your hair to the mid-shafts and then scrunch upwards.
• A little goes a long way with these sprays, so start by using a couple of spritzes and gradually add more as needed.
• As with other styles, allow volumizing sprays to dry before picking and/or fluffing out your hair.

To boost all-over volume and definition

Image Source: @chloe.chapdelaine

If you are experiencing flat roots, or hair that looks limp, lifeless, and frizzy, the Super Scrunch Method can help get your curls back on track. The steps to do this method are summarized below.

1. Work a leave-in into your hair in sections. Ensure your hair is fully detangled.
2. Apply a foam, work it in, and then use a Denman brush to help form curl clumps.
3. Emulsify 2-3 pumps of gel with 6-8 sprays of volumizing spray between your palms.
4. Scrunch this mixture into your hair from the mid-shafts to the roots, scrunching upwards.
5. Scrunch your roots with a microfiber towel to remove excess water, wait five minutes, and scrunch your roots again with your hands. This will prevent your roots from drying flat.

To add spot volume

Image Source: @thecurlsuite

If you have a small area of hair that always seems to fall flat no matter what you do, try these steps to give it more body:

1. Ensure the section is thoroughly saturated and that your leave-in and styler(s) have been applied.
2. Using a duckbill clip, root clip the section on a diagonal, lifting it slightly at the base.
3. Spritz the roots with volumizing spray, and then allow them to dry.

Volumizing Sprays

1. Rizos Curls Alcohol-Free Volumizing Hair Spray

Say goodbye to frizz and yes to a volumizing hair spray for fine hair that is full of hydrating nutrients that your wavy hair will love. This unique blend of red algae, argan oil, and rosemary will increase your hair elasticity and prevent hair from breakage.

2. UNITE LIQUID Volume (4 oz)

Get volume without added weight with this body-building spray. LIQUID volume lets you fluff out your hair when it starts to fall flat by simply scrunching your roots (and you don’t need to add more product).

2. AG Hair Curl Trigger Curl Defining Spray

Beachy waves, anyone? This curl definer will give you that vacation-worthy look in a bottle. Hair is left texturized, defined, and protected from the elements. It is one of the best hairspray for waves or for fine hair.

3. amika brooklyn bombshell Blowout Volume Spray

Who doesn’t love a good blowout? This ultra-lightweight mist packs a powerful punch to deliver volume, body, and shine.

4. Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Medium

Hold and frizz control in one product? Yes, please. This lightweight, flexible hairspray will help provide long lasting hold and infuse hair with shine for your everyday styles.

5. COLOR WOW Raise the Root Thicken + Lift Spray

Take your roots to new heights with this uplifting spray that creates incredible lift and volume. It will give you volume for days without leaving your hair feeling crunchy or stiff.

What are your favorite volumizing sprays? Let us know in the comments. Click here to learn 10 Tips Every Curly Girl Should Know for Major Volume.

OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.

By Stacey Biro · Published October 18, 2024

With No Shave November right around the corner, now is the perfect time to stock up on products for the curly guys in your life. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to figure out where you should start, but we found a good blend of wavy, coil, and curly hair products for men. What are the trademarks of curly products for men? Is it the smell, ingredients, consistency? While this can be up for debate depending on how they plan to use the products, we just want to ensure they use them! Water is not a hair product.

Below are some selections from Naturally Curly community favorites SheaMoisture, Scotch Porter, Cantu, Uncle Jimmy, and more.

1. Uncle Jimmy Curl-Kicker Hair Cream for Men

If you’re a man with curls looking for a flexible hold, look no further than Uncle Jimmy Curl-Kicker Hair Cream for Men. Its black seed oil and honey formula creates fullness and volume and reduces frizz.

2. Red by Kiss Bow Wow X Twist King Luxury Twist Styler

Your guy needs the right tool for fast and easy locs and twists. This one will not harm the hair as it leaves it perfectly styled.

3. Bevel Leave-In Conditioner for Men

If you’re a man with a desire to soften your curls, coils, and waves, then look no further. Bevel uses hemp seed oil and a biotin formula to help detangle, soften, and strengthen any hair texture.

4. Cantu Men’s Hair Care 3-Piece Set

For those guys who like a bundle, Cantu has you covered with their men’s collection. This powerful trio includes a 3-in-1 shampoo, leave-in conditioner, and cream pomade styler to maximize your wash day. Say goodbye to dryness and hello to intense moisture.

5. Marc Anthony Strictly Curl Defining & Enhancing Lotion

Suitable for any curl type, from big and bold curls to soft and delicate spirals, this curl cream is expertly crafted with Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, and Vitamin E. It’s designed to define and enhance your curl’s natural shape, add moisture, enhance shine, and eliminate frizz.

6. Scotch Porter Hydrating Hair Wash

Men who are looking for natural and vegan ingredients are going to love this sulfate-free shampoo. It’s ideal for wavy, curly, coil, or thick textures and can eliminate frizz.

7. The Mane Choice The Alpha 48H Edge Control: 

Laid and slayed edges are no problem with this edge control that stimulates hair growth. This product would work great with the L-method, and a variety of other polished looks. As a curly hair product for men, it can revive their edges and create superior hold and shine.

8. Avenue Man Volume Lift Mousse:

Now and then, you need a lift, and here’s the curly hair product that will deliver for your guy! This mousse is infused with ProVitamin B5 to help shape and volume and prevent harsh weather conditions like humidity and wind. Rich ingredients like argan oil and green tea blend together for a light, airy texture that won’t weigh down your hair.

9. Brickell Men’s Texturizing Sea Salt Spray:

This refreshing sea salt spray is perfect for your regimen because it lifts and volumizes the hair. The sea salt blend works to thicken any hair texture nourishes the scalp and strengthens hair follicles.

10. STMNT Grooming Goods Curl Cream

Say hello to a curl cream that enhances, controls, and defines waves, curls, and coils without the crunch. STMNT is here to help men gain legendary curl definition with ingredients to help soothe and nourish their hair.

What are your favorites? Let us know in the comments.

This article has been updated with new product links.

OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.

By Stacey Biro · Published September 26, 2024

If you are currently transitioning from heat-damaged to healthy hair, you may wonder how long the process will take. To help us create a transition timeline, we contacted stylist and hair healer Brandie Kekoa of Be Kekoa Hair Studio in Southern California for her feedback. She states that it takes most of her clients “from two to three years to transition.” While this may sound (and feel) like forever, consider the following. In general, hair grows at approximately ½ of an inch per month.

If you were to cut your hair at the root when wet, it would be:

• Short crop length (six inches) at one year.
• Medium-length, the hair touches the nape of the neck when wet (ten inches) at one and a half years.
• Shoulder length (twelve inches”> at two years.
• Reaching the middle of your back (sixteen inches”> at two and a half years.

To make the process seem even slower, healthy hair is going to curl up a lot more than heat-damaged hair, which will make it shrink when it dries. Keep this in mind if you are contemplating a big chop.

Transitioning without a big chop takes approximately the same length of time but presents some additional challenges, as heat-damaged ends will have lost their true curl pattern and be difficult to maintain. Brandie advises readers to also be aware of the weakness where the healthy hair and damaged hair meet on the hair shaft, which is prone to breakage.

Her advice for trouble-free transitioning includes:

1. For tighter curls and coils: consider protective styles such as box braids, bantu knots, flat twists, and passion twists. Passion twists are a better choice than braids because they put less stress on the hair. Hair as short as five inches can be put into a protective style, and then hair can be added for length.

1. For looser curlies: scrunch using a refresher product with a little bit of protein in it. “Protein,” she states, “gives curls some structure and support.” Be Refreshed-Curl Refresher Spray is a good choice for looser curls and waves because it is moisturizing without being too heavy. It can help curls keep their shape without being weighed down.

If you are going to co-wash try to use a product that cleans well in addition to providing your hair with needed moisture. Be Clean Cleansing Conditioner has extra cleansing agents.

Clarify! Often, curlies apply conditioner on top of conditioner on top of conditioner. All of this builds up and is detrimental to hair and scalp health, and over time can weaken hair follicles.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Be Kekoa 🌺 The Curl Healers®️ (@bekekoa)

Image Source: @bekekoa

Curlies should clarify at least once per month. Healthy hair is about balance. While it needs moisture, it needs cleansing, too. Just like you would not bathe in lotion, you would not want to overload your scalp with moisturizers without cleansing it as needed. Be Clair Clarifying Shampoo is extremely gentle, yet it will rid your hair and scalp of build-up.

The following timeline will help you visualize heat damage recovery from start to finish and provide you with some additional pointers.

