Curly Hair Routines Archives - The Holistic Enchilada https://holisticenchilada.com/category/curls/curly-hair-routines/ Curly Hair Care Simplified Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:07:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.3 https://holisticenchilada.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/the-holistic-enchilada-logo-updated-1-150x150.png Curly Hair Routines Archives - The Holistic Enchilada https://holisticenchilada.com/category/curls/curly-hair-routines/ 32 32 Twist Hair Products Review & Routine For Fine Curly Hair https://holisticenchilada.com/twist-hair-products-review/ https://holisticenchilada.com/twist-hair-products-review/#comments Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:25:48 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=7052 Twist is a new haircare line by Ouidad that bases its products on moisture levels. This means that there is actually something for every curl type, which is not common as lightweight moisture is usually not even on the radar of curly hair care companies. In this post, I review the Essential Moisture line from...

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Twist is a new haircare line by Ouidad that bases its products on moisture levels. This means that there is actually something for every curl type, which is not common as lightweight moisture is usually not even on the radar of curly hair care companies. In this post, I review the Essential Moisture line from Twist and share my simple 3 product routine for defined curls that last.

*Disclaimer – All products were gifted by Twist. I tested these products for over 2 months before sharing my experience and recommendations in this post.

Twist Essential Moisture Line

Twist offers 3 product lines: Essential Moisture, Extra Moisture, and Ultimate Moisture. Since my hair is always struggling with too much moisture, I went with the Essential Moisture line which is the most lightweight. This line is described as providing “weightless moisture that keeps curls hydrated”. I did take their Hair Quiz and was recommended this line based on my results as well.

The Essential Moisture Line contains a shampoo, conditioner, primer/leave-in, gel, and refreshing spray. I decided to keep things super simple and only use 3 products: shampoo, conditioner, and gel. This is what works best for my hair and I put simplicity and quickness above having “perfect hair”, which doesn’t exist anyway.

holding up Twist hair products

Are Twist products clean or “non-toxic”?

Looking at these 3 products, the only negative is the fragrance. It isn’t very strong though so it’s better than even other “clean” curly brands. Their whole line is free of mineral oil, petrolatum, parabens, phthalates, harsh sulfates, and insoluble silicones. So overall they’re one of the best cleaner options you can find in drugstores, and they’re pretty affordable.

Are Twist Products CGM Friendly?

Some Twist products are curly girl approved and some are not. I suggest you scan the ingredients or pop them into a website like isitcg.com to check each product if you’re concerned about this.

Top Pick
TWIST Hit Reset Light Clarifying Shampoo
$9.49 ($0.73 / Fl Oz)

The TWIST Hit Reset Light Clarifying Shampoo is not too strong but strong enough to remove buildup without stripping your hair.

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12/18/2023 02:06 am GMT

Twist Shampoo – Hit Reset Light Clarifying Shampoo

I chose the Hit Reset shampoo because my hair loves to be clarified, and since this said it was light I figured I could use it regularly. I find it to be a light to medium clarifier and doesn’t dry out my hair. It lathers up nicely and overall does a good job cleaning my hair.

This shampoo contains a light sulfate along with other light cleansing agents, hydrolyzed rice protein for strength and moisture retention, panthenol to strengthen the cuticle and add shine, and a mix of humectants, emollients, and other conditioning agents for lightweight moisture.

close up of fine curly hair after using Twist hair products
Top Pick
TWIST Weather or Not Element-Defying Conditioner
$6.90 ($0.43 / Ounce)

This lightweight conditioner softens hair instantly without weighing hair down and has light anti-humidity ingredients to help your style last in the humidity.

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12/18/2023 01:56 am GMT

Twist Conditioner – Weather Or Not Element Defying Conditioner

The Weather Or Not conditioner sounded perfect for my hair. A lightweight conditioner that’s formulated to withstand the elements of weather is just what my hair needs. Florida is humid almost year round and most of my problems with hair products come from the fact that I do not need anywhere near as much moisture as others, but I do need protection against humidity and it needs to be lightweight.

This conditioner definitely delivers on that promise. It’s light but still moisturizes and softens. I don’t need a lot, which I was surprised by because usually I need to use more product with more affordable lines like this one.

The conditioner contains a mix of humectants, fatty alcohols, and oils for lightweight moisture, hydrolyzed vegetable protein and hydrolyzed quinoa towards the bottom of the list meaning it doesn’t have a lot but provides some protein for strength and moisture, and a few polymers to help fight humidity and smooth the hair.

It does contain Isohexadecane which is a wax that is not curly girl approved. However, isohexadecane is slightly soluble in water, and completely soluble with the shampoo in this line so buildup is not a concern.

holding up Twist Hit Reset shampoo, Weather Or Not conditioner, and Weather Up Gel
Top Pick
TWIST Weather Up Weightless Curl Defining Gel
$24.00 ($2.29 / Fl Oz)

For light moisture and humidity blocking ingredients, this is my go to gel. It provides a long lasting hold, good cast, and great definition.

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12/18/2023 02:16 am GMT

Twist Gel – Weather Up Gel Weightless Curl Defining Gel

The Weather Up Gel is as close to a dupe of the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel as I have come across.

This gel defines and blocks humidity as promised, almost as good as the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Stronger Hold – almost! I find the Weather Up Gel is less moisturizing than the Ouidad gel so I recommend you layer their leave-in under if your hair tends to get dry with gel or is dry in general.

My hair lasted 3 days with this gel which is the usual amount of time it lasts with good products on a good wash day. I did not have to refresh at all. My ends did feel dry by day 3, but adding a little watered down leave-in is a quick fix for that.

This gel contains hydrolyzed wheat protein for strength and moisture, polyquats for hold and humidity resistance, and argan oil for elasticity. It also contains hydroxyethylcellulose which can cause flash drying for some. Extra leave-in is usually the fix for that problem. My hair was fine without any leave-in.

I know I will get people asking about how this gel can be good for humidity if it contains glycerin, so let me explain. Glycerin is only a problem if it’s one of the first few ingredients AND there aren’t any anti-humidity ingredients in the formulation. This gel has glycerin halfway down the list (not much) and the first few ingredients are anti-humidity and hold ingredients so the glycerin is of no concern. Glycerin is in there because it adds lightweight moisture and curl enhancing properties.

showing backside of fine curly hair after using Twist Essential Moisture Line

Twist Routine

Watch the video below to see my routine. Here are the steps:

  1. Cleanse with the Hit Reset shampoo. Sometimes I need to use it twice.
  2. Conditioner with Weather Or Not. I apply about a nickel sized amount to the length of my hair, let it sit for a few minutes, splash some water on it, scrunch a few times, then dinger detangle.
  3. Flip my head over and apply a dime size amount of Weather Up Gel. I rake it in making sure not to get any near my scalp. I add a pea sized amount to my hands and scrunch all over.
  4. Microplop with my Tee-Owel hair towel until it’s not dripping.
  5. Wait 10 minutes then diffuse until dry.

Final Thoughts on Twist Hair Products

I was pleasantly surprised at how well these Twist hair products did for my hair. It’s so great to have an option for curls that need less moisture as there are very few drugstore options for my hair type. I loved how well the products worked and that my style lasted as long as usual. I think for the price point these products are a great value and deliver on their promises.

Please do me a favor and share this post to social media, as it helps me grow my audience and spread the word about our curly hair movement! And remember to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more curly hair tips and product recommendations. Thanks!


If you want help with embracing your naturally wavy or curly hair, you can join my FREE email course and download my FREE pdf guide, THE QUICK START GUIDE TO MASTERING YOUR CURLS, full of everything you need to know to get started and bring out your beautiful waves and curls.

Master your curls quick start guide cover with a side by side comparison of Delilah's waves in the past and her full curls now.

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Twist hair products review and routine for fine curly hair

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How to Straighten Curly Hair: The Steps for Sleek Results https://holisticenchilada.com/how-to-straighten-curly-hair/ https://holisticenchilada.com/how-to-straighten-curly-hair/#respond Wed, 06 Sep 2023 15:07:51 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=10557 If you’ve been blessed with naturally curly hair, you might have wondered how to straighten curly hair and whether it’s worth the effort.  The good news is that achieving glossy, straight hair is totally doable and it’s a fantastic way to give yourself a new look. After all, it’s fun to switch things up for...

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If you’ve been blessed with naturally curly hair, you might have wondered how to straighten curly hair and whether it’s worth the effort. 

The good news is that achieving glossy, straight hair is totally doable and it’s a fantastic way to give yourself a new look. After all, it’s fun to switch things up for a few days!

But straightening natural hair takes time, work, and patience, and it exposes the strands to heat from your blow dryer and hot irons. Curls, waves, or coils are often naturally dry and brittle, so it’s essential to know how to straighten curly hair without causing additional damage.

So in this guide, we’ll share the tricks and tips that will help you get the straight hair of your dreams without damaging your curls. We’ll give you a step-by-step guide to achieving straight hair, share some of the best products for flat ironing curls, and help you avoid making mistakes.

How To Straighten Curly Hair: Step-By-Step

Whether you have wavy hair, curly hair, or coily hair will influence how easy it is to straighten your natural hair and how long it takes to achieve your desired straight hair.

Everyone’s hair texture is different, however, the general process will be the same for all hair types. This step-by-step guide will take you through how to straighten curly hair. 

1. Shampoo and Condition Your Locks

It’s important to start with clean, freshly washed hair, so use a sulfate-free shampoo to gently cleanse your hair. A moisturizing shampoo will help to avoid frizz, and you should follow up with a silicone-free nourishing deep conditioner to get as much moisture into your locks as possible. Be sure to rinse with lukewarm water as hot water will strip the natural oils out of your hair.

Always use a microfiber towel or old t-shirt to dry your wet hair instead of a regular cotton towel. It’s gentler on your strands and will help avoid frizz. It’s better to blot your hair instead of rubbing it to remove excess water, and avoid scrunching your hair dry, as this will shape your curls.

applying leave in conditioner to straighten curly hair

2. Detangle Your Hair

Next, detangle your tresses so they’re as smooth as possible before you start styling them. 

