Could you be using the wrong products in your routine, causing your curls to not last, frizz up quickly, or fall? Here I am sharing some of the most common products that you are using that need to be swapped out and suggesting alternative products. I also am including what to look for so you can avoid these issues when shopping, or select the right products from your existing stash. Just because I mention products that could be causing your problems, doesn’t mean that they are “bad” products, it’s just that I often find people with the wrong hair type are using them. This list is compiled based on my coaching sessions where I have seen repeat products that when replaced, people get better results. Problem: Shampoos that are too gentleSome shampoos are not strong enough to fully cleanse your hair. How do you know if your shampoo is too gentle? You may notice buildup, an oily scalp, your roots are weighed down or your hair has signs of being over moisturized; such as: Examples of gentle shampoos:
Alternatives:Mid-strong cleanse
Gentle cleanse
Problem: Deep conditioners, conditioners, creams, and leave-ins that are too heavyYou may notice your hair feeling weighed down, or appearing limp, there is no cast and curls don’t last. You may also have frizz and/or your hair looks greasy or oily. These products may be too heavy for your hair:
Alternatives:
Lightweight creams & leave-ins
Medium-weight creams
Problem: Stylers/gels that don’t have enough holdIf you product is not providing enough hold, your curls will be frizzy, not last and have a dry look. You won’t feel a cast and will need to do a lot to refresh your hair. Some examples of products that do not provide much hold are:
Alternatives:
Problem: Stylers that are strong hold but don’t lastIf your styler is strong but the hold does not last then you will have a strong cast but still see frizz, even after scrunching out the cast. By the end of the day you will have a lot of frizz and the curls fall. Your hair may also require a lot of effort to refresh, and cannot withstand humidity. Some examples of these non-lasting stylers:
Alternatives:Strong Hold
Medium Hold
Anti-humidity ingredients checklistIf you are dealing with humidity and want a full list of ingredients to look for, download the free chart below. Anti-Humidity Ingredients Checklist Still stuck? If you’ve tried these alternative products, and your curls are still not turning out, then I recommend meeting with me in a curl coaching session so we can walk through every step of your routine and pin point what’s going wrong. Sometimes it’s not the product that’s the problem, it’s how you’re using it. Most of the time, you all have products in your stash that you can use so you don’t have to buy new ones. You can reach out to me by sending me a message on IG or Facebook with the word “coaching” or email info@genamarie.co to discuss if you’re a fit and which package you need. Shop & filter products Use the shop page filters on my blog to narrow down your product search. You can find filters for formula weight, hold level, and more. Featured DealThis lightweight oil won't weigh down your hair and is perfect for pre-shampoo oiling (absorbs fast), scrunching out your cast, locking in moisture, and adding shine. Bonus points for being fragrance-free! |
Helping you better understand your naturally curly hair through easy-to-follow tutorials, science-based haircare tips, and problem-solving.
Refreshing can be such a pain, and often just makes curls look worse. You should not be having to soak your hair down and restyling every day. Here I will explain how to reduce the effort and time on your curls in between wash days. Step 1: Assess what your hair needs Purpose: Avoid adding product, and if needed, determine which products to use Normal frizz? Skip refreshing or just use water. High frizz? Smooth water + gel. Dry/brittle/strawlike? Water + leave-in or cream Buildup/sweat/oil?...
Do you struggle with moisturizing your curls because everything weighs them down? In this video, I’m sharing both protein and moisture deep conditioners that are light to medium weight. I’m also giving away one of my favorite lightweight deep conditioners, the limited edition Birthday Cake Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask. Details at the end of this post on how to enter. What to avoid if your hair gets weighed down If your hair gets weighed down easily, you want to...
If your curls fall limp, frizz, struggle to hold a curl, or feel too soft and flat, then you need a to make these teaks to styling routine. Here I am sharing all my best tips and what to avoid for fine hair, or those with overly soft, silky curls. No matter what type of hair you have, you can still benefit from this routine if you’re struggling with your curls not lasting. I’m also using mostly drugstore products. Don’t miss step #3 where I share the most critical swap you likely need to...