Lack of moisture may cause hair to be wiry, puffy and knotty to name a few common issues with curly, coarse and/or naturally wavy hair. What may be helpful is to find a way to wash and style your hair to keep it manageable and relatively frizz free and to avoid those aforementioned issues. Perhaps you don’t have these problems, but are looking for more gentle way to wash and style your hair.
If you can relate to any of this; then welcome, you’ve come to the right place.
How do I avoid excessive frizz, puffy or lacklustre hair in natural wavy or curly hair?
You may or may not have heard of the curly girl method. Basically, it’s a method by which you can recover hair or manage its current condition by focusing on locking in the moisture.
It was first discovered by Lorraine Massey who wrote a book about it called The Curly Girl Method. You can find it on amazon by clicking on the link. The title suggests that the book was written for people with naturally wavy or curly hair. However it is very helpful for all hair types.
I have found it to be a very positive way to keep my hair in tip top shape. Whilst I don’t follow it to the letter, because I still use a little heat, I have found the knowledge gained from researching the method invaluable.
What is The Curly Girl Method?
The curly girl method is anti hot heat styling as well as anti sulphates, silicones and parabens and any other nasties found in hair products..the more natural….the better!
It’s about locking moisture into the hair and nourishing it! After finding out about the curly girl method some 5 years ago, experience has shown me where my ‘sweet spot’ is with how to manage my hair after basing all my trial and error on the back of this method.
I couldn’t manage to do it 100 percent to the letter on my naturally wavy hair. My style is classic, so I like to feel put together and for ME that means occasionally smoothing out my hair or putting uniform waves in it (instead of the natural waves), depending on what I am doing and where I am going. My ‘go to’ style which I mention in my video (link below) is without the use of heat!
With all these methods (and there are a few similar ones out there ie. the MAP method) not all of them will generate the same results. I’m going to repeat for emphasis…not all methods will give every person the same results! Getting information overload can quickly lead to overwhelm. It can be like getting stuck in quick sand and lead to frustration. Especially if you feel you are not getting the same results as others seem to be.
Our Hair is Unique….My naturally wave hair is different to yours….
Our hair is unique and hair changes sometimes through hormones, environmental factors etc. Also, no two hair types are the same. You may have similar hair to someone else, but it will not be the same. My naturally wavy hair will be different to someone else’s. I have learned the hard way….use advise and information to try and test on yourself but the goal is to find you own ‘sweet spot’.
I recommend giving Lorraine Massey’s book a read and do your own experimentation. It’s best to take it slowly, gradually adding new products to your routine and find what works for you. Below, I have listed products and brands that are readily available. I know these to be Curly Girl friendly and I have had personal experience with and would recommend.
💛SheaMoisture
💛Arbonne (particularly good for my naturally wavy hair)
💛As I Am
💛DevaCurl
💛Kinky Curly
💛Giovanni
How to find products that work for you and save money and time?
I can tell you that in the past, I have spent way too much time and money on trying techniques and products on my natural wavy hair. If I can help you avoid that, then my mission is fulfilled.
To start with, rather than stress over every little ingredient in a product (this drove me mad because a. my eyesight is bad and I never wear my glasses and b. I’m always in a hurry), try to focus instead on whether you trust the brand. This is what I now focus on now. For me, I now ask, is it cruelty free, are the ingredients safe and non toxic and are they good quality. My go to brands because I trust them are Beauty Pie, Arbonne and all the others mentioned below to name a few.
If it generally looks like it has quality ingredients and the reviews are good, then I do think that is a great place to start. Also, follow people on You Tube or Instagram that have like minded interests and who have similar hair issues too. Ask them or see if they recommend anything for your issues. Most people are very happy to help!
What do I use and recommend for my naturally wavy hair?
Consider watching my IGTV 6 minute video on my current favourite products here.
I do chop and change occasionally, but I show you in my video products that I have been using for some time. It is only Oribe Blonde Shampoo that is a new addition and I absolutely loved it.
The price tag is a little lofty though, and I would only recommend you get it if you have blonde or grey hair, which has stubborn yellowing. Otherwise go for a cheaper alternative. There are plenty of blue/purple shampoos on the market. Not many will be sulphate free unfortunately, so use sparingly to keep hair from drying out or see if you can find a sulphate free one (and let me know!!).
Products I recommend in my IGTV video for my natural waves are;
🌴Beauty Pie Conditioner for Dry Hair
🍃Kerastase Cocaplasme Leave in Conditioner
🌱Arbonne True Style Defining Curl Creme
🌿Arbonne True Hair Replenishing Mask
The Goal for Naturally Wavy or Curly Hair….
Remember the goal is to keep your hair moisturised using gentle shampoos and conditioners and layering products to keep your hair manageable. I invite you to take a look at the IGTV link and of course read Lorraine Massey’s amazing book!
Perhaps you have a way to manage your hair. Please comment and share if you feel so moved to.
Before you go..don’t forget to follow my journey on Instagram @silver_styling for bite sized content for you to enjoy and benefit from. If you’d like more personalised content, please join the mailing list here.
Mel 💫
Here is that IGTV I mentioned earlier if you haven’t got around to watching it yet 🌼 Enjoy!!
