Sunday, April 21, 2013

taming the beast: my favorite curly hair products

As spring approaches and humidty beings to rise, I am reminding how difficult it can be to manage my hair. I've learned over the years to embrace the curls and let the fro go, but it took some time. My guess is that I've tried hundreds of products at some point hoping I'd discover the perfect one for my hair and its makeup. Trust me, each strand seems to have a mind of its own.

In addition to dealing with frizzy, dry and extra curly hair day to day, I've also been working on ways to help my hair grow faster while staying healthy at the same time. (Note: Not getting your hair cut by a pro for a few years is certainly not the answer!) Last year, I finally found the perfect hairdresser who not only knew what she was doing with this "mess," but also introduced me to a few fine products to help me manage my locks. 

1. Moroccan Oil (appx. $45 for large bottle): In place of Moroccan Oil, I've tried a few drug-store brands. However, they don't even come close to measuring up to the Moroccan Oil brand. From the second  I put the drug store products in my hair I could tell they were absorbing, which defeats the purpose of the product all together. Pay up. It lasts several months and is so worth it.

2. Aquage Defining Gel (appx. $27 for large bottle): Previously I used a wide range of mousse products. Prior to this gel, I'd use at least three cans a month less-than-par results. Switching to this gel helps me keep the control and use less product - a win/win for my wallet and the health of my hair. A bonus is that it doesn't make your hair crunchy.

3. Moroccan Oil Curling Creme (appx. $30 for large bottle): I use this curling creme when I need really long-lasting results - think things like a night out, all-day work event, etc. It helps define curls and  hold them in place. I've also noticed my hair dry longer in length when I use it because it helps weigh them down a bit (but not flatten!). 

4. Tresemme Extra Firm Holding Spray (appx. $4 for XL bottle): Hairspray is something that can be drug-store quality. I've used Tresemme for years and never switched. It doesn't leave residue in my hair, and it does its job day in and day out. Can't beat it.

I'm all about saving money and doing this on a dime, but trust me, products 1 through 3 are worth the splurge. Each bottle usually lasts several months, too, because I don't need to use more than a few pumps to get the hold my hair needs.  Prior to these, I'd spend just as much or more because I used three-times as much product as I do now.

You don't have to have curly hair like mine to use these. The Oil helps with hair growth and keeping hair shiny and strong, while the gel is a great alternative for beach hair. 


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