Hola Chicas!
My PJ is raging out of control. Seriously. I need to go stand in the corner.
It’s not my fault though, Baby G has totally altered my hair routine– which happens to be among the more minor things that have changed.
B.C. (before child), I lived a whimsical life– weekly deep conditioning treatments, bi-weekly henna’ings, and frequent styling sessions were the norm. Now, I barely have time to shave my legs (I’m only able to shave one before Gia starts acting a donkey, which is why today, my right leg is hairless, and the left one looks like a monkey’s leg, but I digress…), let alone play in my hair. The bottom line? I need hearty hair. Hair that will not only last for 4 days ‘down and out’, but look fresh, touchable, shiny, defined yet fluffy, and relatively frizz free. A lofty dream? Probably. But by the beard of the Zeus, it is so happening!
Where I used to be able to style with conditioners, I now need a product with hold to add some longevity. Gels are for summer. Plus, many of them leave me dry and crunchy. A new fav, Garnier Curl Sculpting Cream Gel, sadly has glycerin among its top 5 ingredients, and as you know, I use humectants sparingly during the colder months. I’ll be stashing it away until Spring.
That leaves curl creams. Many of them also contain humectants, but they’re usually found further down the ingredient list (i.e. not in the top 5). I’ve already tried one– Design Essentials’ Curl Stretching Cream. Epic fail.
Over the course of the next few weeks, I’ll be putting several new and popular curl creams to the test. The Battle of the Curl Creams if you will…
I’m on the quest to find a product that will, (1) not flake, gum up, or leave me feeling product-y, (2) hold my Twist-n-Curl for 4 days, (3) moisturize my situation, and (4) leave me with shiny curls. I don’t ask for much, lol!
Kera Care Natural Texture’s Twist and Define Cream
Jane Carter Solutions’ Curl Defining Cream 
I know this is over but sometimes I just like to comment on things… Call it the internet surfer product junkie in me.
I tried, for the first time in all my born days, Olive Oil Pudding for girls, by Organic Root Stimulator (I think that's who it's by, if not google it. lol) WOWZERRRRSSSS! First let me say you do not need a lot. Start with a little and add more if necessary. Secondly, works on wet or dry. Makes awesome twist outs. Or twists styles And finally…where have you been all my life! AAH! I can't take it, this is too much. It can be greasy but if you do not use a lot, this will hardly be a problem. Smell great, not over powering. Just feel good too. No really, it does. I am looking forward to summer now. FORWARD to it! Because some off-nights (meaning not wetting or washing my hair) I need a product that will make it all right. Make it all better. And when I wake up in the morning, make me feel sexy… (man not included of course..LOL) And by George! (or by Jorge depending on where you are the world) I think I've found it. Let the games begin!! Muah ha ha ha haaaaa!
Carol's Daughter Honey Mimosa, awesome for hold and moisture.
CurlyNikki!
You must try Murray's Gel Loc-lock for superior hold, moisture and shine for your twists. I found this gem in the BSS and Family Dollar for $3. It's light and doesn't yield a coated feeling, however it combats frizz. Im 3c/4a and my hair held up for 5 days. It also had a great smell.
http://murrayspomade.com/prod_details.php?id=91
Ingredients: Aqua Water, PVP, Soybean Oil, Fruit Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Triethanolamine Carbomer, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Kertin Amino Acid, Parfum
i love the Aveda curl activator cream…i'll be checking for the uncle funky stuff too!
omg i so want to try those creams you posted. i <3 creams.
I prefer Curls Souffle over Curls Whipped Cream to define curls. The Souffle has a light hold while the Whipped Cream is a great moisturizer without hold. I wish these two products could be combined!! 😉
"Kim Vo Curl Cream" is seriously where it's at….It's stupid good!
I have been seeing the Jane Carter's ads all over on a lot of hair sites so I can't wait for a review. It's a huge tub of creme, and I didn't want to make the investment until I read some reviews. I also have to recommend Shea Moisture's Curling Smoothie(Great Shine and Moisture.. 5 stars!!)…but no hold for the TNC!! For hold I use Uncle Funky's Daughter Curly Magic…Now that just made it to the Holy Grail!!! It's a close cousin of KCCC but just not as crunchy!!!! Baby G looks like a hand full …so scared of motherhood!! What are you using on her hair?? My niece's hair(4 months) we're been using olive oil for moisture….BYE NIK!!
