So, your blog’s called Pulling Curls… you must talk a lot about hair, right? Wrong. In this post, we’ll cover How to style curl hair, and also what styling products for curly hair.
Because my blog is called Pulling Curls.
Dangit.
I’ve had curly hair forever. My mom used to just pull my hair until the tangle was too much and then she’d just cut the tangle off — and that’s how we did haircuts.
I used to brush it every day.
Yes, I looked like Rosanna, Rosanna Danna.
Enter, college — where I had roommates that shared in the curly festivities, who mentioned maybe I didn’t need to brush it every day. Maybe ringlets were cool?
Fast forward, everyone said I’d lose the curls when I had a baby. 3 babies later, they’re tighter then ever.
Unlike my abs.
So, without further adieu — here’s the 2014 edition of how I style curly hair.
**This post contains affiliate links for convenience in speaking about the products. I do receive a small amount from each sale — you can read my disclosure here.
I only wash every month. I use T-gel shampoo, only because I have a SUPER itchy scalp. It comes with the curly territory. I don’t have oil glands on my head. I may look like I have oily hair, but it’s only an excessive amount of product — if I didn’t style my hair it will never look greasy. And trust me, I’ve tried. 😉
Most of the time I usually just wash (and by wash, I do scrub my scalp, just not with shampoo) with conditioner (I do this 2 times/week). Most often I use Aussie, but if it’s cheap enough I’ll use a Herbal Essence or something similar. My main concern is a VERY thick, moisturizing conditioner. And by thick, I mean Crisco would be great. thankyouverymuch! I also don’t wash out the majority of the conditioner. I start conditioning at the ends, and then move up my head. I comb through it in the shower with a wide-toothed comb. This is the ONLY time I comb my hair. I do a quick rinse at the root area, and out I go. No squeaky clean for me!
After the shower, I just squeeze out the water with a washcloth. I don’t pat, I don’t rub, I don’t do anything like that. I need my hair wet to dry right:
RIGHT after that (do not stop, do not pass go, do not yell at kids — RIGHT after that) I put on Hair CPR. I found it in the “black ladies hair care”section of my local Walmart. It does a good job of locking moisture in, which is what I REALLY need. I run that through all my hair (using about a nickle-sized puddle on each section). I actually don’t have a lot of hair as curls are decieving.
Then, I scrunch in a moderate-hold gel while holding my head upside down and WHAMO, I’m done.
It air drys while I am free to yell at my kids. 🙂
That’s what I do. I’d love to hear from any other curlies! It can be a lonely world when you choose not to straighten. I’ve just decided to use my time in like 900 other ways instead of straightening. 🙂 I did do it a few months ago when I got a cut (which I only do yearly, or a bit sooner), but I leave straightening to a paid professional.
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ria says
Thanks for sharing your ideas and experience. Great blog! I’ll surely do your advice.
Hilary says
I hope it was helpful!
Sharon Jeselnik says
I fought my hair for years, i was young during the time when it was cool to iron your hair, my hair is now shorter than yours in your picture.. I wash mine probably 3 times a week, based on whether I do a lot outside in the heat. I condition everytime I wash. Towel dry, some gel, then I make my main part, then take those 1in clips…scrunch up some hair, and clip it with that clip. let it dry most of the way then take out. If its not humid out (rarely) I blowdry straight bangs.
Hilary says
I think you just have to work with the hair you have. 😉
Joyce says
You should give Wen conditioning cleanser a try. No lather but my hair has never been healthier.
Hilary says
Sounds interesting. Where do you get it?
Joyce Devanzo says
Chaz Dean is the man behind this amazing stuff. He does infomercials but it is also available on QVC. Theire are several different fragrances – all natural of course. Each can help with a little something different, like itchy scalp. He explains more on QVC online.
Hilary says
Huh, is it expensive?
