I need help

djgorgeous · 06-21-2012, 10:49 AM

I am a male with 2c or 3a curly hair, depending on its mood. My hair if itwas straight it would be about shoulder length, when it dries it shrinks toabout chin length.

I had been using 100% pure coconut oil on my hair to style it. I loved howit made my hair looked: frizz free, moist curls, soft, silky, manageable, andit smelled great. The drawback? How greasy it made my hair (obviously). I wouldrun my hands thru my hair and they would be shiny from the oil

It made me self-conscious that I would sit ona couch and I would leave a print a-la soul glow scene from Welcome To America

I have been looking for a product that would help achieve that look, withoutthe greasy aftermath. I have searched high and low and bought over $200 worthof products to no avail. Most of the products that I use give me nice moistly curlsand 3 hours later I have an open house frizz party on my head. Some others giveme crunchy curls. Others, when I run my hands thru my hair flake. Some othersproducts just do not hold the curls. Finally, most just dry up my hair.

I have read many of the reviews and compared them to some other websitessuch as Amazon, and to be honest I am just more confused. I have asked salon professionalsand they just “pimp-out” their in house products. So if you can help me, Iwould really appreciate your help.

jsuzkelley · 06-21-2012, 10:52 AM

What kind of routine were you trying with the other styling products, and how much of the coconut oil were you using? Maybe try just cutting down on the amount of coconut oil; you could use one of the other styling products you like, and just use a little of the oil to seal.

Corrina777 · 06-21-2012, 11:08 AM

I have very agreeable hair but coconut oil seriously wreaked havoc for me. Have you tried Curl Keeper? I've used it alone with LI and it's been amazing for frizz reduction and shine.

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djgorgeous · 06-21-2012, 11:11 AM

I am a stickler to instructions, so I would follow every detail.

Most of them call to use the product on damp hair, yet at the end I wouldn'thave the results that I wanted.

On regards to the coconut oil I would use about a dime size, or a quartersize if my hair was in a bad mood.

What product can I use before the coconut oil? I tried Curl Construct byAmerican Crew and I had disastrous results with it. What product do yourecommend that will have such effect, and I would be able to run my hands onthru my hair as many times possible w/o, loosing luster, shape of the curls andw/o freezing the heck out of my hair?

Thank you for your help

jsuzkelley · 06-21-2012, 01:47 PM

I know a lot of curlies, myself included, have had much better results applying products to dripping wet hair, rather than damp. Also, you might try sealing before applying your styling product (a lot of people like to seal after a LI and before they style). I also think Corrina's suggestion of trying Curl Keeper over a LI is a good idea (you can purchase a 3.38 oz. travel size to try it out).

Do you stick to a no sulfate/no silicone routine? And do you know your hair properties (porosity, density, texture?). That makes a difference with product recommendations. If you are still shampooing, think about co-washing instead. My father-in-law has 3a curls, and he only co-washes (never uses shampoo) and then styles with either a little gel, or sometimes a paste/pomade type product (can't remember which one). His curls are always touchably soft with no frizz.

djgorgeous · 06-21-2012, 03:00 PM

According to my coworker my hair is Normal Porosity, Thick and Coarse. I tried looking up the abbreviations that you and Corrina use on your signature,and I couldn’t find the meaning of Ll, TN, DT, etc. –so I am not quite sure what that is.

I prefer natural products, yet whatever is clever at this point (I imagine some people might shy away from sulfate/silicone). I work out a lot (about 4hours a day), so I am not quite sure if co-washing will work, as a matter off fact, if I do not wash my hair once every two days my scalp start itching like crazy and I get dandruff; so I use a head and shoulders or a mint/thyme shampoo daily -and I use American Crew Rinse Out Conditioner everyday (I love it).

So, let me see if I got this right:

1. Wash/co-wash

2. Ll (I do not know what that is)

3. Curl Keeper

4. Seal it: use a little of my coconut oil, right?

5. Product: can you recommend one please. I have tried so many, but a lot of the ones here I have never tried like: kinky, Giovanni, etc., and I can find them on Wholefoods.

Thank you jsuzkelley

jsuzkelley · 06-21-2012, 03:32 PM

LI = leave in
TN = Tresemme Naturals
DT = deep treatment
Here's a link to a thread with common acronyms/abbreviations Acronyms/Abbreviations/Definitions!