Month 1:

Determine your current curl pattern(s), density, and porosity. This will help you shop for products. Revisit periodically as these variables change.

Eliminate shampoos, conditioners, and stylers that contain sulfates, parabens, drying alcohols, and silicones that are not water-soluble. Replace them with products that will nurture your curls and aid in healthy hair growth. Work them into a wash routine that incorporates gentle cleansing and clarifying. In addition to the Be Kekoa products above, some shampoos that work well for curl patterns in transition are:

• Curl Junkie Daily Fix Cleansing Conditioner
• Mielle Organics Detangling Co-Wash
• Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo

Find a conditioner that will give your hair moisture without being overly heavy. Even if you are co-washing on a wash day, you may need a conditioner as well. Some great picks are:

• Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
• Aunt Jackie’s Grapeseed Style & Shine Recipes RESCUED! Thirst Quenching Recovery Conditioner

Incorporate a leave-in conditioner into your regimen. While everyone’s product choices are going to be different, most of us benefit from leave-in conditioners. NaturallyCurly Community favorites include:

• Discontinue detangling your hair dry or combing through it from top to bottom when it is wet. Instead, gently detangle using your fingers. If you need to use a wide-toothed comb, use it sparingly and work from the ends up.

Image Source: @yourcurlyhairbff

• Abandon those plush terry cloth towels. Instead, scrunch out excess moisture from your hair with a microfiber towel or a cotton tee shirt.

• If you regularly use heat tools, switch to a dryer with a diffuser that has a cool setting so that you do not damage your burgeoning curls.

• Start sleeping on satin or silk pillowcases. Cotton ones will suck all the moisture out of your hair. You may also want to use a satin sleep cap.

Adopt a Refresh Routine

Begin keeping a curl journal. Jot down the products that work well for you. Look at the labels to see what the first 5-6 ingredients are and make a list of them. Likewise, note products that your hair dislikes and write down the top 5-6 ingredients they contain.

Note any scalp reactions, redness, dry hair, overly frizzy hair, etc. Some curlies have reactions to certain ingredients like propylene glycol, or are protein-sensitive, or have hair that frizzes when humectants like glycerin are used. For more tips on this, click here.

Experiment with different updos or protective styles that work with your curl pattern. If you are encouraging your natural curl formation, get serious about training your curls with scrunching and shingling.

Do regular deep conditioning treatments with a masque or conditioner that will provide deep hydration. Many salons offer this service as part of a steaming treatment that opens up the cuticle with warm steam so that the masque can work its way into the hair shaft. This is followed by a blast of cold hair that seals and smooths the cuticle. I had this done at Be Kekoa with Be Lola Deep Hydration Masque, and my hair was soft and moisturized for days. It also gave me incredible curl definition which kept my curls intact. Below are images depicting the effect of the steaming treatment on transitioning hair.

If you do not have access to a salon that offers a steaming treatment, and want to boost the power of your deep conditioning masque while reducing the time it takes to work its magic, use a Hot Head.

When deep conditioning your hair at home, do not over-condition it which can lead to hygral fatigue. With dry ends, it may be tempting to deep condition every few days, but that would likely be more than your hair needs for its optimal health. Deep conditioning once or twice a month is a good rule of thumb for many curlies. Regardless of the frequency at which you deep condition, do not leave the conditioner on your hair more than the prescribed length of time, and make sure to keep it off of your roots.

Month 6

Your hair will likely be at an awkward stage with a visible level of new growth. Ideally, you will have had a few trims within the first six-months of your curl journey. If you are growing out a big chop, you may want to consider getting a fresh new cut that works for the longer length of your hair.

Depending on the time of the year that you started your curl journey, you will likely need to switch up your regimen for the change of seasons. For example, if you began in humid July, six months later, frigid, dry January will require products with extra moisture.

One year

Image Source: @nunies99

You should now have a good idea of how your hair behaves in different seasons, and have regimens for the dry and humid months of the year. If you have been shingling, you will find that your curls are growing in the right direction without added work.

Two to three years

This is the usual length of time that transitioning takes. This does not mean that your curls do not have any more growing to do or that you will not require additional trims to get you hair to its final state, but this benchmark will let you see your crown in all its glory.

Below are some photos showing the transition from heat damaged to transitioned hair:

How long did it take you to transition? Let us know in the comments.

OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.

By Stacey Biro · Published September 16, 2024

If dry fall air is wrecking your waves and curls, leaving you with flyaways, try these oils that won’t weigh down your hair. They can be used to spot-treat frizzy, dull strands or impart an all-over sheen. For best results, start with a drop or two and add more in small increments, particularly if you have fine hair.

1. SheaMoisture 100% Pure Argan Oil

Argan oil is filled with nutrients and essential fatty acids to keep your hair and skin soft and healthy. 100% pure Argan Oil leaves you with moisturized, shiny hair that does not feel greasy. You can use it to heal dry skin patches, too.

2. Kinky-Curly Perfectly Polished

This wonder-blend contains apricot kernel oil that deeply penetrates the scalp to moisturize it and keep it flake-free, Argan oil for lightly moisturized waves that glow from within, and Abyssinian and wheat germ oil for stronger strands. This polishing oil blend is mineral oil, petroleum, and silicone-free, so it will not build up on your hair.

3. Alikay Naturals Glazed Argan

A tried-and-true favorite of many stylists, Argan oil will not only make your hair look healthier, but it will also improve its condition as well. It strengthens hair and helps to seal split ends. It locks in moisture, too, for all-day protection against frizz. Glazed Argan has a beautiful raspberry and vanilla scent that you are sure to love.

4. All I Need Naturally Baobab Growth Oil Cocktail

Baobab Growth Oil Cocktail is a blend of oils and infused herbs that are known for their hair-strengthening and scalp-soothing properties. Calendula, lavender, tea-tree, and peppermint will banish flakes and a dry scalp, while nettles help you to grow stronger hair.

Baobab and olive oils will smooth and seal the hair shaft to reduce breakage and help restore elasticity to dry strands. Silk amino acids penetrate deep within the cuticle to moisturize even in low-humidity environments. This oil-blend is free of sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances.

5. Curl Girl Moisture Fix Daily Shine Oil

Spray on the shine with Curl Girl Moisture Fix Daily Shine Oil for finished, polished, bouncy waves. This wave-loving formula can also be used as a pre-poo or as a refresher for strands that have lost their mojo.

6. HPO Butter Drops

With the bright scents of citrus and lavender and the moisturizing power of jojoba, these butter drops will perk up your waves and your senses. You can also use this natural oil blend to help add shine to your tresses, and to moisturize dry skin and a dry scalp.

7. Camille Rose Naturals Herbal Tea Seal & Soften

Camille Rose has brewed up hair-loving goodness with this tea for your tresses. It contains an infusion of nettle, patchouli, sage, marigold, and lavender in olive and jojoba oils to leave your hair hydrated and super soft. Your waves will be radiantly shiny with this fragrant formula. 

8. Moisture Love Seal with a Kiss Finishing Oil

Perfect for a variety of hair textures and densities, this luscious blend of avocado, Argan, macadamia, castor, and meadowfoam seed oils will keep your hair growing gorgeous. It can be used as both a finishing oil or a moisturizing treatment.

NaturallyCurly Shopper Briana writes: “Perfect. I have now bought four bottles of this oil. It smells so good. I have very thick hair, so I usually use heavier oils, but this one is light, and it does the trick for me. My daughter has thin to medium hair, and it’s perfect for her, too. I massage it on my scalp and use it as a finishing oil.”

What is your favorite oil? Let us know in the comments! 

OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.

By Stacey Biro · Published August 26, 2024

If you are experiencing thinning hair and hair loss, being born curly is advantageous because nothing will disguise finer strands like texture. Choose the right products, styles, and techniques for maximum volume with minimum effort to boost them. Skip the myriad of shampoos, treatments, and stylers that claim they are for thinning hair, such as shampoos full of harsh detergents and topical treatments with drying alcohols or sticky, heavy ingredients. These products are generally ineffective at reversing hair loss, but they can wreck your curls in the process, robbing them of their sheen, definition, and body.

Your daily regimen should contain products that are made to support hair health, such as the following:

• Shampoos formulated to cleanse curly hair without damaging it works wonders for volumizing thinning hair, and most are less expensive than standard shampoos.
• A light daily conditioner that can also be used as a leave-in. These conditioners will not weigh down your hair while giving it the moisture it needs. Three Naturally Curly community favorites are: OUAI Fine Hair Conditioner, Alikay Naturals Caribbean Coconut Milk Conditioner, and DevaCurl One Condition Delight.

