how to get spirils started at the roots?

Darby · 01-28-2013, 08:13 PM

I can get good curl formation but not at the roots. Anyone else have this issue? How do you get it there?

christina.gr · 01-28-2013, 08:56 PM

I get really good curl definition by applying products to wet hair upside down and then scrunching out excess water as I go (this helps to promote clumping).

Next (and this is really key w/finer hair) w/hair still flipped over, I start diffusing upside down (High heat, Low setting). This allows curls to form more freely w/out getting crushed by gravity & the weight of hair. BTW, it also gives really great volume & lift to roots.

Once hair is about 30-40% dry, I flip upright and continue till finished. All thru the process I gently lift ends upward (sort of like pixie drying) and once cast begins to set alternate in cool setting to promote shine and calm any frizz.

sherriajasmine · 01-29-2013, 01:20 AM

^^^great suggestions. I also have this problem. My hair is insanely thick and long (need a cut like crazy) so I get good curl definition everywhere except the root. My hair is just too heavy and pulls the hair closer to my root down. I'd also love to hear how others combat this issue

Aqua_Lily · 01-29-2013, 02:56 AM

I have the same problem. Getting layers helps. Aslo crunsh in products as high as possible. And I agree with Christina's tips

Julesonline · 01-29-2013, 05:24 AM

Clipping the roots helps for me.

kathymack · 01-29-2013, 05:40 AM

You know that saying, "You can't get blood from a stone?" If your hair doesn't have the ability to produce root curl, you won't get it no matter what you do. That being said, all of the recommendations above may help you get root curl if your hair has the potential to curl at the root.

I've gone to the same stylist for 30+ years and have gotten very good haircuts for all of that time. I didn't use products until I started to lurk on nc.com (my stylist sprayed Mr. Right on my hair in Feb and I had a little curl instead of my winter waves.) It got me started on my journey. I learned about my hair, what product and technique it liked--and now my hair is curly (with root curl) all of the time.

yossarian · 01-29-2013, 07:32 AM

I also struggle with this, mostly due to the length of my hair (BSL). In addition to layers, applying to soaking wet hair upside down & clipping, I find that plopping helps counter the effect of gravity that christina.gr mentioned.

You might want to try shampoo bars. Nothing else gives me spirals like they do - think DNA double helix! I prefer Chagrin Valley, but there are several other manufacturers that produce sulfate-free poo bars.

virginblue · 01-29-2013, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yossarian

I also struggle with this, mostly due to the length of my hair (BSL). In addition to layers, applying to soaking wet hair upside down & clipping, I find that plopping helps counter the effect of gravity that christina.gr mentioned.

I actually get better curl formation with longer hair. Idk if that's weird. I seriously get spirals at about BSL or longer but not so much when it's shorter. I can get root curl if I do my routine upside down but I've found it's not worth it for me. My waves are really inconsistent and kind of messy looking. I'm ok with straight roots if the rest of my hair looks good

christina.gr · 01-29-2013, 01:27 PM

I'm really intrigued by these shampoo bars everybody is talking about...sooo can I find any good ones at larger retailers (target, walgreens etc), do the bars have chelating (think that's how its spelled) properties?
What should I look for or avoid in shampoo bars?

Calendula · 01-29-2013, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by virginblue

I can get root curl if I do my routine upside down but I've found it's not worth it for me. My waves are really inconsistent and kind of messy looking. I'm ok with straight roots if the rest of my hair looks good

Same here. I don't understand how people can do style their hair upside down and flip it over without it being a complete mess. That's what happens to me. Clearly I am doing something wrong! That's why I settle for straighter roots and just clip to increase the volume a tad.

kathymack · 01-29-2013, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christina.gr

I'm really intrigued by these shampoo bars everybody is talking about...sooo can I find any good ones at larger retailers (target, walgreens etc), do the bars have chelating (think that's how its spelled) properties?
What should I look for or avoid in shampoo bars?

You want soaps that are made the cold process way from saponified oils. I'm picky about ingredients. My hair hated the Chagin Valley bars because of the castor oil. I'm also sensitive to fragrance, so like natural scents--no synthetic fragrances.

yossarian · 01-29-2013, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christina.gr

I'm really intrigued by these shampoo bars everybody is talking about...sooo can I find any good ones at larger retailers (target, walgreens etc), do the bars have chelating (think that's how its spelled) properties?
What should I look for or avoid in shampoo bars?

I'm not aware of any available "on the ground". Walgreens has one on their website, but it's not sold in their stores. This is the link for the unscented version (they also have citrus thyme scent):(seed)**grape seed enriched conditioning hair shampoo bar | Walgreens

The poo bars I have used (Bobeam and Chagrin Valley) do not contain any chelating agents. You'd probably have to use a liquid shampoo specifically designed for that purpose, such as Pureology Purify. Bobeam does sell clarifying bars, however, if that would suffice. I have the Rootz and the Honey Hemp & Green Tea formulas in my rotation, and I'm quite happy with the results.

The CV bars lather quite well, and leave my 2c/3a hair feeling clean but not stripped. I alternate with low-poos, and have not experienced any problems with buildup after 6 months of use.

Many of the bars contain shea butter and/or castor oil, so if your hair doesn't respond well to either of those, you'll want to exercise particular caution. As with any product, it's a good idea to read the ingredients.

If you have hard water, as I do here in FL, you'll want to do an apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse to restore your hair's pH, since the bars are alkaline. There's several articles and threads on ACV, including these:

http://www.naturallycurly.com/curltalk/4b/37474-apple-cider-vinegar-rinse.html"]

Do a Hair Rinse With Apple Cider & Vinegar

TartNTangy, co-washing was an epic fail for me. I tried all the recommended conditioners, to no avail. It took some experimentation to find the right bars, but once I did, they were MUCH more effective for me.

The particular bar you've chosen gets very good reviews. Be aware that it tends to leave a dark brown tint on hair, in case that's something you're looking to avoid. (I've got the auburn and chestnut henna bars sitting in my cart for 3 weeks, waiting for me to work up the courage to take the leap!)

CV has sample sizes of all their varieties, so you can figure out which ones suit you best without breaking the bank

HTH!

sherriajasmine · 01-29-2013, 08:22 PM

What is clipping?

CurlyJulie81 · 01-29-2013, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sherriajasmine

What is clipping?

Clipping Roots for Volume | Healthy Curls

Check this out- great pics, too.

Julesonline · 01-30-2013, 07:05 AM

Also, check out this thread:
Jaw clipping the canopy - Incredible lift and root curl!

christina.gr · 01-30-2013, 09:15 AM

Thanks Kathymack and Yossarian for all the great info and tips. I'll definitely be ordering some shampoo bars this week (w/confidence).

yossarian · 01-30-2013, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christina.gr

Thanks Kathymack and Yossarian for all the great info and tips. I'll definitely be ordering some shampoo bars this week (w/confidence).

You are quite welcome!

BTW, the seed shampoo bars are sold at Whole Foods. I might check them out myself, to see how my hair likes a bar without shea butter & castor oil.

Sent from my SPH-D600 using CurlTalk App

christina.gr · 01-30-2013, 01:15 PM

Wow that's great, I was even thinking of taking a drive over to W F (brand new & only a block from Trader Joe's) to see if they had any. Tomorrow's expidition....