any good hair products for curly, frizzy, thick hair.

[applecrisp]

Woo, hoo... curly, frizzy, thick, coarse hair. What fun.

I generally dry my hair "straight" will a large round brush and then flat iron --- a long, tedious product. I have curly hair and it would be so much easier to wear it naturally curly. I used to and loved it, but the texture of my hair has changed. Thanks they say to the grey hair, which I color. I have the type of grey that is wiry.

So any new products that you can like to help tame curly, frizzy, thick hair. Once my hair dries (when I wear it curly, I let it dry naturally) it gets all poufy and frizzy. And the weight of my hair causes the top to look straighter compared to the rest of the hair.

I am a product junkie.... and really haven't found any product that really does what it claims, at least for me. So many products say your hair will be frizz free and glossy --- not quite. :)

But always willing to try something. My arm will appreciate it --- would love to save the 45 minutes spent drying/flat ironing my hair straight. Plus, it would be so much better for the condition of my hair.

Would certainly be interesting in reading about any products, shampoo, conditioners etc that you like (and why) for wearing hair curly. Also, any products that you feel help get your hair straight -- would love those too.

Thanks so much.

[misskitty100]

Have you tried Biosilk? It tames my hair very well.

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=72883&catid=95767&trx=PLST-0-SEARCH&trxp1=95767&trxp2=72883&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SEARCH

[funniegrrl]

I would slit my wrists if I had to spend 15 minutes a day on my hair, much less 45!

I use the hair serums like John Frieda's Frizz-Ease. There are cheaper versions, like Got2B, just make sure a major ingredient is dimethicone. The trick is to apply it when your hair is WET. (Also, start with a small amount -- too much can make it look greasy.) I just wash, condition, squeeze the water out, comb, put in the serum, and boom. Done. As it air dries, I just run my fingers through it over the scalp to give some lift.

[cminmd]

In the summer I use the Garnier Fructis (in the lime green bottles) sleek and shine system. You have to use the whole shebang- shampoo, conditioner and anti-frizz serum if you want it to work. I don't need it to define or add curl, just keep my hair from going Rosanna Rosanna Danna by 2 in the afternoon! It works very well at keeping a good shape and sleekness, but you have to wash your hair every day because it does get a buildup that can look greasy. In the winter I need more moisture.

[DebGo]

you are describing my hair to a tee! i prefer not to spend the time blow drying daily (although i do on occassion) but if i don't my hair is unmanageable and frizzy.

don't be alarmed, i use Alterna Straightening Balm. although like i said, i don't blow dry my hair straight. a stylist/friend of mine suggested i use it. it works on the frizzies. after i rub it in with my fingers i let it air dry, dip my head over and using my fingers fluff. the curl is nice & fluffy but NOT frizzy! i highly recommend it.

trying a link to product but this is a new format.
http://www.beautysak.com/products.asp?view=s&mode=m&mid=120&pid=1179

[southjerseymom]

http://www.naturallycurly.com/


http://www.ouidad.com/

These two sites offer great advice! I HIGHLY recommend them. As a "curly girl" myself ( my hair is thick/ wavy/curls not corkscrew), I understand what you go through. I gave up trying to straighten my hair and decided to let it do what God intended it. The secret is a good cut. Not everyone knows how to cut curly hair. The naturally curly site can help you find someone in your area who specializes in cutting curly hair. I found my stylist this way.

My friend uses Ouidad products on her corkscrew curls and her hair looks wonderful. You can find out who carries these products or order them from their site. I've been using Redken, which my stylist uses with success.

Good luck!

[Chefzhat]

Someone mentioned Ouidad - supposedly great stuff. Kiehls has a product called "Silk Groom" that works wonders on coarse hair.

It sounds like you need a good cut, though. One that will work with the new texture of your hair. Mine has gone almost totally gray over the past couple of years and I find that I'm enjoying the new texture - now that I have a cut that complements it.

Debie

[erinlovesmarc]

Have you tried Biosilk? It tames my hair very well.

