A Realistic Week of Curly Hair - How to Refresh, Workout & Sleep with Curls

[@GenaMarie]

I summarized each day over on my blog with before/after photos and product links: genamarie.co/2023/01/a-realistic-week-of-curl-hair-wash-day-workout-sleep-protection-quick-wash-day-routine/

[@belindachappell9875]

Thank you for the realistic look at caring for curly hair. It really helps me to embrace my curls more and not feel like they have to be frizz free to look good. 27 years of straightening and smoothing is hard to undo that belief, and my curls never look as good as on KZbin so this helps ❤

[@rebella5769]

It was so interesting to see how you can actually not use water on a daily basis to refresh. My hair is extremely dry. Each morning I have to use water just to get it to lay down. But I keep watching and learning. One day I’m sure I’ll get there. Thanks so much. You give me hope

[@GenaMarie]

It gets better with time! I've just started doing that by not wetting my hair daily. It also has to do with how well your products retain moisture.

[@ellenkropp-rogers4808]

If I may offer......As a professional hair stylist, I work with several clients that experience primary (alopecias) and secondary (symptom of another condition) hair loss conditions, along with their Dermatologist (with a specialty in hair loss conditions). I would not recommend “scrubbing” any type of treatment into your scalp - especially if your sense is that it causes breakage/loss - aka “mechanical damage”. Gently spreading/massaging the treatment into the scalp with the balls of your finger tips (NO nails) should do the job. The serum/treatment will do the rest. The same goes for shampooing. I hope that this helps😊

[@GenaMarie]

Thank you for sharing your prof knowledge! Fortunately I have just been gently massaging it in. I guess I should not have used the word scrubbing haha.

[@ellenkropp-rogers4808]

Well, you know - we do hang on every word you say!!😁 I do enjoy your videos and all of the knowledge, products and techniques that you share. Thanks💖 I do recommend you to my curly haired clients!😉😊

[@GenaMarie]

@@ellenkropp-rogers4808 Aw thank you!

[@mycachandler1478]

I haven’t been able to find any way that really protects my thin waves overnight. 😢 I have to refresh everyday.

[@nancymitchell6185]

Thank you so much for a realistic look at dealing with curly hair for a week! I'm going back to curly after straightening for a long time and this is so helpful.

[@jc6003]

Just want to thank you for all your tips, many of which I have adopted at home. Also love how you acknowledge other curly hair influencers, shows your integrity. I’m not one to ever post much on social media, in fact this is the first time I post on KZbin. I just really wanted to thank you.

[@GenaMarie]

Aw thank you so much!

[@theresamoser2432]

Thank you for a realistic week of caring for your curls. Some times I think I refresh to much I just need to let them be and except what they look like if I am going to be home.

[@GenaMarie]

Me too! Im trting to refresh much less this year

[@dena-mo118]

Gena Marie, so enjoy this week in review of your curls. Reassuring to see that everyday is not a "perfect" curl day and how your curls progress throughout the week. I've really learned so much from your videos. Your styling tips in a previous video for using a brush have been a game changer for me.

[@barbaran1869]

When I use the Kinky Curly Curling Custard on its own I get frizz. But, when I combine it with the Kinky Curly Knot Today leave in I get great curl cast. They are magical together. I highly recommend trying both together. ❤

[@GenaMarie]

Interesting! I need to get that leave-in

[@curlygurlxo]

I use both also. Whenever I put the custard in though, it feels like my hair is drying really fast not sure if that's what flash drying is? It isn't actually dry but gets a weird feeling to it immediately. I still use it because I don't notice any issues with it later on, but not sure if that's normal with it or what that means

[@gawlitaamelia]

thank you so much for the realistic look at curly hair throughout the week, it made me feel less alone i really thought my hair was just broken and i was doing something wrong ❤❤❤

[@jessg.829]

I shower at night and I always leave the gel cast in then scrunch it out in the morning. Thanks for the great video!!

[@keribrown7071]

I liked how your hair looked on Friday the best!

[@livdelima6132]

I like this type video. Thanks

[@bethanyhutchinson6714]

I have very short chin length hair, so I just sleep on a silk pillowcase. I’ve tried bonnets before, but just can’t get used to sleeping with something on my head! Thanks for sharing this detailed look at your curls through the week! 👍🏻

[@nikki2370]

I'm so excited. Thank you!

[@willowtree9900]

Yasss i love these types of videos theyre so helpful

[@Jjsister1118]

I love these kinds of videos ❤️

[@VeganBoricua]

Congrats on invisalign! Best decision I ever made! :) and thanks so much for making blog summary posts, very helpful when referring back and I can’t always rewatch an entire video.

