My Favorite Hair Care Products

Do you have wavy/curly hair? If you do… then this post is for you.

If you’ve been reading my blog since the beginning, you know that my hair is curly, but I often wear it styled. I’ve probably used hundreds of hair care products over the years, trying to find the best shampoo or gel for my luscious locks. I don’t color or highlight my hair often, so I am not limited to a certain product line. I can use products for curly or straight hair since I wear mine both ways.

Shampoo and Conditioner

I think I’ve tried everything in the book for curly hair shampoo and conditioners. What I have found works the best for my hair are shampoos and conditioners not designed for curly hair. There is something in the specialty brands that makes my curls loose and my straightened hair less willing to stay straight. I love Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo because it makes my hair soft and easy to style. After shampooing, I use Paul Mitchell The Conditioner. This is NOT a rinse-out conditioner, but rather a leave-in conditioner you apply in the shower. Sometimes I use it on my daughter’s fine hair after shampooing it. I find that it helps hair stay moisturized without the added weight of your typical leave-in conditioner.

• I only wash my hair 3-4 times a week. My dirty hair styles better than my clean hair.
• I used Aveda Co-Wash for curly hair for a few months and really liked how it kept my curls soft. I recommend this co-wash for curls if you don’t want to shampoo daily and you don’t straighten your hair.
• If you’re looking for a sulfate-free and color safe option for shampoo and conditioner, Paul Mitchell makes Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shampoo and Conditioner.

Styling Products

For curly hair days… 

I apply four different styling products after lightly towel drying and combing my hair. I always allow my hair to air dry afterward.

1. Cream – Aveda Be Curly Enhancer – I love how Aveda’s Be Curly Enhancer makes my hair shiny and keeps away the frizz. However, I can only use a small amount of this curl enhancer since it seems to weigh my curls down. I also like to apply it on day old curls to smooth anything unruly.
2. Gel – I only use a teensy bit of gel to hold the curl. I prefer inexpensive gels, such as Herbal Essence over other brands.
3. Mousse – I have to switch up the brand of mousse that I use on my hair because it seems like the curls stop curling after a couple of months. My favorites are inexpensive brands, such as Fructis and Herbal Essence. I have tried salon brands like DevaCurl, but it seems to weigh my hair down.
4. Hairspray – I always use hairspray on my hair when it is still wet – and then later when it has dried a bit. If I don’t use hairspray, my curls end up a frizzy hot mess. For curly hair days, I use whatever medium hold hair spray I can grab out of my bin of hair products. Right now I am using Aussie Volume Hair Spray.

For blow dry and style hair days…

I use two styling products before I blow dry and two products when I’m all done. Some days I like to wear my hair pin straight while other days I use a curling wand. Either way, I use all four products on my hair.

1. Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum – I use a pea sized amount on the bottom of my hair.
2. Redken Pillow Proof Express Primer – I love how this spray seems to keep my hair straight for a few days longer than if I go without it. I spritz only a bit on my hair and then comb it through.
3. Moroccan Oil – Applied to the ends to keep them shiny. I NEVER put oil near my roots or my hair looks flat and greasy.
4. Dry Bar The Sheriff Firm Hold Hairspray – just a light spray over my hair to tame any frizz.

Styling Tools

My favorite blow dryer: BaByliss Pro BAB2 Ceramix Xtreme Dryer

My favorite round brush: Ceramic and Ionic Round Brush

My favorite curling wand: 1 1/2 inch curling wand

My favorite flat iron: The verdict is still out… but I like this BaBylissPRO Porcelain Ceramic Straightening Iron

I would love to know your recommendations for curly/straight hair products. For my hair styling routine – stay tuned…

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