Still frustrated and looking for product recommendations!

modelKTford · 07-12-2012, 09:38 PM

Hello all--I recently posted a board about being frustrated with my hair and I've done some troubleshooting, but I still think I need some help. I can post more pics on request, but first I just have questions.

I went ahead and bought a low poo and natural condish from Trader Joe's...so far I think I like them! They smell nice.

I'm using the Pantene curl mousse, which I'm pretty sure doesn't have anything bad in it. I tried using 99.9% pure aloe vera gel on top of it. While it did give me more touchable hair, the curl was practically nonexistent and I was pretty bummed about it. :/

My problem with gels is that they kind of make my hair feel coated, product-y and kind of starchy, and I'm not sure why. Also, they tend to not help my hair with clumping, and I end up getting weird, spazzy kind of halfhearted kinks instead of curls.

Are there any curlies/wavies out there with 2c/3a fine hair that have good recommendations? I've heard of various puddings, creams, gels, etc...but to be honest you guys I'm a college student on a budget, and this is a no-win situation for me...I keep trying out products that don't work and I don't use, and I keep getting my hopes up only to be saddened. I'm scared to try out anything else--the rest of my household thinks I have a problem because I constantly rush out to buy the newest thing in hopes it will work!

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

dresdendoll · 07-12-2012, 10:06 PM

I don't know if you're CG, but if not, Suave Professionals Captivating Curls Whipped Cream Mousse is great! It's an HG for me...which is really rare haha. It's only about $3, and I think the Trader Joe's lowpoo will be able to wash out the few silicones in it.

modelKTford · 07-12-2012, 10:09 PM

I actually just tried it by itself and was sadly disappointed!

I didn't get any curl!

jsuzkelley · 07-12-2012, 10:36 PM

Are you just looking for styling products? I have 2c/3a fine hair (lots of it) and I don't like traditional gels. I much prefer cream gels or jelly stylers, and more natural products. I haven't read your other post, so I'm not sure what you've already tried. If your looking for more inexpensive options, have you tried any of the lines carried at Target (kinky curly, Shea moisture, or curls)? I like the Shea moisture curl/style milk as a LI and the KCCC as a styler. I've heard good things about the curls creme brûlée, although I haven't tried it. I believe these products are somewhere in the $8-$12 range for 8 oz. If you have a Sally's near you they carry the As I Am line; I like their LI and I've heard good things about their jelly (pricing is similar to the Target brands). Those products are all CG. If you're not CG, I've heard really good things about Bed Head control freak serum for frizz control, and curls rock curl amplifying mousse. Those are sold at Target and most grocery/drug stores and are cheaper than the other lines I've mentioned.

Sent from my iPhone using CurlTalk

wavymom · 07-12-2012, 10:50 PM

Hi modelKTford, I saw your other post but didn't have time to reply. Your hair in those photos reminds me of mine in many ways. I have 2c fine hair also. This past winter I got extremely frustrated with my hair, and have figured out a lot since then. The one thing that helped me the most was IAgirl's gelatin PT. The first few times I did it, I didn't notice a huge change. But I kept up with it every week, and over time it has made a huge difference. My curls are tighter (they used to be 2b), and they hold all day long (they used to fall mid-day). So - my first recommendation is to do this every single week until you start to notice a change.

Secondly, I stopped using mousse so frequently. I had been using HETMS mousse every day, but in retrospect I saw that it was drying my hair out. I have tried quite a few curl enhancers and have had the most luck with KCCC, although it did take some trial and error to figure it out. I use a very small amount scrunched into dripping wet hair.

Additionally, I almost entirely cut out sulfates which had crept back in during my frustration, and added in almost-daily low-poos (love Shea Moisture shampoo). I began to focus on finding a good balance of protein and moisture.

Also, I discovered coconut oil - which I smear through dry hair and then low-poo out a few hours later. This and the gelatin PTs have really helped my hair come a long way.

You say you don't like gels, which ones have you tried? So many make my hair feel gunky like you're describing. Pretty much all the drugstore ones do... HETT gel is the cheapest gel I've had the most luck with. But my favorite is Biosilk Rock Hard Gelee - I use about a quarter-size dollop and it doesn't leave my hair gunky after SOTC, and it has such strong hold it really helps hold my curls while they dry. It is more expensive, but is totally worth every penny in my (hair's) opinion.

And finally - I have the most luck applying products to dripping wet hair upside down, and doing the scrunch-n-pump method to get them distributed well.

Hope something in there helps!

modelKTford · 07-13-2012, 07:23 AM

Interesting suggestions, ladies! I guess it probably would've been helpful to explain what I've already tried, so here we go...kind of an embarrassing list, haha...