Linda says
I’ve heard great things about wen hair care products too, but have never tried it. I can’t talk myself into spending that much unless I can’t find anything else that works well for less. I’ve been using a product that I found at Sally’s Beauty Supply called “Hair One”. It’s about $20 for a huge bottle. I don’t know how it compares to Wen, but works on the same principle. I love it for my dry scalp! It feels amazing. I consider it a “cleansing conditioner”. You can use it as a leave-in conditioner too. I started with a small sample bottle just to try it, then ordered the big bottle last fall and it lasted a very long time, but I only “wash” my hair once a week in the winter. In the summer I use a frizz serum too since I live in a very humid area with longer hair that is a frizzy mess without it. Since I spend a lot of time working outside, I have to wash my hair a lot more often and this product seems to still be keeping my hair in the best shape it has ever been. My hair isn’t quite as curly as yours, but the shorter I cut it the curlier it is and no matter what it is frizzy without applying some taming product. I do flat iron it occasionally and the only heat protecting product that works well for me is “Turn up the Heat”. It’s cheap compared to most and has been absolutely amazing for my hair. I used to chemically straighten or relax my hair at the beginning of every summer, but coloring and straightening post-menopausal gray hair isn’t a great thing to do, especially with dry, curly hair that breaks enough on its own. These products have changed my life where my hair is concerned and it is healthier now than it ever was in my younger years. Oh how I wish these things would have been available back then! There was nothing to help us curlies back then! Some would literally use the clothes iron and board in an attempt to gain control of their curls! No matter what, air drying is the only way to go with my curls. I’ve always wondered how others manage their curls especially now that there are so many options available to help.
Hilary says
That “Hair One” sounds really great. I will have to give that a try.
KaiVi says
Something to consider for anyone reading this is that there is currently a class-action lawsuit against Wen due to it making hair fall out AND NOT GROW BACK! I have personally used it and didn’t notice this, but I won’t personally use it again for obvious reasons. If you do choose to use it, disregard the directions because if you followed then they’d have you using an ounce plus each time you wash your hair. If you wash your own hair you know when it is coated pretty well. Luck!
Hilary says
Oh no! I guess I WON’T TRY THEM!!!!
Elizabeth Gronlund says
I just found this , quite by accident, and so glad I did. That was pretty funny AND good info. We do similar things with our hair. If it’s not too cold in the bathroom I just squeeze the water out before I even get out of the shower and that’s it, just let it drip dry. I also have very dry skin so I don’t towel dry that either 🙂 Yeah, I’m a mess Thanx mom Hahaha My hair care products are consist of a heavy cream for hair ( the actual product depends on my budget that day ) and a bottle of Frizz Eze, Not sure what it is but it kinda reminds me of WD40, it’s super slick and works great and THEN? MY saving grace…..the instyler straightening iron. It’s the expensive one that I could never afford so thank the Gods that my mom was feeling generous THAT day 🙂 First time in my life, and I’m not a youngster anymore, I’ve had straight, smooth , manageable hair. I tell everyone about that thing. I even catch myself petting it absent mindedly Hahaha It’s just that amazing 🙂 Any ways….loved hearing from another human poodle, seems there aren’t enough of us out there that have found a way to conquer our own heads, took me forever and years of pure torture in school but tame smooth hair is now MINE! Muahahahaha Have yourself a Blessed day 🙂
Hilary says
I have no had good luck with frizz eeze, but I haven’t tried it for a few years. Smooth hair is a triumph, indeed. 🙂
samantha says
I stopped straightening about 5 years ago and I noticed a big difference. My hair is much curlier now and less frizzy I embraced the curl. When people ask why I never straighten I say I would rather spend my time elswhere like you. I have very long hair and what works for me is wash everyother day, some frizz serum, and herbal essences mousse for curls. Gel tends to weigh my hair down but the mousse helps form the curl without crunch. I am going to try the comb method you suggested and the conditioning rinse instead of wash thanks for the tips.
Hilary says
I do think part of the reason mine is so curly, is that I just cleave it that way. 🙂 Mousse seems to make mine frizzy. Funny. 🙂
Sarah says
I have just found Shea Moisture. OMG!!! Love all of it. Target is the exclusive store that sells it but I have found it at CVS, and Walgreens too. They are going to start a skin care line, make up line and hair color too. My favorite is the Coconut & Hibiscus curl and shine shampoo and conditioner, along with the leave in conditioner and styling cream.
Hilary says
Sarah, what do you use of their stuff? You like it? Moisture is sure what i need!
Sarah says
I use the raw Shea butter moisture retention shampoo & conditioner. The coconut & hibiscus curl & style milk (leave in conditioner), and the coconut & hibiscus curl enhancing smoothie.
I so love all the products tho. I have also used the coconut & hibiscus shampoo and conditioner. I have the raw Shea butter body lotion too.
I can not say enough good things about this product line.
Hilary says
Are they expensive? Is that the same kind you get at Target that others have talked about?
