Naturalla Beauty

I've struggled for years to tame my curly mane, but I think I've finally figured out what really works.  For a point of reference, my hair does really well air drying, but it needs the right products or else controlled curls can quickly turn into a frizzy mess.  I've tried a lot of products - and I especially feel like I've tried a lot this past year - so I think it's about time I put together my "best of" list for curly hair products.  I've included both a budget and high end option for each category.



Shampoo and Conditioner
I always keep Acure's  Argan + Argan Stem Cell Shampoo and Conditioner well stocked, and if money was no object, I would definitely rotate in John Masters Honey & Hibiscus Shampoo and Reconstructor.  Both duos provide a lot of moisture, but they don't weigh down my hair.  

Hair Oil
I've tried a lot of different oils, both singles and blends, but I always come back to using a pure, 100% argan oil.  I use a few drops on damp hair after washing - mainly focused on the ends - to control frizz and keep hair strong and healthy.  I'm a big fan of Acure's Argan Oil - it's certified organic, sustainably harvested, affordable, and good quality - but if you're open to spending a little more, Olie Biologique's Argan Oil - again organic, and also cold pressed - has a richer, nuttier scent and feels that little bit more luxurious.  

Hair Gel
I've probably tried more gels than any other hair product and it's the one category where I still feel like I'm searching for that ever elusive perfect product.  I like a product with hold, but I can't stand anything that leaves my hair feeling crunchy or sticky.  My favorite to date is Intelligent Nutrients' Organic Styling Gel, which smells fresh and minty and doesn't require a lot of product to get the light hold I'm after.  On the more budget-friendly side, I also really like Kinky Curly's Spiral Spritz.  It's a lighter hold product than the Intelligent Nutrients, but it nicely defines curls without leaving any kind of coating on the hair.  

Curl Refresher / Leave-in Conditioner
On days when I don't wash my hair, I like to use something to freshen up my curls and make them look bouncy and (almost) new again.  Beautiful Curls' Curl Reviving Tonic is the first natural product I've found that's actually intended for this purpose and it's pretty amazing.  Yarok's Feed Your Ends also works well, and it can do double duty as a heat protectant on the rare occasions that I heat style my hair.

Honorable Mentions
Yarok's Feed Your Roots was the first natural hair product I fell in love with, so I couldn't make this list without including it!  Some days I'll use the mousse in place of a gel, and it also works well to add volume at the roots.  

Intelligent Nutrients' Hair Shine is a bit of a cheat, as I haven't quite worked out how to best use it with curls, but it's amazing on those rare days that I straighten my hair.  It's not greasy at all and it tames frizz and flyaways like nothing else, all while leaving behind the most gorgeous, glossy, hair commercial-worthy shine.

Clearly I like trying hair products, so if there are any great ones I've missed, let me know in the comments.  I'd love to know your favorites!

Have you ever used a product and deemed it just okay, only to be completely wowed by it later on?  That's pretty much how my experience with Acure's Moroccan Argan + Argan Stem Cell shampoo and conditioner has gone.  When I first reviewed these, although I liked them, I found them too heavily moisturizing to use as my regular shampoo and conditioner, but after about six months of use, I've come full circle and have come to love them as just that.  They're the main shampoo and conditioner I've been using for the last several months, so I figure I'm past due for an updated review.

Yes, they're supremely hydrating, but once I worked out the right balance for my curly, frizz-prone hair, it's not too much.  I use roughly a loonie-sized amount of shampoo (that's about one and a half quarters for you non-Canucks) but only a dime-sized amount of conditioner. I generally use more conditioner than shampoo, which I think is why it took me so long to puzzle this ratio out, but these amounts definitely works best here.  This way, the shampoo and conditioner help define my curls and minimize frizz but they don't weigh my hair down or leave it feeling heavy or greasy.  The result: soft hair and bouncy, shiny curls.  I like to use a more clarifying shampoo every 2-3 weeks, just to make sure I'm getting rid of any product build up, but Acure is what I reach for on an everyday basis.   I've even come to really like the almond smell, which initially wasn't a favorite.  

If you've got dry, wavy, curly, or frizzy hair, Acure's Moroccan Argan + Argan Stem Cell products are for you!  And if not, Acure also makes two other shampoos/conditioners for different hair types.  I'm curious how the other varieties compare, but since these have been working so well, I'm sticking with them for now.  In fact, I just bought my second bottles, which goes to show how much I like them!

Have you tried Acure's shampoos and conditioners?

Where to Buy: $9.49 from Vitacost, $8.62 from iherb, $9.99 from Acure

By now, I'm sure everyone and their grandmother has heard of argan oil.  It's touted as a "key ingredient" in loads of mainstream products, and the more naturally inclined rave about using it straight for skincare, haircare, and everything in between.  I'm a little late jumping on this bandwagon, but after using it the last couple months, I'm firmly aboard and here to stay!
 


Product Description: Argan oil contains high levels of skin rejuvenating essential fatty acids. This rare and remarkable oil has traditionally been processed by hand from nuts collected in protected stands of native trees and has been used for centuries to moisturize and nourish the skin in the arid North African climate.

Aura Cacia’s Moroccan Argan Oil provides hair therapy when you need it most. Whether you prefer products for natural hair, a hair treatment or curly hair products, argan oil can be used in a variety of ways that will improve your hair’s strength, combat dryness and scalp issues as well as increase shine and softness.

Apply as a general body oil, a nourishing hair and scalp massage or to soften and rejuvenate dry skin.


Ingredients:  Organic argan (argania spinosa) kernel oil

Price: 1 fl oz for $14.99 from Aura Cacia or $10.19 from Vitacost 

My Thoughts: I've been applying this to my damp hair after showering for about two months now.  I take one pump, rub it between my hands and apply to my hair, starting at the ends.  I work it up the hair too, stopping just shy of my scalp.  My hair routine is quite simple - basically I just apply this, scrunch my hair and let it air dry.  Since adding the argan oil, my curls are more defined and my hair is overall more tidy and healthy looking, with less frizz and fly aways.

I've heard some people talk about not liking the smell of argan oil, but I have no complaints.  In fact, I actually really like the smell.  It's nutty and a little sweet, but overall, the scent is very mild.  It also disappears within a couple minutes of application.   

I haven't experimented much with using this for skincare yet, although I did try patting a small amount under my eyes last night, in the hopes of helping diminish dark circles.  My undereye area seems brighter today, but I also got extra sleep last night, so it's hard to say if the argan oil is responsible or not.  I'll have to report back once I've had the chance to test it out some more. 

Lastly, I'm also completely sold on Aura Cacia's packaging.  It comes in a lovely amber glass bottle, with a handy pump top.  Both the coloured glass and the pump help your oil to last longer.  The dark glass keeps out light and the pump keeps the oil sanitary and minimizes how much air it is exposed to.  It also dispenses just the right amount of oil and prevents any oily messes. 

The Bottom Line: Even though I'm just starting to experiment with argan oil, I think it's safe to say that it's a great multi-use product to have in your arsenal.  There are tons of different brands out there, at various price points, but as long as you're using a pure, 100% argan oil, I imagine you can expect similar results from any of them.  I've been really happy with this specific argan oil from Aura Cacia - it works well, is affordable and organic, and I'm quite taken with the packaging too.  A little goes a long way, but when I eventually run out, I can definitely see myself repurchasing it.

Have you tried argan oil?  If so, what's your favorite way to use it?

Once again, here's my referral link, in case you're new to Vitacost and want to save $10 off your first order.  No obligations, of course!

And, if you haven't entered yet, there's still time to enter my giveaway for a chance to win a free SoapStix portable handwash!