topic Re: Ride the WAVE with me in Curls & Coils

Ride the WAVE with me

ShortErica — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 16:42:20 GMT

Hey all,

My hair was a beautiful 3B my teen and college years. After issues with hormones and kids I have only wave left. It is frustrating not knowing how to style your hair anymore. My hair is now 2B, 2C would be an excellent day.

I plan to have a no-buy for makeup for one year (started Nov 2018) and focus on finding the right hair products. I want to take the process gradually and give things time.

I started using Devacurl in Spring 2018. I had low-poo, one condition, and arc angel gel. My hair looked and felt like straw and was not getting any curl back so I stopped using all three products.

In October I chopped off a lot of hair for donation and hoped to get some bounce back. The stylist (Deva certified) recommended no-poo, one condition, coconut styling cream, and b-leave in gel. The routine was okay but I wanted more out of my hair.

Over the past week I changed my styling product to arc angel gel. I know, I know, the stylist and others have already said it was too heavy for my hair. I just wanted to experiment and find what product caused my hair to turn to straw in the spring. Arc angel seems to be in the clear. But since it isn't helping with any curl, I will pass it on to my 3C/4A mom.

I plan to resume the last routine and see how it goes or if it still seems lackluster. My one condition is almost out but I have a one condition delight. I want to see how my hair reacts to this.

I also have samples of Decadence. I believe it will likely be too heavy but it is time to find what works and what doesn't.

So here begins my hair journey. Hoping to either learn to ride the waves or return to curl.

Re: Ride the WAVE with me

ShortErica — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 09:17:23 GMT

Today I used , , and Arc AnGel gel.

Re: Ride the WAVE with me

ShortErica — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 16:46:15 GMT

This is my hair dry. When I apply product to soaking wet hair, I have large ringlets that are curls. *I need to remember to take a picture of this* It kills me that most don't stay like that. I may have a couple scattered but covered by other hair. My hair also gets a curl mane around my face when I work out. So I feel like my hair still has curl potential but I don't know what to do to keep it curly.

RE: Re: Ride the WAVE with me

tastelikewater — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 17:25:31 GMT

I posted in that other thread - don't even remember which one anymore - about our hair struggles, so I'll be following this one closely 🙂

I'm seeing my stylist today who's taught me so much about curly hair, and I'm curious what she'll have to say about my Deva regimen. I suspect the high glycerin content in the shampoo and conditioner is drying me out, which is frustrating because I actually like how my hair feels right when I get out of the shower. Even when I don't touch it, the curl definition doesn't last, much like you described.

I used to post over in the Naturally Curly forum, but there's way too much information and it makes my head spin! The pineapple, the ice queen, the supersoaker, protein vs. no protein...I can't. Maybe it's a pipe dream, but I'm really hoping to find a simple regimen of shampoo, conditioner, and 2 styling products. Fingers crossed for us both!

A "good" day: Delight s&c, WaveMaker, Amika gel.

Re: RE: Re: Ride the WAVE with me

ShortErica — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 20:59:52 GMT

I look forward to an update on what your stylist says @tastelikewater

By the way, I love when you share pictures. Your look is always so natural and flawless. Once I finish the no-buy I need to remember to ask you about lip products because I'm digging your shade selections.

Re: RE: Re: Ride the WAVE with me

tastelikewater — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 21:06:57 GMT

@ShortErica You're too kind, thank you! I'm all about low-maintenance lipstick at this stage in my life. I just picked up a few to round out my collection, and now I'm instituting a makeup no-buy until I start hitting pan on the things I already own. Hair products are another story!

Re: Ride the WAVE with me

Loretta55 — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 21:20:37 GMT

Your waves are so pretty @ShortErica & @tastelikewater. I do not see my favorite Devacurl product mentioned which is Wavemaker. First time I tried it I saw a huge difference in my hair whether or not I blow dried my hair with a difusser or air dried my hair. Also try not to touch your hair. If you are not happy with the way a section of curl may have turned out try spraying some of the Curlmaker (formally known as Spray Gel) then scrunch away for some curl revival.

Re: Ride the WAVE with me

ShortErica — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 21:26:55 GMT

@Loretta55 Thank you. I try my darndest not to touch my hair and I always air dry. Would you happen to know the reason why my ends dry so much faster and seem to separate than the rest of the wave/curl? At the point when my ends aren't together I have been using John Frieda leave-in conditioner to spritz them lightly and make the hair cooperate which seems to work.

Yes, I will have to try the Wave Maker at some point. I think you recommended that to me in another post. I appreciate your comments!

Re: Ride the WAVE with me

tastelikewater — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 21:27:52 GMT

@Loretta55 The Wavemaker and Volumizing Foam came in the mini-kit I bought from Deva's site. On its own it's not quite giving me the definition and frizz-fighting I need, so I'm cocktailing it with other products. The picture I posted is Wavemaker smoothed over my waves, then a scrunch of Amika gel. I'm hopeful that after I get my hair cut tonight, I'll be able to see how the products really perform, as I'm overdue for a shaping.