• Volumizing foam gives your hair extra body and shine. Try Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Volumizing Foam or AG Hair Foam Weightless Volumizer. Foams also give you light hold and frizz control without making your hair look greasy, stringy, or weighed down.
• If you have crown thinning, try colored edge gel in a shade that matches your hair color. For an easy daily style, you can pin back your hair and use the edge gel to add color depth to your baby’s hair. It will make your hairline look denser.

Haircuts

Image Source: @rootedinbeauty

If you have thinning hair, consider a shorter cut. Not only will it make your hair appear fuller, but a shorter cut is often easier to maintain, particularly if you are also using topicals or are washing your hair more frequently. Pick a cut that suits your curl pattern, lifestyle, and personal style. Don’t try to cut around the hair loss (e.g., an edgy asymmetrical style) unless you are sure the pattern of hair loss will not expand. Also, be aware that your hair will grow more slowly if you have pattern hair loss than it normally would, so be sure to choose a style that you will love for the long term.

Here are a few cuts to consider.

Image Source: @nicolepommehair

This look will help disguise a thinning crown while still looking fresh and pretty. It is also very easy to care for.

Styling Tips

Image Source: @amandaapittman

When styling thinning curly hair, always strive to maintain hair health. Heat tools, bleach, and silicone-laden glossing sprays will leave your hair dried and fried and ruin your curl pattern. Instead, continue with curly best practices, including no heat styling, weekly deep conditioners, and gentle detangling of wet hair. In addition, the following can help:

Image Source: @robynella.ringlets

• Avoid long, heavily layered haircuts. They will just draw attention to the thinning by making the bottom of your hair look stringy and sparse.
• Do not opt for bangs. In most women with thinning hair, the hairline remains intact. The hair at the front of the head can be pinned or pushed back to cover crown thinning, or to give a bit more volume and substance to the thinning area at the top of the head. Bangs are harder to work with and may not give you the coverage you need.
• Get more frequent trims. Frizzy ends can drag down your curls, making them look dull, flat, and lifeless.

• Try to avoid hair fibers. Hair fibers are flecks of colored dust that are supposed to magnetically stick to the hair without migrating to the scalp where they can clog the hair follicles and further exacerbate hair loss. However, these types of products look matte and powdery on curly hair. They tend to move around and absorb beneficial oils from your roots. The fix to keep fibers in place is hairspray with some sheen, but this further enhances the drying aspect to the fibers.
• If you have wavy hair and an oily scalp, tinted dry shampoos can cover sparse areas of your hair. Bonus: you can also extend the time between wash days. Curlier hair tends to be less oily at the root, so dry shampoo is generally too drying and tends to sit on top of the hair as a fine powder.
• Add visual interest with earrings. There are lots of great earring looks available from multiple piercings to ear crawlers, to classic hoops and more that can really make what ever haircut and style you choose pop.

What are your favorite tips for making thinning hair appear fuller? Let us know in the comments.

OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.

By Stacey Biro · Published August 19, 2024

If you want a fast, easy, flawless refresh routine that works in various types of weather, moisturizing mousse should be on your list of must-haves. It can hydrate and restore your curls, and leave them shiny, bouncy, and well-defined. It can also stave off frizz and flyaways without leaving your hair flat, greasy, or weighed-down. Refreshing with mousse is a great trick in the cooler months when you don’t want to leave the house with wet hair.

Steps for a successful refresh

1. Snip those split ends

They can make refreshing much more challenging than it should be, and they can really drag down your curls and waves.

2. Use leave-in and mousse 

On wash days, you can use a small amount of leave-in with several pumps of mousse over it. Do not use any stylers or oils on top of the mousse, as that will leave you with a lot of crunchy, straggly pieces where the mousse is lying on top of other products when you try to refresh. On all subsequent days that you plan to refresh with mousse, do not use other stylers or oils

3. Spot treat curls

The night before your refresh, touch up areas of your hair that have lost curl definition. If you have large tangles in those areas, spritz a small amount of water onto them with a fine mist sprayer, and then rake in 1-2 pumps of mousse. Detangle using your fingers, and then scrunch.

4. Dry and protect the curls

Image Source: @itsdaelle

Allow your hair to dry completely, and then protect your curls for sleep by using a satin bonnet, or putting your hair in a pineapple.

The next day

5. Check for knots

In the morning, after you have taken your hair down, inspect it for any large knots or tangles, as these tend to be frizzier than the rest of your hair, and then detangle them with a bit of water and mousse.

6. Scrunch in the mousse

Image Source: @thatcurllblog

Scrunch in approximately 4-6 pumps of mousse (you can use more if needed) to the areas of your hair that have lost definition. Your hair should be slightly damp in the areas you have applied the mousse. Shingle any curls that have lost their definition, and then scrunch.

7. Flip and scrunch

Flip your head over and scrunch in some mousse to the bottom layer of your hair. Scrunch the roots near the nape of your neck. This will give your hair a boost of extra volume.

If you desire, fluff out your roots when the mousse dries.

The best mousse products for refreshing:

While there are lots of foams on the market, the best ones for refreshing do not contain drying alcohols or silicones. The following mousse products are perfect for styling and refreshing, as they contain moisturizing properties.

1. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Style & Shine Foaming Mousse

Hydrogenated castor and Argan oils provide moisture to your curls and leave them with a brilliant sheen.

2. CURLS Sea Moss Nourish and Shine Foam

This mousse strengthens, restores, and moisturizes hair in one step.

3. Rizos Curls Defining Mousse

Besides coconut water as its first ingredient, this defining mousse has cactus flowers and chia seeds to leave your hair soft and hydrated.

4. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse

This mousse smells amazing and has a blend of olive, coconut, and moringa oils along with shea butter to keep your curls soft and frizz-free.

5. Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse

This Holy Grail mousse is ideal for cutting down frizz and giving volume to wavy/curly and tighter textures. Note if you are protein sensitive, this formula contains protein for strengthening.

OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.

By Stacey Biro · Published July 5, 2024

“Hi, I have been trying recently to get more definition, and my hair just won’t clump. There are still loose strands that won’t form large strands.”

— CurlTalker Akitacakes

Many curlies, including seasoned adherents to the Curly Girl Method, can find clumping challenging. It sounds simple enough– water, moisturizer, styler, and method—but certain variables can make or break your clumps. If you are not getting the results you desire, consider the following.

Your Haircut

Specifically, do you have a lot of shorter layers within the cut that prevent your hair from spiraling together? When you have a looser curl pattern, some hairdressers want to snip certain curls to make them spring up or cut in some high layers for the body. The result is many individual curls that do their own thing.

Image Source: @coiffeurstory

Curl Fix:

After applying your styler, twist together longer and shorter pieces of hair using the Skip Curl Method, or massage product into 2-3 individual curls, and then smooth them together to form larger curl clumps.

Your Products

Perhaps the most confusing aspect of caring for wavy hair is figuring out what your hair needs to be its healthiest and look its best. In addition to the silicones, sulfates, and parabens that we regularly avoid, some of us have a negative reaction to ingredients such as protein and glycerin. Interestingly, two wavies with the same hair type could have different results with the same product. There are several reasons for this, such as hair porosity, density, and moisture in the air.

Wavy Fix:

If you aren’t loving the results you get from any product, don’t be afraid to switch things up. Trial-size products are a great way to sample new items before you buy full-sized bottles or containers, as is having your stylist try the salon’s product offerings on your freshly cut mane. Our online store frequently offers deals and promotions on curly community favorites and allows you to filter out ingredients that you don’t want.

Image Source: @millyjsmith

Use these tips to help you find the right products for your hair.

• If your hair feels hard or dry when you use protein-heavy products, you may be protein-sensitive. This doesn’t mean you will need to nix protein entirely, but you will need to use it less frequently (no more than once or twice a month).
• If your hair is parched or frizzy in dry or humid weather, glycerin may not suit you.
• If your hair looks weighed down, dry, and lackluster, your products may be too heavy for it or cause buildup.

How Wet Your Hair is When You Apply your Leave-in and Styler

If your hair is not fully saturated with water when you apply your products, they will be unevenly distributed so that some sections of hair will curl, and others will fall flat, not clump, or frizz.

Wavy Fix:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diede Fondse (@wavydiede)

Image Source: @wavydiede

Always apply your products in the shower when your hair is soaking wet. This will enable you to efficiently distribute product to all the strands of your hair to form a good cast. Starting this way will lead to less frizz later.

