Picking Products Based on YOUR Curl Types | Texture + Porosity

Finding the right products for your curls is a daunting task. There are so many variables to consider, such as your hair’s texture, porosity, and desired results. For this video, I asked you all to submit your hair types to me and I will tell you which styling products I recommend.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

The most important things you need to know about your hair to pick products

I asked you all to submit your hair’s texture and porosity because, in my opinion, these are the most important things to consider when choosing products. This is because styling products often vary in thickness, moisture level, and hold level. Understanding these two characteristics will tell you what formulation to look for.

Texture: the width of your stands

Determines: The weight of your products.

• Fine hair needs lighter-weight products
• Coarse hair can withstand heavier-weight products.

Porosity: how damaged your hair is, and how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture

Determines: How much protein to add in, how much moisture or weight, and if you need sealing ingredients

• Low porosity hair should avoid protein, use light-weight products, and can often get away with lighter hold
• High porosity hair needs protein, more moisture, more sealing ingredients, and more hold

I’ve shared how to determine texture and porosity in a previous video. If you want to know why I don’t mention density or curl pattern, watch that video.

Product suggestions based on each texture and porosity combo

Fine texture + Low porosity

Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream

• Lightweight leave-in that can be used in place of curl cream
• Doesn’t contain coconut oil or shea butter which can be heavy
• Contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help moisturize 

Fine texture + Medium porosity

Jessicurl, Spiralicious Gel, Strong Hold Styling Gel

• Lightweight, low moisture
• Low in oils
• Strong hold
• Humidity-protection

Fine texture + High porosity

Twist Weather Up Gel

• High in protein
• Light-weight moisture
• Flexible/buildable hold
• Humidity-protection

Twist Curl Goals Moisture-Locking Leave-In (have not tried this but it has good reviews)

• Contains protein
• Light-weight moisture
• Humidity-protection

Other options I’ve tried:

Innersense Organic Beauty Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner

TréLuxe Untie the Knot™ Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner, 15% off with code GENAMARIE15

Medium texture + Low porosity

Love Ur Curls Curly All-in-One Curly Styler, 10% off with code GENAMARIE10

• Protein-free
• Contains film-forming humectants to hydrate & seal
• Lightweight
• Light hold

OR

Kinky Curly Original Curling Custard

• Medium-weight moisture
• Contains film-forming humectants to hydrate & seal
• Medium/buildable hold

Medium texture + Medium porosity

Bounce Curl Avocado & Rose Oil Clump and Define Cream, 10% off with code GENAMARIE

• Medium-weight moisture
• Helps clump
• Curl retention

Bounce Curl Light Hold Cream Gel, 10% off with code GENAMARIE

• Lightweight
• Light hold
• Volumizing

Medium texture + High porosity

AG Re:coil Curl Activator, 20% off with code GENA20

• Contains protein
• Medium-weight moisture
• Clumping
• Curl retention

AG Liquid Effects Extra Firm Styling Lotion, 20% off with code GENA20

• High in protein
• Medium-weight moisture
• Strong yet flexible/buildable hold
• Humidity-protection
• Water-soluble silicone

Coarse texture + Low porosity

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm

• High moisture
• Medium weight
• Softens
• Clumping

Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Souffle

• Moisture retention
• Highly moisturizing
• Buildable hold
• High slip

Coarse texture + Medium porosity

Cantu Avocado Curl Activator Cream with Avocado Oil Shea Butter

• High moisture
• Softens
• Thick cream
• Clumping

Coarse texture + High porosity

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Stronger Hold Gel, 20% off with code GENAMARIE

• Contains protein
• Medium-weight liquid gel
• Moisturizing
• High slip

What do you do when you have multiple textures and porosities?

It’s normal to have multiple hair textures on your head. Porosity also naturally varies too throughout each strand. New, virgin hair will be medium porosity as it grows from the scalp and will increase in porosity towards the end of the strand, especially for those with damage. 

I find that it’s best to just focus on the characteristic that is most prevalent or the one that is the most problematic.

For example, for someone with fine and medium textured hair, I would err on the side of more lightweight products because then you an achieve more volume anyways. Someone with medium to high-porosity hair will likely struggle with frizz and humidity so I would choose strong hold products.

How to filter products to find exactly what you need

Visit the shop page here on my blog and use the filters to narrow down the products.

For curl creams & leave-ins, I recommend using the following filters:

Category

• Styler
• Leave-In Conditioner

Tags

• Weight of the formula:
  • Lightweight milk
  • Lightweight cream
  • Mediumweight cream
  • Thick cream
• Protein:
  • Contains protein
  • Protein free

For gels, I recommend using the following filters:

Category:

• Styler

Tags

• Weight of the formula:
  • Lightweight liquid gel
  • Lightweight gel
  • Medium-weight liquid gel
  • Medium-weight gel
  • Medium-weight custard/souffle
  • Thick gel
• Protein:
  • Contains protein
  • Protein free
• Hold level:
  • No hold
  • Light hold
  • Medium hold
  • Strong hold

Let me know if you’d like me to do more videos like this! I am planning some soon on how to pick the right shampoos and conditioners, so make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss out.