What about KBB creamylicious? I have been using it since August and it keeps my hair very nicely moisturized.
On another note, you have it really good Nikki. As a 40 year old with no kids or spouse, I would love to have a little one "acting the donkey". Oh well one day…
Beautiful Curls Curl Activating Creme…my day 3 twist out looks just like it did on day 1…I'm confident I'll make it until day 7! Defined, no frizz, love it!
i made a "hold gel" out of aloe vera gel and thick castor oil. it holds my hair well and gives moisture and shine. idk if it will give you 4day hair but it did quite well for my twist and braid out. also, have you tried a mousse or setting lotion? i like elasta qp's foaming setting lotion.
Oooooohhh! I am so excited for these results! Ive been wanting to try these products for the longest. 🙂
I am totally understand your pain. Even though I am not a new mommy I am a mother of a 7 year old and 4 year old(BOYS). I work a full time job 37.5 hours and a part time about 1 to 2 evenings a week. I have now been natural almost 2 years.
Anywhoooo, my favorite that meets 98% of your criteria is Taliah Wajjids Kniky Wavy see link below. I LOVE IT. It is a staple in my hair life. I only have time for hair about once a week for styling. So I would suggest trying it. I have tried others and they have FAILED. Good luck and tell Gia to give you some mommy time. The boys and I are excellent sitters : )
http://www.naturalhair.org/curlykinkynaturaleasyherbalcombout-1-1.aspx
Even though it doesn't say "curls" in the name, I really like Alba Botanica Soft Hold Style Cream, which is sold at Whole Foods and similar stores. It's rich and creamy, but not too thick, and gives me great curl definition. I'm a 3c/4a.
@anonymous– if your hair is brittle and breaks and feels like same paper after a protein treatment, you re protein sensitive. Just read some of the later post, and I may have to flake on JC if it has a lot of protein! My hair is not a fan of protein either! Txs ladies!
I plan on trying Jane carter solution curl defining cream really soon also! Right now, I'm using shea moisture coconut and hibiscus curling lotion! Heart it!!!! It's sold at target now, is all natural, not expensive and smells great! www.sharronsguide.blogspot.com
I keep hearing protein sensitive repeatedly. How does one see if they are protein sensitive?
Oh I have 3c hair with a little 4a (I think) at the crown. That hair is presents a challenge for ANY product I use so that area is just so-so with the JC cream.
Wow…I can't believe JC is getting so many bad reviews! I have it in my hair right now and it feels great! I've used it for about a week, everyday on wash n gos and have had no problem at all. Defined and smooth curls…hair soft to the touch. I just refresh with water and a little JC Leave-in spray and it's been just fine. I even did a braid out one day and my hair was very soft and not frizzy. Just fyi…
How about Anita Grant Whipped Butter! I just ordered some and it came in time for my wash day.I ordered the monoi tahiti one and my hair is shiny and well moisturized. From London
Have you tried Olive Oil Girls Hair Pudding by organic root stimulator? It's delicious! I decided to buy it after much deliberation over the "girls" part in the name, thought it was for kids but HOONNNEEYY I got the twist out of my life with this product on my 4a/4b hair. It gave my hair terrific moisture especially in this chilly New York air and great hold. I found I was trying everything that promised hold in the name but wasn't really getting the definition I needed and Miss Jessie's just makes my hair feel greasy. I twisted with dry hair and applied liberally to each section, shingling before twisting my hair felt slightly damp when I finished twisting but by the next morning my hair just felt soft and defined, my twist out lasted 5 days. Next i'll try it wet.
Please share if you find some good ones of those listed – I need a good curl cream for the winter months as well.
thanks for the suggestions ladies! I'm always reluctant to try products with few reviews, but the JC was free– NC.com sent it to me. I'll definitely shelve it if you guys think my hair will protest.
I used to love Blended Beauty's Happy Nappy, but remember liking Curls Whipped better because it was less greasy? Maybe I should revisit the BB too?
One of you that have tried the JC Curl Cream should submit a review for the site… since it appears that I may not be trying this one.
later gators
nik
Why don't you try beautiful curls curl activating cream? I just bought some but haven't tried it yet.
