Mochaccino

My hair is 2a/c/iii, and very frizzy. This site describes 2A as easy to straighten or curl, stays close to the head, and is naturally very shiny. LMAO I wish that were true. Maybe other wavies are lucky enough to have hair like that. My hair does not naturally "want" to curl or straighten, although both styles are possible. It takes a LOT of coaxing to push it in either direction. I finally decided that the best idea might be to set it in waves, rather than trying to force it to be straight or curly when it doesn't want too.

Now back to my actual question. What products should I use to moisturize, smooth, and set it? I'll probably set it in bantu knots, but I'm not entirely opposed to more complicated setting techniques if necessary. I'm open to commercial products or kitchen recipes, as long as the ingredients are very widely available in stores. I plan to buy the basics at Walmart today, just a few hours from now, but I'm not sure what to try. I need a basic moisturizing leave-in, and something for hold. In other words, I'm trying to come up with "system" to produce the tightly controlled, frizz-free waves I want.

Mochaccino

I'm heading out to walmart really soon. I need suggestions fast. Thanks so much!

asianrunner

You can use a lot of rinse out conditioners as your leave-in. I really like Tresemme Naturals as a RO and as a leave-in. I think some people use it as a co-wash as well. Giovanni has a leave-in but I hated it. Do you happen to have a Target? If so, look at the Kinky Curly Curling Custard and KC Knot Today.

Gels: BRHG, Garnier Fructis Pure Clean, Aussie Instant Freeze

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Medium texture, normal porosity, normal elasticity, very weak waves.
shampoo: Redken Fresh Curls
rinse out: CJ CR, TN
jellies: UFD's CM, KCCC
gels: CJ CQ, BRHG

Mochaccino

So you're saying Kinky curly products work for producing waves, not just curl scrunching? Have you tried using KCCC as a setting gel?

Mochaccino

I just came across this super helpful site. She's explaing how to do finger waves, not the kind of waves I'm looking for, but most of what she's describing should still be applicable to my routine. Here's the link: How to Do Finger Waves & vintage hair setting recipes « Imitation of Vintage life
What do you guys think of her suggestions?

asianrunner

Yup, lots of ladies here get curl/wave enhancement. I have not personally tried using it as a setting gel vs a curl enhancer. Remember, you can only get KC products at Target, not Wal-Mart!

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Medium texture, normal porosity, normal elasticity, very weak waves.
shampoo: Redken Fresh Curls
rinse out: CJ CR, TN
jellies: UFD's CM, KCCC
gels: CJ CQ, BRHG

amandamarie

Looks like she's recommending a basic flaxseed gel as a good alternative, which I know a lot of us like. It has a pretty light hold but depending on how well your hair holds a style it might work well. I wouldn't recommend the gelatin version because I noticed you have coarse hair which makes protein generally a no no.

I can't speak to her techniques much, though. I've never used KCCC for anything but curl enhancement either,

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2a/b (really thick but sort of fine with pretty weak waves), medium-to-fine texture, normal porosity (I think). Doesn't seem to like protein.

Favorite products: Kinky-Curly Knot Today, Kinky-Curly Curling Custard, Curl Junkie Curls in a Bottle, Curl Junkie Curl Rehab, Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Lotion, Shea Moisture Curl and Style Milk, homemade flaxseed gel.

Still looking for a cleanser I like.

crimsonshedemon

Looks like she's recommending a basic flaxseed gel as a good alternative, which I know a lot of us like. It has a pretty light hold but depending on how well your hair holds a style it might work well. I wouldn't recommend the gelatin version because I noticed you have coarse hair which makes protein generally a no no.
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Are you saying homemade flax seed gel has protein in it?

I always add protein to mine because it was my understanding FSG is protein free.

raindear

No, she said FSG with gelatin added has protein.

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Be Happy!

Type:2b/3ab?
Texture:Medium/fine
Porosity:Normal
Elasticity:Normal

Experimenting with too many products to name here. All this great info keeps my head spinning.