I have super thick, stubborn curly hair.. it's something I've dealt with my entire life. Sure, I'd LOVE to have Anne Hathaway's gorgeous silky brown hair, but once I heard a mom tell her kids who were whining: "You get what you get and you don't pitch a fit". It's stuck with me and I love it.
Anyway, when I lived in California, the weather was SO dry and it was great for my hair. I was able to have my hair cut short and wore it down everyday. I even was able to have side swept bangs!
Me in California in 2009
But even though my hair was awesome, my skin was miserable.. there would be nights I couldn't sleep because my skin was so dry it was painful... even with a humidifier.
Here in Charlotte it's HUMID. I grew up in Dallas, so it's more familiar to me than the dry weather in CA.. but it's pretty terrible for my hair (but amazing for my skin).
Anyway, what started me on this tangent is that I finally found a good mix of hair products for this crazy humid weather in the South.
First I mix these two products together. I use a ton of Moroccan oil because I need it.
I've found this combination works really well.. the gel "freezes" the curls and the oil makes them soft.
Then, I use this mousse:
And if needed, I use this (not every day though):
This combination really works well in the summer humidity. This week I had a friend of mine take my picture outside for a "head shot" and this combo saved my hair from looking crazy:
And an outtake where you can see my hair better:
I won't lie to you though.... I still wear my hair up in the summer 99% of the time - but that's because wearing super thick, curly hair down is like wearing a wool scarf around your neck in 110 degree heat!
EDIT - I forgot to mention I buy all the above products at Target. I know there are TONS of "high end" products that would be wonderful and magic for my hair, but I can't stomach spending $40 on a small bottle that I will just use up in 3 weeks (my hair requires a large amount of product because it's so insanely thick). All the items I mentioned are around $5 or less. So I guess you could say it's for the "thrift" curly haired girl in the South ;)
You look gorgeous. I love your hair even better now (despite the troubles it gives you!) I have stick-straight long blonde hair. I was blessed with a daughter with long brown curly, unruly hair. I have no idea how to deal with you. I am going to give your hair cocktail a try for her. My six year old will thank you!!
ReplyDeleteGah! I meant "deal with IT" obviously. Rushing to type as I run out the door...
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post! About a yr ago I moved to FL and have curly hair! Ack! I have been using Aveda's Be Curly hair cream and then using Garnier Fructis mousse. It seems to be ok, but I can't usually go more than a day or so without it being crazy frizzy. I will definitely be bookmarking this post! Your hair looks GREAT! ANd I am always curious what other people use in their curly hair. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou look beautiful. My girlfriend has naturally curly hair and hates it. She spends a small fortune to have it straightend w/ a bionic straightener product every few month. My hair is stick straight and I would give anything for her curls. I used to be hairstylist and I can honestly say most people want what they don't have! xo
ReplyDeletei have super curly hair too. where do you get that brand of argan oil?
ReplyDeleteMoroccan Oil has changed my life (or, at least, my hair)!!!
ReplyDeletehey I may have to try this. always wondered about the moroccan oil. the humidity makes my curls nuts. it looks so frizzy and there are rando flyaways everywhere. I'm up in VA so it's still pretty bad, but when I was in college at UNC - Wilmington, that was a whole 'nother story. It was so weird down there with the salt in the air that my hair was the best it's ever been. I could wash and go. Now, it's a crazy combo of friz and curls. Thanks for the help Bryn!
ReplyDeletePS - the headshots look FAB, i hope you are pleased!
ReplyDeleteI really needed this post a few weeks ago when we did some photos with the baby and my hair was a big frizz ball within minutes of stepping outside. I need to check out this Moroccan oil stuff! Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteI've heard Keratin treatments are great for curly hair. No frizz.
ReplyDeleteI adore that Moroccan oil line...organix rocks!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter's teacher says the same thing as that mom! I live in Houston, where it has been over a hundred for what feels like months, so I love your comment about the wool scarf! I just started wearing my hair curly after years of fighting to make it straight, and have been experimenting with combinations of products, so I will definitely give some of these a try. I have found that my hair is way less frizzy when I use sulfate free shampoos - they are a little more expensive, but I don't get highlights and my haircuts are less frequent than most people so I try to justify it that way. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteBryn--
ReplyDeleteI'll pass this info along to my sister! She has long, very curly hair (that I've been jealous of for years) and a LOT of it. She coloured it herself a few years ago and needed four full boxes of dye. Silk Therapy is what she swears by right now... while it's not $5, you can find it on amazon and random places on sale. It's for skin and hair and is totalllly worth it.
And your new photo is swell-- love the red!