I'm looking for a winter curl cream too. I'm trying Bee Mine products at the moment (they're ok), and I think I'll try My Honey Child and Darcy's Botanicals at some point as well. I think you should try using something like Jane Carter wrap and roll styling mousse or the condition and sculpt instead of the curl defining cream. I've even heard good things about the twist and loc product for twist outs and such. But whatever you do DON'T waste your money on the curl defining cream. Wait until she gets enough customer feedback and reformulates it or something. Her other products are good. I even like the nourish and shine for soft twist outs (don't know about definition).
Back AWAY from that Jane Carter Curl Defining Cream, Nikki! Seriously! Don't even do that to yourself. Gia will shake her head at you and cry when you brush your straw-like hair against her baby soft face.
Hi Nikki….i have been a long time product junkie and have recently entered rehab bc i have found the love of my life!!!! Blended beauty!!! I am absolutely in love with their silk shake and happy nappy styles!! It give my shiney fluffy twist that are well defined…with very little to no frizz and my hair feels soft, productless and moisturized for days!! I saw where you had previously put this on one of your list for stylers…but this product is amazing and has no protein, or glycerin…the silk shake has a little protein at the bottom of the list, however i am VERY protein sensitive and it doesn't seem to bother my hair at all!!!
ahem,
you've told us you have a protein sensitivity. I do too. severely. I dropped my Jane Carter Curl Cream back at the post office yesterday for a return/refund because it left my hair feeling like shards of sandpaper. Take it from me, save yourself the time/money/agony and don't even try it.
I tried Jane Carter's Curl Defining Cream and it was just ok to me. To their defense I was rushing when I tried it so it may not have been applied properly. So my plan is to give it another try and see what happens. If you are interested you can check out the product review post I did last week here: http://sassncurlz.com/2010/10/30/saturdays-review-jane-carter-solution/
Its not technically a curl cream, but I get great results using Qhemet's Burdock Root Butter Cream as my leave-in for a twistout. It moisturizes for several days (like a week) and it gives me enough hold so that my twistout has definition for 3-4 days before I even have to retwist or restyle. And Qhemet is going to have a Black Friday sale so that would be a good time to get some her products for cheap.
LOL! Nikki you need not make ridiculously funny commentary while I'm having my morning coffee. I feel you about not being able to shave your legs. Baby girl will mellow out for you real soon. In the meantime, keep your hair in a bun! They're cute on you.
I don't have any recommendations but I just have to say how much I'm enjoying your documenting how your life has um, ADJUSTED since Baby G's arrival. You sound like every new mom that's ever existed…and it's great! I hope you find something that works for you hair-wise…
You are such an anchorman fan! LOL!
Lol@ BC. I vaguely remember those days 🙂 So glad you're aiming at 4 dy hair now, that's always been my goal since I don't have time to do my hair more often. I'm still transitioning, but I can't wait for the reviews!
With Jane Carter's Wrap and Roll my twist outs last 4-5 days with shine and not crunchy
I can't wait for your review of the Jane Carter's Curl Defining Cream. I want to try it, but it's pricey!
beautiful curls curl activating cream at whole foods
Oh, the Baby G stories are the best! LOL
I like the Shea Moisture Curling Smoothie, too. I don't have trouble with the hold, but perhaps you can add a lil of your favorite gel to it.
Can't wait to see see your reviews. Also, I wondered the same thing…why did you stop using the Aveda…looking back, it had your hair lookin' good! 😉
TheRYL1
I like Some of Marguerites Magic by Carol's Daughter. You just need a dab on each section as you twist it. Great hold and curl definition.
Redken Curl Boulce Curl Wise 14 Curl Defining Cream for Coarse hair http://www.redken.com/products/styling/curl/curl-wise-14 . This stuff is the bomb! I received a full sized sample of this from Redken and instantly fell in love. I get great results every time with great hold and 5-6 day hair. Email me if you're interested in seeing pics of results.
Ugh!! Random Malcolm X movie quote: STAY OUT OF MY POCKETS!!
I just bought & returned the SheaMoisture smoothie the other day b/c I had bought 3 hair products the other day after saying NO MORE! I guess I'll go back & get it.
