Wash And Go, To Grow And To Dazzle 2020 Challenge

CurlyWhoCrux

Well-Known Member
I've recently discovered that finger combing doesn't help my hair in the sense that it doesn't smooth out my strands which causes frizz and poofiness. I've started using a shower comb to make sure my hair is detangled and smooth. Because of this, I'm wondering if I could get definition using some sort of brush or comb after I've applied stylers. In the past, brushes define my ends but not my roots; I don't know if it's a technique or tool issue. It could also be an issue of needing to use a strong hold styler (but then there's the issue of getting the tool to actually run through my hair with a strong hold styling product).

Does anyone else use a tool to define their hair after they've applied a styler?

Every once in a while, I just get really frustrated due to not understanding why I just can't get my hair to do anything except poof.
 

GettingKinky

Well-Known Member
I've recently discovered that finger combing doesn't help my hair in the sense that it doesn't smooth out my strands which causes frizz and poofiness. I've started using a shower comb to make sure my hair is detangled and smooth. Because of this, I'm wondering if I could get definition using some sort of brush or comb after I've applied stylers. In the past, brushes define my ends but not my roots; I don't know if it's a technique or tool issue. It could also be an issue of needing to use a strong hold styler (but then there's the issue of getting the tool to actually run through my hair with a strong hold styling product).

Does anyone else use a tool to define their hair after they've applied a styler?

Every once in a while, I just get really frustrated due to not understanding why I just can't get my hair to do anything except poof.

One time I tried using a fine tooth comb after applying my stylers. I remember not liking the result, but I don’t remember why.

Is your hair REALLY wet when you apply your stylers? And do you make sure that all your strands have styled on them? These 2 things made a big difference for me.
 

CurlyWhoCrux

Well-Known Member
One time I tried using a fine tooth comb after applying my stylers. I remember not liking the result, but I don’t remember why.

Is your hair REALLY wet when you apply your stylers? And do you make sure that all your strands have styled on them? These 2 things made a big difference for me.

Honestly, I don't know if my hair is really wet. It's very frustrating because unless my hair is under running water, it doesn't seem very weighed down like there's water weighing it down. And because of that, once I start applying products, it doesn't feel like my hair is heavy with water and product, it just feels like it's got product on it. But also, if I start applying products in the shower straight after coming out from under running water, I feel like products slip off of my hair back into my hands and then also it just starts to foam up.

I know you are having success with squish to condish, but I honestly cannot figure out how to do this method. I apply lots of conditioner to hair straight out from under running water, and when I squish I just feel everything leaving my hair with none of the weight.

Around last week, I did this mini-experiment where I applied gel to relatively dry hair (sort of damp but hair that had dried some over night after a night cowash). And the curls that resulted last longer throughout the day than when I apply gel right after a shower.

And then also, when I apply gel to wet hair, I get these tiny balls/clots throughout my hair that are hard to make go away.
And then ALSO ALSO, it could be that the gels I do use just aren't the ones for my hair.
AND THEN ALSO ALSO ALSO, I like the softness that comes with a cream/butter, but I want the hold and definition of say the Wetline Extreme Gel. But the last time I tried to do a cream under a gel, I had the tiny balls issue.

There are so many variables that I can't figure anything out.
 

GettingKinky

Well-Known Member
Honestly, I don't know if my hair is really wet. It's very frustrating because unless my hair is under running water, it doesn't seem very weighed down like there's water weighing it down. And because of that, once I start applying products, it doesn't feel like my hair is heavy with water and product, it just feels like it's got product on it. But also, if I start applying products in the shower straight after coming out from under running water, I feel like products slip off of my hair back into my hands and then also it just starts to foam up.

I know you are having success with squish to condish, but I honestly cannot figure out how to do this method. I apply lots of conditioner to hair straight out from under running water, and when I squish I just feel everything leaving my hair with none of the weight.

Around last week, I did this mini-experiment where I applied gel to relatively dry hair (sort of damp but hair that had dried some over night after a night cowash). And the curls that resulted last longer throughout the day than when I apply gel right after a shower.

And then also, when I apply gel to wet hair, I get these tiny balls/clots throughout my hair that are hard to make go away.
And then ALSO ALSO, it could be that the gels I do use just aren't the ones for my hair.
AND THEN ALSO ALSO ALSO, I like the softness that comes with a cream/butter, but I want the hold and definition of say the Wetline Extreme Gel. But the last time I tried to do a cream under a gel, I had the tiny balls issue.

There are so many variables that I can't figure anything out.

have you clarified recently? Maybe you have build up on your hair that is preventing it from absorbing water.
 

waff

Well-Known Member
I've recently discovered that finger combing doesn't help my hair in the sense that it doesn't smooth out my strands which causes frizz and poofiness. I've started using a shower comb to make sure my hair is detangled and smooth. Because of this, I'm wondering if I could get definition using some sort of brush or comb after I've applied stylers. In the past, brushes define my ends but not my roots; I don't know if it's a technique or tool issue. It could also be an issue of needing to use a strong hold styler (but then there's the issue of getting the tool to actually run through my hair with a strong hold styling product).

