curlsgodess

Hey girls, so after lots and lots of heat damage, my curls hang limp and lifeless. Some of them even just hang straight. So I was thinking of investing into a good, CG friendly curl activator such as Kinky Curly Curling Custard to re-activate my curls and help them remember and re-form their natural pattern. My only concern though is that such a method may actually dehydrate my hair or lead to build up. Any thoughts??

swtndspcy

If it's CG it won't build up. Curl activators may or may not actually help curls, but most likely curls will reemerge if you stop straightening, do regular deep treatments, and the damage gets cut off.
Personally, I found that activators made a bit of difference in the beginning, but nothing like what I get now after a year of CG and really encouraging my curl by not straightening.

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Fia- 2b/c,n,i
normal/high porosity, normal elasticity

Co-wash - SN Coconut, TN smoothing in winter
RO - Renpure Red/ GVPCB
LI - SM C&SM, SMCES
FSG+ecostyler, LALSG or any of the various gels I have
Super soak, Plop, Pixie Diffuse
IAgirl's gelatin PT, honey and coconut oil added to GVPCB for DT. Low Poo with SMC&HCS or Organix coconut or sulfate wash with SN coconut once a month
My hair and body HG - coconut oil!! I <3 that stuff. I'm a Shea Moisture C&H junkie

Jo Somebody

I think curl activators will maximise your curl 'potential', but if you've damaged your hair, you may have lowered your 'potential' and may not get the same curliness you'd normally get. I would look after your hair very well for a while (deep treatments, protein/reconstructor treatments, something ayurvedic maybe, no heat), before expecting to see your optimum curliness!

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My hair is in the 4s, low in porosity, high in density and coarse.

Love: QB - all of it, Bobeam - shampoo bars, Darcy's Botanicals - Pumpkin Seed Conditioner, Coconut Cupuacu Pomade, KBN - Shealoe Leave-in, Oyin - Juices & Berries, Kinky Curly - Knot Today, Ayurvedic treatments, my Denman and the cloud of kinky goodness on my head that I get to play with!

kathymack

If your hair is really damaged, the answer is no. Damaged hair is generally porous. If your hair is fine and porous, you need lots of protein (here's a link to help you determine your texture Live Curly Live Free - Home.) You need to do regular PTs followed by DTs. Treat your hair with TLC. If that doesn't help, you'll need to cut off the damage.

Best thing you can do it read, read, and read some more. Learn how to take care of your hair. You'll be a happier when you see those beautiful curls restored!

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3a (Corkicelli), highlighted, fine, low porosity
modified CG, since April '07
CG since 3/11/08

SE PA

HGs: Curly Kinks Satin Roots, Curlycue ReNew and Coil Jam; homemade FSG and okra gel; soap bars; DM MiraCurls Curling Gelly; UFD Curly Magic; Shescentit LIs; Sevi conditioners; Botanical Spirits Puree, CJ Repair Me

curlsgodess

You girls really have been so helpful! Thank you for all the tips!