Apply your favorite detangling product and use a wide tooth comb or your fingers to work up the strands from the ends to the roots. Once your tresses are tangle-free, you can move on to the next step. 

3. Add Styling Products

You don’t want to overload your mane with product, but it’s essential to prepare your strands properly before exposing them to hot tools. 

First, apply a little more leave-in conditioner to get as much moisture into your hair as possible and control frizz.

Follow this up with a good heat protectant – this is essential to shield your hair from the heat of your hair dryer and flat iron, so never skip this step. You can choose from a cream, gel, serum, or spray but look for a product specifically designed for flat iron styling. Coconut oil or argan oil are excellent ingredients to look for if you have thick, coarse hair.

round brush drying hair in action shot

4. Blow Dry Your Hair in Sections

Sectioning your hair first will make drying easier. Part your hair into four quadrants and then divide each quadrant again into small sections about an inch wide. You’ll dry each section individually, using elastics, bobby pins, or clips to keep the rest of your hair out of the way.

Use a round bristle brush, preferably boar bristle, and set your hair dryer on a medium/low heat setting. Work through each section, pulling your hair upward with the round brush to create volume at the roots and then blow drying with a downward motion to smooth the rest of your mane. Using a nozzle attachment on your hair dryer will help reduce frizz.

Continue to work through all of the sections with your blow dryer until your hair is totally dry. It’s vital not to flat-iron wet or damp hair as this is less effective and can cause additional damage. 

5. Use a High-Quality Straightening Iron

When buying straighteners, investing a little more in a high-quality flat iron is a good idea. Cheap flat irons often have plastic plates or have no temperature control, which could mean that straightening your hair takes longer and causes more damage. 

High-quality straightening irons have ceramic, gold, or titanium plates and multiple heat settings so you can choose a lower heat setting. Some straighteners have single-pass technology, which minimizes the number of times you need to pass the iron over each section. This means you can straighten natural hair with as little heat as possible.

It’s also better to choose a straightener that has plates no more than an inch and a half wide. Wider straighteners can make the straightening process more difficult.

I also recommend you use the lowest heat setting possible. And of course, limit the number of times you use a flat iron because this does damage your hair.

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12/18/2023 07:31 am GMT

6. Start Straightening

Set your straighteners to around 350°F or lower and divide your hair into quadrants and smaller sections again, just like in step 4. Start at the bottom of each quadrant and work on each half-inch section in turn, pulling the hair taut as you pass the irons over just one or two times. Keeping some tension in the hair is vital, as this makes the task quicker. 

If you hear any sizzling, your hair isn’t completely dry, and you should go back to your blow dryer again before you continue flat ironing your locks.

If your hair isn’t straightening in one or two passes, try turning the heat up slightly but don’t go above 400°F. You could also try the Chase method, which uses a rattail comb to lift and comb through each section as you pass the flat iron over it. 

If your hair is thinner, drier, and more prone to breakage at the ends, you can protect them from excess heat by stopping mid-shaft as you straighten each section, then gathering up all of your hair and straightening the ends together.

7. Finish the Look

Once you’ve straightened all of your hair, it’s time to put the finishing touches to your straight style. You can use your straightener to flip the ends out, curl them under, straighten your bangs, or anything else you like. 

Take a good look over your straightened locks and check if you missed any spots. You can also run the straightener over any areas that aren’t as straight as you like. 

Don’t be tempted to add masses of styling products to keep your straight strands in place, as this will just weigh down your hair and leave it looking limp and greasy. A little hair serum or smoothing cream from the mid-lengths down to the ends will keep your hair looking glossy, and a spritz of light hair spray will keep your locks in place while avoiding frizz.

selfie of my curly hair straightened

How To Straighten Curly Hair Permanently

Although it’s not possible to straighten curly hair permanently, you can make your style last longer. If you want to reduce the time it takes to straighten your curly hair regularly, you could consider keratin straightening treatments. 

The treatments must be applied in the salon. Your hair stylist will first cleanse your hair, then apply a keratin solution to your freshly washed hair. The keratin will be locked into your strands with a flat iron, leaving your locks straight, smooth, and shiny. 

These treatments take around 1-2 hours to apply, depending on the length, thickness, and porosity of your hair. But the results can last up to 6 months with proper care, you’ll be able to go longer between washes, and your blow-drying time could be cut by around 50%.

What Should I Apply Before Using a Hair Straightener?

Start with a sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo and a silicone-free conditioner to ensure your hair is perfectly clean and hydrated before straightening.

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12/18/2023 08:06 am GMT

Follow up with a leave-in conditioner to hydrate your damp hair before heat styling.

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12/16/2023 10:21 pm GMT

Next, you’ll need to apply a heat protectant to shield your strands from excessive heat damage. Choose one with argan oil if your hair is thick or coarse.

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12/17/2023 07:31 pm GMT

After you’ve finished styling, apply a serum to keep your strands smooth and frizz-free.

Top Pick
EVOLVh WonderBalm Magic For Curls
$59.00 ($17.35 / Fl Oz)

This is the best serum for smoothing, controlling frizz, and adding shine and definition. It makes a great finishing product for all hair types but helps with humid and dry conditions, and has heat protection. It's pricey but there really is nothing else like this.

Use code HE to save on your first order with EVOLVh.

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12/17/2023 02:51 am GMT

Lock in your look with a spritz of light hairspray to protect your style from humidity.

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12/16/2023 10:56 pm GMT

Mistakes to Avoid for Straightening Curly Hair

Straightening curly hair isn’t difficult, but it’s still easy to make some mistakes. Here are a few more tips to help you achieve the best possible results.

Don’t overload your hair

Straightened locks can look greasy if you overload them with styling products. A little leave-in conditioner and a good heat protectant should be enough before you pick up your straighteners, then you can use a smoothing serum and light hairspray on your locks afterward. 

Never ever skip heat protectant

Hair protectant is essential because it protects your delicate natural hair from the damaging effects of direct heat, helps control frizz and keeps static at bay. 

Use the lowest heat possible

Because your curls are naturally dry, they can also be fragile and prone to breakage. A low heat setting (no higher than 400°F) will protect your strands from overdrying, so start by setting your straighteners at 350°F and increase the heat only as much as you need.

Don’t air-dry your hair

Wavy-haired girls can let their hair air dry completely before straightening. If you’re a curly girl, blow dry your hair to give you a better starting point when you use your flat iron, so your strands are exposed to less heat. 

Don’t put your hair up right away

Your newly straightened hair is more likely to get damaged by hair elastics than hair that was straightened two or three days ago. If you must tie it back back, use a silk-covered scrunchie or hair tie to protect your locks.

More Tips for Keeping Your Curly Hair Straight

Once you’ve got your gorgeous straight hair, you’ll want to keep it looking good for as long as possible. These tips can help!

Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase

Silk or satin pillowcases help to reduce the friction between your strands, keeping your tresses looking great the next day. Sleeping with your straightened hair wrapped in a silk bonnet or silk scarf will have the same effect, and putting it into a loose bun or wrap style will give the best results.

ZIMASILK 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
$19.19

Everyone should have one of these! They prevent wrinkles, frizz, tangles, and feel luxurious. A basic necessity for anyone with curly hair but also skincare lovers.

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12/17/2023 05:36 am GMT

Avoid getting your hair wet

Straightened hair will quickly kink back up if you let it get wet, so avoid damp or humid environments. When you shower, pin your hair up and protect it from steam and water with a towel or shower cap. You can use dry shampoo to freshen up your roots if they look oily.

Occasional touch-ups are fine

Over time your straight strands will start to frizz or even curl. If you want to prevent this, you can run your straightener over the top layers and any areas that are beginning to curl. This will smooth hair without needing to section or straighten your entire head of hair. 

Apply a smoothing serum and spritz your mane with hairspray to control frizz and keep it looking gorgeous all day.

woman with straightened curly hair

FAQs

If you’re still nervous about straightening curly locks, here are some frequently asked questions to help reassure you:

How Long Does It Take To Straighten Curly Hair?

This will depend on your hair type and the length of your hair. Straightening medium-length hair could take 1-2 hours, but if you have long and/or thick locks, it might take 3 hours or even longer.

Is It Better To Straighten Curly Hair Wet or Dry?

You should always straighten your hair when it is completely dry. Straightening wet hair will take longer and can result in additional heat damage to your strands.

Can Curly Hair Turn Straight Permanently?

No, you can’t permanently straighten your hair, but some keratin straightening treatments will last for up to 6 months with proper care. You will need to visit the salon regularly if you want to maintain your straight locks.

How Can I Make My Frizzy Hair Straight?

Carefully following the steps in this guide will help you to straighten your frizzy hair and keep it looking gorgeously glossy. 

Is It Healthy To Straighten Curly Hair?

Any heat styling exposes your curls to potential damage. Because curly hair is prone to being dry, you risk making your locks even drier and more brittle. But if you follow the tips and techniques in this guide, deep condition your mane first and always apply a good heat protectant before you start styling, you will minimize the risk.

Should I Put Oil in My Hair Before Straightening?

It’s better to apply a hydrating leave-in conditioner and a heat protectant before straightening your curls. Once you’ve finished styling your hair, using a hair oil or serum will keep frizz at bay.

Is There Any Shampoo To Straighten Hair?

A smoothing shampoo, like OGX Ever Straightening + Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo, will help smooth your hair if you use it alongside a keratin straightening treatment. But this type of product won’t actually straighten your curls, coils, or waves.

Why Is My Hair Not Straightening?

If you’re struggling to straighten your hair, it may be that your sections are too wide. It might seem like making larger sections will cut down on the time your strands are exposed to heat, but it will actually make the process take longer and expose your hair to more heat.

Making 1-inch sections will be more manageable and could even allow you to work with your flat iron set at a lower temperature. You’ll finish styling your hair quicker and see better results.

Wrapping It Up

Turning your curls into perfectly straight hair is an easy way to update your look, but it does carry a risk of damage from exposure to heated styling tools. 

But by following the simple step-by-step process, applying high-quality products, and avoiding some basic mistakes, you can get a fabulous new look without damaging your curls!