Does anyone else use a tool to define their hair after they've applied a styler?

Every once in a while, I just get really frustrated due to not understanding why I just can't get my hair to do anything except poof.
The denman brush is a must for me to smooth my hair during styling. The denman is boss when it comes to smoothing and removing frizz and poofy roots. Inside the shower I use a tangle teezer to detangle which also helps with removing frizz. The denman can also be used to create ringlets in the ends. Recently I added a shampoo brush to my styling tools and it has made a great difference in clumping and cutting down on frizz.
I use the denman to smooth the product in the hair shaft (this is what removes frizz), and the shampoo brush to separate the curls.

This is my hair without the denman:
IMG_20191003_205423610.jpg IMG_20191003_205421838.jpg

This is with using the denman:
1st day
IMG_20191008_162705960.jpg
2nd day
IMG_20191009_110650337.jpg IMG_20191009_111741501.jpg

my heat damage is way more visible without the denman which is interesting.
These two videos are great to get an idea on how to use the denman to create ringlets in the ends:

 
Last edited:

GettingKinky

Well-Known Member
The denman brush is a must for me to smooth my hair during styling. The denman is boss when it comes to smoothing and removing frizz and poofy roots. Inside the shower I use a tangle teezer to detangle which also helps with removing frizz. The denman can also be used to create ringlets in the ends. Recently I added a shampoo brush to my styling tools and it has made a great difference in clumping and cutting down on frizz.
I use the denman to smooth the product in the hair shaft (this is what removes frizz), and the shampoo brush to separate the curls.

This is my hair without the denman:
View attachment 452135 View attachment 452137

This is with using the denman:
1st day
View attachment 452143
2nd day
View attachment 452139 View attachment 452141
 
Last edited:

waff

Well-Known Member
The difference is huge!! You use the denman after you put the gel in your hair?
I have the Felicia leatherwood brush. I use it to detangle when I have conditioner on my hair I’m going to try it after I add the kinky curly gel.
It really is an essential part of styling for me! I can change up my products but the denman always stays. It depends on the gel, some gels are very hard to use a brush on top of like KCCC. The brush does not slide through after I put in the KCCC, so what I do is that I smooth the section and do the twist method with the leave in, than I finish off using my hands with the gel. Some gels like Eco styler/garnier gels/Aussie gels work fine with the denman and I can still slide it comfortably. I would say as long as it doesn't feel like you ripping through the hair or you have to use any aggressive force, it should be okay.

What I have learned so far by using multiple brushes is that the denman's design is truly unique. The rubber cushion goes all the way to the sides of the brush, and the packed teeth makes it perfect to smooth the hair and create enough tension to reinforce the curl. I have a tangle teezer and even though it has packed teeth, it does not create the same effect because it doesn't apply enough tension like the denman.
 

Shadow_Lace

Well-Known Member
Ok, so this morning I clarified with HE Blue Ginger + Micellar Water Shampoo.

I used TMC Peach Black Tea Conditioner as my d/c and combined it with TMC Heavenly Halo Conditioner as my r/o + detangler. The Peach Black Tea was way easier to distribute with this method.
Sectioned my hair into 6s.

This is the 1st time in years, that I've fully styled in the shower.

Taking 2 sections at a time... I smoothed on CurlMix Moisturizer, followed by CurlMix Flaxseed Gel onto each section.
After that, I scrunched my hair with a microfiber towel to soak up the excess product. Not diffusing this time.
I'm currently air-drying my hair.
 

GettingKinky

Well-Known Member
Ok, so this morning I clarified with HE Blue Ginger + Micellar Water Shampoo.

I used TMC Peach Black Tea Conditioner as my d/c and combined it with TMC Heavenly Halo Conditioner as my r/o + detangler. The Peach Black Tea was way easier to distribute with this method.
Sectioned my hair into 6s.

This is the 1st time in years, that I've fully styled in the shower.

Taking 2 sections at a time... I smoothed on CurlMix Moisturizer, followed by CurlMix Flaxseed Gel onto each section.
After that, I scrunched my hair with a microfiber towel to soak up the excess product. Not diffusing this time.
I'm currently air-drying my hair.

I’m curious to hear how you like the CurlMix. I’ve been eyeing it.
 

Shadow_Lace

Well-Known Member
I’m curious to hear how you like the CurlMix. I’ve been eyeing it.


The more I use it the easier it is to work with... if that makes any sense.
There's definitely a learning curve to it. I just had to a make a new adjustment to sectioning my hair.

I didn't diffuse this time to see if the results would be any different. So far, I like it.