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=72883&catid=95767&trx=PLST-0-SEARCH&trxp1=95767&trxp2=72883&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SEARCH

I second the biosilk products, especially the serum...I have tried all the other drugstore serums and they don't work as well (not for me anyways)...what I love about the biosilk serum is that it works on the frizz when my hair is curly and when I straighten my hair it helps to keep it smooth (in the summer it is a lifesaver in the humidity!)...

I also recommend a weekly treatment with Kerastase - Age Recharge Mask from the Resistance line...the products are expensive especially the mask but it lasts a long time since you only use on the bottom half of your hair...

If you dye your hair, I recommend the Aveda dyes...they aren't as harsh as regular salon dyes and since curly hair is so fragile it will get less damaged...

http://www.amazon.com/Kerastase-Resistance-Recharge-Treatment-Masque/dp/B000B9RV0M

[erinlovesmarc]

Oh...I forgot to mention...my mom has the same curls as me (I got them from her!) and she started complaining about her hair losing it's luster and body - she's 54 now...it was starting to go wiry and super frizzy on her...she started using the Kerastase Lipo Recharge treatment and her hair has started to have more life and her hair is looking ALOT better...the treatments are especially made for aging hair...very expensive but at least it works...

As with all the Kerastase treatments you need to keep the treatments on for at least 30 minutes to get the best results and wrap your head with a damp hot towel. No use spending all that money if you don't use them the way you should!

http://shop.fredsegalbeauty.com/product1_kerastase.aspx?SID=1&Product_ID=1173&Category_ID=521

[Cookin4Love]

My hair is pretty much like yours. Some things I always do that help:

Keep a really good cut. I keep at least some layers (long ones are okay) cut into mine to avoid the heavy, weighted-down look on the top.

I use Sebastian Potion 9 and Sebastian Laminates silicone gel on my towel-dried hair. I really like the Garnier Fructis styling spray (the green one), but I also use Pureology Volumizing Gel.

Dry using a diffuser, but don't overdry. That will be the kiss of death and give long life to the frizzies.

You're right, you're better off to find a way to love the curl. I'm much happier since I quit straightening mine every day. :)

[VAcooker]

I feel your pain!! I agree with southjerseymom, a good cut is essential...my hair is curly but does not curl from the root, but rather starts to curl about 2 or 3 inches from the root (and is not very corkscrew-like)-hence I can not ever let it air dry b/c it would look like a pile of frizz.

I went to a great stylist who had curly hair herself, who cut my hair in long layers in the back and very slightly angled on the sides and I wear it parted slightly on the side..it now curls beautifully---but I use a diffuser (I absolutely have to) and I use Tigi Curls Rock Curl Amplifier (link below) or I use KMS curl cream on my wet hair prior to diffusing and then some gel or pomade after blow drying to calm and frizziness. It does not take me long to blow dry my hair.

//www.drugstore.com/qxp83565_332828_sespider/tigi/catwalk_curls_rock.htm

I never had any luck with the Ouidad products and the Ouidad cut. I truly think that it is so hard to find a good product for you b/c each person's curls/texture are so different.

It might be that with your curls, they are not tight enough for you to let air dry (my problem)...so you may be forced to blow dry, at least part of the way, to coax the curls into more of a curl and less of a pile of frizz (that's what I have to do). :)

But have faith, because the curls can be controlled...I finally came to terms with the fact that I was trying to get rid of the curls, (i.e. fighting my hair) rather than enhancing them, which was easier and looks much, much better...

Good luck!

[scudgal]

I have a friend who swears by the Kerastase Oleo products - and she has tried everything over the years - this is the best one she's found. Her hair looks so good I am thinking of trying this stuff myself - although my hair is nowhere near as thick and coarse as hers is - but I do get the frizzies, so think it might help.


Leslie

[patissac]

I too have really curly, thick and frizzy hair. I find that Biosilk serum works really well on my hair. I apply it when its wet, then divide my hair in sections when I am blowdrying it straight, I too then go over it with a ceramic iron.
One tip that has worked also is to rinse your hair with cold water at the end of your shower. It helps seal in the frizz.

When I am on a budget I use John Freida Frizz ease serum, but the rest of that line does not work well on my hair, in fact stay away from the shampoo and conditioner, its awful.