How to straighten curly hair pin image

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LCO Method Explained: Mastering Moisture for Healthier Hair https://holisticenchilada.com/lco-method/ https://holisticenchilada.com/lco-method/#respond Wed, 23 Aug 2023 14:34:09 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=10480 In your quest for healthy, hydrated natural hair, you’ve probably heard of the LOC method and might have tried it out on your own locks. If the results weren’t as good as you hoped, the LCO method could be just what you’re looking for. Like the LOC method, it’s a great way to give curly,...

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In your quest for healthy, hydrated natural hair, you’ve probably heard of the LOC method and might have tried it out on your own locks. If the results weren’t as good as you hoped, the LCO method could be just what you’re looking for.

Like the LOC method, it’s a great way to give curly, wavy, or coily tresses a boost of juicy hydration, but with a twist that will meet the needs of low porosity hair.

In this guide, we’ll look at what the LCO method stands for, who should try using the LCO technique, and what products you can use for this process. And we’ll also give you some handy Dos and Don’ts to help you get the best possible results for your natural hair.

What Is the LCO Method?

The LCO method is a hair care technique that helps to moisturize dry tresses, designed to lock in lasting hydration and make your mane more manageable. The LCO method is usually used on natural hair, which can often be dry and brittle, but it can also be used on straight hair if it is particularly dry.

The LCO acronym stands for liquid or leave in conditioner, hair cream, and hair oil and these are the three products you’ll use for this method. It’s similar to the LOC method, but this three-step hair care process will see you layer on a water-based leave in conditioner, cream, and hair oil to keep your hair moisturized for longer.

Does the LCO Method Grow Hair?

The LCO method won’t make your locks grow faster, but it will help to hydrate dry and brittle strands. This reduces breakage and supports length retention so your mane will look longer and healthier.

Which is best: LCO or LOC Method?

These two processes are both very popular in the natural hair community and have pretty similar application techniques. But while the LCO method involves applying conditioner followed by cream and oil, the LOC method reverses the last two stages, so you apply oil after cream.

Both methods help add moisture to your locks, and it’s simply a matter of discovering which suits your hair better. The LOC method generally works better on high porosity hair, but you might find that you get different results on your locks.

woman with curly hair using the lco method to style

Who Should Use the LCO Hair Method?

If you’re asking yourself whether the LCO method is suitable for your hair, here’s the lowdown on what you need to know:

LCO Method for Natural Hair

Natural hair tends to be dry, especially curly and coily types. The LCO and LOC methods are both great for adding hydration and helping to keep it locked in.

LCO Method for Straight Hair

The LCO method is generally used on wavy, coily, or curly locks but can also be used on very dry straight hair. However, straight hair can easily get weighed down by creams and oils, so be sure to use lightweight products and only use them sparingly at first.

LCO Method for Low Porosity Hair

The LCO method is ideal for low porosity hair, especially if you use lightweight products to hydrate your hair without weighing it down. This method makes it easier for the products to penetrate the hair cuticles, instead of sitting on the outside of the hair shaft. 

LCO Method for High Porosity Hair

High porosity hair absorbs moisture easily but then loses hydration just as quickly. This means that locking in moisture is a priority, and you may find that the LOC method is a better option for your tresses than the LCO method. 

Not sure which hair porosity you have? Our guide to hair porosity will help you work it out!

How Often To Do the LCO Method?

You may be wondering whether you can do the LCO method every day. 

The simple answer is that the LCO method can be used whenever you wash your hair however, most people don’t need to wash their hair every day. Our hair type guides will help you determine the best wash day routine for your locks.

Following the complete process every day could result in moisture overload and even lead to hygral fatigue. You can refresh your locks with a little product in between washes, but this could cause product build up on your strands. So it’s best to leave no more than a week or two between wash days and refresh your locks with a cleansing shampoo once or twice a month.

woman at the beach styled her hair using the lco method

Pros and Cons of the LCO Method

If you’re still not sure whether or not to try the LCO method, these pros and cons may help you make your decision: 

Pros

  • Using the LCO method to layer products can help low-porosity curls absorb essential hydration. 
  • You can tailor the process to suit your hair perfectly by changing the hair products you use.
  • Well-moisturized hair is less likely to break, which helps with length retention.
  • The method is easy to remember and fits easily into your natural hair care routine.

Cons

  • Working out which products to use and how much to apply can take time.
  • Experimenting with different product combinations to find the right products for your hair can be expensive.

How To Do the LCO Method

As well as your choice of leave-in conditioner, hair cream, and hair oil, you will also need the following:

  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt
  • Wide-tooth comb
  • Rattail comb
  • Alligator clips or elastics 

It can also be helpful to keep a spray bottle filled with water handy in case you need to dampen your hair again.

Step 1: Prepare your Hair

Your hair needs to be thoroughly cleansed first, as you won’t see the best results by applying hydrating products on top of grease, dirt, and debris. You can use your regular shampoo and conditioner, but using a sulfate-free formulation to gently cleanse your locks will avoid drying them out any further.

You might also like to use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month if you are experiencing product buildup.

The LCO method involves manipulating your locks quite a lot so follow up with your usual rinse-out conditioner and detangle your locks with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb before rinsing the conditioner out.

Once you’ve rinsed out your conditioner, blot your hair with a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to remove excess water. Then use the rattail comb to separate your hair into four large sections and part each into several smaller sections, fastening them with alligator clips or elastic bands. This will make it easier to coat every last strand evenly.

Step 2: Start With a Leave-in Conditioner

Once you’ve prepared your hair perfectly, next you need to apply a leave-in conditioner to provide your locks with long-lasting hydration. A water-based leave in conditioner will work best, so check that water is one of the first five ingredients listed on the packaging.

Coat each section thoroughly, applying a generous amount of leave in conditioner from root to tip and working it through your locks with your fingers. Then you can fasten the section back up and move on to the next section. When you’ve covered every section, you can move on to the next stage of the process.

Step 3: Follow Up With Hair Cream

The next stage of this process involves applying a nourishing and moisturizing hair cream. You don’t want to weigh down your locks, so go for a lightweight styling cream, gel, or custard. You might need to try out a few products before you find the perfect option.

Apply the cream evenly through each section, taking time to coat every strand and spritzing your locks with a little water to re-dampen them if necessary.  

Step 4: Finish With Hair Oil

The final stage is a light application of oil to seal in all that juicy hydration. It can be difficult to get hydration into low porosity hair, but once the moisture’s in there, it isn’t easily lost. So you don’t need a heavy sealing oil; go for a light oil like argan oil, castor oil, or sweet almond oil instead. 

Once you’ve applied the oil to every section, you can go ahead and style your locks as you usually would.

woman with curly hair

Best LCO Method Products

Deciding which products to use with the LCO method can be tricky. It’s essential to choose products that suit your natural hair, and our hair texture articles include some great product recommendations that will help you get started. 

Liquid: Look for water-based leave-in conditioners, such as Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-in conditioner, which contains moisturizers and humectants like aloe vera and glycerin. If you see water listed in the first five ingredients, the product is water-based.

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12/17/2023 04:13 am GMT

Cream: You could use a curl butter, cream moisturizer, or styling cream for this stage of the method. Curls Blueberry Bliss Twist-N-Shout Cream is ideal for adding hydration and definition to low-porosity curls.

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12/17/2023 04:46 am GMT

Oil: Use a lightweight penetrating oil like Kate Blanc Cosmetics 100% Pure Cold Pressed Organic Argan Hair Oil for the final stage of the method. You could also use olive oil, castor oil, or coconut oil but avoid heavy sealing oils as they can leave low-porosity hair feeling heavy and greasy.

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12/17/2023 05:01 am GMT

Dos and Don’ts for the LCO Method

The LCO method is pretty straightforward, but you might encounter some problems when you first try it out. These Dos and Don’ts will help you get the hang of it more quickly.

Do:

  • Section your hair before you get started so that you can coat every bit of your hair.
  • Ensure your leave-in conditioner is water-based – look for one that lists water in the first five ingredients.
  • Be sure to apply your liquid, cream, and oil right to the ends of your strands. 
  • Take a photo of your tresses before you use the LCO method and after you’ve been using it for a while, so you can see if it’s working for you.
  • Remember that the LCO method doesn’t work for everyone. If you’ve tried different products and still aren’t getting the results you want, you could try a variation of the method (LOCS, LOCO, LO).

Don’t:

  • Skip the preparation stage – the LCO method won’t work well if you apply leave-in conditioners, creams, and oils on top of dirt, grease, and debris.
  • Add too much product, as this will weigh down your locks and cause product buildup.
  • Expect instant results, as it could take a few weeks before you can see how your hair responds.
  • Give up if it doesn’t seem to be working. You might need to try a different combination of products to find one that suits your hair.

Does the LCO Method Really Work?

Now you know how to use the LCO method on your natural hair, it’s time to dive in and give it a try.

Remember that you might need to experiment with different products and amounts of each product to see how your hair responds. But once you find the dream combination for your hair porosity and natural hair type, the LCO method is a quick and easy way to achieve juicy, hydrated curls, coils, or waves.

lco method

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LOC Method- How to Keep Curls Healthy & Maximize Moisture https://holisticenchilada.com/loc-method/ https://holisticenchilada.com/loc-method/#respond Thu, 10 Aug 2023 16:58:50 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=10308 Have you heard of the LOC method? If you have coily, kinky, or curly hair, this simple three-step routine could be the secret to the bouncy, defined curls you’ve dreamed of. There are a lot of hair care routines for curly hair, but the LOC method for natural hair is one of the most popular...

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Have you heard of the LOC method? If you have coily, kinky, or curly hair, this simple three-step routine could be the secret to the bouncy, defined curls you’ve dreamed of.

There are a lot of hair care routines for curly hair, but the LOC method for natural hair is one of the most popular ones, and it really works. It’s ideal for high-porosity hair, chemically processed hair, and thick, tight, textured hair, but it can also benefit other hair types.

So here’s our ultimate guide to the LOC method for hair. We’ll explain how to LOC your hair, help you pick the right hair products for your curl pattern, and talk you through some of the issues you might encounter.

What Is the LOC Method?

