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Unfortunately, after losing both texture and density in my hair over the past few months, I’ve had to totally recalibrate what products I use, how much product I use, and how many products I use. My curl routine today looks significantly different than what I wrote this time last year.
Now, my hair doesn’t last more than two days even with refreshes, and we can forget about it surviving the bonnet overnight. So instead, I opt for products that are easy to apply and easy to wash out while still moisturizing my hair as I wait with bated breath for it to grow back in with my usual texture.
One thing I had to come to terms with for all these products was that my hair wasn’t going to look the way it did when I loved it, so I needed to make the best of what I could get it to look like.
If you’ve been a long-time reader, you know how much I love brush styling. As much as it pains me to say this, I’ve had to give it up completely because I just don’t have enough hair to get curl clumps and volume. Instead, I apply everything on this list by hand, comb through my hair, and then diffuse.
So without further ado, here’s what I’ve been loving to make it through washday.
- The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam
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The Mousse Def Texture Foam by The Doux is a recent discovery of mine. I had been seeing it all over TikTok, and last month I finally decided to try it. It’s marketed as a one-and-done styler that detangles, conditions, and defines in one step.
This product pleasantly surprised me! The texture part is definitely true, so if you like to run your hands through your hair you might have a bit of trouble, but I found that even just putting a leave-in conditioner underneath removed the stickiness while keeping the volume.
Aside from that trick, I’ve really enjoyed the way it makes my hair look and feel, even immediately after styling, which we all know has a 50/50 chance of looking good. It also doesn’t take much product for my whole head, so it’s definitely cost-effective for how often I have to do my hair now.
- Camille Rose Curl Maker
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Camille Rose’s Curl Maker has been with me for years. Coming back to it was more of a rediscovery than a new addition, but that’s because it has everything I want, especially given the state of my curls. This gel encourages shrinkage, so I use it when I’m feeling a little less down about how short my hair is.
It includes ingredients like coconut oil, aloe, marshmallow, and agave, so it’s a 10/10 for nourishing elements. Like Mousse Def, I can also use it as a one-and-done styler, but when it says soft hold, it means soft.
This gel also costs a pretty penny. I can’t run through it like the others, so I try to make the washday combo last as long as possible. I like to pair this with something else, like a cream. I’ve even paired it with Mousse Def, which has been my favorite combination so far.
- As I Am Curling Jelly
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Last but not least, another gel I use as a single styler. The As I Am Curling Jelly is similar to the Curl Maker, but with a little more hold and an emphasis on elongation rather than shrinkage. I use this product when I need something to put in my hair so it still feels like I’m actively caring for it, but tight ringlets aren’t the name of the game.
With aloe vera, vitamin E, pectin, and sugar beet root, this gel also offers plenty of moisture and a little extra protection against humidity. Not that that’s a big issue with either gel now that the weather is cooling down, but it’s always good to know. This product is also a little more affordable than others and has a thinner, slipperier texture than the thickness of the Curl Maker.
I’ve found these products work very well on their own, but I can also layer them without weighing down my strands or making them stringy. But, as I mentioned, they aren’t the best for long-term hold, so if you want your curls to last, you’ll need something a little more heavy-duty.
If you’re dealing with thinning like me, enjoy a simple routine, or want the lightest hair ever, try one of these products!
Hopefully this can take some weight off your shoulders (and hair)!
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