I have been eyeing Kerastase but there is no way I can justify paying that much for a hair product. I heard it works wonders though!

[erinlovesmarc]

I have been eyeing Kerastase but there is no way I can justify paying that much for a hair product. I heard it works wonders though!

It is SUPER expensive but the age recharge treatment is soooo worth every penny...you really don't need alot...I've been on the same one for 6 months now! You really don't need that much...about 1 tbsp once a week on the ends...it's the heat from the towel that does most of the work anyways...

I've been using it for years now and my hair doesn't damage AT ALL with all the straightening since I've been using it (I straighten once a week) and it's super shiny and I have very few split ends and even the curls are nicer...when I go to the hairdresser, once in awhile I'll splurge and get the full treatment (scalp to ends) and I've noticed that I get less breakage at the top - you know those those hairs that break from the ceramic iron!

[applecrisp]

Thanks so much for the ideas --- some of them I have tried but there are quite a few that I haven't.

I don't have corkscrew curls, kind of wavy, curly hair. It's really just the texture that causes the problems.

I have used the Ouidad products -- matter of fact two big bottles in my shower now. I have Biosilk in my cabinet so will try that again since its been awhile. I agree with the poster on the Kiehl's Silk Groom -- I do like that.

I've tried one of the Kerastase Oleo products, I can't recall the name but it has an oily consistency. I had some good luck with that.

Someone suggested Ojon shampoo/conditioner so I have been using that the past week. No much to report yet.

I will definitely look into some of the other products mentioned and will read through this later. On a related note, if anyone is thinking of Japanese straightening -- it doesn't work for everyone and it made my hair like straw. And, it took a long time to grow out.

Keep the ideas coming. Thanks so much!!!!!

[BarbaraL]

I'm reading these thread with interest, as both DD and myself have curly/frizzy hair. However, it is fine hair, but alot of it.

I'd like to print out this thread. What's the secret to getting the entire page on the printout? The right-hand portion of the text is always cut off!

[foodfly]

BarbaraL

Are you going to the top of the web page and clicking on Thread Tools -- then "Show Printable Version"?

As for my curly hair products, it's Ouidad, all the way, everyday.

[applecrisp]

Foodfly,

I've used Ouidads Curl Quencher Shampoo and Conditioner and the Climate Control Gel. I like it but not amazing.

Do you use their Deep Treatment (the whole apply heat, wrap in a towel process)? I know they push that as their "super" product just wondering if you have had good luck with it.

I would be interested in what you use, if you don't mind sharing.

Thanks,

[foodfly]

I use the Curl Quencher Shampoo & Conditioner for cleansing; followed by their new Summer Shield Spray (I love this stuff) as a detangler/leave-in conditioner. I might not wash everyday, but I always have to wet my hair to "style" it. Mine dries naturally curly since I had a horrible time in the past with drier hair from coloring (The older I got, the more frequent the regrowth/coloring -now, it's every 2 weeks:eek:) and being outside in the elements with the horses (wind, cold, heat, sun). I use the Climate Control as my styling gel.

I definitely use the Deep Treatment. How often depends on the weather we are having. More frequently when the weather is harshest or when there is a special occasion coming up. I do not use heat to intensify the treatment as instructed by Ouidad. I do not have a bonnet dryer. I do with what I have, which means, I put the Treatment on, put on a plastic cap, wrap my capped head in a towel (to keep wet stuff from dripping down) and leave in 20-30 minutes. When ready, Remove all wrappings and smear on Curl Quencher Conditioner (without rinsing the Deep Treatment out). Leave on additional 10-20 minutes. Rinse conditioners out, but leave some in; Summer Shield the wet hair; leave in the Summer Shield; wrap in towel to remove excess moisture; style with Climate Control on ends.

Have I lost you? Sounds complicated...but not.

I also changed my hair color product from Clairol Second Nature to Satin by DeveloPlus. That was also a huge improvement in my hair's quality. Between Ouidad and my new brand color, in the last year, my hair has grown to the length it was when I was in High School (past shoulder length). My hair people were always cutting it off above the shoulder to reach healthy hair:mad: . I thought the reason my hair wouldn't grow was because I had curly hair and because it's character had changed with greying. I only recently discovered the Clairol color product (my hair stylist swore by it) was a huge part of the problem.