I shocked & amazed to say I am on DAY 7 HAIR!! No lie! And I have worn about 4 different styles in the past week lol. I divided my hair into 3 sections & did the raggediest TNC in history using GF cream gel, ORS twist & lock gel, & ORS smooth n shine pudding on each of the 3 sections. My hair being fine, short & nowhere near as thick as Nikki's, I got some wave, body, & volume to it. So I rocked it. I did chunky twists at night & fluffed in the AM. I plaited it all over Saturday night ala Ms. Celie & picked it out HUGE for Halloween (I was a black panther). Chunky twists that night gave me a medium wavy 'fro for Monday. Wore a puff to boot camp. Had an employment test today so I took out my chunky twists & ran wet hands thru my hair w/a DAB of SheaMoisture milk & put on a headband. Uber cute curly 'fro. I can't wait to see what it does tomorrow lol.
After boot camp tomorrow night I'm going to do another set. I don't think I can twist & roll the ends. I'm going to do the "sister curl" set or whatever my stylist used to do in the 80s/90s & roll my hair on perm rods then twist several times. I'm going to just use the ORS twist n loc gel this time. I love it. I read the Smooth n Shine pudding has mineral oil but that section of my hair has been fine with it.
http://www.unclefunkysdaughter.com/store/index.php?cPath=28
i have heard great things about it
I would have to agree with Babycakes Couture: Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a must-try. It's hold is weak in my opinion, so I don't know if it'll meet that criteria, but the moisture and shine is definitely there. I use it on dry and wet hair, but since it's getting colder in St. Louis, I only use it on my hair dry so that the coconut doesn't flake up.
I love blended beauty curl styling butter! gives me a super defined twist out 😀
I want to try that jane carter's, hear GREAT things about it 😀
Vonnie
http://www.socialitedreams.com/
You have to try Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. It is awesome! Leaves me with fluffy, shiny, and defined curls. It also smells yummy and very little goes a long way. i refresh in the AM with their shine and hold spritz and I always get 5 day hair. Sometimes I don't even want to redo it looks so good on the fifth day. This combo has put my inner PJ to bed for a good while now.
Bee Mine Bee hold curly butter (idk about the vegetable glycerin) or My honey child twist out cream.
@ anon 11:09, great advice! If I have to abort my missions, updo's it shall be 🙂
I'm just so in love with 'down and out' styles… it's hard for me to hide my hair for too long.
Bioca, I love Afroveda's Whipped Gelly! I use it for my edges while bunning. I can't remember if I've ever tried it for a twist-n-curl. I have a jar under my sink (of course, lol), so I may have to whip it out and give it a go too!
For me nothing comes to mind…but after I had my baby the only thing that I was rocking the first few months of her life was protective styles. I had my little bundle of joy at the end of summer too (thank the lord cause heat is the devil to the pregnant body). She wouldn't let me beautify myself for anything, you are lucky Baby G lets you shave a leg. I was walking around looking like cousin It's half sister lol. If you cant find anything I would suggest trying out some sexy twist styles. They will definitely last you through the week. I would wash and condition and twist my hair in about 25 or so somewhat smedium (small/medium) twists and pin them up in some sexy very glam styles. They got me through the winter and my hair grew considerably. My Simone is 3 now and she loves watching mommy "get glam" as she calls it. So you might have some time before Gia will allow it lol. Try out some of the creams but if all else fails, try some sexy twist pin up styles for the colder months.
lol @ Maria, I didn't! The life of a PJ… I'm a rolling stone. Honestly, I totally forgot about it!
I went to a salon and they used a mixture of afroveda pur whipped gelly and totally twisted. I know you might not be interested in it because of the price hike but it worked really well for me. It gave my curls definition and shine! Maybe you can try something comparable to those.
What about the Aveda whip you were using? Did you fall out of love with it?
I need one as well. My problem is I cannot use 'cones and mineral oils so that leaves out a lot of options; especially affordable drugstore ones. I would like to try the Shea Moisture line, but none of my local Targets carry it.
Thanks for the rec Misspretty! Anon, I find that when I use less product, I get *more* shine! Go figure. I've been hearing good things about the SM smoothie… I'll look into it 🙂
I am actually on my quest for one as well. I need something that gives hold (not crunchy), imparts moisture and shine. My hair won't seem to shine for nothing! unless I put globs of product on, which leaves a patch of grease on the pillow – not too great for the skin 🙁 If you haven't tried Curl Enhancing Smoothie from Shea Moisture line, you may want to give it a run. But if you do, go lightly b/c a little goes a very long way.
I LOve! "Bumble and Bumble" Curl Conscious calming Creme for coarse curls!!! It is part of my regime