How to Simplify Refreshing & Do LESS REFRESHING | Olaplex Gel
Refreshing can be such a pain, and often just makes curls look worse. You should not be having to soak your hair down and restyling
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This is a big one y’all, and packed with information. Today’s topic is all about how to select the best curly hair products for your curl type, porosity, weather, and more. There are so many factors that can affect curly hair, it’s like solving a puzzle when shopping for products. I’m here to simplify it for you the best I can, so in the video I included lots of text and visuals to help outline it.
Here are the steps to finding the right products:
Step 1: Learn your curl type & porosity
Curl Type
First determine your curl’s pattern or texture. I don’t think it’s necessary to stress over classifying it by A, B, or C, because we naturally have a combination of many patterns. However knowing whether it is wavy, curly, or coily/kinky is key.
Source: NaturallyCurly.com
Hair Porosity
Hair porosity is defined by how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture. This is one of the biggest influences on how your hair behaves. There are several test out there, but I think watching for signs is the most accurate way to determine your hair’s porosity.
Source: thenopoomethod.com
Signs of Low Porosity Hair
Signs of Normal Porosity Hair:
Signs of High Porosity Hair:
Step 2: Determine your climate
Did you know the climate you live in directly affects your hair? The biggest influence is dew points and humidity, or how much water is in the air. This is why people often change up their styling routines as the seasons change, to accommodate dry winter hair and humid summer weather.
When should you avoid glycerin ingredients and other humectants?
If you’re lucky enough to live in a climate that oftentimes falls between the dew points above (think California), then you can use a variety of ingredients, including glycerin.
Weather apps like The Weather Channel will tell you the dew point when looking at the detailed forecast.
You can also check out the helpful Frizz Forecast tool from NaturallyCurly.com for more on how your daily weather will impact your hair.
Step 3: Know the Essential Product Types
I’ve covered this topic more in the video I did on How to Apply Products in the Right Order.
Basically, the essentials you will need:
Other products:
Step 4: Research Online & Read Product Ingredients
If you wish to follow the Curly Girl Method, it can be overwhelming learning all the scientific terms and recognizing sulfates, silicones, and alcohol ingredients to avoid. I like using Curlsbot.com, where you can copy/paste the ingredients list and it will tell you if it’s approved. I usually copy the ingredients list from the product description.
Watch this videoto learn how to start the Curly Girl Method
Step 5: Select Your Products
Shopping online makes it easy to research and filter products based on hair type. Naturallycurly.com also has a shop that has filters for hair type, ingredients, etc.
I also have my Amazon store, where I add all my favorite products to one place so you can always shop my stash. The products on there are always CGM approved.
Keep in mind, that not all products that are listed as “sulfate free” are also silicone free, and vice versa. Also, products labeled as “naturally derived” or for “textured hair” do not mean they are free of those ingredients. Always check the ingredient label!
Now I’m sure you’re wondering, what products do I recommend? I’m going to list some of my favorite affordable, drugstore brands.
Helpful chart if you’re shopping Shea Moisture:
Source: shehasgonecurly.wordpress.com
For more videos on Curly Haircare for Beginners, watch the full series here.
Check out my latest video:
–3 Ways to Refresh Curly Hair – Week of Refreshing for Beginners
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© 2024 Gena Marie
2 Responses
You didn’t mention Deva Curl and it’s a go to for you, I actually got my routine by following your method. Why no Deva and have you heard or had extra hair loss from useing that line?
Hi Tiffany,
I wanted this post to focus on drugstore priced brands, so I didn't feature any higher end ones.
Also, I just found out about the recent hair loss claims, and am not featuring DevaCurl at this time since we don't know what is going on, or if there is an issue that's been fixed yet with their products. I haven't had any hair loss issues fortunately, but just don't feel comfortable sharing their products right now. I would hate to have a follower to get bad products.
I have loved their products for some time, so it's very unfortunately. Hopefully we know more soon! <3