I have naturally curly hair that I straightened for almost 12 years. Years ago I bought a professional flat iron that could heat up to 400 degrees. Despite having fine/thin hair, I used my iron daily at the highest setting. Several months ago, I decided to make peace with my curly hair. My hair and I have since come to an understanding that involves no sulfates, no silicones, and likewise, no frizz. A few favorites have made this accord possible:
Aubrey Organics
Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner
Aubrey Organics White Camellia Conditioner
Aubrey Organics GPB Conditioner
According to their label, Aubrey Organics has been making organic beauty products since 1967. They are sold at health food stores and at major chains like Whole Foods. I'll be honest. They don't smell great. AOHR reminds me of "old lady" perfume combined with sunscreen. AOWC also smells like "old lady" perfume. GPB (my all-time favorite) smells like a Christmas candle from my youth. The fact that these conditioners don't smell great, and I love them anyway is a testament to how good they are.
GPB is a protein-enriched conditioner. It leaves my hair shiny and bouncy. AOHR is very moisturizing and deeply conditioning. AOWC (which smells worst of the three) is also very moisturizing but not quite as heavy as the AOHR. And the price? After 15+ years of buying salon products, I LOVE that AO conditioners cost approximately $11 for an 11-ounce bottle. I recommend them to anyone who asks. Love, love!!!
Biosilk Rock Hard Gelee (old formula)
I received a sample of BRHG in a swap at naturallycurly.com. I almost didn't use it because of the name, but don't be scared. This is good stuff! Unfortunately, Biosilk reformulated it within the last year, but the old formula can still be found . I've tried both formulas, but prefer the old one. It gives my hair nice thick, bouncy clumps that last all day. It dries hard, but crunches out easily. The newer formula tends to fall a bit as the day goes on, and doesn't have the same clumping ability. It's still a superior gel. Just not the old BRHG. I obsessively comb ebay for the old formula which is in a cream bottle with silver/black lettering.
The new formula is widely available at Target, CVS, and Rite Aid. It runs about $13 for 5.1 ounces. You don't need to use a whole lot, so it's a pretty good bargain.
Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper
CK is another product that doesn't smell great, but its powers outweigh the odious downside. CK is a frizz fighter, and it works fabulously. It is a lightweight serum you apply to soaking wet hair. Think Frizz Ease without greasiness. This is another product I received in a swap. It sat in my bathroom cupboard for two weeks before I used it because I was certain I would hate it. Wrong! If you have any problem with frizz, try the CK. It is silicone-free, so it washes out cleanly. It doesn't weigh down my fine/thin hair, and it stops frizz. Amazing! It has no hold, so you need to follow with some sort of styling product. I use BRHG on top of CK for frizz-free, bouncy curls. Unfortunately, CK is an internet-only purchase for Midwestern curlies. You can find it at CurlMart at www.naturallycurly.com or at www.frizzoff.com. It runs $8 for a 4-ounce bottle or $15 for an 8-ounce bottle. It doesn't take a lot of product to achieve good results. This is a must-have during humid summer days.
Kinky-Curly
Kinky-Curly Knot Today
Kinky-Curly Curling Custard
Finally! Products that smell good! In theory, Kinky Curly products should not work on my hair. They are for thick, frizzy, kinky hair that needs to be weighed down with moisture. Although my hair is dry and somewhat frizzy, I am not the target audience for KC products. Nonetheless, I adore this combination. First, they smell terrific. Even my husband (who pays no attention to these things) comments on my hair when I use KC products. They smell like dessert. Cupcakes. Marshmallows. Sugar. Yum.
Even better? They work. KCKT is a very moisturizing conditioner that can be rinsed out or used as a leave-in. It is too heavy for me to use as a leave-in, but has great "slip" as a rinse out. It leaves my hair well-conditioned (and smelling great!) and soft without weighing it down. KCCC comes in a 16-ounce plastic jar. It's a clear, gel-like goo. Unfortunately, the best description for the texture is snot-like. I scrunch it into soaking wet hair, diffuse until 80% dry, and then air dry the rest of the way. Somehow, the KCCC dries hard like a gel, but crunches out easily. My hair is VERY soft and bouncy every time I use this. It's a wonderful combination. Again, these are products that aren't available in stores nearby, so I either purchase them at Curlmart or at www.kinky-curly.com. KCKT costs $12 for an 8-ounce bottle and KCCC is $25 for a 16-ounce jar.
Kinky-Curly is a signer to the pact for safe cosmetics, and manufactures natural products. No silicones, no sulfates, no parabens.
Jane Carter Solution
Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner
Jane Carter Solution Nourish & Shine
Jane Carter is another line I learned about at naturallycurly.com. This is also a natural-based line that smells great. Jane Carter's products are available at Whole Foods, but in my city, it's another well-worth-it-online purchase. RLIC is a lightweight spray conditioner. It moisturizes without weighing down my fine hair. N & S is a thick, moisturizing pomade made of natural butters and oils. A little goes a LONG way, and I have to be careful not to use too much or it makes my hair greasy. Less than a pea-size is all I need. My hair soaks it up, and it can also be used as a skin moisturizer. N & S is another product that prompts a compliment from my usually unobservant husband. It smells fresh and clean, and helps smooth fly-aways or add moisture. RLIC is a bargain at $9 for 8-ounces. N & S is more expensive at $22 for 4-ounces, but it will last a long time. The results are worth it. Jane Carter is also available at Curlmart or at www. janecartersolution.com.
