Curly-girls and semi-curly girls, what hair products

[cricket1178]

do you use to enhance and maintain your curl? I am not using anything except hairspray and would like a more natural look and bounce to my curls. (Sorry if this has been asked before, I don't know how to search the boards).

Thanks.

[amber in GA]

and I use Loreal Melting Gel...I always use gels because my hair is very thick and needs to be tamed. I have tried many expensive gels over the years and although I really like the "hair serums" that have come out, I can't afford to use it because of the cost and the huge volume of hair that I have! But the melting gel is reasonably priced and dries soft, not stiff but controls awesomely...
If you have hair that is fine, perhaps a mousse would work better?

[one l michele]

Noodle Head shampoo (a couple times a week), Noodle Head conditioner (daily), and Noodle Head creme (daily). Found at Sally Beauty and comparable to the Bed Head line.

[Mrs Mungo]

I like the hair products from Jessie Curl and I like The King of Mods from Lush.

[Michelle T]

I use shampoo and conditioner made for curly hair, generally whatever I like and find at Target.

While hair is still wet after conditioning, I run some Strictly Curls Curl Defining Lotion from Marc Anthony through my hair. After blotting dry with a towel, I use a small amount of Bouncy Curls extra hold defining gel from Tresemme.

I let my hair dry with the top held up in clips. After the clips are out, I usually use a bit of hair spray, I use the one from the Frizz Ease line.
Michelle T

[melissel]

The one thing I can't live without has been discontinued (I'm currently working off a huge stockpile, and dreading the end of it, LOL!), so this thread is so helpful. Thank you!

[Tami]

THere are many good curl creams out there. My dd's favorite is Redkin's Spin Control. We have had good luck with the one from Biolage, as well. We have not found the drugstore creams to be any good. Waste of money, IMO! We go with a salon brand (Wal-Mart has these on sale if you have a store with a Salon, otherwise try Great Clips or Cost Cutters) - and it's money well-spent! Additionally, she will sometimes use a serum to de-frizz, but not totally necessary.

Also, dd usually just washes her hair daily with conditioner and rinses. She does not need to wash with shampoo more than every week or two. Shampooing less has helped the condition of her curls so much!

THere is a book called "Curly Girl" with many helpful hints. Maybe your library has it?

[Valerie in Chicago]

I splurge and go to Ouidad.com. I ask for it for Christmas, so that usually keeps me nicely stocked. I cut back in other areas in order to do this. I started to try it a few years ago and within two weeks was getting compliments and "did you do something different?" comments.

[Rachel]

I like Redken's Spin Control too. What I have found for me (and I have pretty tight, spiral curls) is I mix a palmful of gel with a handful of anti-frizz cream.

I have bought it alll and frankly have not found a difference between expensive and drugstore brands so right now I'm using Pantene's Anti Frizz gel with Redken's cream.........the 2 together you put on wet hair and comb through with your fingers. I'm sure you know never to use a brush. Also, don't blow dry your hair if you can help it.......but if you do.....don't flip your head upside down........frizz city.

[elegantlion]

I'm a curly girl. I also have a small budget. I use Suave smoothing cream, and herbal essence leave in conditioner, on different days.

[cricket1178]

I went out today (before reading the posts) and bought "Biolage Curl Defining Creme". I'll let you know how I like it. I almost bought the Redkin product, but went with this one. After reading all the posts, I kind of wish I would have bought the Redkin. Oh, well. :o