This routine is simple because once you know what the letters stand for, you’ll easily remember which order to use the products. Basically, the letters LOC stand for Liquid/Leave-in Conditioner, Oil, and Cream, and you apply the products in that order – it’s simple!

Of course, there’s a little more to it than that because you need to carefully select the best products that will boost moisture retention for your hair type and porosity. 

The liquid will generally be a water-based leave-in conditioning spray that has a lightweight texture and adds as much moisture as possible. Then you’ll need an oil to seal in more moisture without leaving your hair feeling greasy, and a cream that smooths your cuticle, keeps frizz under control, and adds definition. 

Following the LOC order for these products will give you juicy, hydrated curls that look and feel amazing!

woman smiling facing the camera with long curly hair who uses the LOC method

Who is the LOC Process For?

The LOC method will be perfect for your locks if you have natural hair that dries quickly and always feels dry. It’s ideal for high-porosity hair that has trouble retaining moisture.

That doesn’t mean it’s not suitable for low-porosity hair, but you might need to play around with different products and apply different amounts to find your ideal combination for healthy hair. You might also want to try a variation known as the LCO method – more on that later.

If you have fine hair or Type 2 wavy hair, your strands can easily get weighed down. So if you want to try this method, be sure to use very lightweight products and apply them carefully to avoid limp, greasy locks.

What You’ll Need for LOCing Hair

As well as your three main LOC products, you’ll need a few other tools to get the best results from the LOC method. 

So before you get started, gather together everything you will need:

  • Paddle brush or wide tooth comb
  • Clips for sectioning your hair
  • Spray bottle filled with water
  • Your choice of water-based leave-in conditioner
  • Your choice of emulsifying hair oil
  • Your choice of hydrating cream or hair butter

If you prefer to blow dry your hair, you will also need a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment, a heat protectant product and your usual styling products.

woman with type 4b hair LOC method

LOC Hair Method Steps

Adding the LOC method to your hair routine is easy because you probably already have most of the hair care products you need. You can check how the products will work together by mixing them on the back of your hand; they should layer up nicely without curdling.

If you aren’t sure which liquid, oil, and cream you need for your hair type, keep reading for our recommendations.

Once you’ve got your products and everything else you need, it’s best to cleanse your hair first. Detangle your locks while wet so they’re ready to receive all the luscious hydration you’re about to apply. 

Then you simply need to follow a few easy application steps:

1. Liquid or Leave In Conditioner

Divide your hair into four large sections and then part each of those into several smaller sections. It can be helpful to have a spray bottle of water handy to re wet your hair if needed.

Next, apply a water-based leave-in conditioner all along the hair shaft from root to tip, giving extra attention to your ends as they are usually the driest area. Spray-on formulas make application even easier, and you can use your fingers to work the product into your hair so that every strand is thoroughly drenched.

It’s all about finding the right blend of products for your hair’s individual needs. So if your hair is really dry, thick, or textured, you can apply extra conditioner or if your locks are easily weighed down by product, use a little less.

2. Oil

Next, it’s time to apply the oil. This stage isn’t designed to moisturize your hair but to seal in all the hydration you added in the first stage.

You don’t want to slather your locks with oil, just apply a thin layer to keep the hydration locked into the hair shaft. So apply small amounts to each section and then go back and add more if you need it.

The type of oil you choose will depend on your hair porosity and type. Low-porosity hair needs a lighter product like avocado or argan oil, while high-porosity locks will prefer a richer castor or olive oil. If you have thick textured hair, like type 4C, you could even apply a lighter oil first and then follow it up with a heavier one.

3. Cream

When you’ve conditioned and oiled your locks, you’re ready to apply a cream or butter-based moisturizing cream. The cream layer helps your hair stay moisturized and leaves it ready for styling.

As with the previous two stages, make sure you section your hair and apply your chosen cream evenly throughout every part. Don’t apply too much at once, you can always go back and apply more oil or cream if you need to, but you can’t take them off.

This will give you gorgeous, hydrated curls that are beautifully defined. You can repeat this process every wash day to keep your tresses looking fabulous.

LOC Method By Hair Type

Your hair type is one of the most important factors when deciding your routine hair care. Unsurprisingly, it also affects how you use the LOC method.

This method works best on dry high-porosity locks that suffer from moisture loss. If you have type 3 or type 4 hair, but your strands are low-porosity, you can still use this method but you might need to tweak your approach slightly. 

Not sure which you’ve got? Our guide to hair porosity will help you work it out!

So here are our LOC product recommendations for each of the six textured hair types to help you pick the perfect products to suit your curl pattern.

Type 3 Hair

Although type 3 locks can be dry, it’s essential to avoid weighing your curls down with LOC hair products that are too rich. Your hair products selection is partly down to personal preference, but here are some recommendations for your type 3 curls.

3A Hair

Avoid weighing down your 3A curls by choosing lightweight formulas that leave your curls bouncy. Apply a thin layer of a lighter oil such as avocado oil followed by a lightweight hair cream to seal moisture in and help you avoid frizz.

3B Hair

It’s essential not to overwhelm 3B curls, so look for a light leave-in conditioning product and follow up with lighter hair oils like avocado or grapeseed oil. Complete your LOC routine with a hair souffle or light hair butter for the final step.

3C Hair

Look for a creamy leave-in conditioner to provide the hydration your 3C curls need. Follow up with a blend of caster oil with coconut or almond oil, and finally add a styling cream or product based on shea butter.

  1. Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner
  2. Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner
    $5.71 ($2.86 / Fl Oz)
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    12/17/2023 04:26 pm GMT
  3. Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino and Avocado Leave-In Defining Creme
  4. Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino and Avocado Leave-In Defining Creme
    $24.00 ($4.00 / Ounce)

    I don't often use leave in but this is definitely my favorite. It has some protein, is lightweight, and creates a little definition.

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    12/17/2023 08:41 am GMT
  5. VERB Ghost Oil – Vegan Weightless Hair Oil
  6. VERB Ghost Oil – Vegan Weightless Hair Oil
    $20.00 ($10.00 / Fl Oz)
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    12/17/2023 10:26 pm GMT
  7. Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Defining Cream
  8. Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Defining Cream
    $12.00 ($2.00 / Ounce)
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    12/17/2023 08:31 am GMT
  9. EVOLVh SuperCurl Defining Cream
  10. EVOLVh SuperCurl Defining Cream
    $34.00

    A defining cream for all wavy and curly hair that adds lightweight moisture and light hold. Works well on its own but style lasts longer when paired with DreamGel.


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Type 4 Hair

The LOC method works best on hair that is high porosity or always seems to feel dry. Type 4 hair tends to be very thirsty, but remember to check your hair porosity before you start.

4A Hair

Apply a creamy leave-in conditioner to pack moisture into your strands, followed by medium-weight oils like sweet almond oil or jojoba oil to seal moisture in. Apply a creamy hair butter to finish off the process.

4B Hair

Thicker products will give the best results on your 4B locks so try co-washing first and then applying a thick leave-in conditioner. Natural oils like castor oil, sesame oil, or coconut oil will keep moisture locked into your hair, and thick creams will make your densely packed strands more manageable.

4C Hair

Look for a heavy, creamy leave-in conditioning treatment that packs additional moisture into each hair strand. 4C hair will tolerate heavier oils like argan oil or olive oil, and a rich organic shea butter will be good for your dry, fragile locks.

  1. Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Hair Conditioner
  2. Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Hair Conditioner
    $6.29 ($0.52 / Fl Oz)
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    12/17/2023 05:46 pm GMT
  3. TWIST Curl Goals Moisture-locking Leave-in Conditioner
  4. TWIST Curl Goals Moisture-locking Leave-in Conditioner
    $5.93 ($0.56 / Fl Oz)

    Lock in moisture and softness with this lightweight leave-in.

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    12/17/2023 10:31 am GMT
  5. TWIST Curl Reign Multi-use Miracle Oil
  6. TWIST Curl Reign Multi-use Miracle Oil
    $4.80 ($1.92 / Fl Oz)
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    12/17/2023 07:21 pm GMT
  7. TWIST Boss Bounce Light as Air Buildable Styling Cream
  8. TWIST Boss Bounce Light as Air Buildable Styling Cream
    $15.69 ($1.85 / Ounce)
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    12/18/2023 03:21 am GMT
  9. Cantu Leave in Conditioning Cream
  10. Cantu Leave in Conditioning Cream
    $6.48 ($0.54 / Ounce)
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    12/17/2023 06:26 pm GMT

LOC vs. LCO Methods

If your hair has low porosity or if you have very thick type 4 coils, you might get better results by switching up the order of the LOC method. 

The LCO method is a variation of the LOC method for low porosity hair. It uses leave-in conditioner followed by cream and finally oil to seal in additional hydration from the cream product, giving your locks better moisture retention.

Having Trouble? Common LOC Issues

This method works best when you give it time, so don’t give up if you don’t see amazing results after your first attempt. If you’re still unhappy with your results after three applications, you might be experiencing one of these common LOC problems.

Not Using Water-Based Conditioner

Using a water-based leave-in conditioner for the LOC method’s first stage will ensure your hair is drenched with plenty of essential moisture. Look for a conditioner that includes water as one of the first five items on the ingredients list to ensure it has a high water content.

Poor Water Quality

The calcium and other minerals in hard water can build up on your hair, making it impossible for the hair shaft to fully absorb and retain moisture. You can remove the mineral buildup with a chelating shampoo, but these can be harsh on dry curly locks. Installing a filter shower head will remove the minerals from your water before they ever get a chance to touch your locks!

Not Creating Enough Hair Sections

You might think you applied enough product, but if you didn’t section your hair enough, it’s easy to miss parts of it. Creating four main sections first and then parting it again into smaller sections will ensure you cover every last bit of your locks.

Not Choosing the Right Style

Wearing your hair down looks gorgeous, but it will also cause your locks to lose moisture faster than if you wear a protective style. Buns, twist outs, braids, Bantu knots, and other protective styles will help you get the best benefit from the LOC method.

woman with 3c hair and curtain bangs on curly hair

FAQs

Still curious about the LOC method for curly hair? These frequently asked questions might help:

How Often Should I Use the LOC Method?