I live in NC also and this diffuser has saved my life! http://www.amazon.com/DevaConcepts-DevaCurl-Devafuser-Set-Free/dp/B001H88JEI It looks a little funny, but is essentially like taking your hand and holding your hair while you blow dry it. Doesn't leave it frizzy like other diffusers
ReplyDeleteAlso, I swear by Catwalk Curl Amplifier (http://www.tigihaircare.com/consumer/en-US/catwalk/Catwalk_Curlesque_Product.asp?product=CurlesqueCurlsRockAmplifier&categoryID=31) and the Body Shop Coconut Oil (which I don't think they make any more so I'll have to try the Moroccan oil once mine runs out. I finish off with a little bit of hairspray on my wet hair, and then diffuse.
Did you use a diffuser or did you let your hair air dry? I have not been able to get my curls to look right in years!
ReplyDeleteYou look great!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe are hair type opposites btw...I have fine, pin straight (NEVER A WAVE OR KINK) hair....
I have super curly think hair. I love Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer. It's a little pricey but so worth it !!
ReplyDeleteI just want to add to the sulfate free comment - this is the absolute best thing you can do for curly hair. Switch to a sulfate free shampoo and silicone free conditioner. I did this years ago after being told it would help my color last longer. The FAR better bonus was seeing how it absolutely changed the texture of my curly hair. My hair used to be frizzy and fuzzy, now I can let it air dry with zero product. Regular shampoos are just an endless cycle of drying out (sulfates) then trying to add moisture back in. For super detailed info, read about the curly girl method.
ReplyDeleteAs far as cost, I use L'anza products, purchased online from amazon. I buy by the liter which seems expensive up front, but it willl last for MONTHS. My hair is quite long, so I use a lot of shampoo/conditioner as well. As for additional products, if you change the hair, you barely need them. At most, I'll use one pump of a smoothing cream while my hair is wet. The rest just happens naturally. That's a cost savings right there. Some companies (L'oreal, I believe) are doing sulfate & silicone free products now too, if you prefer to keep shopping at Target, Walgreens, etc.
Thanks for this! I have curly hair too, and it's super hard to find products that really work on cutting down the frizz! I'm anxious to try these!
ReplyDeleteI totally get this struggle. I straightened my hair today and it was looking super cute... then I stepped outside into 90% humidity and the cuteness DIED. I just need to go with the curly. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteMarissa
www.roost-home.blogspot.com
I live a couple hours east of you and have thick, curly, unruly hair, too, so I totally relate with this post! I rely on Moroccan Curl Cream...after I shower, I put it in, comb it in and then don't touch it until it dries. After, I run my fingers through it and my curls look amazing!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post, Bryn! It really spawned a lot of great comments and tips for us curly-headed folk ;). I grew up in California (LA) and moved to Washington state 9 years ago and my hair has never been the same; I will have to try what all you girls are trying!
ReplyDeleteA Brazilian Blowout would change your life. I only wash my hair 2-3 times a week so mine last 4-5 months. Worth every penny, people notice. Sulphate and sodium free shampoo is also a must for me in humid months. I've used Keihl's and Keratin. Fekkai glossing cream is an amazing finisher. A tube lasts me a year, so it's not as expensive as it seems. I also use Fekkai dry shampoo to stretch out washes, again, worth every penny.
ReplyDeleteI have curly hair as well and I agree that the aussie gel is amazing. I think any oil/serum would work well with it. I use Paul Mitchell's super skinny serum and if I blow dry my hair straight I use Rusk shining spray as a finisher. It's a dry oil spray that makes my hair shiny and not greasy.
ReplyDeleteLove your new headshots - you look beautiful, as always.
ReplyDeleteThanks for these product ideas- I'm definitely going to try these! From Another Curly Girl
ReplyDeleteAmen sister! It's the same story here in Ohio. I am just recovering from the Keratin Complex Express treatment (not sure I think it is worth it).
ReplyDeleteMoroccan oil rules.
Fellow curly NC girl here, and let me say you look fantastic in your new head shot! I've got curls/waves, but also really fine hair so I have to use different products than you or else it gets greasy. I use Aveda rosemary mint conditioner, but rinse with really cold water and dont rinse it all out. Then I use Panteen spray in conditioner, plus a dollop of finishing creme. Then I dont touch it- no combing, brushing, or running fingers through it till it dries. Seems to be working so far, but I'd love to try the moroccan oil. The sulfate free shampoo suggestion is totally on point, and training your hair to not have to be washed every day helps too.
ReplyDeleteFWIW, I've gotten more compliments on my curly hair than I ever did when I straightened my hair, so I say work with what you've got!