LA LOOKS Sport
LA LOOKS Max Hold Gel
LA BELLA Lots of Curls
Sally Brand Biotera (? Maybe wrong name) Curl Cream
Sally Brand Bio-something Gelee
Aussie Aussome Volume
HESMU
HETT
^ (Mousse and Gel for both of those)
Sally Noodle Head Mousse
VO5 Gel
Sally Brand Proclaim! Ice Protein Gel
Tresemme Mousse
Pantene Curly Mousse
Samy Get Curl! Curl Reactivator (not so good lol)
Suave Captivating Curls Whipped Cream Mousse
Aussie Catch the Wave Mousse

...and those are just off the top of my head! I still HAVE most of those hahaha.

If I try mousse by itself, I get practically nothing. If I try gel by itself, I get that coated feeling and it generally feels limp and weighed down. There has to be another way! I kind of wish there was some way to just sample everything and then pick, because investing in big ol' bottles is not in my wallet's best interest...haha!

I've decided I'm pretty sure my hair doesn't like glycerin, but even when I look for gels without it, I still feel stringy and underwhelming. Also, I used to do IAGirl's PT Treatments once a week...maybe I'll give those another try. I'm also going to be taking some vitamin supplements on doctor orders....could that help?

*Will weekly PT treatments zap my hair color? I get it dyed a deep red professionally and I love it, but I guess I was worried that the protein might negate its lovely effects. Thoughts?

modelKTford · 07-13-2012, 07:35 AM

I'm toying with going to Target today and trying out the Shea Moisture Smoothie, KCCC,, or the Shea Moisture Styling Milk! Thoughts?

Corrina777 · 07-13-2012, 08:05 AM

Fine hair here. Over the winter I was 2c/3a. More of a solid 3a now, but I don't know how much of that is weather-related.

Protein should be fine with hair color, just avoid for the first week or so after you color. A PT prior to color will help color take more evenly.

As far as products, I've learned some interesting stuff about my hair over the last two months or so. First- smaller clumps equals more curl for me. I do still use gel, but I use thinner consistency gels. My two current favorites are AG Curl Liquid Effects and Curly Sexy Hair Liquid Curling Gel. Both contain only water-soluble silicones. My favorite mousse is TIGI Curlesque Strong Mousse (also with only water-soluble cones). My two HG curl enhancers are AG Re:Coil (CG) and TIGI Curls Rock Amplifier (technically not CG due to cyclo-cones, but according to two different Curl Chemist articles, even conditioner washing is sufficient to prevent buildup of cyclo-cones). If I use a lighter product like mousse, I normally apply in layers to get enough hold (apply a little before plopping, a little after plopping, and a little more about halfway through diffusing).

I've tried the SM Smoothie and KCCC, but not enough to give a fair review. I did have to use both products very sparingly, which is not typical for me- I have a ton of hair and normally need a ton of product.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9800 using Tapatalk

wavymom · 07-13-2012, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modelKTford

I'm toying with going to Target today and trying out the Shea Moisture Smoothie, KCCC,, or the Shea Moisture Styling Milk! Thoughts?

My vote would be for the KCCC, and maybe also the SM Curl Milk. The SM smoothie has glycerin in it, so I would avoid that in your low dew points. KCCC is more of what I would consider a curl enhancer, while the Curl Milk is more like a leave-in. They are both good products but very different from each other.

jsuzkelley · 07-13-2012, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavymom

Quote:

Originally Posted by modelKTford

I'm toying with going to Target today and trying out the Shea Moisture Smoothie, KCCC,, or the Shea Moisture Styling Milk! Thoughts?

My vote would be for the KCCC, and maybe also the SM Curl Milk. The SM smoothie has glycerin in it, so I would avoid that in your low dew points. KCCC is more of what I would consider a curl enhancer, while the Curl Milk is more like a leave-in. They are both good products but very different from each other.

Hi again, modelKTford

I just realized that I did read your other post (and replied, lol!), just didn't remember that was you. I agree with wavymom's recs; just remember, a little goes a long way with the KCCC. The first time I tried it, I hated it (left my hair weighed down and producty feeling). Then, after reading some posts on here, I realized I was using way too much of it. So start with just a little bit, and see how it does. Also, if you try it several times and really dislike it, Target has a great return policy (even on used products) - just save your receipt. I like to use the SM milk as my LI under the KCCC (I tried the KCKT, but it just wasn't enough moisture for me).

On a side note - did you ever try clarifying and adding in some protein? How were the results?

raindear · 07-13-2012, 11:01 AM

Been there, done that. The first month or 6 weeks here, I spent way too much on everyone's go to products looking for my "miracle" products. Now, I know that getting the right moisture/protein balance is the foundation on which everything else builds. Most products give me pretty much the same results depending on the underlying health of my hair, which depends on having the proper moisture/protein balance.

dresdendoll · 07-13-2012, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corrina777

Fine hair here. Over the winter I was 2c/3a. More of a solid 3a now, but I don't know how much of that is weather-related.

Protein should be fine with hair color, just avoid for the first week or so after you color. A PT prior to color will help color take more evenly.