They are both lightweight/runny products, so there's a bit of volume that my hair just lacks (naturally).
It's all organic ingredients. There's even a fragrance-free version for sensitive skin.

The Moisturizer is the leave-in, it has the most slip and a slightly stronger scent than the Flaxseed Gel.

I'm going to keep trying out different methods with this! I like how CurlMix offers a variety of products.

I suggest getting the Moisturizer and the Flaxseed Gel together. Only because I tried it without the moisturizer, and I didn't like the results.
 

Shadow_Lace

Well-Known Member
Ok, so going back to my tried and true, fav combo!

I washed with TreSemme Lux Moist Shampoo, next used Silicon Mix Bambu as my detangler/protein treatment.
I used my new method of sectioning (in 6s) and styling while still in the shower.

Smoothed CRN Almond Jai Twisting Butter, followed by Xtreme Wetline Aloe/Green Gel onto each section.
I'm currently air-drying my hair.

At 1st, I was skeptical about this heavier gel working similar to any lightweight gels...
Another learning curve, but I was gentle and patient.
 

water_n_oil

Well-Known Member
Did a water rinse yesterday mostly to massage my scalp. Only had a little sweet almond oil in my hair prior so I didn't feel the need to do a full wash yet (plus I just washed like 4 days ago). Doubled up on gel using The Mane Choice 24 Karat Gel and the Cheers GEL-ato. I applied sweet almond oil on top of each section after that. I thought I didn't like the outcome at first as the front is a little frizzier than I would have liked but my day 2 hair is nice. I don't think I'll keep using both gels (probably just the 24k one) as I like the cheaper, heavier gels.
 

natural in ATL

15+ years natural
The denman brush is a must for me to smooth my hair during styling. The denman is boss when it comes to smoothing and removing frizz and poofy roots. Inside the shower I use a tangle teezer to detangle which also helps with removing frizz. The denman can also be used to create ringlets in the ends. Recently I added a shampoo brush to my styling tools and it has made a great difference in clumping and cutting down on frizz.
I use the denman to smooth the product in the hair shaft (this is what removes frizz), and the shampoo brush to separate the curls.

This is my hair without the denman:
View attachment 452135 View attachment 452137

This is with using the denman:
1st day
View attachment 452143
2nd day
View attachment 452139 View attachment 452141

my heat damage is way more visible without the denman which is interesting.
These two videos are great to get an idea on how to use the denman to create ringlets in the ends:

Awesome results! I started using the Pattern brush (Tracee Ellis Ross) in the shower and I’m experiencing the same difference in my hair.
 

Shadow_Lace

Well-Known Member
It's hot today!

I washed with TMC Ancient Egyptian Shampoo. For my deep treatment/detangler, I used TMC Green Tea & Carrot Mask. Sectioned my hair into 6s.
I wish I hadn't slept on this mask! The slip is great! And it's anti-shedding!

I smoothed on CRN Almond Jai Twisting Butter, followed by Xtreme Wetline Aloe/Green Gel.
I'm currently air-drying my hair.
 

GettingKinky

Well-Known Member
I’m thinking of trying mousse. I’m debating between The Doux and AG cloud.
Cloud is $$
I’m not sure if I should use a leave-in first or just use mousse straight on my hair.
I’m hoping to avoid the day 1 wet/crunchy look.
 
Last edited:

CurlyWhoCrux

Well-Known Member
I know I said I was giving up on gels but I lied!
I ordered the Uncle Funky's Daughter Curly Magic gel when I ordered the Kinky Kurly Come Clean. And I think two other things I can't remember...
I also ordered a Denman brush the same day and it's already arrived. It does nothing so far, except cause my hair to poof out more lol. I think because I've just been using creams since I don't have gel, and that means no hold. I am hoping hoping hoping gel will give it the hold that the brush needs to clump my hair at the roots and mid-length.

I am considering purchasing more Wetline Extreme Gel because I know it is tacky enough to clump my hair upon application. I'm just worried that means I won't be able to brush through. But if I add water after I add the gel and before I brush maybe....???it'll work?
 

GettingKinky

Well-Known Member
I know I said I was giving up on gels but I lied!
I ordered the Uncle Funky's Daughter Curly Magic gel when I ordered the Kinky Kurly Come Clean. And I think two other things I can't remember...
I also ordered a Denman brush the same day and it's already arrived. It does nothing so far, except cause my hair to poof out more lol. I think because I've just been using creams since I don't have gel, and that means no hold. I am hoping hoping hoping gel will give it the hold that the brush needs to clump my hair at the roots and mid-length.

I am considering purchasing more Wetline Extreme Gel because I know it is tacky enough to clump my hair upon application. I'm just worried that means I won't be able to brush through. But if I add water after I add the gel and before I brush maybe....???it'll work?

the brush is making my hair more poufy too. I’m going to try one more time and then I’m going to put that on hold.
I’ve always liked Wetline, but I’m trying to stick to botanical products.
 
Top