The Moisture Balance in Your Hair

If your hair is too dry, weighed down from product build-up, or even too clean, it may not clump the way you want it to.

Wavy fix:

Determine the moisture balance in your hair, and then do one of the following.

• If your hair is dry all over, use a moisturizing conditioner or hair masque, and massage it into the ends of your hair. Allow it to sit on your hair for several minutes. Rinse, and then apply a moisturizing leave-in.
• If your hair is weighed down from product build-up, it will look any combination of the following: dry, frizzy, stringy, lifeless, flat, or unruly. Avoid product build-up by using a clarifying shampoo  at least once a month.
• If your hair is super bouncy from the middle of the hair downwards, but your roots won’t clump correctly, apply your leave-in to all your hair, including the roots. If this does not work, you may need to wash it less frequently or switch off between washing with shampoo and co-washing.

Where You Apply Product

Many wavies are reluctant to apply products all over the head, fearing that their hair will be limp or flat at the scalp. To hold a clump, you need a cast from roots to ends.

Wavy fix:

Image Source: @kaylalandriault

Flip your head upside down and apply conditioner in sections. Detangle, and then rinse your curls in your preferred manner (e.g., squish to condish). With your head still turned upside down, apply your leave-in. Massage it into the ends of your hair.

Technique

This is a tricky one because every wavie has their own favorite method. Some prefer fingers to detangle and distribute the product, others like a Denman brush or a comb. Many wavies start scrunching in the shower; others use a microfiber towel to scrunch with. And don’t get me started on plopping…Despite all these variances, in the curl clumping game, technique is key.

Wavy Fix:

After you have applied your leave-in, and with your head flipped upside down do the following:

1. Apply your styler in sections, smooth, and scrunch with your fingers.
2. Flip your head back over, and then use your fingers to create a part. Arrange your hair as you would normally wear it.
3. Using the squish to condish method or praying hands method, press 2-3 waves together to form larger clumps. Do this throughout your head, and then shingle all the clumps. Do not disturb the clumps for a few moments as you finish your shower. You will see products on your hair, which is good.
4. Using a microfiber towel, cup each curl clump and squeeze it up toward the scalp to remove any excess water. You can then root clip and air dry or diffuse your hair.

Whether or Not it is Time for a Trim

If you have dry, straggly ends that won’t accept moisture, chances are it is time to book an appointment at your favorite salon.

Wavy fix:

Ask your stylist to dust your ends. This will remove dry ends while allowing you to keep your length (as longer hair clumps more readily than shorter, layered hair”).

What do you do to get your waves to clump? Let us know in the comments. For the best gels of 2024 to perfect those clumps, click here.

By Stacey Biro · Published June 25, 2024

Image Source: @curlyloveclub

Those of us with fine hair often have a choice: moisturized, frizz-free, well-defined waves and curls, or volume with a halo of frizz. For me, scrunching out the crunch meant scrunching out the ringlets I had spent so much time creating in the shower. Then someone on Facebook told me about mousse, and it revolutionized my routine.

Products for Curls with Volume

To get your voluminous curls, you will need the following:

• A protein-rich conditioner
• A gentle cleansing shampoo
• A moisturizing hair masque

• Mousse or volumizing foam
• A wide-toothed comb
• Hair clips
• A facial steamer

• A hairdryer with a diffuser attachment or hood dryer
• A microfiber towel
• A hair pick

• A few drops of your favorite hair oil

My Curl Routine for Volume

1. Condition-Wash-Condition

Image Source: @katerina.rozmajzl

Wash your hair using the Condition-Wash-Condition-Method. I recommend using the protein-rich conditioner as your first conditioner and leaving it on your hair for up to 20 minutes before applying the shampoo. Exercise care in this step to avoid producing knots and tangles. Gently begin to detangle your hair using your fingers. Flip your head over and rinse your hair.

While your hair is flipped over, apply the hair mask and finish detangling your hair with your fingers. With a wide-toothed comb, comb through your hair to ensure it is fully detangled, and then smooth the sections that you comb. Rinse thoroughly without scrunching or otherwise disturbing the curls that have begun to clump.

2. Apply mousse generously

Apply a generous amount of mousse to your hair in sections using the praying hands method to avoid breaking up the curl clumps. If your hair starts to break up into finer curls, add more water and another pump or two of mousse.

3. Flip and find your part

Image Source: @curlyyhairboo

Flip your head back over and arrange the curls as they would normally fall. Part your hair using your finger.

4. Twist face-framing curls

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A post shared by Curls by Kath (@curlsbykath)

Image Source: @curlsbykath

Twist or shingle the curl clumps around your face. You can learn more about the shingling method here. 

5. Clip the roots

Image Source: @curlycurvycharlie

Clip your roots using your favorite root-clipping technique. I like to clip a few clumps near the part with hair clips inserted on a diagonal. I also weigh down the roots in the front of my hair with a horizontally-placed hairpin.

Optional: While your hair is still wet, turn on a facial steamer and let the steam touch your curls as you lightly scrunch them. This will help the curls spring up and give you a little extra volume.

6. Squeeze out water

Using a microfiber towel, gently squeeze out any excess water from your roots so they do not dry flat.

7. Dry your hair

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A post shared by Jo | Curly Hair Consultant | Curl Tips (@curlyjo.uk)

Image Source: @curlyjo.uk

Allow your hair to dry naturally or use a diffuser or hood dryer on low heat. When your hair is completely dry, remove the clips.

8. Pick

Flip your head over and carefully pick out your roots to avoid disturbing the ends.

9. Smooth with oil

Apply a few drops of oil to your ends using the praying hands method. When you flip your head back over, you will have loads of bouncy curls that last.

Read next: 5 Best Oils for Fine Hair (Yes, Fine Hair)

What are your favorite tips for volume with curl definition? Let us know in the comments.  

This article has been updated for clarity.

OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.

By Stacey Biro · Published June 19, 2024

Fine hair is one of the most challenging types to detangle, especially when it is at a longer length. Not only does it tend to knot easily, but it can break and split if you try to comb through it. You may also struggle to get at all the tangles with your fingers. Pre-pooing is the answer to all of these problems. 

What Does Pre-Poo Mean?

Pre-pooing is the application of oil-based products before shampooing and detangling in sections. 

The Benefits of Pre-pooing

Besides aiding in the detangling process, pre-pooing can help to:

• Prevent hygral fatigue
• Add moisture
• Increase sheen, softness, and manageability

Those of us with fine hair may be reluctant to add a pre-poo to our regimens for fear that it will weigh down our waves and curls. To keep this from happening, follow these tips.

How to Pre-Poo Fine Hair

Apply the pre-poo product in sections

Image Source: @sumans.waves

Like conditioner, a pre-poo must be applied meticulously so that the entire head is covered. Sectioning hair in 4-8 sections (depending on its length and density) ensures the product is evenly distributed. After you apply the pre-poo from the mid-shaft down to the tips, clip the section with a butterfly clip to keep it from tangling back up.

Avoid applying the pre-poo to the roots of your hair

Applying oil-based products to the roots of your hair can weigh it down, especially if your roots are already oily and in need of a shampoo. Oils can also, in some cases, weaken roots and clog your scalp’s pores. For best results with a pre-poo on fine hair, apply from the mid-shaft of the hair down to the ends.

Massage the pre-poo into your ends

Image Source: @colorwow.hair

Taking extra care to massage the product into dry, brittle ends will help to ensure they get the hydration they need. It will also help to make detangling less of a chore.

Carefully use your fingers and a wide-toothed comb to detangle

After you have applied your product to sectioned hair, take down a section and detangle it as much as possible with your fingers. Use a wide-toothed comb for any stubborn tangles needed by working from the bottom of your hair upwards.

Read next: 4 Signs You Need to Pre-Poo

Pre-Poos for Fine Hair

Choose products that are suitable for finer or all hair types. Pre-poo products that have lighter oils and plant milks are a better choice than those with heavier butters which can weigh down your strands and be difficult to wash out.

These pre-poos are specially formulated to work for a variety of textures.

1. Heavenly Halo Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Pre-Poo

Use this pre-poo to hydrate and restore delicate curls. Its gentle formulation can be used every time you shampoo. It contains soy milk, hydrating oils including burdock root, umutanga and palmarosa, and yashtimadhu and yucca roots. Hair is left restored, moisturized, stronger, and more resilient. 

2. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Pre-Shampoo Mask

If you are losing excessive strands to your detangling comb, this mask has you covered. It improves the strength and elasticity of fragile curls. It also seals in the moisture and shine leaving them looking healthier and feeling softer. 