If you are still using products with silicone, those will build up and need to be washed out with something more than conditioner; this might be what is irritating your scalp and causing the "dandruff." I had this same issue until I cut out silicones completely, and now I co-wash, or use something with a more gentle cleansing agent (like coco-betaine - no sulfates of any kind). If you're going to keep using silicones, Giovanni does make a gentle sulfate shampoo that a lot of people like - its called Giovanni Tea Trea Triple Treat. They also make a LI (Direct Leave In) that I really like. I haven't tried any of their stylers.

You also mentioned that you work out alot and so wash your hair more often; co-washing might be a great idea if you're just rinsing off after your work-outs. If you shampoo too often, you could be really drying out your hair and scalp. I like to do a deep treatment once a week (I just use cheap conditioner, like Tresemme Naturals, and add olive oil and honey). If you really like what coconut oil does for your hair, but feel like its leaving it too greasy as a leave in, you could try it as an overnight deep treatment before you wash your hair. I haven't personally tried this, but I've heard others say it gives great shine and reduces frizz. Maybe try a lighter oil (like grapeseed oil) to seal after you wash/condition and before you style.

As far as other styling product recommendations, you might try the Kinky-Curly line (they have natural ingredients and are available at Target). The KCCC (curling custard) might be a good choice - it's supposed to give good hold and shine while leaving hair soft. From what others have posted, there is a bit of a learning curve to figure out the right amount and application, but people who like it swear by it. You could also try the SheaMoisture line (also available at Target, or Walgreens). I like the curl & style milk as a LI, and they also make a curl enhancing smoothy (a thicker cream type product).

Ultimately, it's just a lot of trial and error. It took me about 5 months of experimenting to figure out what worked for my hair and what didn't. And part of that time was also getting my hair healthy and adjusting to no shampoo and no silicones. But its worth the time and effort.

djgorgeous · 06-21-2012, 03:44 PM

Thank you so much ladies, I really like how long curly hair looks, but to be honest I had no idea what I was getting into lol.

So I will follow your advice. Thank you once again

jsuzkelley · 06-21-2012, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djgorgeous

Thank you so much ladies, I really like how long curly hair looks, but to be honest I had no idea what I was getting into lol.

So I will follow your advice. Thank you once again

You're welcome!! Hope you find products and a routine that work for you. Keep us updated

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djgorgeous · 06-22-2012, 12:38 AM

one more question,

The look that I am going for is the one on pictures 1, 4 and 7 on this site: Daniel Jacob by Bernard Gueit for FashionTrend Australia
I emailed the stylist and she told me that she used american crew curl construct. I ordered it online and had horrible results.

That is exactly how my hair would look with just coconut oil, although very greasy.

I did my homework atWholefoods and the lady that works there recommended me Beautiful Curls Oil andLeave on Conditioner for Wavy to Curly, and for styling Queen Helen Royal CurlCurl Shaping Creme. I came back to my computer to see the reviews, but thereare none. What do you ladies think?

If not, could you recommend me a product/s that could make my hair look like that (given that my hair has the same porosity, density, lenght, etc.)

bleuyteuy · 06-22-2012, 01:42 AM

One thing you should know about coconut is that it doesn't really have a smell so perhaps you don't have real or pure coconut oil and that could be why its greasy looking. And if you really do like how it works for you and don't feel the need to look else where for product just try applying less.

germanbella · 06-22-2012, 04:36 AM

Um I have a question what's a sealer? And what would you use for damaged hair daily I use Aussie moist and some water in the morning daily but I want more moisture. Help please oh and I am biracial with 3b hair coarse high porosity and my hair is a little bit above my shoulders

djgorgeous · 06-22-2012, 06:33 AM

bleuyteuy, this is the coconut oil that I was using: Amazon.com: Nature's Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 16 Ounce: Health & Personal Care as far as I know, that is as virgin as coconut oil can get. Although, I might have been deceived.

I do want to get something else since if I put about a dime or so (liquefied) on my hair it is too greasy and makes me self conscious about it; and if i put less, it just doesn't give me the look I want. Thank you though.

earthnut · 06-22-2012, 01:08 PM

Pure virgin coconut oil has a lovely coconut scent. Refined coconut oil has no scent, and it also has slightly different properties.

I have similar hair as you, but twice as long, and the amount of coconut oil you were using is ALOT. I'd first try using much less, working it in really well as you go. I usually use about 4 fingernail-fulls for my hair. You'd probably need less.

Second, not all oils act the same and not all hair likes the same kind of oil. My hair actually likes olive oil the best. You could also try refined coconut oil, mineral oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil. For the liquid oils, I use about 4 drops on my hair.

bleuyteuy · 06-23-2012, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djgorgeous

bleuyteuy, this is the coconut oil that I was using: Amazon.com: Nature's Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 16 Ounce: Health & Personal Care as far as I know, that is as virgin as coconut oil can get. Although, I might have been deceived.

