Hi friends!

If you’ve been a part of my life for the past few years, I’m sure you’ve heard me talk about my natural curly hair journey or complain about my ugly hair days. (Those are a real thing) Well I’ve had lots of questions about what I use and how I do my hair. Today I’m going to share the basics but I do plan on going deeper into detail. Here’s a start with Product, Process, and Tricks I’ve learned along the way. Feel free to ask questions in the comment section!

Here’s a closer look at what my hair transition.

 

Products

Devacurl

Ok, I know you’ve probably heard me mention this brand before but I’m here to tell you all the awesome products I use from them.

The first thing that I’ve learned is that it’s all about hair CARE. Yes, you want to have the best creams and gels. But those items wont do much if you aren’t taking care of the heath of your actual hair.

Devacurl shampoo and conditioner are THE BEST in my opinion. Don’t let the price tag scare you. The cost is there for a reason. If there is anything you are going to splurge on in the transition process… it’s this.

I use the No-Poo Shampoo and the One Condition. Now, if you are new to this kind of shampoo, it’s going to throw you off a bit. You’re not gonna get all the bubbles you see in commercials. This shampoo conditions while cleansing, which is what our curls need.

Every curly girl is different and what works for me may not work for you. Devacurl’s website has a quiz you can take and they will suggest products for you. You can also DM their Instagram with a picture of your hair and they will help you!

There are also a few styling products I like from deva curl.

• Super Cream
• Super Stretch
• Light defining gel

If your curls look like mine I’ve added a link to the products I use right here. [Follow the link.]

Righteous Roots

This product has been a godsend. I started using this about a year ago.

Righteous Roots Rx is a hair rejuvenating growth serum with essential oils featuring both anti-frizz and detangling properties, blended to transform your hair into the best that it can be.

I use this oil three ways.

1. Scalp massages.
2. To “break the cast” when using gel to style.
3. To refresh in the mornings.

Curls need oil. Especially in the winter time.

Renpure

So I found the Renpure “Viva Curl Light Defining Gel” randomly at a Marshall for $5 and figured I would give it a try. Let me tell you. I love it. When I was a kid, I hated gels. That hard, crunchy look was not cute. But now that I’ve finally learned what I’m doing I’m not so opposed to it.

The key to gels is letting it dry then “Breaking the cast”. I only really use it if I know I have time to let it air dry.

I’ve only tried a few items from this brand. I’ll report back with updates.

Hair Mask

Hair mask used to annoy me. Having to stand in the shower for an extra 7-15 minutes. And if I got out of the shower it would just drip. I’m low maintenance so I would never do it. But then I found out the importance of moisturizing curls and I just did it. Now that’s it’s become a part of my routine, it’s become a must for me. I’ll dedicate a post to the mask that I use in the future.

Process

Wash and Condition

First off, I only wash my hair every other week. Don’t be grossed out… Ha. I still rinse my hair and use conditioner/ mask every time I wet my hair.

My goal is to get by at least 3-4 days without drenching my hair. So when I shower everyday I cover my hair with a shower cap to prevent frizz from it re-wetting.

On “Wash Days” (every 3-4 days) I will rinse and detangle my hair. I’ll do a deep condition mask. Either a 7-15 min one and stay in the shower or a 30 min one and get out of the shower and do other things while it sits. Once I rinse it out I’ll use conditioner like I normally would. [Hair mask don’t take the place of conditioner.]

Now here is my number one learning moment. I put my styling product in the shower! When I got my deva cut in New York my stylist Nevilla explained that putting the product in while your hair is soaking wet is best. When you put it in while it’s wet it is covering your hair strands evenly and in clumps of curls. This method also helps to prevent frizz. I noticed the biggest difference in the look of my curls after I started doing this.

Once I’ve added all the product, I use a towel hair wrap [like this one]. I plop all my hair on top of my head and wrap it up. I’ll keep it up while I do my makeup and figure out what I’m going to wear. (The longest process ever)

Once I’m ready to dry it I’ll take it down and scrunch out as much water as I can with another microfiber towel. [like this one] Most days I air dry. It takes about 2-3 hours for my hair to completely dry. If I need it to look presentable right away, I will diffuse on the cool setting. That will take about 20-30 min.

Tips

• Ditch the brush. Only use a wide tooth comb and your fingers to detangle.
• If you are air drying, try your hardest not to touch your hair while its drying. It will only create frizz.
• When trying a new product, try it first by itself then try adding it with other things you try so you can see if it will really work for you.
• If your hair doesn’t do great the first time, try again. Tradition doesn’t happen overnight.
• STOP USING HEAT. I know it’s hard, and we all want that pretty straight hair for the special events but you will not get your curls back if you straighten your hair constantly.
• What works for one curl type may not work for the other.