Is this even possible?

Meowmixert · 11-04-2012, 05:25 PM

My ideal curls are soft and not frizzy without feeling coated. However, I'm starting to think recently that this is not possible, at least for my 3a, coarse, low porosity hair.

I currently use LA looks sport gel, which works well for cutting down on (but not eliminating) frizz. But it leaves my hair very coated feeling after I scrunch the crunch. Same for the Kinky Curly curling custard. But when I try more of a cream instead of a gel, like Miss Jessie's curly custard, it leaves my hair very frizzy.

So, my question is, do I have to choose between being frizz free and having soft hair? I want both!

And as an aside question: is there an easy way to tell which ingredients your hair will like based on your hair properties? I've been experimenting for months and months and all I know for sure at the moment is that my hair does not like shea butter.

Thank you!!

tenapaige · 11-05-2012, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meowmixert

My ideal curls are soft and not frizzy without feeling coated. However, I'm starting to think recently that this is not possible, at least for my 3a, coarse, low porosity hair.

I currently use LA looks sport gel, which works well for cutting down on (but not eliminating) frizz. But it leaves my hair very coated feeling after I scrunch the crunch. Same for the Kinky Curly curling custard. But when I try more of a cream instead of a gel, like Miss Jessie's curly custard, it leaves my hair very frizzy.

So, my question is, do I have to choose between being frizz free and having soft hair? I want both!

And as an aside question: is there an easy way to tell which ingredients your hair will like based on your hair properties? I've been experimenting for months and months and all I know for sure at the moment is that my hair does not like shea butter.

Thank you!!

I have this issue too the frizz just wont budgeabd sometimes gels plaster my hair down the only thing OI can recommend u to do is try a soft hold gel

kathymack · 11-05-2012, 04:50 PM

I think it is. IMHO, it's all in the products and how you handle your hair. You need to get the protein/moisture balance right. The best way to choose ingredients/products is by hair properties, hair type is relatively unimportant because it's transiet (type changes based on products, dewpoint, technique, etc.) Here's a link to help you. It has information on properties, ingredients, etc. Live Curly Live Free - Curly Hair Basics

Once you determine your properties, you can look for people with hair like yours and see what they use. It's the best place to start.

My hair doesn't care for gel--it give me frizz. I determined it was the chemicals, especially polyquats. A lot of the other chemicals are what gives you that producty feel. My hair prefers the jelly product--gelatinous substance with out the chemicals. Not sure why KCCC would feel producty (unless you're using too much.) It's all natural. On the other hand, Miss Jessie's products contain mineral oil and other ingredients that my hair hates.

In general, my hair prefers the products from the online, boutique type companies. As long as I stay away from the chemicals, my hair is always soft. Frizz is another matter--have to make sure it has enough protein. That really helps me.

Ml001 · 11-05-2012, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kathymack

I think it is. IMHO, it's all in the products and how you handle your hair. You need to get the protein/moisture balance right.

+1

My hair is currently frizz-free, with a soft, touchable hold on my curls.

I have found a routine it likes (mostly CJ products) and also recently tried a Marie Dean DT that made it incredibly soft and moisturized. Like kathymack my hair also only likes the pricey online boutique stuff. But, it doesn't like protein or chlorides.

I use a Denman, CLU towels, and diffuse dry to about 75-80%.

I also very recently discovered an amazing gel combo. I, too, found KCCC to be way too crunchy and wet-looking. I tried CJ CIAB and that was not nearly enough hold. But, the two mixed together...? INCREDIBLE!!!!

Use your hair properties as a starting point and then tweak things to determine precisely what works well for your hair and what doesn't. Many ingredient issues are simply trial and error but working with your properties removes at least some of that.

Frizz-free, soft curls...? Yes, it IS possible!!! Good luck!

Meowmixert · 11-09-2012, 11:52 PM

Thank you! Does anyone recommend ordering the hair analysis from live curly live free?

Knotty_Maddy · 11-10-2012, 12:11 AM

many people do recommend that, but I have heard dissent, as well. I have not tried it, I did want to - but now I am wondering - I have heard people comment that everyone gets the same results from it ;p it is only $20, though, so I think it is worth the risk!

Have you tried any of the methods here? There is a Techniques sticky here on the General Hair Discussion column, it is at the top before any of the posts. Please check it out, because I have found that technique (as Kathymack said, the way you handle your hair) is almost more important than product...for me, the only method that worked was the SuperSoaker method by Rudeechick. It eliminated my frizz and gave me great clumps and curls

but there are many techniques listed, so surely one will work for you! Good luck!

curvesncurls · 11-10-2012, 04:43 AM

I have the same problem - my hair is mostly 2c but the top layer that's clearly visible to the entire world is 3a and highly prone to frizz. Are you using a leave in? I tried KCCC without a leave in and got the sticky producty result, but if I use a leave in (I usually go for CJ Curl Fix to keep the moisture-protein balance of my hair right) and only use about a nickel size blob of the KCCC per section (4 sections total), my hair comes out soft and defined. However in general it gives me zero hold so I also mix about a pea size dot of LALSG into the KCCC. The less I touch my hair the less frizz I tend to get so mixing the two in my hand before I apply has worked much better for me.

Like Kathymack, my hair prefers the gelly-type products. SM Curling Souffle and Curly Kinks give me much better hold than KCCC so I don't have to use an extra gel if I don't want to and my frizz still stays under control. I've pretty much come to accept that there's no eliminating the frizz in my hair, but as long as it's not a puff ball I'm ok with a few pieces out of place

Corrina777 · 11-10-2012, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meowmixert

Thank you! Does anyone recommend ordering the hair analysis from live curly live free?

I did the hair analysis back in January and I'm so glad that I did! I had figured my hair properties incorrectly, and once I adjusted for my correct properties my curls looked so much better.

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multicultcurly · 11-10-2012, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meowmixert

Thank you! Does anyone recommend ordering the hair analysis from live curly live free?

I definitely recommend it. I was using the right products before, but after reading my analysis I understood why my hair didn't like heavy styling products, didn't become drenched with water and how I could have an oily scalp but hair prone to dryness.

SaraNoH · 11-17-2012, 03:17 PM

Hey there hair twin

I agree with that everyone had been saying. My only two cents is that those of us with coarser hair need to watch out for protein, and whenever I use LALSG for more than a few days my hair rebels.

Have you tried SOTCing with oil? That never fails in my case are ensuring soft curls, especially if your gel is on the crunchy side.

If you still want to use harder hold gels I would recommend ditching the LALSG and trying Aussie Instant Freeze or another protein-free hard hold. Right now I'm mixing that with some jelly products and it's been fine.