I do want to get something else since if I put about a dime or so (liquefied) on my hair it is too greasy and makes me self conscious about it; and if i put less, it just doesn't give me the look I want. Thank you though.

You know what that's true cus I get everything from Mountain rose herbs and pretty much all they have available when I shop is refined.

rainboe · 06-23-2012, 01:52 AM

Are you using a leave-in conditioner with the coconut oil? Because if you aren't, you should try that. Just put some of your regular conditioner in you hair after you're done showering, then put some oil (less than you usually use) over it and style as usual. It's moisturizing without being as oily. When people talk about sealing their hair, they usually mean that they put on a leave-in conditioner then they put on oil to seal the moisture in.

With the products that give you crunchy curls, you can scrunch you hair when it is completely dry. That will stop it from being crunch, leaving defined, pretty hair. A lot of curlies on this board do that. It's called scrunching out the crunch. Also, the model you referenced looks like his hair would be crunchy.

I'm going to ask a bunch of questions about your hair. People want different things from styling products, and they want to achieve different looks. It would help for us to know what you want your hair to look like.

How do you apply your styling products? Do you scrunch in the products or rake them in? Do you apply coconut oil to soaking wet hair or damp hair? How do you dry your hair?

You usually apply a lot of oil, what about that look do you like? Do you want definition or do you want the hair to be more of a unit? Do you want it to look wet or do you want it to look natural, like you don't have anything in it? Do you want to tighten your curls or weigh them down?

Can you list out the products you have tried that haven't worked? Have you tried gels? Creams?

Have you experimented with layering products?

Also, a lot of curlies think their hair is course when it is actually fine or normal. I started out thinking mine was course, and it was actually fine. When we use course on this message board, we mean the individual hair strands are thick, almost like sewing thread. Coarse strands are very noticeable between your fingers. Is that what you mean by coarse?

ChristyCheryl · 06-24-2012, 06:51 PM

You say you have a problem with frizz, and that you like to run your hands through your hair.. Have you thought this might be causing the frizz? Have you tried curl keeper before? It might help

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wavymom · 06-24-2012, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djgorgeous

one more question,

The look that I am going for is the one on pictures 1, 4 and 7 on this site: Daniel Jacob by Bernard Gueit for FashionTrend Australia
I emailed the stylist and she told me that she used american crew curl construct. I ordered it online and had horrible results.

That is exactly how my hair would look with just coconut oil, although very greasy.

I did my homework atWholefoods and the lady that works there recommended me Beautiful Curls Oil andLeave on Conditioner for Wavy to Curly, and for styling Queen Helen Royal CurlCurl Shaping Creme. I came back to my computer to see the reviews, but thereare none. What do you ladies think?

If not, could you recommend me a product/s that could make my hair look like that (given that my hair has the same porosity, density, lenght, etc.)

I have used the Queen Helene Royal Curl Creme, and it had a lot of potential. I think it would have worked fabulously had it not been for so much glycerin in it (my hair is sensitive to glycerin). KCCC is similar to that, in that it is a natural jelly-type product that enhances curls. But KCCC is much more sticky than QHRCC, and takes more trial and error to figure out. Either of these could be worth trying.

If your hair loves coconut milk, I was going to recommend perhaps trying the Shea Moisture curl & style milk. It has coconut oil pretty high on the ingredient list, but it also has other things too. My hair really likes this - keeps it moisturized and happy. If I use too much, my hair will look greasy though, so I have to just use a small amount (pea-size or so).

djgorgeous · 06-25-2012, 01:35 PM

Thank you for your response. I will answer all in caps to avoid confusion:

Are you using a leave-in conditioner with the coconut oil? Becauseif you aren't, you should try that. Just put some of your regular conditionerin you hair after you're done showering, then put some oil (less than youusually use) over it and style as usual. It's moisturizing without being asoily. When people talk about sealing their hair, they usually mean that theyput on a leave-in conditioner then they put on oil to seal the moisture in.

LOL, I WAS DOING IT BACKWARDS

MY ROUTINE IS AS FOLLOWS:

SHAMPOO

CONDITIONER

LEAVE IN CONDITIONER (BeautifulCurls Leave-In Conditioner for Wavy to Curly Hair)

COCONUT OIL

STYLE: Shea Butter CURL DEFINING GEL (BEAUTIFUL CURLS)

With the products that give you crunchy curls, you can scrunch you hair when itis completely dry. That will stop it from being crunch, leaving defined, prettyhair. A lot of curlies on this board do that. It's called scrunching out thecrunch. Also, the model you referenced looks like his hair would be crunchy.

