Curly Hair Care

*This post contains affiliate links. The products I recommend are ones that I use and love.*

For years, gel has gotten a bad rap.

People assume that using it will make your hair hard, crunchy or leave a dreaded white residue.

The truth is, not all gels are created equal. Many of them are made with alcohol as the primary ingredient, which can cause severe dryness. Due to the natural hair movement, many hair companies are now making their products with natural ingredients which add moisture & shine, along with a great hold.

The best way to apply it to your curls is while your hair is soaking wet, generally after you have washed and detangled.  Scrunch and rake through the hair in small sections, especially if you hair hair is thick (like mine).

Resist the temptation to play with your curls while they are still wet. Allow the product to work its magic while your hair dries. After it dries, spritz with a small amount of water, fluff & shake. Watch those curls pop!!

If you have curly hair and you haven’t invested in a great one (or two), then your curls are missing out! Here are 3 reasons why every curly girl should own gel:

 Definition

Have you ever looked at someone with curly hair and though, wow her curls are poppin? I know I have. Gel gives curly hair that beautiful defined look. It helps curls do what they were naturally made to do!

Anti-Frizz

Down in the south, humidity is every curly girl’s arch nemesis. It turns a perfectly coiled do into a frizzy hot mess. Using gel keeps all the locks in place and prevents you from the bed head look. My daughters both battle frizz. They both have different textures, so they use different gels.

My oldest has kinky curly curls, so Deva Curl Light Defining Gel works best for her. It’s not sticky and provides a soft hold.

My youngest has wavy curly hair. Products that are too heavy weigh down her hair. Miss Jessie’s Multicultural Clear Gel does the trick for her.

Lasting Power

The longer curly hair gets, the more difficult it can be to maintain a style for days on end. In fact, without gel, you will have to retouch your hair daily to get the ultra defined look. Shea Moisture Curl Gel Souffle is hands down, my favorite gel.

I’ve been using it since I became natural 3 years ago. My hair is never crunchy and is always soft to touch.

People often mistake a week old hair style for a freshly styled do and I credit it all to my gel! What’s your favorite gel?

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*This post contains affiliate links. All products recommended are ones that I use and love* 

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is, “How do I take care of my child’s curls?”

The thing that makes curly hair care so tricky is that what works for one curly haired person may not work for another. Finding the right products is a time consuming task of trial and error, which ultimately can lead to frustration.

I have 4c curls, a thick and kinky grade of hair. My daughters both have different kinds of curls.

Learn Your Curl Pattern

The first key to curly hair care is knowing what kind of curls you have. Certain products work better on different kinds of curls, so knowing your curl pattern is the first step to finding your perfect match.

Hydration

Some parents experience immense frustration while styling their children’s curly hair because the children cry and it is a painful process for all involved.

Curly hair is best manipulated when it is wet-soaking wet is best. You will be able to style the curls and manipulate them better when they are hydrated. Keep a water bottle on hand as the hair dries out.

Condition Weekly

It can be overwhelming to walk into the curly hair care aisle and see all of the conditioners available.  My favorite places to buy products are Target & Sally’s Beauty.

How do you know which conditioner to choose??

My favorite conditioners are thick and contain natural products (free from parabens & sulphates). If a particular line of products works for you, then try using all the products in that line.

There are certain times of the year when my scalp is dry and itchy. For those times, I rely on Mielle Organics Babassu Oil deep conditioner. It has a minty smell and conditions and moisturizes my scalp. I feel like a new person after I’ve used it.

I am often disappointed when I try a new product and it doesn’t work. I’m a self proclaimed product junkie. I’m guilty of buying a new product just because I saw someone else use it, even though I already know what works in my hair.

The Mane Choice shampoos & conditioners work for my hair. They are pricey, but I know that they work.

Add Gel for Definition

Most people shy away from gel because they think that it makes their hair hard & dry. The reason why is because some gels contain alcohol which can dry out the hair.

Find a gel that contains natural products. Gel cuts down on frizz and can make a style last all day, even all week! If the gel leaves a white residue on your hair, then it isn’t the right one for you.

A great gel will define your curls, leaving them soft, manageable & frizz free.

Curly Hair Care is Trial & Error

Don’t get discouraged if the products that other curly haired people suggest don’t work for you. It may take a few tries to get it right. Until you figure out the right combination of products, try product swapping with another curly haired friend. That way you don’t waste money on products that just sit in your bathroom.

Also know that curly hair changes. When my daughters were young, their curls were different than they are now. It took some trial and error to find the right products that worked for them.

You may also want to consider investing in a monthly subscription box for curly hair like Curlbox.com or Curlkit.com.

Curly girls, what methods work for you?

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Do you feel stuck when you go in the store looking for products? Are you at a loss of where to start? Let me help! Grab my e-book, The Frustration Free Guide to Curly Hair to answer all your questions! Click  here to get yours today for only $7! —->