Taking care of curly hair is challenging at best, defining your curls, dealing with frizz, and keeping your curls hydrated are time consuming and frustrating. About four years ago I stopped straightening my hair every day and went on a curly hair journey. I was trying to find a way to revitalize my curls, but finding the right products for my hair was difficult; not to mention my hair was also dyed and brittle. I spent a year trying new products, trying to get my defined curls back and after trying countless hair products I found my top 5 favorites.
(Courtesy of Lushusa.com)
Blousey shampoo, $33.95/8.4oz
Two years ago I walked into a LUSH store looking for a face mask and was recommended some products for my hair. LUSH has specific shampoos and conditioners designed for curly hair. I ended up buying the Blousey shampoo, which is made for damaged and fragile hair. I had recently bleached and dyed my hair, so it was very dry and brittle. Most of the other shampoos I had previously used were not hydrating, but the Blousey shampoo cleaned and moisturized my hair like a conditioner. I did notice that there were some bits of banana in the shampoo, but they wash out smoothy. A little bit of this shampoo goes a long way, to my surprise it lasted me about 6-8 months.
How to use: Apply a dime size amount, lather, and rinse out.
(Courtesy of au.lush.com)
R&B Hair Moisturizer, $25.95/3.5oz
The second hair product I bought from LUSH was the R&B hair moisturizer and leave in. I applied it to my hair after I had washed it and notice that my curls were more defined, and that the frizzy sections of my hair were smoother than before. Just like the Blousey shampoo, R&B lasted me about 6 months when I applied ia dime size amount to my hair 3-4 times a week, and if I was feeling lazy I would just re-wet my hair a little and apply the moisturizer to redefine my curls.
How to use: Apply a dime sized amount to washed hair, you can scrunch or run your fingers through your hair
(Courtesy of nz.Lush.com)
Queen Bee, 16.95/3.5oz
The last thing I got during my LUSH haul was a moisturizing balm, Queen Bee. I had never heard of a moisturizing balm before, but I learned it was like the last step to defining your curls. After my hair was dry: I took the bar of the moisturizing balm, rubbed my palms on it, and applied it to my hair. It gave my hair a nice shine and it helped control my fly-away hairs and frizz. One thing I loved about LUSH is that most of their products are made with fresh ingredients. There’s a sticker on the bottom of each product that shows who it was made by and the date it was made. They also created a program to reduce waste and promote recycling, when you bring back five LUSH product containers you get a free face mask of your choice.
How to use. Take off a small amount from the bar, rub it in between your palms until it melts, rub or scrunch it into your hair
(Courtesy of Target.com)
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Hair Masque, $9.99/11oz
For some cheaper options I tried Shea Moisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Hair Masque. After I shampooed and detangle my hair I applied the Masque and put my hair in a bun and waited 15 minutes to wash it out. My hair felt so soft and hydrated afterwards, and my curls were defined. However after it dried I did notice that the top of my head was still fairly frizzy, but still manageable. Along with using the masque in the shower, I occasionally will apply a small amount and leave it in overnight for an extra deep conditioner.
How to use: After applying shampoo, work it into your hair from root to your ends, put your hair in a shower cap, wait up to 30 minutes, then rinse out
(Courtesy of Target.com)
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm, $5.99/ 8.5oz
The other hair mask I use, usually as an ‘extra’ conditioner is the L’oréal Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm, which can be found at stores like Target and Walmart. I normally use this balm to help detangle and condition it. The Total Repair Balm has been a staple in my hair care routine for years, and it still manages to make my hair feel smoother and softer each time I use it.
How to uses: Apply to washed hair, starting from roots to ends, leave in for 3-5 minutes, then rinse out