Re: Ride the WAVE with me

tastelikewater — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 21:26:03 GMT

Interesting conversation with my stylist! She recommends against drugstore shampoos and conditioners because most of them are filled with icky products; however, good haircare doesn’t have to be expensive. She said the Deva products are fine, they aren’t drying out my hair, but she doesn’t subscribe to the CurlyGirl method herself. She takes a more practical approach to silicones, and says that they’re fine to use as long as you understand that they’ll create buildup and you’ll need to clarify. If a product with ‘cones gives you the best hair of your life, go for it! My main takeaway was that there’s no “right” way to care for our waves and curls, and good hair shouldn’t require ten steps and five products 😛 Don’t buy into marketing or hype, and find what works for you!

That said, for me specifically she recommends foams and gels, as I’m naturally oily and can’t handle creams, serums, oils, etc. Unfortunately she didn’t have any specific product recommendations, but she’s going to talk to some other clients about what they use.

Re: Ride the WAVE with me

SportyGirly125 — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 21:29:54 GMT

@tastelikewater I heard about the not buying shampoo and conditioner from drugstores or places like Target a couple years ago. I only buy my hair stuff from Sephora, Ulta, Neimans, Saks or Beautylish.

Re: Ride the WAVE with me

makeitup305 — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 21:47:33 GMT

My hair isn't super curly and on the wavier side but I've been using Devacurl for over 2 years and it's one of the best ones I've found to keep the wave. I started with Delight, tried the Original, and then the Decadence. Even though they said it was going to be too heavy, my favorite conditioner is the Decadence because my hair is pretty thick and almost to my waist. However, my favorite shampoo is the Delight. I wash my hair every 3 days give or take and the large bottles last me almost a year, which is great. I've noticed that whenever I alternate with other shampoos or conditioners I feel like my hair needs to be washed sooner, even if they're sulfate free. I've liked both the Melt into Moisture and Deep Sea Repair masks. I've used the Buildup Buster but I didn't feel like it was a must for me. My favorite styling products are the Super Cream and the Set It Free. I liked the Decadence Leave In but I only had a sample size so I couldn't completely make up my mind. I've been really wanting to try the Wash Day Wonder and Wave Maker but there's a ton of hair product I need to get through first.

I tried Ouidad but I didn't like it, I ended up giving it away to a friend. I've tried some stuff from Amika but I didn't like the smell so I haven't picked it up again. I tried SheaMoisture but only the shampoo and conditioner, but I thought it was nice and it's free of most yucky stuff. I'll post a picture of my hair soon, though it needs a trim 🙂

Re: Ride the WAVE with me

makeitup305 — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 04:19:46 GMT

Ride the WAVE with me

ChescaCat — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 17:45:13 GMT

This is my hair, it can be pretty finicky at times, but I have gotten it to behave. I have tried Davines, DevaCurl, and Shea Moisture. out of the three my clear winner is Shea Moisture. In the summer I find it needs to be washed once or twice a week, but likes conditioning every other day. It also dislikes gel in the summer, so I use the Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie on it. In winter my hair likes to be washed every other day and it likes gel. It isn't super picky between DevaCurl and Shea Moisture gels. To dry my hair likes it when I plop it. I put product in when it is soaking wet and then scrunch it and wrap it in a towel until it is dry. When sleeping I put it up in a buff to protect the curls and reduce frizz. It also hates being long, my ideal length is the one below. when it is like this it is super easy to style, when it is longer I have to struggle with it.

Re: Ride the WAVE with me

SportyGirly125 — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 18:34:29 GMT

@ChescaCat Your curls are gorgeous!!!!

Re: Ride the WAVE with me

Loretta55 — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 18:49:22 GMT

Wash Day Wonder melts my tangles @makeitup305. Use it before washing your hair. I notice much less hair loss since I am using it. Do you diffuse your hair or let it dry naturally?

Re: Ride the WAVE with me

makeitup305 — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 18:54:08 GMT

@ChescaCat I love your hair. It's gorgeous. Glad you've founda a routine that works.

Re: Ride the WAVE with me

makeitup305 — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 18:58:05 GMT

@Loretta55 I usually just let it air dry. I work with kids so my hair is usually up in a bun all day so there's not point in styling it. Plus, it takes for e ver.

Re: Ride the WAVE with me

Loretta55 — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 19:04:12 GMT

I know exactly what you mean @makeitup305. I only wash my hair if I am not working. It takes anywhere from 4 - 8 hours for my hair to air dry completely depending on the humidity level. My hair length is between chin and shoulder length. When I diffuse my hat it takes about 15 minutes to dry.

Re: Ride the WAVE with me

makeitup305 — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 19:15:28 GMT

@Loretta55 I live in AZ so it dries pretty fast now, but when I lived in FL it took a lot longer. When I sleep with it wet it gives me kinkier waves so I do that sometimes. I spent almost a year without a hair dryer and barely missed it. I bought one last month and I've only used it a couple of times- partly because of time, partly because my dog goes berserk when I do. I think she thinks it's trying to kill me.