You can use the LOC method every wash day. If you want to repeat the process between wash sessions, you could try using lighter versions of your products or just use a tiny amount of each product to revive your curls.

Be careful about leaving longer periods between wash days, though, or you could develop product buildup on your strands. In this case, a clarifying shampoo will help cleanse your locks thoroughly before you begin LOCing your hair.

Do I Use the LOC Method on Wet or Dry Hair?

The LOC Method works best on hair that is soaking wet and thoroughly cleansed first. So always start your LOC treatment by washing and conditioning your locks as usual, leaving them thoroughly soaked before applying the first stage conditioner.

Does the LOC Method Help Hair Grow?

There’s no evidence that the LOC method will make your hair grow faster. But keeping your hair well moisturized will help to make it more flexible and reduce breakage so it looks as if it’s growing faster and healthier. 

LOC Method – The Bottom Line

If you have dry, curly hair that desperately needs more hydration, you should definitely try the LOC method. Layering products in this way will increase your hair’s moisture content to make it softer, more elastic, and easier to manage.

The LOC method is simple to follow, and you probably have everything you need on hand, so you can quickly incorporate it into your hair care routine. As with all natural hair care, it’s essential to use products that suit your hair’s porosity and type, and it might take a little time to find the right combination and amounts of each product.

But with a little trial and error, the LOC method can give you juicy, hydrated curls that look and feel fantastic!

The LOC Method pin image

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Curly Hair With Volume: Tips, Products, & Routine https://holisticenchilada.com/curly-hair-routine-for-volume-for-thin-curly-hair/ https://holisticenchilada.com/curly-hair-routine-for-volume-for-thin-curly-hair/#comments Wed, 28 Jun 2023 15:58:06 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=3963 If you’re a regular reader, you know I am always looking for more ways to add volume to my fine curly hair. Having thin curly hair makes it difficult to get those luscious big curly hairstyles many with wavy and curly hair have. But it is possible to have volume even if you have fine...

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If you’re a regular reader, you know I am always looking for more ways to add volume to my fine curly hair. Having thin curly hair makes it difficult to get those luscious big curly hairstyles many with wavy and curly hair have.

But it is possible to have volume even if you have fine or thin curly hair. You simply need the right products and the right styling methods. And if you don’t have thin hair but still want more volume in your curls, these tips will help you too! In this post, I’m sharing the best tips, tricks, and products to volumize curly hair.

How To Get Volume In Curly Hair

The basic idea to volumize curly hair is that you need to use volumizing products and style in a way that creates volume.

Be sure to check out my post on tips for thin curly hair if you have fine or low density curls. Those tips will help you ensure you’re doing the right things to encourage volume in thin or fine curly hair.

Delilah Orpi's volume and her curly hair

Use Strong Shampoos & Clarify Regularly

Shampoos with multiple surfactants that cleanse the hair more thoroughly result in increased volume. It removes the most buildup and oil so that your hair will have more bounce.

Use Lightweight Products

Lightweight products are products that have fewer ingredients that buildup or weigh down the hair. These tends to be watery, thin products like serums, foams, mousses, and gels.

Reduce The Moisture

The more moisture you have the less volume you’ll have. That’s why you’ll find “drying” ingredients like alcohol in most volumizing products.

To get more volume, cut down on the amount of leave in, creams, and hydrating treatments you do.

Use Volumizing Products

Of course, you have to start with some good volumizing products. I used to try different volumizing products all the time when I wore my hair straight but since going curly it’s been difficult to get more volume as moisture tends to weigh down my hair and curly products are all moisturizing.

Volumizing products tend to be on the lower end of moisturizing. My hair likes a lot less moisture than most curly and wavy types so I can go all out with my products and reduce moisture as much as possible. But for many others you’ll have to modify and put together what works for you and is balanced for your hair.

Use Volumizing Methods

The last thing you need to do is style in a way that adds volume. Simple changes like pulling the hair up and away from the scalp instead of down can make a huge difference. Other methods include styling upside down, scrunching at the root, styling on damp hair, and diffusing.

Delilah holding EVOLVh volumizing products for curly hair

Volumizing Products For Curly Hair

These are some of the best products for adding volume to curly hair.

Malibu C Undo Goo Clarifying Shampoo

This is one of the best clarifying shampoos out there. It’s ideal to use a clarifying shampoo on a monthly basis to make sure your roots and hair are as clean as possible for maximum volume potential.

Top Pick
Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Clarifying Shampoo
$17.00 ($1.89 / Fl Oz)

This is my top pick for clarifying all hair types. It removes buildup the best and is still gentle on curly hair.

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12/17/2023 02:01 am GMT

EVOLVh InstaVolume

InstaVolume is EVOLVh’s newest line and gives me more volume than any other line I have tried. It’s a shampoo and leave in conditioner duo. The shampoo is very lightweight and a stronger cleanser on the low poo spectrum. If your hair likes moisture, this will not provide enough for you. But it’s perfect for my hair. It leaves it super clean and light without drying it out.

EVOLVh InstaVolume Cleansing Treatment
$29.00 ($3.41 / Fl Oz)

This is my go to shampoo for ultimate volume.

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12/17/2023 01:56 am GMT

Then you go straight into the leave-in. There is no conditioner in this line which makes sense since you need to sacrifice moisture to get more volume. So again, if your hair likes moisture this will not be enough.

EVOLVh InstaVolume Elixir Leave-In
$30.00 ($3.53 / Fl Oz)

Use code HE15 to save 15% at evolvh.com

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12/17/2023 08:06 pm GMT

Kerotin Volumizing Duo

I LOVE this root spray. It’s the best root spray I have used and really adds lots of root volume. The volumizing mousse is really good too, so this is a combo I reach for often. They’ll give your hair a little texture and hold, and add lots of volume.

Top Pick
Kerotin Hair Volumizing Mousse & Root Volumizer

A volumizing duo designed to boost volume for fine, thin hair and increase the thickness from the inside over time.


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EVOLVh InstaVolume Mousse

Another foam option is this volumizing mousse. It leaves hair a little softer than the Kerotin but adds lots of volume and fullness without making your hair feel dirty.

EVOLVh InstaVolume Volumizing Mousse
$29.00 ($3.41 / Fl Oz)

My favorite volumizing foam.

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12/17/2023 08:51 am GMT

TreLuxe ReFlex Serum

ReFlex Serum is an extremely lightweight product that provides flexible hold along with definition and shine. It really helps my curls look smooth and shiny and gives amazing slip while styling. This is an optional product you can use if you want extra definition as this doesn’t add volume or hold.

TRELUXE Reflex Curl Styling Serum
$19.50

Make refreshing a breeze with this serum that can be used alone to smooth out frizz and revive curls. I also use it as a single styler on wash day with great results. Great for all hair types. Use code HOLISTICENCHILADA to save 15%.

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EVOLVh Total Control Styling Creme

After testing out a ton of different products and combinations, including the Total Control Styling Creme product always gives me the most volume. It’s not a curl cream though so it isn’t moisturizing. It’s like a creamy gel with medium hold and is lightweight. It gives my hair some texture which really helps with volume, along with definition and hold so my style lasts.

Top Pick
EVOLVh TotalControl Styling Crème
$34.00 ($4.00 / Fl Oz)

I struggle with creams but this is a styling cream that doesn't offer much moisture. It provides light to medium hold, light texture, and volume. I can use this as a single styler and skip gel.

Use code HE15 to save on your first order with EVOLVh.

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12/16/2023 11:41 pm GMT

Styling Methods For Volume

I use something I call the Rake Shake Scrunch method, which is exactly what it sounds like. After glazing the product over my hair, I rake through to distribute and reduce frizz. I shake my hair to encourage the clumps to naturally form. Then I scrunch to seal in the clumps and ensure the product is all over my hair.

Clip The Roots

You can try placing clips in your roots as your hair dries to encourage more root volume. Duckbill clips and claw clips are popular options for this technique. Some people place the clips in after they have diffused to set the volume.

Style Upside Down or Pull Hair Up As You Style

The hair should be pulled up and away from the scalp to encourage more volume. If you just pull the hair down, it won’t have as much volume.

Styling upside down makes this easy, but you could easily just pull the hair up as you style.

Scrunch At The Roots

When you scrunch your product in, don’t forget to scrunch up to the root area. You don’t want to apply product directly to the root area (unless it’s a volumizing foam or spray), but you want to get some product up there. Scrunching up to the root help with this and it encourages more root lift.

Diffuse Upside Down

Again, having the hair away from the scalp will encourage volume. You can diffuse upside down or tilt your head to each side as you diffuse.

Also, diffusing yields more volume than air drying to try to diffuse for at least a few minutes.

Go For Smaller Clumps

Don’t create thick curl clumps as that will make your hair look thinner. Instead, style with smaller, skinnier clumps.

If you struggle with frizz, a good method is to brush the hair to smooth it down, then use a comb to split it into smaller clumps.

Try Styling On Damp Hair

If your hair likes it, you can try styling on damp hair instead of wet hair. This doesn’t work as well for me but it does work for many.

The less wet your hair is, the more volume you can get, but it can also lead to a little more frizz.

Delilah Holistic Enchilada curly hair volume

Volumizing Curly Hair Routine

Here is a breakdown of my routine for volume:

  1. Shampoo with EVOLVh InstaVolume. I leave it in for a few minutes while I soap up. Rinse it out completely.
  2. Spray the EVOLVh InstaVolume elixir liberally all over my hair. I try not to get much near the roots and focus more on the ends. I flip my hair and spray the underside as well. I let it sit a bit then squish in a little bit of water. Then I finger detangle with my head upside down.
  3. Spray in root spray for root lift.
  4. Scrunch in one pump of volumizing mousse.
  5. Rake in a pea sized amount of serum for definition. Shake and scrunch a little.
  6. Rake in a nickel sized amount of EVOLVh Total Control Styling Creme. Shake and scrunch all over, flipping my head to the sides to ensure the curls fall naturally and avoid wonky sections. Scrunch in a pea sized amount of the styling creme to set the ends.
  7. Microplop with my hair towel.
  8. Wait a few minutes then pixie diffuse.

You can watch my full styling routine below.