3. As I Am Pure Oils Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

This cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil can help to leave your hair stronger, with strands that are able to stand up to detangling.

4. Righteous Roots Rx Oil

Named one of the best hair and scalp oils of 2020 for all hairtypes, Righteous Roots Rx is a hair rejuvenating growth serum packed with 12 essential oils featuring both anti-frizz and detangling properties like olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil and peppermint oil to seal in moisture.

If you prefer to DIY or use a product you already own, here are 3 more pre-poo ideas that are light enough for fine hair. 

What are your favorite pre-poo tips for fine hair? Let us know in the comments. 

This article has been updated for clarity.

OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.

By Stacey Biro · Published March 14, 2024

Up until six months ago, I thought I hated hair mousse. For me, it brought back memories of bad haircuts, after which the stylists would grab the mousse, slather it onto my nearly dry curls and blast them with a hair dryer while either rolling them straight with a round brush or quickly scrunching them out of their patterns and into a ball of frizz.

I cannot be sure if mousse was to blame or was implicated as an accomplice to bad technique, but regardless, mousse was on my do-not-purchase list. Then, someone recommended volumizing foam for root boosting on one of the curly girl sites and provided pictures as evidence of its effectiveness. I ordered a bottle, and it quickly became my favorite styler.

Since that time, I have used both volumizing foam and moisturizing mousse and while the former of the two adds a bit more body to the hair, and the latter more hydration and shine, you can use either for similar results.

Mousse provides a soft, touchable hold. It creates a slight cast. You can use it as both a styler and refresher. It will keep your curls and coils intact for wash day provided you exercise care when styling, but you will need to touch up second day and beyond hair with more mousse or another styler. Additionally, for best results, you may need to pair mousse with additionally products to meet your hair’s moisture needs, or for longer hold.

Image Source: @crlab

For this how-to, I recommend using a mousse that will provide moisture and a light hold. Some curly-community favorites include:

• RIZOS CURLS CURL DEF MOUSSE: Soft, defined, easy to manage curls are effortless with this floral-scented foam.
• Texture My Way Keep It Curly Stretch and Set Styling Foam: This product gives extra body and shine to your hair and has a lightweight hold that lasts.
• ORS Olive Oil Hold & Shine Wrap Set Mousse: With its invigorating coconut oil scent and pillow-soft hold, Wrap & Roll is the perfect product to set curls on wash day or perk them up in the days that follow.

Wash Day Method:

Image Source: @goldynaps

1. On fully detangled and saturated hair, apply a generous amount of mousse all over your head, working in sections. Note: if you require extra moisture, apply a leave-in conditioner prior to this step.
2. Smooth the product into your hair from the mid-shaft to the ends.
3. Using a Denman brush, part your hair as you would normally wear it, and then comb through your hair, ensuring that all the tangles are removed.
4. Smooth smaller curls together to form larger clumps. If you have any sections of your hair that require more hold, apply a medium to firm hold styler to them using the praying hands method.
5. Allow your hair to sit undisturbed for a few moments before continuing.
6. Using a t-shirt or microfiber towel, cup each curl clump and scrunch it towards your head, gently squeezing out excess water as you do so.
7. For more volume, use hair clips positioned on a diagonal to lift curl clumps at the roots and keep them from drying flat. To stretch any roots flat to control cowlicks, position a hair clip horizontall. This step is optional.
8. Allow hair to dry naturally or use a diffuser.
9. When it is fully dry, use a pick to fluff out your roots and give you all-over volume. 
10. Do not scrunch your hair, as you will lose curl definition.

Refresher Method

Image Source: @theamberlysara

1. Mist dry curls with a fine mist sprayer until they are saturated. They do not need to be soaking wet.
2. Apply a generous amount of mousse in sections, raking through them as you go.
3. Smooth together smaller curls to form larger curl clumps.
4. Gently scrunch the curl clumps and allow them to air dry.

What are your favorite ways to use mousse? Let us know in the comments. For the Top 15 Alcohol-Free Mousses for all textures, click here.

By Stacey Biro · Published March 11, 2024

The humble, inexpensive microfiber towel is perhaps one of the best tools for ensuring perfect curly wash-day results. It absorbs excess water from curls and waves without leaving them dull or frizzy.

It can also:

• Prevent roots from drying flat due to being weighed down by moisture in the hair as it dries.
• Help with the clumping process.
• Cut down on diffusing times.
• Provide you with a better curl definition.

To get the most from your microfiber towel, follow these tips:

Rotate the towel

Image Source: brittminetti

Rotate the towel as you use it so that you are always working with a dry section. This will ensure that the towel can efficiently remove excess moisture.

Squeeze upwards

When using the towel, squeeze upwards from the mid-shafts of the hair to the scalp or from the ends of the hair upward. Work in small sections to avoid disturbing curl clumps.

Flip upside down

Image Source: onlycurlslondon

If you have high porosity hair that tends to stick together in the back, flip your head over and scrunch with the towel.

To avoid flat roots

Using the towel, scrunch as much water as you can from the mid-shafts of your hair up to the roots. Allow your hair to air dry for several minutes, and then scrunch again with your bare hands. This will prevent your roots from being dragged down from the water in your hair.

To get lush, bouncy, defined curls

1. Finger-coil wet or damp curls.
2. Place a dry section of the towel over your palm.
3. Place 2-3 curls at a time in the palm of your hand and then scrunch upwards to your scalp. When you are finished, scrunch your roots with the towel.
4. Allow your hair to air dry, or use a diffuser.

To boost the volume at your roots

1. To soaking wet hair, apply leave-in conditioner in sections.
2. Ensure that your hair is fully detangled using your fingers and/or a wide-toothed comb.
3. Place 2-3 curls at a time in the palm of your hand and then scrunch upwards to your scalp. When you are finished, scrunch your roots with the towel.
4. Spray a pump of mousse or volumizing foam into a dry area of the towel, and then scrunch a small section of hair at the root.
5. Hold the towel in position for a few seconds to ensure that the towel has absorbed any excess moisture.
6. Repeat for all roots that need a boost.
7. Allow hair to air dry, or use a diffuser.

Some Naturally Curly Community favorite towels include:

Kitsch Microfiber Hair Towel

This towel cuts drying time in half and works across all hair types. It is a lighter alternative to traditional towels, soft, water-absorbent, and can be stretched to fit all lengths of hair.

Act + Acre Microfiber Hair Towel

Give this plush, soft, luxurious towel a try. It will speed up your hair’s drying time. The waffle-knit texture helps dry hair 50% faster and reduces friction and frizz on your curls, coils, and waves.

Hair Remedie Frizz Eliminating Towel

The outside of this towel is a tee-shirt fabric which will leave you with frizz-free, shiny curls. The interior is a super absorbent material to soak up excess water.

AQUIS Hair Towel Lisse Luxe

Do you need a longer towel for longer hair? Lisse Luxe has you covered. It is the perfect choice for curls and waves that take forever to dry.

Do you use a microfiber towel? Let us know in the comments.

By Stacey Biro · Published January 17, 2024

High-porosity hair needs special care to keep it moisturized and frizz-free. The products on this list will bring out your beauty and help you maintain your curl pattern. Some of these are tried and true favorites, while others are new to the shelves—but all can rev up your regimen.

If you’re unsure what your porosity level is, here are a few ways to figure it out.

1. Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Twisting Soufflé

Your coils will thank you for this styling twisting souffle for you can use on a twist-out, braidout, or bantu knots, and enjoy intense hydration and natural shine! This formula provides the nourishment, definition, and hold you need for beautiful, healthy styling.

2. Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator

The appropriately named Curly Magic Curl Stimulator is unique. It is used on wet hair to make curls clump beautifully to create stunning definition. It moisturizes and conditions yet provides hold like a heavy gel. You can use it as a stand-alone product (in place of a leave-in and gel) or over your favorite moisturizing product. It also can be easily reactivated with a light mist of water.

3. As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner

This thick, creamy, glycerin-free co-wash does wonders for dry, irritated scalps. It leaves your hair and scalp fresh and clean and provides moisture to your curls without weighing them down. It has a light, coconut scent, too– perfect for the beach.

4. Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Oh So Clean! Moisturizing & Softening Shampoo

It can be difficult to get your hair clean without causing dryness. Your hair will love a lather-rich, deep moisturizing hair bath that includes ingredients like Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil to help tresses become super clean, soft, hydrated, and easier to comb.

5. KinkyCurly Knot Today

Regardless of the climate in which you live, Kinky-Curly Knot Today can keep your waves, curls and coils moisturized and defined. Dryness is a thing of the past with this leave-in that can be used as is or combined with water or as a curl refresher.