Thank you, thank you for the post! I am a curly haired girl suffering from Kansas humidity. I have this weird combination of straw like curly hair. I have to try the moroccan oil. Thanks for the formula and the boost of confidence in using it. oh yeah, and the affordable solution. That helps a TON!
ReplyDeleteThe Moroccan Oil is so worth the money!!!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried the Moroccan Oil and I loooove to try new products. Thanks for the heads up and the red looks lovely on you.
ReplyDeleteLove it. You are just precious. I know what you mean about the humidity coming from South Louisiana. Always looking for products to control the "frizz". Thanks.
ReplyDeletemy hair is so curly too...similar to yours infact. When i last saw you in NYC...your hair was up...and mine was just beginning to curl up from the awful NYC humidity.... Love those products, ive used them as well! :)))
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain being from NC and knowing how AWFUL the humidity can be!!! Aussie Instant Freeze is a LIFESAVER!!! I love their hairspray too!!! Thanks for these products...I will have to try them out!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!
Dominique
This is super helpful. My hair is wavy, and thankfully I live in a dry climate. Whenever I travel East (back home) I use up products in a week that last months here in TX! ha. Oh well. I think I might buy the Moroccan oil. Maybe they should sponsor your site ;o) since you'll surely be selling product for them.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing about new products to try! I definitely buy all of my products at Target or Walmart, too. That way I can experiment with more! :)
ReplyDeleteYay, my hair twin! I lived in the south as a kid and my frizz had frizz, even with a pony tail! I also use inexpensive hair products. Right now I have been using pantine gel for curly hair, moroccan oil and got2b kinkier curling mousse. Yesterday my stylist taught t me a trick for smooth curls. Post shower/wash gently separate hair into large sections with out wringing the water or towel drying. Then begin scrunching in gel while my hair is soaking/dripping wet. AFTER application, gently squeeze dry my ends. Then apply moroccan oil and additional product and air dry. I don't own a hairdryer so I didn't get any deffuser tips.
ReplyDeleteShe said the trick is using the weight of the water to keep the curls smooth.
I love your hair! I might have to try these products on my curly hair. I live in CA & I feel like my hair is always dry!
ReplyDeleteYou (and your hair) look gorgeous! Love Moroccan oil, great for straighter hair as well, and I think I need to be in the South for my skin! Janell
ReplyDeletei'll have to try out this combo, because nothing can weigh down my think hair...except for keratin treatments
ReplyDeleteYou look sooooo pretty. Your hair really looks good. You have found the perfect hair cocktail with those ingredients.
ReplyDeletejbhat
You look gorgeous! I love your hair. I have a love/hate relationship with my curly hair. I LOOOOVE mine flat ironed straight. Looks so sophisticated. BUT who has time to do that every day with 3 kids, job, etc, etc. Loving your new pic on the blog.
ReplyDeleteO
I'll have to try those products! I just got a OUIDAD cut and am using their products and I'm pretty happy so far. But they were saying that they loved the Moroccan oil also. Sorry, Bryn, it's my fault you have curly hair ;)
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow curly girl, I appreciate these suggestions!
ReplyDeleteBryn you are so beautiful! I love the pics (would love to see more!) You should post more pics of yourself. They are always my favorite posts :)
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot ,Am sure it will be helpful to lot of us.thanks again.If possible do try costco kirkland moistyre shampoo and conditioner they are sulfate free and really good plus huge bottle( i thk 1 litre) for 7 or 8 $.
ReplyDeleteBryn, your photo is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI have very thick hair that has some curl to it, but like Salley, I try not to touch it til it is dry to leave as much curl as possible.
I have been using Paul Mitchell Round Trip mixed with Marc Anthony Strictly Curls, in the same way that you have been mixing together. I just went out and bought the Morrocan Oil and will find the Aussie Instant Freeze to try the same thing that you do.
I also don't shampoo every day, I may just condition and that helps.
Thank you so much for this post! It was great to learn what you use (and how) and read all the comments too!
You should try Deva Curl products. I use the No Poo (no parabens, sulfates, or soap). Soap dries your hair out and curly hair is already drier than normal. The One Condition is fabulous. The AnGEL is a light hold gel that sculpts your curl structure and keeps the cuticle smooth. There's also a product called Mister Right (I think) that is a moisturizer to help tame any flyaways. You should also use paper towels, a cotton tshirt, or a microfiber towel to dry your hair (I just squeeze out the excess water and then blot). I also use a hair spritz called Pump It Up! It's in the African American hair product section. It's "reversion resistant" so your hair won't frizz throughout the day. My curls have never looked better. I was born and raised in SC and went to college near Charlotte, so I KNOW what you're going through. My curls have never looked better and I have tried everything!
ReplyDelete