Sarah says
Yes you can get it at Target. Right now ulta has bogo 1/2 off. They are about $10 a bottle so more expensive than store brands but not as expensive as salon stuff. I am a licensed cosmetologist and I will never use a salon brand again.
Hilary says
Is it this stuff?
Jill says
Moisture at the ends is the biggest problem for curly hair. Lately I have been using Biolage, but only because my sister in law is a stylist and I get it for cost from the beauty supply store.
As far as actual styling goes, my favorite product has been a Redken spray gel. I hated it at first, then during my no spend month, I forced myself to use up all of the random styling products I had in the cabinet. The spray gel BY FAR exceeded everything else…and it’s not discontinued. Such is my life. Right now I am using a combo of a regular Redken gel (again trying to use up what I have and my sister in law gives me lots of products she didn’t love) and a product called “S”. It’s working ok.
Oh, and for washing, I TRY to wash once a week, but it depends on how much I sweat. I wet it every day and condition, but try to wash once.
Hilary says
I have NOT had good luck with spray gel…. but I haven’t tried it for a few yerars… you use the biolage conditioner? Maybe I’ll look into that!
Jill says
I do, and I also use a newer Loreal Conditioner if my hair is still feeling dry. I color my hair though, so I fight dry hair A LOT!!!
Hilary says
Hmm… LOreal huh?
Jen says
I do wash mine every day, but I use a product similar to Wen I get at walgreens for $9.99 a bottle. I rinse it on warm then again with cold water, squeeze the water out and wrap it gently in a towel until I get dressed, comb and go. I only condition it after washing twice a week, but I have long loose curls not tight ones, so I use Shea coconut smoothie ( Target and Walgreens have it) or a product by Mark Anthony, Strictly Curls.
Hilary says
I am seeing the wen and that shea stuff are well liked…. maybe I need to go shopping. 🙂
Julia says
Mine is very curly..slightly larger curls than yours. I have just recently said “Eff it” to straightening..or at least worrying about NOT straightening it. For curly hair, the cut is the major “thing”. I got mine cut slightly shorter in the back and angled to longer in the front with layers..(layering is important or you get Rosanne Rosanadana pyramid head!)..touches my shoulders wet but not dry. I shampoo only once or twice a week, water wash it every day and use a thick conditioner about every other day..currently I think it is Herbal Essence but I am not married to that one..ii just smelled great and is thick.. I wide tooth comb right after the shower, apply a tennis ball size glop of mousse and put it up in a towel for about 5 mins or as I am getting dressed doing make up whatever. Take it down and do not touch it except to direct some crazies. I used to add gel at this point, but it makes my hair crunchy so lately I let it air dry a bit and add spray gel ..Fructis at the moment. That is IT! As it gets close to dry I make finger fluff bits or add a squirt of hairspray if I want “big haired betch” hair that day. Since I embraced the curly, I have had so many strangers stop me to tell me they loved my hair! Never before! Embrace the curlz gurlz!
Hilary says
Gotta embrace who you are, right?
Elizabeth says
I have really thick, frizzy hair. I have been either straightening it or wearing it up in a bun forever. I do a lot of Bikram Yoga (really hot yoga), and sweat a lot so I have to either wash or just condition my hair after every workout. I’d like to find a way to embrace my curls, but have no luck. I’m wondering if you have any tips for people with a lot of hair. It’s also long, to my bra line. I’ve really enjoyed this post and look forward to trying your tricks. Thanks.
Hilary says
I have super thin and fine hair… I am useless to you. 🙂
Heather says
Hi I just found your blog, and I love it! I have thick, coarse, curly hair, so I have a lot to contend with. Straightening is about a 45 minute to hour endeavor daily, so I too have embraced the curls, but still have dry hair. I have seen lots of things to try, can’t wait to check out some new products. Thank you!!
Hilary says
Me too! I need to get to Target soon!
Sheri says
SO glad I came across this on Pinterest. I enjoyed reading it and I love your humour!! I also have been blessed with curly hair. Up until the last 5 years I have always thought it was a curse. No matter how many compliments I got, I always envied my straight-haired friends. Then I decided to change the way I thought and I embraced my curl.
I wash my hair every few days or so, but have to condition it every day. (I go through a ginormous bottle of conditioner so quickly, my husband swears I eat the stuff!!) I think I am going to try using your method of using conditioner to wash my scalp. I also suffer from itchy scalp and have just discovered T-gel shampoo. (LIFESAVER!!!)