6. SheaMoisture Mongongo & Hemp Seed Oils High Porosity Moisture-Seal Masque

SheaMoisture High Porosity Moisture, Replenish Hair Masque, is a deep conditioner that moisturizes hair that is prone to breakage or can’t hold moisture. Formulated with Mongongo and Jojoba Oils, Baobab, Aloe Vera and Fair Trade Shea Butter, this hair masque deeply conditions to transform highly porous, over-processed hair.

7. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel

This gel has been a curly favorite for a long time, and with one use, you’ll understand why. Its thin, watery texture allows you to easily coat all your curls. It’s not sticky or heavy, yet it is great for creating a gel cast that can easily be scrunched out. It also seals in moisture, so use your favorite leave-in underneath for best results.

8. Pattern Beauty jojoba oil blend

Tracee Ellis Ross is bringing the heat with jojoba oil that is super lightweight and contains an oily residue-free blend of beautiful oils like Safflower Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Oil, Olive Oil & Lavender Oil, perfect for helping a low porosity hair type retain moisture to prevent damaged hair by reducing breakage.

9. Adwoa Beauty Baomint Deep Conditioning Treatment

Treat your curls and coils to the perfect blend of moisturizers and protein. Use this treatment once a week for longer, stronger hair. It even helps to repair split ends.

10. Alikay Naturals Shine Crave Hair Glosser

Besides providing excellent sheen to your hair, this glosser can be used to take down twist outs or to soften a crispy gel cast. It contains a mix of oils that high porosity hair craves.

11. The Mane Choice Easy On The Curls Detangling Hydration Shampoo

This product makes wash days so much easier by removing buildup and impurities from your hair without the knots and tangles. The luxurious ingredients are infused with Biotin and Vitamin E to nourish, grow, and hydrate your hair.

12. Jane Carter Solution Nourish & Shine

This buttery shine balm is perfect for taming your edges without drying them out. It’s thick enough to stay put when applied but rinses out easily with water. Its bright citrusy scent will make you want to use it every day.

13. Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Scalp and Hair Oil

Carol’s Daughter is combines seven oil’s to hydrate curly hair with moisture to help protect hair from breakage and split ends. Scalp feels moisturized and hair is stronger and healthy-looking with no weigh down after every use. This can be easily used after shampoo and conditioner, on damp or dry hair, use pointed hair oil for dry damaged hair tip applicator to apply directly to scalp.

14. Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream

This lightweight, moisturizing lotion creates great curl definition and provides sheen without making your hair greasy. This lotion can be used as a styler for braids and twist-outs or to help you scrunch out the crunch of a gel cast.

15. Curl Junkie Curl Queen Hair Styling Gel

If you’ve been on a quest to find a glycerin-free gel that gives you just the right amount of hold and definition, look no further. Curl Queen creates bouncy ringlets that last and last.

What is your favorite product for high-porosity hair? Let us know in the comments.

For tips on moisturizing your hair, see How to Condition High Porosity Hair – And KEEP It Moisturized.

OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.

By Stacey Biro · Published January 16, 2024

If you have naturally wavy hair, you know the struggle of finding products that provide definition yet don’t weigh your hair down. We know the struggle well and are here to help you as you embrace your waves. Wavies, we asked you to vote on your favorite products for 2023, and you delivered. The best products for wavies are listed below, ranging from conditioners, stylers, and even frizz fighters – these products keep your waves smooth, frizz-free, and full of bounce.

Shampoo

SUAVE PROFESSIONALS FOR NATURAL HAIR CLEANSING SULFATE FREE SHAMPOO

If you’re a type 2 looking for a moisturizing shampoo that will create a creamy lather and gently cleanse the scalp to remove buildup, look no further than the Suave Professionals for Natural Hair Cleansing Sulfate Free Shampoo.

Cleansing Conditioner

As I Am Coconut Cowash

If you feel like the co-wash isn’t for wavies, it is time to reconsider. This coconut concoction smells amazing, and it won’t weigh your hair down.

Daily Conditioner

MAUI MOISTURE CURL QUENCH + COCONUT OIL CURL-DEFINING ANTI-FRIZZ CONDITIONER

Your curls take front and center with this rich oil blend conditioner that blends papaya butter and plumeria extract.

Leave-in

BOUNCE CURL MOISTURE BALANCE LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Bounce Curl is bringing the juice with their Moisture Balance Leave-In Conditioner which is ultra-concentrated and works to provide the ultimate nourishment for customers sporting waves.

Deep Conditioner

AMIKATHE KURE INTENSE BOND REPAIR HAIR MASK

If you’re looking for an intense bond repair mask, look no further than the Kure which helps to reduce breakage and prevent future damage for finer textures like type 2 waves. It was specially formulated for thick and coarser hair types and includes ingredients like mango, shea butter, and borage oil. 

Hair Treatment

Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3

Have you wrecked your waves with heat, chemicals, or over-manipulation? Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 can help restore it. It helps rebuild broken disulfide bonds, leaving you with stronger, more manageable hair.

Styling Gel

OUIDAD ADVANCED CLIMATE CONTROL HEAT AND HUMIDITY

Say goodbye to frizz with this award-winning gel that is infused with ceramides and defines curls with a strong, long-lasting hold. Designed for extreme humidity, this helps to bring hod and definition to finer curls with a crunch-free finish. 

Styling Cream

NOT YOUR MOTHER’S CURL TALK DEFINING HAIR CREAM

Let’s maximize our definition with this cream that adds a little extra bounce to type 2 curls and waves. As a daily styler, the curls benefit from hydrating ingredients from the rice curl complex that include amino acids, enzymes, and keratin.

Mousse

INNERSENSE I CREATE LIFT VOLUMIZING FOAM

This lightweight styling foam is perfect for type 2 wavies looking to uplift their roots and build body in their hair. It includes ingredients like aloe vera, honey, and sugarcane for an airy foam that you will love. 

Diffuser

Xtava Black Orchid Diffuser

This diffuser attachment can help you create frizz and flyaway-free waves and curls that have definition and volume with your hair dryer and the styler of your choice. Besides its ability to diffuse, it also secures well to the dryer.

Refresher

MAUI MOISTURE LIGHTWEIGHT CURLS+ FLAXSEED CURL REFRESHER MIST

The tropical blend of coconut water, flaxseed oil, and aloe vera is an excellent combination for fine to medium curls that need an extra boost between wash days.

Heat Protectant

PANTENE HEAT PROTECTANT SPRAY WITH JOJOBA OIL FOR CURLY HAIR

As a hairspray, it protects against heat and allows you to use a variety of hot tools without any damage. It can be sprayed evenly on dry, styled hair and used as a finisher to help hold your style throughout the day.

Did your favorite wavy products make our Best of the Best list? Let us know in the comments.

OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.”

By Stacey Biro · Published December 19, 2023

Note: If you are experiencing any hair loss, please see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and testing.

Image Source: revolution.haircare

What is a derma roller?

A derma roller is a small roller covered in tiny needles ranging in length from 0.25mm to 1.5mm. When rolled over the scalp or hairline, it creates tiny punctures that can make it easier for the medicinal qualities of topicals and oils to reach the hair follicles. Think of it like aerating a lawn. Doing so helps nutrients, hydration, and sunlight reach the roots so that healthier grass can grow. Likewise, using a derma roller with topicals and oils can help increase the absorption of the products you apply afterward.

A derma roller can also stimulate cell turnover and improve scalp circulation, which provides a healthier environment for robust hair growth. The longer needle lengths (over 0.5mm) are better for stimulating cell turnover; however, the longer the needle, the higher the risk of injury. If you are interested in experiencing derma rolling with needles over 1.5mm, it is best to seek professional help and not practice this at home.

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A post shared by Sofia Elhaj | Digital Creator & Beauty Lover (@sofiaelhaj)

Image Source: @sofiaelhaj

Which derma roller should I buy for hair growth?

When shopping for the right derma roller for your scalp, needle lengths of 0.25mm to 0.50mm are best. The micro-traumas they create are superficial, and you are less likely to suffer from excessive skin redness and discomfort when you stick to these lengths. Additionally, you do not have to space out your derma rolling treatments to allow healing time as you would with a 0.75mm or longer derma roller.

Know that using a derma roller does cause slight irritation, similar to shaving your legs but on a smaller scale. Therefore, the topicals or oils you choose should be non or minimally irritating, particularly if you have a sensitive scalp. Also, it is best to test your products on the inside of your elbow for a week or two before applying them to your scalp to ensure they will not cause an allergic reaction. While doing so, practice derma rolling every few days to determine how your scalp will react to it.