As far as products, I've learned some interesting stuff about my hair over the last two months or so. First- smaller clumps equals more curl for me. I do still use gel, but I use thinner consistency gels. My two current favorites are AG Curl Liquid Effects and Curly Sexy Hair Liquid Curling Gel. Both contain only water-soluble silicones. My favorite mousse is TIGI Curlesque Strong Mousse (also with only water-soluble cones). My two HG curl enhancers are AG Re:Coil (CG) and TIGI Curls Rock Amplifier (technically not CG due to cyclo-cones, but according to two different Curl Chemist articles, even conditioner washing is sufficient to prevent buildup of cyclo-cones). If I use a lighter product like mousse, I normally apply in layers to get enough hold (apply a little before plopping, a little after plopping, and a little more about halfway through diffusing).

I've tried the SM Smoothie and KCCC, but not enough to give a fair review. I did have to use both products very sparingly, which is not typical for me- I have a ton of hair and normally need a ton of product.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9800 using Tapatalk

Which would you recommend most if you were to choose one styler to use alone:
AG Liquid Effects
AG Re:Coil
Curls Rock Amplifer

Thank you so much!

sheilacurl · 07-13-2012, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raindear

Been there, done that. The first month or 6 weeks here, I spent way too much on everyone's go to products looking for my "miracle" products. Now, I know that getting the right moisture/protein balance is the foundation on which everything else builds. Most products give me pretty much the same results depending on the underlying health of my hair, which depends on having the proper moisture/protein balance.

Raindear, I'm still looking for that perfect miracle product and I've been on here since 2009, lol!

I just wanted to drop you a line to say that I always enjoy reading your posts, you always "tell it how it is" and your opinions always make me smile

sheilacurl · 07-13-2012, 05:23 PM

jsuzkelley, your curls are so pretty in your avatar and signature! How do you do that??? Those are perfect ringlets!!!

lcl0706 · 07-13-2012, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raindear

Been there, done that. The first month or 6 weeks here, I spent way too much on everyone's go to products looking for my "miracle" products. Now, I know that getting the right moisture/protein balance is the foundation on which everything else builds. Most products give me pretty much the same results depending on the underlying health of my hair, which depends on having the proper moisture/protein balance.

I absolutely agree with this. When my protein/moisture balance is off like it is now, nothing works. When its right & my hair is healthier, I can use LI only, plus either a light hold jelly or mousse & be good to go, whether I air dry or diffuse.

Sent from my PG06100 using CurlTalk App

jsuzkelley · 07-13-2012, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheilacurl

jsuzkelley, your curls are so pretty in your avatar and signature! How do you do that??? Those are perfect ringlets!!!

Thanks sheilacurl

I can usually get my whirls to form curls as long as I use a styler with light-medium hold (I like curl creams, cream gels and jellies). I also twist sections of my hair while wet to encourage clumping and more uniform curls. If I just scrunch then my curls will bend and switch directions, so I have to give them some guidance!

Sent from my iPhone using CurlTalk

earthnut · 07-13-2012, 09:47 PM

My daughter has fine hair and does well with natures gate conditioner (any flavor) alone. Nothing else. I'm trying vo5 extra volume conditioner now because it's so cheap. I hope we get good results from that too since it has protein in it.

With my hair, I've been taking it one product at a time. I had hugely different reactions to different conditioners. One (suave strawberry) made my hair straighter. One (natures gate) made my hair curly and stiff. This is with no stylers. So don't discount that you might want to change conditioners.

---
2c (3a potential?), M, ii, porous, good elasticity, APL, dark brown with a silver lining.
Love coconut oil, olive oil, and Everyday Shea!
HGs are simple, natural, and destroy frizzzz!!

raindear · 07-13-2012, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheilacurl

Raindear, I'm still looking for that perfect miracle product and I've been on here since 2009, lol!

I just wanted to drop you a line to say that I always enjoy reading your posts, you always "tell it how it is" and your opinions always make me smile

What a nice thing to say! Made me smile. Thank you.

kathymack · 07-14-2012, 06:47 AM

Didn't see your hair properties. That really helps with choosing ingredients/products to use. I just skimmed the posts, so apologize if I'm wrong. Here's a link to help you with yours Live Curly Live Free - Curly Hair Basics There's one on nc.com, but I don't have that handy. You can look for folks with hair like yours and see what they use (in signatures.) It's a good place to start.

I'm another one that needs to keep the protein/moisture balance right. I started out where you are--winter wavy/summer 3a. By learning to take care of my curls on nc.com, my hair looks like my signature picture all year around.

My hair prefers the more natural products from the online, boutique type companies. I may be wrong, but I think you use less of these products, so they become very cost effective.

Myrna · 07-14-2012, 07:05 AM

Just wanted to say that my miracle product is Cure Care conditioner from Sallys. : )