And for the next day, I love using a hair spray along with some dry shampoo to add back in some volume. I use it if I’ll be spending some time outside to help hold my style and whenever I decide to refresh my hair a bit.


If you want help with embracing your naturally wavy or curly hair, you can join my FREE email course and download my FREE pdf guide, THE QUICK START GUIDE TO MASTERING YOUR CURLS, full of everything you need to know to get started and bring out your beautiful waves and curls.

Want to remember this? Save Curly Hair Routine For Volume For Thin Curly Hair to your favorite Pinterest board.

curly hair volume tutorial
volume for curly hair pin image

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Zero Waste Curly Hair Products & Routine https://holisticenchilada.com/zero-waste-curly-hair-routine/ https://holisticenchilada.com/zero-waste-curly-hair-routine/#comments Thu, 22 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=5939 Are you looking for a low or zero waste curly hair routine that still gives you the lush, soft, and defined curls you want? I’m sharing my natural curly hair routine using a curly hair shampoo bar, conditioner bar, and a super easy diy gel. These eco friendly curly hair products give me the defined,...

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Are you looking for a low or zero waste curly hair routine that still gives you the lush, soft, and defined curls you want? I’m sharing my natural curly hair routine using a curly hair shampoo bar, conditioner bar, and a super easy diy gel.

These eco friendly curly hair products give me the defined, shiny, soft curls that regular my curly girl products give me and they are great for the planet! Read on to see my eco friendly curly girl method routine!

Zero Waste, Low Waste, Eco friendly – what does it all mean?

Zero waste is the focus on producing the least amount of waste possible, ideally none. Zero waste is trending right now but it’s quite extreme and intimidating for those new to sustainability. It’s really hard to completely avoid plastic in your everyday life without significantly increasing your costs or spending a lot of time DIYing things. There is also not much of a focus on the supply chain or ethical practices, which I believe are also important things to consider.

Low waste is a step down from zero waste, just not as extreme. You reduce your overall waste, but the goal isn’t zero, just less. It’s a great place to start since you don’t feel guilty about the little things like plastic tags on products or that you don’t have access to bulk stores or inexpensive sustainable options. It’s a much more realistic goal.

Eco-friendly is broader and encompasses more than just waste. Things like sustainable ingredients and product sourcing, environmentally friendly packaging and practices, recycling, reducing the use of plastics and other single use items, and reducing waste. Low waste and the zero waste movements both stem from the eco-friendly movement.

So when I talk about having a zero waste curly hair routine, I just mean that the products I’m using don’t create any waste. They are free of plastic, and from production to shipping to using, no waste is created.

curly hair shampoo bar and conditioner bar

Zero Waste Curly Hair Products

Shampoo Bar For Curly Hair

Not long ago, there weren’t many options for curly hair shampoo bars. Lush seemed like the only option and I had heard about how drying these were so I steered clear. Plus, none of them were curly girl approved.

There are a few options now, and my favorite is Vida Bars. Vida Bars were created to fill the need in the curly hair world for more sustainable products that actually work. Their entire process, from sourcing to packaging, is environmentally friendly. And all their products are curly girl method approved.

I specifically use the Clarity Bar, which is the most lightweight for my easily weighed down hair. They also have shampoo bars for growth, hydration, grey curls, and irritated scalps.

Vida Bars shampoo bars are crafted without sulfates, silicones, drying alcohols, or parabens. They’re also gluten free and vegan. Each bar is the equivalent of 2 to 3 bottles of product, lasting approximately 60 washes. They are also color safe and pH balanced.

The Clarity Bar has a light mint scent and feels nice on the scalp. It also contains olefin sulfonate which is a clarifying ingredient, so this can be used as your regular clarifying shampoo.

This bar creates a nice lather without stripping my hair and a little goes a long way. To use it, you rub it between your wet hands, then rub it a bit on your scalp in a few different spots. After, you can use your fingers to massage the scalp and work the lather around like any regular shampoo.

And a bonus to using these bars is they travel so well!

Some other curly hair shampoo bars:

  • HiBAR
  • Chagrin Valley – not sure if these are curly girl approved
  • Ethique – some products contain fragrance and artificial dyes, but they are low waste
holding up zero waste curly hair products that I used to style my curly hair
washed and styled using the Vida Bars Clarity shampoo and conditioner bars and my DIY flaxseed gel

Conditioner Bar For Curly Hair

The conditioner bar I use is also from Vida Bars. I use the Clarity Conditioner since it is the most lightweight. As with the shampoo bars, there are many options for conditioner bars for different curly hair types.

Their conditioner bars are also formulated without silicones, drying alcohols, and parabens. The Clarity Conditioner contains protein and lightweight moisturizers, along with peppermint essential oil like the shampoo bar.

To use it, you rub it between your wet hands then apply it along the length of your hair in sections. I do a downwards swiping motion with the bar on the hair. Let it sit for a few minutes, then detangle and rinse. I have left some in as my leave in when I have needed it, so no need for a separate product to leave in (but they did come out with a leave-in conditioner bar too).

It has amazing slip, so detangling is actually quite easy. As with the shampoo bar, a little goes a long way. It’s important to let it sit for a few minutes before you go in to detangle. I typically rinse it all out but you can leave some in if needed. This bar doesn’t weigh down my hair at all and I love using it.

Some other curly hair conditioner bars:

diy flaxseed gel zero waste curly hair routine

DIY Flaxseed Gel

Yes, diy flaxseed gel is the most eco friendly, zero waste option for styling your curls. And it works amazingly well on all curly hair types! It leaves your hair so soft and shiny with lots of definition.

But if you don’t want to make your own, you can buy flaxseed gel from A Simple Planet.

Top Pick
Flaxseed Hair Gel | A Simple Planet

Use my affiliate code HE15 to save at asimpleplanet.com

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

I use my signature diy flaxseed gel recipe which many love, but there are so many others out there. The great thing about flaxseed gel is that you can customize it to the needs of your hair, or keep it as simple as just water and flax seeds.

Click here to get my flaxseed gel recipe.

Watch the video below to see how I style using flaxseed gel.

DIY Treatments

Most people into a low waste or zero waste lifestyle like to DIY treatments to help reduce waste. Here are a few DIY curly hair treatments to round out your eco-friendly curly hair routine:

Other Eco Friendly Curly Hair Products

If you’re not quite ready to transition to zero waste curly hair products, there are a few brands that are more eco friendly and low waste, using less plastic in their products and packaging.

A Simple Planet

These are liquid products that come in refillable containers. This brand also reuses shipping materials, doesn’t use extra packaging, and uses recyclable aluminum bottles.

They sell all the products any curly girl needs, from shampoo and conditioner to gels, elixirs, and sprays. Shop A Simple Planet here.

Plaine Products

Plaine Products is similar to A Simple Planet in that they have a refill program and use sustainable packaging, but they have fewer products. Their shampoo and conditioner are cg approved, but they don’t have any styling products. Shop Plaine Products here.

Ecoslay

Ecoslay is not zero waste, but they are an eco conscious brand. They also happen to make the most popular gel/cream in the curly world, the Orange Marmalade. They just started offering a recycling program, where you mail back your containers and the owner drops them off at a local nonprofit for hard to recycle materials. You can shop Ecoslay here.


So there you have it, my zero waste curly girl routine. I never thought I’d be able to find eco friendly products for curly hair that work so well but I am happy that it is a possibility and I can have a low waste curly hair routine!

Save Zero Waste Curly Hair Routine to your favorite Pinterest board!

zero waste curly hair routine pin image

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Daily Curly Hair Routine Throughout The Week https://holisticenchilada.com/daily-curly-hair-routine-throughout-the-week/ https://holisticenchilada.com/daily-curly-hair-routine-throughout-the-week/#comments Mon, 20 Jan 2020 22:29:51 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=3260 Five days of curls: day one, 2, 3, 4, and 5 looks curly hair

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In this post, I will share the progression of one wash day over 5 days, aka my week of curly hair.

I have a much older post about how I stretch out my wash day, but in this post, I will show you how my hair looks each day and what I do with it each day. I’ll also show you that it doesn’t take a lot of time or steps and keeping things simple with the curly girl method is possible.

Daily Curly Hair Routine Throughout The Week, day 1, 2,3,4,5

Ready to transform your frizz into defined, bouncy curls and waves? Join my free Quick Start Guide To Mastering Your Curls email course below and be on your way to fabulous curls in just a few steps!

Wash Day – Day 1

wash day 2c curly hair

I washed with all Giovanni products:

You can watch the video below to see my full routine using these products. I prefer to scrunch in my gel, air dry for 10-15 minutes to help the curl pattern set, and diffuse until dry. In total, I spent 30 minutes on my hair, not counting air dry time because I wasn’t actually doing anything.

In the pic above I have scrunched out the crunch and fluffed my hair. I also wash in the afternoon and evening to help my hair set overnight before going out. This really helps it hold its style. When I wash, dry, and then leave the house my style doesn’t last as long. I lose volume and have to wash sooner.

Once it’s dry I try to wait at least 2 hours before going to bed. I use a silk pillowcase and hair buff to gently pineapple my hair. I let the ends hang out loose because this way I don’t get any kinks in my hair. This is how I protect my hair every night.

Day 2

Day two curls tips for fine curly hair

This is my day 2 hair without doing anything to it. I remove it from the buff and leave it alone while I get ready. After doing my makeup and getting dressed, my hair has settled and I can see if I need to do anything to it. In total, I spent 2 minutes on my hair.

Usually, I don’t have to do anything other than fix the part, fluff it up a bit, and maybe finger coil some fluffy pieces. I do not add any water or product on day 2. My hair tends to look better on day 2 because it settles and clumps together reducing frizz.

Now, this was NOT the case in my first year of following the curly girl method. My hair did not turn out as good on wash day and it usually looked worse on day 2. The only fix for that is time. So be patient and kind to your hair.

Day 3

day 3 curly hair

Day 3 is usually no different than day 2. I do the same process after removing it from the buff and assess the situation. Usually, I don’t need to do anything. This particular day I didn’t need to do anything. I spent 3 minutes fluffing and parting it.

