My current curl routine
I’m lucky that I have a fairly easy curl. My hair naturally has quite a bit of volume, which I really like. I try to create more volume in all sorts of ways, like with hairspray, volumizing powder, and/or an afro comb. I actually love a bit of frizz!
I’ll start with my current curly hair routine. I wash my hair once a week. Ideally, I’d like to stretch it to nine days, but that also depends on whether I’m doing anything fun outdoors. So wash day = planning. Generally, I try not to do too much with my hair during the week. Occasionally, I’ll half-up it with a hair clip or put it in a bun. On the days I wear my hair down, I refresh it a bit by wetting it and applying some conditioner.
I wash my hair with shampoo and comb it out in the shower. Once a month, I use a hair mask and leave it in for a day or two. On those days, I simply tie my hair back in a bun. On days when I don’t use a hair mask, it’s basically the same. I comb my hair in the shower and wash it. Once out of the shower, I tilt my head forward and comb it from the hairline downward. This creates more volume.
Then it’s time to scrunch! First, I scrunch—still bent over—without any product in it. When I see nice curls forming, I use some mousse and continue scrunching. While scrunching, I tilt my head to one side and then the other. With an old T-shirt, I do one final scrunch, and then I’m ready to blow-dry.
I use the Dyson hairdryer with a diffuser attachment. I lean forward again and blow-dry my hair that way, scrunching it. I often do this in two sections because I also want to be gentle on my back and neck.
Also read: Review: Dyson Supersonic hairdryer for curls
How is my curl now?
Unfortunately, I find my hair very limp and lacking volume at the moment. Since I stopped bleaching it, my hair is very smooth, and I’m frustrated about that. Even though bleaching wasn’t good for my hair, it did make it a bit stiffer and easier to style! I also have a dry scalp, which causes a lot of flaking.
My hair properties
Time to look at my hair’s properties. What should I consider when choosing curly-girl-friendly products? There are five key factors: porosity, curl type, density, hair thickness, and elasticity. Here are mine:
- Hair type: 3A
- Density: Medium
- Hair thickness: Medium
- Hair porosity: Low/normal porosity
- Elasticity: low/normal elasticity
Curious how to discover and test your hair’s properties? Then read on:
Are my hair products CG-proof?
Are the hair products I use Curly Girl-proof and do they suit my hair characteristics?
- Shea Moisture Black Jamaican Castor Oil/Strengthen & Restore Shampoo. This shampoo is CG-safe, but it contains water-soluble silicones and protein, which I’d recommend avoiding.
- Shea Moisture manuka honey & yogurt/hydrate + repair protein power treatment. The same goes for my hair mask. It also contains protein, which I’d better avoid at this point.
- Kruidvat ultra strong styling mousse. This mousse is not CG-proof; it contains alcohol and silicone.
The hair products I'm going to incorporate into my curly girl routine
Yes, time to pick out new hair products! Now I know what should and shouldn’t be in them. My goal is to temporarily avoid using protein-based products until my hair’s balance is restored. I’m going to replace my protein mask with a hydrating one.
Curious about the rest of my curly journey? As soon as I get my new hair products, I’ll write a new blog post with a hair update! Have any other questions about the Curly Guy Method? Let us know on Instagram or in the comments below!
No comment yet, add your voice below!