Two Ouidad products I tried but didn't like (for me) were the Botanical Boost and the Curl Quencher Moisturizing Gel. They left my hair too soft with no curl definition.

Lastly, I wish Ouidad products were less costly; but I still won't stop using them. I swear by the Deep Treatment and the recently released Summer Shield.

[HeidiD]

I feel your pain!! I agree with southjerseymom, a good cut is essential...my hair is curly but does not curl from the root, but rather starts to curl about 2 or 3 inches from the root (and is not very corkscrew-like)-hence I can not ever let it air dry b/c it would look like a pile of frizz.

I went to a great stylist who had curly hair herself, who cut my hair in long layers in the back and very slightly angled on the sides and I wear it parted slightly on the side..it now curls beautifully---but I use a diffuser (I absolutely have to) and I use Tigi Curls Rock Curl Amplifier


I have this same kind of "semi-curly" hair and it's been the bane of my existence since middle school. For years, I either kept it really short (so it was relatively straight and easy to manage) or I've blown it dry straight. I finally got tired of the maintenance and damage I was doing. Two weeks ago, I got it cut by a Jamaican stylist who specializes in curly hair, and the right cut definitely does make a difference. He also recommended the Curls Rock Amplifier so that's what I've been using. I tried drying with a diffuser but I got too much frizz, so now I apply a small amount of Curls Rock to damp hair, flip my head over and scrunch, then flip my head back up and leave it alone til it's dry. When I get to work, I rake my fingers through it so it doesn't look too stiff and sculpted. It's still not my IDEAL hair but now I don't have to be so paranoid about humidity or rain or time to blow dry.

Heidi

[foodfly]

I have this same kind of "semi-curly" hair and it's been the bane of my existence since middle school.

I tried drying with a diffuser but I got too much frizz, so now I apply a small amount of Curls Rock to damp hair, flip my head over and scrunch, then flip my head back up and leave it alone til it's dry. When I get to work, I rake my fingers through it so it doesn't look too stiff and sculpted.
Heidi

I so feel your pain....I referred to mine (since early childhood) as the "Curse of Curly Hair". To which my straight-haired DM & DS would say, "You are so lucky. People have to pay alot of money to get curl like that", referring to their necessity for perms. I'd instantly respond, "If you think curly is so great, I'd gladly give you some of mine." Back in the day, we had NO products, NO straightening irons, and absolutely NOBODY who knew what to do with curly hair. I'm actually glad I have curly hair now.

As for your styling technique, flip head over, scrunch, etc. I do the exact same thing:p

[mgs]

I used to have hair like yours, well, not thick, but curly and frizzy. I absolutely loved it, probably b/c it wasn't too thick. story for another day - it isn't like that anymore...

Anyway - I used a palmade hair product. A friend of mine w/hair similar was using it so I tried it. My hair stylist thought is was a great idea. Usually you find it in the area where they sell African American hair products but in a bigger beauty supply store you will find more options. You use just a tad of it and it cuts down on the friz. It is similar to the Frizzeze that was mentioned only it isn't a serum, it is thicker. You definitely need to experiment w/these products as too much causes greasy looks.

Good luck

[HeidiD]

http://www.ouidad.com/


Thanks so much for posting this site ... anybody struggling with curly/wavy hair should check out their Curl Tyle Analyzer. I just had my hair cut in shorter layers 3 weeks ago in order to try and work with my hair's natural personality, and the site gave me some great tips. The one that's made the most difference is the recommendation NOT to use a comb on my kind of hair after washing. By just blotting my hair, then applying Curls Rock curl amplifier by raking my fingers through, I don't end up with the flatness on top that I used to have when I combed my hair first. I am still trying to find just the right routine but I learned a lot from the Ouidad site!

Heidi

[Laura]

In case you are interested in a more permanent solution, my daughter had a curl smoother applied by her stylist. It used to take her 45 minutes to dry and flat iron hair. Now she can dry it very quickly and just uses a round brush to smooth out the ends. It last about 4 months and costs about $65.