How to Derma Roll

When using a derma roller, start by sectioning the areas where you are experiencing hair loss. For example, if you have Androgenic Alopecia with a widening part and some diffuse thinning, you may want to make a middle part and then create 3-4 horizontal parts. Apply a few drops of oil or topicals to the parts, then massage them in. You will pass the derma roller over the parts in the direction of the hair growth 4-5 times. Apply the same amount of pressure that you would if painting a portrait. After you have finished derma rolling, apply a few more drops of oils or topicals, if desired.

To avoid infections and injuries:

• Sanitize the derma roller before and after each use by soaking it in 70% or more isopropyl alcohol. Ensure it is completely dry before using, and do not use it on wet hair.
• Use cotton balls to apply your oils and topicals to your scalp. Do not apply them to the derma roller.
• If you drop the derma roller or it gets crushed or damaged in any way, discard it. Bent needles can cause injuries.
• Replace worn derma rollers every two months.

Here is a video demonstrating the technique:

Image Source: @whatpowdoes

Recommended Topicals and Oils

Not all hair loss is the same, and some products that work for certain types of hair loss are ineffective for others. Additionally, topicals and oils may be ineffective for certain types of hair loss, particularly if they are caused by an autoimmune condition such as Lupus.

Minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine)

Best for: Androgenic Alopecia (also called Male or Female Pattern Thinning), hair loss due to PCOS

This is the first-line, FDA-approved treatment for thinning due to an excess of androgenic hormones. It generally presents as a widening part and diffuse thinning at the top of the head. It also tends to run in families. Minoxidil halts this hair loss and can help regrow hair in approximately six months. If you grow hair when using it, it will fall out when you stop using it. Minoxidil (or Rogaine) primarily comes in two strengths: 2% and 5%. The men’s and women’s formulations contain the same ingredients as the generic Minoxidil and the name-brand Rogaine.

So, if cost is a concern, purchasing the women’s name-brand product is unnecessary. As a curly, you may want to avoid the alcohol-based formulations. These generally contain 2% Minoxidil and require a twice-a-day application. The foam is alcohol-free, contains 5% Minoxidil, and must only be applied once a day. It can, however, cause some serious side effects, such as a racing heartbeat and skin irritation. A 2% foam alternative is DrFormulas® HairOmega® Foaming Hair Growth Serum.

Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Strong Roots Red Pimento Hair Growth Oil

Best for: traction Alopecia, hair loss due to heat or chemical damage

This growth formulation contains the following oils which help to nourish the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth: 100% Pure Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Lemon Oil, Lavender Oil, and Pimento Oil.

Jamaican Mango & Lime Jamaican Black Castor Oil Rosemary

Best for: traction Alopecia, hair loss due to heat or chemical damage, Androgenic Alopecia (particularly a receding hairline)

Rosemary has been found to stimulate hair growth as effectively as Minoxidil. Jamaican Black Castor Oil is well-known for its hair-growing capabilities. They are combined in this effective formulation that comes in an applicator bottle.

Have you ever used a derma roller? Tell us about your experience in the comments. You can learn more about the benefits of Jamaican Black Castor Oil here.

By Stacey Biro · Published November 29, 2023

In the comments for This is Why Your Wavy Hair Won’t Clump, Naturally Curly reader Brigitta asked: “I have the exact opposite problem, my hair clumping too much. I am 2c/3a…but after washing and diffuser drying, my hair is just a couple of thick clumps, which I usually divide manually into smaller clumps, yet during the day, they somehow re-clump, especially on the sides. Any tips for this?”

This common concern was echoed by other wavy and wavy curly readers. If you, too, are battling the mega clumps, this article will help you troubleshoot your regimen.

Do you have all the information you need to create a wavy hair care routine that is right for you?

Starting any new hair regimen is a challenge, but it is made more difficult without a good foundation of knowledge. With it, you can custom-tailor a routine based on your hair and scalp needs and ensure success without collateral damage to your waves or your wallet. Without it, you can waste money and time, potentially ruining the texture you are working so hard to foster. Many new wavies and curlies have only heard of the Curly Girl Method as a retelling on YouTube, without some really critical details. This is where I started, but luckily one of the influencers I was following shared a recommended reading list.

Wavy fix: If you are brand new to the Curly Girl Method, Lorraine Massey’s book Curly Girl: The Handbook should be the first stop on your hair journey. Follow this with wavy-themed articles on this site such as: Here Are The Top 5 Mistakes Wavies Make When Starting The Curly Girl Method and How to Make Wavy Hair Curl Evenly.

Is your hair still transitioning from heat damage?

Heat damage can make hair behave in all kinds of undesirable ways. It can become coarser and rougher, and resistant to moisture, which helps curls and waves retain their shape. The symptoms of heat damage on wavy hair can be difficult to confirm. Unlike tighter curl types that are curlier towards the root and straighter in damaged areas, wavy hair tends to look more consistent when there is damage. This is because wavy hair usually has straighter roots, and the waves and curls start at ear level. There are a few other signs to look for, however, which include dull hair that lacks sheen, hair that will immediately lose its pattern when pulled into a ponytail, split ends or breakage, and hair that is difficult to detangle.

Wavy fix: The only way to get rid of heat damage is to cut it out of your hair. Wavies can do well with either frequent trims or a big chop. Make sure that whatever cut you get works with your curl pattern, hair density, and personal style.

Image Source: @maybeitswavybaby

Are you using the right products for your hair?

Often, it takes a while to find what products work best in your hair. Products that are too heavy can weigh your hair down and require a lot of excess scrunching to make your waves look less crunchy. This will lead to disturbing of the smaller wave and curl clumps, so that they lose definition. Conversely, if your styler does not have enough hold, you can lose definition when you scrunch out the crunch.

Wavy fix: Use products that are formulated to work with curly hair.

• Shampoos: Finer and/or low-density hair requires frequent cleansing with shampoos that will leave it clean and full. Thicker hair does well with more moisturizing shampoos and cleansing conditioners.
• Deep conditioners and masques: Depending on the condition of your hair, weekly or bi-weekly conditioning treatments can keep your hair moisturized and manageable. Choose products that won’t weigh down or build up on your hair.
• Leave-ins: Every wavy should use a leave-in. It will help keep your hair moisturized and flyaway-free and help combat frizz.
• Stylers: Foam stylers are a good base for fine hair that is easily weighed down. This can be followed with a water-based gel used sparingly (too much can make hair look crispy”>. Thicker hair does well with heavier hold gels.

Sort for products in our shop by clicking the Texture tab.

Is your haircut right for your hair?

While there are a lot of options when it comes to wavy haircuts, which can range from pixies with shaved sides to long layers, it is really important to consider variables that are specific to your hair such as:

• Its density. Fine, low-density hair looks best with graduated cuts that give the illusion of volume. In contrast, thicker, high-density hair can look its best with layers, including internal or French layers, which give the illusion of movement within the hair.
• How it behaves at different lengths. Sometimes, looser curlies and wavies need length for the curl to spiral downwards. Cutting the hair shorter does not result in the curls springing up, but rather sticking up at the ends. Hair at the wrong length for you can be extremely hard to manage.
• Its porosity. If you have high-porosity hair, you will find that it tends to stick together when wet. It also lays flat. This makes it difficult to access the interior of your hair at the back of your head to condition and apply your stylers, and then create clumps. A few layers in this section can help tremendously.

Wavy fix: Find a stylist who knows how to cut wavy hair, asks many questions, and will strive to give you a cut that will work with your hair care regimen and lifestyle. In the video below, the stylist is very engaged in tailoring a cut to Grace’s wavy hair.

Image Source: @nothangtw

Are you training your waves and curls?

One great thing about having hair with texture is that our waves and curls have different shapes, patterns, and sizes. On the flip side, curls can do their own thing, including tangling with other curl families. This creates giant clumps that are difficult to deal with.

Wavy fix:

When your hair is still wet and coated with your leave-in and styler(s), instead of immediately scrunching, use the following techniques to help define your waves and curls, and keep them separated:

• Finger coiling
• Skip Curl Method
• Rake and Shake Method

Are you diffusing properly?

When done correctly, diffusing can speed up your drying time while giving you enhanced definition. It can also give you loads of volume and help lock in your style. However, if you are not careful, it can create a head full of ramen noodle-sized curls that intertwine.