I might have to touch up a few curls or add dry shampoo if my roots are flat or greasy. To touch up the pieces, I wet my hand and add a pea-sized amount of gel and finger coil each piece.

If my scalp is itchy I use a little Briogeo Scalp Revival Serum and do a few minutes of a massage. You could do the same with peppermint essential oil diluted in some jojoba oil. Peppermint is great for reducing an itch. I actually use it on my legs after shaving because it works so well.

Day 4

day 4 curly hair
curly girl method pdf guide download

Day 4 is very hit or miss. I never know what to expect. Sometimes I can still wear it down and other times it has to go up. This particular week my hair was behaving really well. I spent 8 minutes on my hair this day, finger coiling a few pieces with some water and product, fluffing, and adding dry shampoo.

Again, I follow the same process in the morning. Usually, by day 4 I need to do some kind of refreshing. I do tend to be very lazy about refreshing and I’d rather put my hair up than fuss with it.

But if I refresh I do as shown below. If my hair needs more work than that then it goes up. I refuse to do a full wet refresh. Not worth the time in my opinion.

Day 5

day 5 curly hair updo

I don’t always get to day 5 but day 5 is always a hair up day. I don’t bother with it because by now the roots are so flat that my scalp is very visible. It’s also very greasy and sometimes feels dry.

I usually add a ton of dry shampoo, do a good scalp massage to calm the itch, and put it up in one of my go-to updos (shown in the video below). I finish off with a little hairspray to hold the style and little volume I could manage to get out of it.

This day I spent 2 minutes on my hair. It already had dry shampoo from the previous day so I just fluffed and pinned it to the side.

So that is the evolution of a wash day for me. Usually, I can go 4-5 days between washing and as I said before, this was not the case when I first started CGM. I was lucky if I got to day 3 back then. But with time your curls just become easier to manage and behave better so it’s easier to go longer between washing.

So have realistic expectations about what YOUR hair can do. I just wanted to share what my typical week so you can see it’s not complicated or time consuming.

Over the course of these 5 days, I spent a total of 45 minutes on my hair. Now let’s compare that to before going CG, when I used to straighten my hair or wear it “curly”. I had to wash it every other day, blow dry and iron it (over an hour) or use mousse and dry it (30 minutes), then touch it up every day which took anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. That would be anywhere from 3-4 hours in total for just those 5 days. Clearly CG is a winner here. It might seem time consuming at first but these numbers speak for themselves.

curly girl method pdf guide download

If you want help with embracing your naturally wavy or curly hair, you can join my FREE email course and download my FREE pdf guide, THE QUICK START GUIDE TO MASTERING YOUR CURLS, full of everything you need to know to get started and bring out your beautiful waves and curls.

You can also read my other popular posts on curly hair:

Want to remember this? Save Daily Curly Hair Routine Throughout The Week to your favorite Pinterest board.

curly girl method daily routine for fine curly hair 2c 3a

Fabulous Curls Academy

Fabulous Curls Academy is my monthly membership program that gives you access to several online courses that will guide you through creating a simple routine that gives you fabulous results. Learn what your hair type is, which products and ingredients will work for you, and how to style according to your hair type by creating a simple routine that works. No more confusion about products or methods or battling frizz and time. Click here for more info.

Fabulous Curls Academy curls education and digital products to help you on your curls journey

Curl & Clean Beauty Coaching

I now also offer Curl & Clean Beauty Coaching sessions virtually! You can book a 15-minute, 30-minute, or 45-minute session with me to help you solve your curly hair or clean beauty struggles. Click here to learn more.

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Rice Water Rinse Recipe & Routine For Curly Hair https://holisticenchilada.com/rice-water-rinse-for-curly-hair-protein-treatment/ https://holisticenchilada.com/rice-water-rinse-for-curly-hair-protein-treatment/#comments Fri, 20 Sep 2019 02:20:26 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=2844 If you’ve spent any time reading about the curly girl method then you’ve likely come across protein treatments and rice water rinses. But what is a rice water rinse, why would you want to do a rice water rinse for curly hair, and how do you do it? Benefits of rice water for hair Sometimes...

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If you’ve spent any time reading about the curly girl method then you’ve likely come across protein treatments and rice water rinses. But what is a rice water rinse, why would you want to do a rice water rinse for curly hair, and how do you do it?

Reviewed by Laurie Cain, Curl Specialist and Hair Stylist.

Benefits of rice water for hair

Sometimes wavy or curly hair needs special treatments, and rice water can offer many benefits. Many believe the benefits of a rice water rinse include:

  • strengthens hair
  • stimulates growth
  • conditions
  • reduces frizz
  • improves curl definition
  • adds volume
  • soothes scalp
  • smoothes the hair cuticle
  • increases shine
  • helps grow hair longer
  • increase elasticity
RICE-WATER-FOR-CURLY-HAIR BENEFITS

Rice water hair treatments are an old Asian tradition.

…The court ladies of the Heian Period, whose beautiful long hair, called suberakashi, reached to the floor, were said to have combed their hair each day using Yu-Su-Ru (rinse water obtained from the washing of rice) …. we found that Yu-Su-Ru exhibited hair care effects, such as reducing surface friction and increasing hair elasticity.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science

Other research out of Japan has examined the effects of inositol, which is contained in rice water, on hair. They found that:

…inositol penetrates into the hair gradually. Additionally, we demonstrated that inositol stays inside the hair, allowing its protective and beautifying effects to persist even after rinsing.

Spring-8

I first heard about rice water rinses when I came across an Instagram post by @powerdomi. I was so intrigued after seeing her waves turn into ringlets after one treatment.

I thought it was a bit of a hassle so I put off trying it for a year. When I finally did do it, I instantly saw what all the fuss was about. It revived my curls and gave me more defined curls.

Check out the before and after photos below. My hair did not look bad before, but it was definitely looser and the curls would loosen more and more throughout the day. They also frizzed faster and I had little volume.

After, they spring up and last for days without loosening. I have less frizz and more volume, and lots more shine.

Delilah's curly hair before rice water treatment
Before rice water treatment
Delilah's hair after rice water rinse protein treatment for curly hair
Revived curls after a rice water rinse protein treatment

How do you know if you need to do a rice water hair treatment?

Rice water acts as a protein mimicker. The protein in rice water is too large to penetrate the hair but it still helps without actually adding protein. So you can benefit from a rice water treatment for the same reasons as when your hair needs protein:

  • more frizz, wet or dry
  • limp curls
  • curls falling flat
  • hair feels too soft
  • fluffy looking, very stretchy

Check out this post all about protein treatments for hair for more information.

protein moisture balance chart

A rice water rinse will really help your hair if it’s damaged or if you’re at the beginning of your curly hair journey. It will give you more shine, definition, and strength and reduce frizz.

I always recommend a rice water rinse before an actual protein treatment as a way to test the waters. Rice water will have a more mild effect on your hair than a protein treatment and if your hair didn’t need protein, you can do some damage with a strong treatment. So doing a rice water treatment first is a safer way to determine if your hair needs the extra protein.

rice for rice water rinse

How to do a rice water rinse

Rice water hair treatments are very easy. You make the rice water, dip your hair into it or pour it over your hair after you shampoo, rinse well, and follow with a deep conditioner. Follow the recipe and routine below for the exact instructions.

How to make rice water

You can make rice water 3 ways: boiling, soaking, or fermenting. Boiling is the fastest and most popular one and is the method I use.

Fermented rice water method

This process involves fermenting the rice water for 2 days instead of boiling it. You let 1 cup of rice sit in a jar with 3 cups of water for 48 hours, then strain it.

Some say this is more potent and it has a stronger effect on the hair, but I am too impatient to do it this way.

Soaking rice water method

This is the easiest method. Soak 1 cup of rice in 2-3 cups of water for about an hour, then strain the rice.

Boiling rice water method

This is the fastest way to make rice water. I share the exact steps below.

Yield: 1 treatment

Rice Water Rinse Recipe for Curly Hair

the best products for low density fine curly hair
Prep Time 15 minutes
Active Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Materials

  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup of rice

Tools

  • pot
  • strainer
  • 2 bowls, or cups

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice.
  2. Put the rice in a pot and add double the amount of water.
  3. Boil until the water becomes cloudy.
  4. Strain out the cloudy water and put it in a bowl or cup.
  5. After the rice water has cooled, pour the rice water onto shampooed hair while catching it with another cup or bowl underneath OR dip the length of your hair into the bowl of rice water and squish towards the scalp.
  6. Repeat this a few times until you feel all your hair has absorbed enough of the rice water or you run out of rice water.
  7. You can wait a few minutes or rinse off right away.
  8. Deep condition and continue with the rest of your routine.

Notes

I use 1/4 cup of rice because I don't have a lot of hair but you might want to try with 1/2 a cup of rice and adjust from there.

*Don't leave the rice water in your hair for more than a few minutes.

Did you try this?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Facebook

Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Water

How often can you do a rice water rinse?

You can do it weekly, biweekly, or monthly. I definitely would not do it more than weekly though. I like to do it monthly.

Pay attention to how your hair looks and feels after. If it’s doing well, looks better, feels better, then continue on the schedule.

But if it feels rough or dry, then don’t continue with the rice water treatments.

Does it matter which type of rice I use?

Different types of rice have different amounts of proteins in them, but ultimately they all have the same effect. I have used white and brown rice and both have worked fine for me. So I say use whatever you have on hand.

I did a rice water treatment and didn’t notice a difference!

This happens. Your hair probably just didn’t need the treatment or it wasn’t strong enough.

If your hair has the signs that it needs protein, then try an actual protein treatment instead.

I did a rice water rinse and my hair feels hard and dry!

If this happens to you then hair might be sensitive to proteins. Focus on moisturizing your hair until it feels better. You don’t have to eliminate proteins but focus on having more moisture overall.

I’ve heard about rice water for hair growth. Does rice water help hair grow?

Some people say this is their experience with it. I have not found any research to support this and none of the stylists I’ve spoken to will support this claim. So try it out and see if it helps.

I heard rice water rinses are a protein treatment?

