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.
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...
Sometimes, we just need some tough love with our curls. If you’re feeling frustrated with your hair, at a loss, or wanting to give up on your curly hair journey, these are things you might need to read. I’m going to walk you through my day 2 refresh routine as I get ready and share harsh truths about curly hair. #1: You’ll never be able to get rid of the frizz, and it doesn’t look as bad as you think They say we’re our own worst critics, and this is especially true when it comes to our hair....
If your hair feels brittle, stiff, and dry, this routine for coarse-textured or gray curly hair will moisturize and define your curls. If you’re someone who has finer-textured hair but is still dealing with dryness and frizz, I’ll offer you some tips and tricks as well. Step 1: Detangle before shampoo One of the biggest issues with coarse-textured hair is it is inflexible. Inflexible hair is tangly and stiff. When we shampoo on hair that it is tangled, it only makes the tangles more matted...