Wavy fix: Define your waves and curls by finger coiling or using the Rake and Shake or Skip Curl Method. If desired, clip your roots using the Butterfly Clipping Method for extra volume. You can then carefully diffuse. Here is a video with some great tips on mastering the diffuser: here

What are your tips for keeping your wavy hair from clumping too much? Share with your Naturally Curly Community in the comments. Try these strong hold stylers for wavy hair to keep those clumps in place.

By Stacey Biro · Published October 2, 2023

I regularly deep condition as part of my routine. My fine, low-density, high porosity hair gets weighed down easily, yet it requires a lot of moisture. Unfortunately, it does not hold onto it for long so I rely on creamy leave-ins and hydrating foams to stave off dryness and frizz. Recently, I started using Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Hydrating Conditioner because I needed a little more moisture, particularly at the ends of my hair. It quickly became a new favorite.

This product not only deeply saturates my curls when I use it after shampooing, but the moisture stays put for days without causing the curls to look greasy or be weighed down. The product gave them form and structure, too, which I was not expecting because this oil-rich formulation does not contain protein. It does, however, contain a small amount of coconut oil which can act as a protein for the hair, helping to strengthen and smooth it resulting in less breakage when detangling.

Here is what I enjoy about this conditioner:

• It has a fresh, fruity scent that is not overly sweet or heavy.
• A little goes a long way, which makes this a cost-effective product, especially considering its high quality. Use this magical mix sparingly.
• It has fantastic slip to make detangling easier. In addition, its smoothing capabilities help to keep strands separated as you detangle.
• It seals dry, frizzy, flyaway ends and keeps them moisturized.

Ingredients spotlight:

A good product starts with the best ingredients. In addition to water, Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Hydrating Conditioner contains the following curl-friendly ingredients:

• Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that also serves as an emulsifier. It has oily properties that help to provide moisture to the hair. It can help to reduce tangles as well.
• Caprylic/capric triglyceride is derived from glycerin and coconut oil. Its mix of fatty acids helps hair to retain moisture. It conditions the hair. It’s also a good ingredient for sensitive scalps as it is non-irritating.
• Ppg-3 benzyl ether myristate makes your hair look shinier, much like silicone does, but without the build-up. It also adds moisture.
• Mongongo oil helps hair to resist sun damage.
• Avocado oil helps you to grow longer, stronger strands that resist breakage.
• Sweet almond oil locks in moisture and improves sheen and manageability. 
• Sacha Inchi oil infuses the hair shaft with moisture.
• Argan oil is high in essential fatty acids as well as vitamin E. It calms frizz and flyaways and improves the overall health of hair. It also helps to prevent split ends.

Image Source: MielleOrganics.com

Please note:

This conditioner does contain behentrimonium methosulfate and behentrimonium chloride which are quaternary ammonium compounds (quats for short”>. Some curlies and wavies, particularly those with finer strands, find that quats tend to build up. This is easily remedied by clarifying once per month.

Have you tried Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Hydrating Conditioner? If you want to learn more about the benefits of Mongongo Oil, check out this article that unpacks the powerful nutrients and ingredients.

By Stacey Biro · Published August 18, 2023

Image: Getty

Hair loss is a hot topic in the curly world. The problem has been explored by the New York Times, Johns Hopkins, and Essence Magazine. In her brilliant presentation Hair Loss: Myths and Realities, UCLA Dermatologist, Caroline Goh, surmised that a type of hair loss which primarily appears in women of African descent, Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA), may be caused in part by curly hair itself. The thought of curly hair being at the root of its own demise is frightening to say the least.  

What causes hair loss?

Current research tells us that hair loss reasons tend to fall under these categories:

Hair care practices and styling techniques

This includes hair washing frequency and product build-up, and trauma and breakage caused by tight protective styles, ponytails, etc.

Disease

This can include diseases of the scalp such as Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis, primary autoimmune conditions such as Alopecia Areata, and hair loss as a symptom of an autoimmune condition such as Lupus.

Stress and emotional trauma

These types of hair loss tend to be episodic in nature and occur within six months of a traumatic event such as surgery or loss of a loved one.

Nutritional deficiency

If you are not consuming adequate calories or protein or are deficient in certain nutrients such as Zinc or Iron, this can lead to a type of excess shedding called Telogen Effluvium.

Hormones

Both post-partum and post-menopausal hair loss are common. Thyroid issues can also cause hair loss.

Genetics

Certain types of hair loss such as Alopecia Areata and Female Pattern Thinning have a genetic component.

Medications

Certain drugs can cause a type of hair loss called Anagen Effluvium.

Of these, only a few are reasons are more likely to cause hair loss in curlies than in our straight-haired friends. In addition to CCCA, Alopecia is a type of scarring that destroys the hair follicles and can occur through the following which tends to be problematic when you have curls.

What causes alopecia?

Tight hairstyles

Too-tight ponytails, braids, or other styles that put tension on the hairline can cause breakage and/or a type of hair loss called Traction Alopecia.  If you are experiencing this issue, you may also want to avoid putting your hair in a pineapple at night and opt to sleep with your hair in a satin bonnet or wrapped in a satin scarf instead.

Check out: 8 Protective Styles That Are Gentler On Your Edges

Improper cleansing

Not cleansing the scalp properly, or frequently enough, can cause a slew of problems from breakouts to hair loss. This is especially problematic when you are also experiencing Female Pattern Hair Loss due to hormonal imbalances around the time of, and after Menopause. With FPHL, there is a build-up of DHT in the hair follicles that is basically choking the hairs and preventing them from accessing vital nutrients. If other impurities such as dirt, debris, and hardened (or oxidized) sebum are not removed, this can result in further hair loss. 

Ingredients

Ingredients commonly found in some shampoos can cause serious build-up that can lead to hair loss. They include dimethicone, xanthan gum, guar gum hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, glycol distearate, and glycol stearate.  This does not mean that you need to stop using your favorite shampoo or co-wash, particularly if these ingredients are low on a product’s ingredients list but be sure to clarify regularly and thoroughly.

Experiencing hair loss? Speak to a trichologist, your hair stylist, or doctor to learn more about what could be causing your specific hair loss concerns.

We want to hear your story and/or concerns! Share your story with the NaturallyCurly community in the comments below. 

This article has been updated with additional resources.

By Stacey Biro · Published August 17, 2023

Make wash day wonderful with these family-friendly styling products. All contain gentle ingredients that won’t dry out delicate hair, and will still get the job done. They’re so good that you’ll want to use them, too!

1. Camille Rose Naturals Kids Brown Butter Melt Mandarin Oil Hair Balm

For those trending back-to-school styles, this balm is just what you need. It adds sheen to the hair, while preventing frizz and flyaways. It contains butters and a bit of wax to help with braids and twists. It’s also great for smoothing edges.

2. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Kids Curling Butter Cream

Wind up those curls, and scrunch up the waves with every kid’s favorite curling butter cream. It moisturizes hair and protects it from frizz, too.

3. The Mane Choice Sweet Strawberry Fruit Medley KIDS Hydration Spray

If you are looking for a hydrating spray that stands up to summer humidity, look no further. Sweet Strawberry Fruit Medley KIDS Hydration Spray has emollient and soothing humectant properties which helps the hair to attract and retain moisture.

4. Curly Q’s Curly Q Milkshake

The perfect leave-in conditioner for your curly angel with fine curls. Derived from natural milks (coconut and sweet almond milk”>, this moisturizing cream will bring life back to her overworked tresses, reducing volume and frizz.

5. 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. No time? No problem – Super Curls™ reactivates with water so curls stay fresh and defined for days!

6. 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.

7. Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Girls Baby Girl Curls Curling & Twisting Custard

This custard can be used to create twists that stay put, and glorious curls. It defines, elongates, and provides sheen to the hair without making it crunchy.

8. Honey Baby Naturals Honey Shea Butter Hair Smoothie

For sweetly-scented baby hair that curls like a dream, stock up on this smoothie. It enhances curls without promoting tangles. And you can even use it to refresh second-day hair alongside a gentle misting of water.

9. 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.

10. Luster’s Pink Kids Curl Creation Custard for Twists & Braids

Pink® Kids Curl Creation Custard for Twists & Braids is perfect for curly or coily hair. Use it to achieve frizz free, long lasting twists, braids and unraveled styles.

11. Curly Kids Curly Gel Moisturizer

For curlies who need both hydration and hold, this gel moisturizer is the perfect one-product solution. It contains both aloe and hydrolyzed wheat protein for stronger, smoother hair.

Image:@bliss.blythe by @hope.photophactory

Which one of these products is your child’s favorite? Let us know in the comments. For more on kids’ hair, see Curly Kids: Curly Hair Care for Easy Mornings.

The links in this article have been updated.