Cheers to curly girls!!! 🙂
Hilary says
I just tried some lavender oil on my scalp and it helped a LOT, i think I’m going to do it weekly (even though it smells like rolled around in a field of it). I use t-gel too, but the lavendar was better. Do you get flaky scalp too?
Sheri says
Yes I do! SO annoying. Have you tried AG Fast Food leave in conditioner? It is amazing. Works wonders in my hair. Also, if you are frugal like me, I like Not Your Mother’s Kinky Moves Curling Cream.
Hilary says
I saw the not your mother’s line at Walmart. What’s good about it?
Sheri says
I love the smell of it and it gives my hair nice, soft curls, that don’t look wet or end up crunchy like gel can do if I use too much. (Which I tend to do because with my hair more is better.). And it’s cheap! I’m a wash and go gal, so I love the fact that I can finger comb it through, give my hair a scrunch, and just let it dry.
Hilary says
AMEN to wash and go! I’ll have to throw some in my cart next time I’m at Walmart.
Trina says
So you said the lavender oil helped with your dry scalp? What brand and where did you find it? I also have curly, coarse (50% grey) hair and am tired of fighting the curl. I’ve found some great tips here. I am going to try the Hair One cleansing conditioner, the Motions CPR hair conditioner and Not Your Mother’s Kinky Moves hair cream. By the way, I’ve tried T=Gel and it was not strong enough for my dry scalp – the only thing I’ve found that works for me is Head and Shoulders Intensive shampoo in the dark blue bottle, but it also drys my hair out so that’s why I’m going to try alternating it with the Hair One and Motions products.
Hilary says
I bought some DoTerra when I was in Utah. T-gel doesn’t do much. I try to use that once a month. The lavender has been helping though. Please let me know what you think of the Hair One stuff!
Sarah says
Yep that is the stuff. I love it.
Allison Jordan says
Howdy, I love your blog! As a lifelong curl-fighter I have at long last come to terms with my unruly, uncontrollable and basically ridiculous hair. I too have very fine hair, which to those who do not have to deal with serious crazy curl issues seems like it goes against that classic misconception that curls = coarse; yet I certainly wish that as a younger person I’d had even a small percentage of the “control” products available now. It certainly would have saved me a lot of heartache!
I did want to suggest that despite much of the hullaballoo about Wen products, please be wary of the “sale” portion of your experience (getting anything off of the website). The sales tactics are very er, strident and you might end up on a replenishment plan, so just be wary… Just my thoughts… Be well!
Hilary says
Oooo… that’s good to know about the “Wen” products — I did see a product on here that was similar (but cheaper). I can’t remember where. But next time I’m by a Sally’s Beauty, I’m going to flip up my phone and figure it out. 🙂
MDAW says
I have a frizzy curly dried lions mane as do my son and daughter, my son cuts his short so no problem there but not so easy for my daughter and myself. To go with the dried out frizzy mane we also have very very dry itchy scalp which is worse in the winter and feels like we have lice so I use coconut oil after I condition on our scalp and let it sit while we wash (about 5-10 minutes) and rinse but don’t rinse it all out it helps afterwards as a moisturizer and weight to control some of the frizz.
Or another option that I do monthly is a coconut oil and honey mask that you leave in for 45 minutes then rinse (Honey is the best moisturizer I’ve found!) You may need a leave in condition after you use either if your hair dries as fast as mine.
I haven’t used a brush or comb in over 2 or 3 years now only finger my way through my hair to work out knots! I think if you’re using products especially a product like gel (I prefer mousse as I get the hold without the hard) that it would dry out your scalp more rather then help since the build up would just sit on your scalp and hair from what I understand from the millions of articles I’ve read, stylists I’ve talked to etc you should wash your hair once a week and condition everyday in between, more like condition every other day in between since with dry hair you aren’t supposed to wash daily and when you wash you are not supposed to scrub the scalp since it will wash away any natural oils that are there, the last part I learnt on a modelling course I took years ago! ( if you have oily hair your supposed to wash daily and flip your head upside down and scrub from scalp to tip)
I tried a wen shampoo condition about a year ago and it dried my hair out so bad it took a bit to get the little bit of moisture back into my hair and the straw feeling and look out 🙁
Just my opinions of course and hope they help but if someone has more info that would help I’m happy to hear them as well!!
Hilary says
Huh, I have thought about trying a coconut oil mask, never thought of adding honey. Great ideas!