A lot of people think this and a lot of bloggers say this but it’s NOT a protein treatment for your hair because your hair cannot absorb the large proteins in rice. It is true that rice has protein in it, and rice water contains protein. But the proteins are simply too large to penetrate the hair.

Regardless, it does provide a lot of the benefits a protein treatment does and can help your hair and I recommend you try it out.

RESEARCH SHOWS THAT ANY PROTEINS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN HYDROLYZED ARE TOO LARGE TO PENETRATE INTO THE HAIR SHAFT AND BOND ONTO THE HAIR. Check out this science based post on proteins if you don’t believe me.

You can also read my other popular posts on curly hair:

Also, follow me on Instagram as I’m always posting tips and tutorials.

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rice water rinse pin

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Curly Girl Method Routine – Curly Hair Routine for 2B 2C 3A Hair https://holisticenchilada.com/2b-2c-3a-hair-routine/ https://holisticenchilada.com/2b-2c-3a-hair-routine/#comments Fri, 30 Aug 2019 16:00:18 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=189 2b 2c 3a curly hair curls after using the curly girl method

The post Curly Girl Method Routine – Curly Hair Routine for 2B 2C 3A Hair appeared first on The Holistic Enchilada.

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This is my curly girl method routine for 2b 2c 3a hair. I use all curly girl approved products and curly girl method styling techniques to enhance my 2b 2c 3a curly hair and reduce frizz. Read on to find out more about my curly girl routine!

If you want help with embracing your naturally wavy or curly hair, you can join my FREE email course and download my FREE pdf guide, THE QUICK START GUIDE TO MASTERING YOUR CURLS, full of everything you need to know to get started and bring out your beautiful waves and curls.

Curl Type

If you don’t know your curl type, you can click here to find out. It’s not really important to know your curl type to figure out what products and methods work for you, but I know many people want to know their curl type and use it as a starting point.

2B 2C 3A Curly Hair

I have a mix of 2b, 2c, and 3a curls. It’s very normal to have different curl patterns like this. Sometimes that can change, but usually, it won’t. Sometimes my hair looks like it’s all 3a curls and other times you can see the 2b hair under the 2c waves and 3a curls. Below you can see a visual of what 2b 2c 3a curly hair looks like.

The Curly Girl Method

Over 3 years ago I decided to start the curly girl method. You can read more about how the curly girl method transformed my hair here.

If you’re not familiar with the CG method, it is basically a method of washing and styling wavy and curly hair to get softer, more defined, healthier curls and waves. It pretty much works for anyone who has frizz, waves, and curls.

My routine is based on the curly girl method with a few tweaks. You can learn more about embracing your curls in my free ebook and email course.

I will show you in detail how I style my hair, but please know that this will not work for everyone.

I have very fine, thin hair, high porosity (it can be helpful to know your porosity so click here for help with that), and live in a high humidity area.

I cannot use some of the most popular products, even though others with similar hair types can and get beautiful curls with them. My biggest struggle is maintaining volume and definition in the humidity.

Delilah Orpi showing her 2b 2c 3 a curls hair type after using the curly girl method

Curly Girl Method Products for 2B 2C 3A hair

{Update 10/4/18: I now use EVOLVh which I LOVE because it gives me softer, shinier curls and I can go much longer between washes! You can try it with coupon code HE15 for 15% off. Check out this review to see if it might work for you.}

Top Pick
Curls Discovery Kit | EVOLVh
$29.00

The EVOLVh Curls Discovery Kit is a great starter kit with the base products needed for your lineup. Check out my full EVOLVh SmartCurl review for more on these products.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

First, you want to make sure you’re using curly girl method approved products. All the products I mention in this post are curly girl approved.

I use either Raw Curls Swavy shampoo, regular conditioner, and medium hold gel, or EVOLVh Smart Curl shampoo and conditioner, Smart Volume leave in, Total Control Styling Creme, and WonderBalm.

Delilah Orpi tilts head of 3a curly hair holding EVOLVh Curls discovery kit in front of reddish background

These 2 lines work best for my hair right now, and I like that they are organic. Lots of curly hair lines are full of toxic fragrances and other not so great ingredients, and they are very pricey.

Also, I love that these lines are very concentrated so the products last a long time. They end up being cheaper than the others when you factor in how long they last. I save even more by buying the large bottles during their sales which last me a whole year.

Some other curly and wavy haircare lines are Briogeo and Innersense (expensive). I also have a budget-friendly clean Curly Girl products roundup post.

If you need some tips choosing products check out this post for curly girl method beginners.

curly girl method products for 2b 2c 3a hair spilling out from a bag on a table

Product Matching Guide

Looking for specific product recommendations based on your hair type? Check out my product finder, the Curly Product Handbook.

This guide will show you how to identify your hair type and characteristics, provide some styling tips, and list exact products that will work on your hair type. Click here for more info.

Curly Product Handbook mockup

Curly hair routine for 2B 2C 3A hair

I have video tutorials posted below the text instructions, so scroll down if you prefer visuals.

I wash my hair every 4-6 days.

First, I wash with the shampoo and conditioner. I finger comb the knots out with the conditioner and add more if I need to. I flip my head upside down to rinse out the conditioner.

I make sure to rinse my scalp really well, then with my head still upside down I spray the EVOLVh Smart Volume conditioner through the ends and scrunch my hair up.

I finger comb a bit here as well to make sure there are no tangles, and scrunch some more.

If I don’t see my curls clumping up nicely, I cup my hands to grab some water and scrunch into my hair. You want thick clumps of curls.

Graphic outlining the curly girl method steps to achieve  2b 2c 3a curly hair - cleanse, condition, style, dry, and maintain

With my head still upside down, I scrunch in some of the Raw Curls medium hold gel, or the Evolvh styling creme and WonderBalm mixed together.

I put about a nickel size amount of product in my palms, scrunch up from the ends all the way up to the roots.

I continue squishing it at the roots to encourage better clumps. At this point, it looks like I barely have any hair and it doesn’t even look very curly.

I then scrunch out the water with a hair towel or a flour sack towel.

A flour sack towel or t-shirt material is key for reducing frizz. A regular towel will not work for this.

I do this by placing the towel under my hair when my head is upside down, then pushing it towards my scalp, and squeezing once to absorb the water. I do this a few times around my head.

Grab the hair towel I use here. 

Delilah Orpi showing curly hair routine - scrunch out the crunch thin curly hair

I leave my hair alone until the ends are dry and crunchy. This takes about 15 minutes.

Because my hair is so flat, I diffuse the roots with my head upside down or completely dry it by diffusing upside down. If you don’t need volume, you can skip that.

I use the diffuser attachment on my hairdryer, flip my head upside down, and dry the roots. This takes about 5 minutes. You can see below the volume it gives me.

Delilah Orpi showing her curly girls routine what her hair looks like after diffusing curls 2b 2c 3a curly hair

Here is the diffuser I recommend.

I usually wash my hair at night, so I don’t scrunch out the crunchy gel until the morning.

I put my hair in a buff (pictured below) to preserve the curls and maintain volume and sleep in that. But if I am going out then I skip this part.

curly girl method routine - hair buff for sleeping with curly hair 2b 2c 3a curls

Grab the buff I use here.

When I wake up, I take out the buff and scrunch out the crunchiness. I flip my head over for this and try to fluff it a little bit too.

Usually, on the first day, I don’t need to add any styling product because it looks good straight out of the buff. This is what it usually looks like after I scrunch out the crunch (aka SOTC in the curly world).

For help with styling, check out the Fabulous Curls Academy Membership. This monthly membership gives you access to multiple courses that will help you transform your frizzy hair into defined bouncy curls, by learning how to use products the right way for your hair (even if they’re not CG approved)!

Results using EVOLVh on 2B 2C 3A Curly Hair

EVOLVh on 2B 2C 3A hair

Results Using Raw Curls on 2B 2C 3A Hair

Delilah shows off her the front of her head of curls after using Raw Curls brand 2b 2c 3a hair routine
Delilah shows the curls at the back of her head after using Raw Curls brand 2b 2c 3a hair routine

Making The Style Last

I sleep with the buff on every night to preserve the curls. Nighttime curl care is crucial to get waves and curls that last several days between washes. Read this post for more info on nighttime curl care. 

On the third and fourth days, I need to refresh my curls a bit.

I usually add a tiny amount of conditioner mixed with water to recoil some of the curls in the front and top layer, and if needed add a small amount of gel with water.

Women's hand with small amount of conditioner with water to refresh for 2b 2c 3a hair

Here is third day hair after refreshing with a little conditioner and water.

curly girl method routine for second day hair 2c hair type

Check out my refreshing video below. I also have another here

Sometimes there’s no salvaging it on days 4-5, so I do a quick side braid or side bun on those days. I also sometimes pin back one or both sides, or the front if only some parts of my hair are not cooperating.

I have a video on easy hairstyles here.

And that’s it!

Typing it out makes it seem more complicated than it is but hopefully, this was helpful. If you need more support through the process, check out my affordable monthly program Fabulous Curls Academy.

Fabulous Curls Academy

Fabulous Curls Academy is my monthly membership program that gives you access to several online courses that will guide you through creating a simple routine that gives you fabulous results. Learn what your hair type is, which products and ingredients will work for you, and how to style according to your hair type by creating a simple routine that works. No more confusion about products or methods or battling frizz and time. Click here for more info.

You can subscribe to my blog, join my Facebook group Simple Curlies & Wavies, and follow me on Instagram @holisticenchilada where I constantly share tips, info, and demo videos on curly hair, green beauty, and wellness.

YOU CAN ALSO READ MY OTHER POPULAR POSTS ON CURLY HAIR:

Simple Curlies and Wavies Facebook group

If you want help with embracing your naturally wavy or curly hair, you can join my FREE email course and download my FREE pdf guide, THE QUICK START GUIDE TO MASTERING YOUR CURLS, full of everything you need to know to get started and bring out your beautiful waves and curls.

Want to remember this? Save Curly Girl Method Routine – Curly Hair Routine for 2B 2C 3A Hair to your favorite Pinterest board.

curly girl method 2b 2c 3a hair

The post Curly Girl Method Routine – Curly Hair Routine for 2B 2C 3A Hair appeared first on The Holistic Enchilada.

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