OK, SO WHEN I DO THAT, THE RESULT IS SUPER FRIZZY HAIR, MY HAIR MUSHROOMS UP. I STAYED IN SATURDAY TO EXPERIMENT. I DID THE ROUTINE THAT I MENTIONED ABOVE, ONCE IT GOT CRUNCHY I SCRUNCHED MY HAIR, AND AS MENTIONED ABOVE MY HAIR FRIZZED UP. AFTER THAT I PUT A DAB OF OIL AGAIN, AND IT TAMED IT,BUT I STILL HAD MY HAIR FRIZZY.

ON SUNDAY, I DID THE SAME AND DIDN’T SCRUNCHED IT, AND IT WAS CRUNCHY.

How do you apply your styling products?

I APPLY THEM AS IF I WAS SHAMPOOING MY HAIR, ON WET HAIR

Do you scrunch in the products or rake them in?

SCRUNCH

Do you apply coconut oil to soaking wet hair or damp hair?

WET

How do you dry your hair?

AIR DRY

You usually apply a lot of oil, what about that look do you like? Do you wantdefinition or do you want the hair to be more of a unit?

DEFINITION, ALTHOUGH I DO NOT WANT TO LOOK LIKE THE CROW, LOL. THE PICTURE THAT I PUT ABOVE EXEMPLIFIES EXACTLY WHAT I DESIRE

Do you want it to look wet or do you want it to look natural, likeyou don't have anything in it?

I WANT THEM TO LOOK NATURAL

Do you want to tighten your curls or weigh them down?

BOTH IF POSSIBLE, TIGHTEN TO GIVE IT A MORE EXOTIC LOOK AND WEIGHT THEM DOWN TO AVOID THE MUSHROOM CLOUD

Can you list out the products you have tried that haven't worked? Have youtried gels? Creams?

WOW, WELL MOST ARE CREAMS, FROM EXPENSIVE SALOON PRODUCTS SUCH AS ORIBE, AMERICAN CREW, TONY AND GUY, KEVIN MURPHY, ETC.

I HAVE TRIED THE INEXPENSIVE BRANDS AS WELL, THE BEST OF THE BUNCH WAS AXE STYLING CRÈME NATURAL, AND AGAIN IT MADE ME LOOK LIKE THE CROW LOL

Have you experimented with layering products?

THIS WEEKEND, THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL LADIES ADVICE IS THE FIRST TIME I DID IT. I WAS DOING IT BACKWARDS BY PUTTING OIL FIRST, THEN LEAVE IN, THEN STYLING GEL; ALL ONE AFTER THE OTHER WITH OUT WAITING ANY TIME TO DRY(AM I DOING THIS RIGHT?)

Also, a lot of curlies think their hair is course when it is actually fine ornormal. I started out thinking mine was course, and it was actually fine. Whenwe use course on this message board, we mean the individual hair strands arethick, almost like sewing thread. Coarse strands are very noticeable betweenyour fingers. Is that what you mean by coarse?

IF THAT IS THE CASE IT IS FINE, I JUST HAVE A LOT J

You say you have a problem with frizz, and that you like torun your hands through your hair.. Have you thought this might be causing thefrizz? Have you tried curl keeper before? It might help

I WAS TOLD BY ANOTHER MEMBER TO USE THAT, YET 1) I CANT FIND IT, 2) I AM NOT SURE WHERE IN THE ROUTINE WOULD IT GO IF I PUT LEAVE IN CONDITIONING, THEN OIL, THEN STYLING GEL, WHERE IN THAT SEQUENCE WOULD I PUTIT? IF IT IS AT THE END OF THE CHAIN WOULD IT GO ON DRY HAIR?

raindear · 06-26-2012, 10:57 AM

How much gel do you use? On my hair, which is about the same length as my avatar, I use about 1 tablespoonful, on damp to wet hair.

4 methods for scrunching out the crunch:

1.Slightly dampen your hands.
2.Rub a small amount of gel on your hands first.
3.Rub a small amount of oil on your hands first.
4.Rub a small amount of conditioner on your hands first.

When "Scrunching out the crunch" (SOTC), use fisting, or pressing motions with your hands. Don't run your fingers through the hair.

I live in the desert (Las Vegas, NV), so don't know how appropriate this is for you, but one of my favorite gels is LA Looks Nutra Gel. It is light and has a soft crunch that is easy to scrunch out. I am able to SOTC with dry hands, but that may have a lot to do with where I live.