[@GenaMarie]

Thank you! So glad it's helpful

[@braidsbyfauvefrancine8296]

I’m still trying to find the right products for my hair, I’ll have to do a progress video, u have helped so much! Thank u xx

[@melissadoucette6918]

I loved this video!! Thanks for sharing!

[@maureentoomey6521]

I don't love the CFG on first day hair, but it's an AWESOME refresher. Actually the product I've had the best luck with refreshing.

[@curlygurlxo]

I've read that it's best to use treatments like Olaplex 3 after clarifying because the hair is cleaned and can absorb the product better. I know k18 definitely says to also

[@nancyarbogast7647]

Thanks for the tips! I got some bonnets at the dollar store. They are great for using under hats/hoods/ helmets and while exercising. I can’t use any artificial fragrance which makes finding products a challenge. Love for you to try my favorite gel, Fragfre firm hold. I get it on Amazon. For refresh if I need mor gel I use Original Sprout which is pretty light. Really enjoy all your tips. I’ve learned a lot! Thanks

[@irmaradinson2320]

The Verb brand love leave in condish and the cream styler. However I use light styler but it have to much conditioner in the pump so I used what you deed add a heave styler with a little crunch. It made look good. It didn’t last long the next day. It was Okay but not will buy it again, :(

[@F4raah]

Hello gena ! For the scrunchie at 14:50 i have some recommendations ! You should try buying the invisibobble silk scrunchie its like the one you have but wrapped in silk ! Its available on amazon . Have a nice day!

[@terramartin2180]

Thanks for doing this! Just found your channel and I’m loving it Happy New Years🎉

[@GenaMarie]

Happy new year!!

[@deborahrusses4029]

There seems to be a bi-zillion products out there! It overwhelms me.

[@hopiiii1]

Happy New Year Gena...nice video, loved that you used NYM.. their Naturals line helps my frail hair. BiancaRenee first made me aware because the Matcha Green Tea Apple Blossom .It's usually one of her top 3 favorites. Their Curl talk curl activating mousse gives helps me with volume, shine and hold. My hair can't take much more product. Started on my Curl Smith serums also.

[@GrayedAmy]

Rather than trying to find a curl cream that goes with the Kinky Curly custard, I would use a thin runny gel with it. I would try the Curlsmith Aqua gel or the Ouidad Climate Control gel in the white bottle. I get great results and a good cast when I stack a custard with a runny gel because the custard is much more moisturizing than the gel, so I don't feel like I'm just stacking two gels. I skip the curl cream and just go with a light leave-in conditioner.

[@GenaMarie]

Thank you! I need to try that.

[@stephpolka]

Happy New Year!!! Will you please do a review of the Ouidad diffuser? Thank you so so much!!! :)

[@GenaMarie]

Happy new year! I did see that but haven't ordered it since I feel like i have plenty diffusers lol! It does look interesting though

[@nikki2370]

I definitely want to try the curl foam with the curl foam. The foam is nice but I don't have good hold with it

[@bertikahernandez93]

I am awful at refreshing, it just never comes out right. I struggle with a lot of frizz. I have silver hair.

[@GenaMarie]

It's tough! i have a playlist on refreshing if you want to check that out for more assistance

[@deborahrusses4029]

When you were diffusing, at what point did you add the clips?

[@Ginger_McElfresh_Art]

Gena, have you tried putting your hair up in a puff cuff instead of the invisibobble? I think you would like that...no looping 😉

[@GenaMarie]

I need to try that! I hate having to wrap a scrunchie lol

[@stephpolka]

I frequently wonder how you can diffuse your hair in just 10 mins! I heard you say you would diffuse more to get your inner layers dry.

[@GenaMarie]

It's mainly because my hair is low density and the Curlsmith hair dryer is so large so it covers more surface area at once. I also dry my scalp/roots with the prongs

[@caretaker6835]

I can't wash my hair 3 time a week it's to oily and it's gets sweaty at night when sleeping so I have to wash it every day.

[@sweetmother2406]

Curly sisters who can’t do multiple day hair, unite!

[@jasmined4973]

Hi Gena! I’ve been following you for years! I have low density medium and coarse hair like you and I’ve found that my pattern and density has changed just like yours! I initially followed years ago because we both had 3C hair! I now have 3A/3B and I’ve found that your fullness routine a couple videos ago has saved my confidence! PS for all you silicone leery people like me the VERB leave in does have Amodimethicone in the first few ingredients and Protein very high on the list as well! Not a bad thing just thought it should be mentioned because I know a lot of us don’t use silicone at all. I only use them in the summer sparingly because my high porosity needs them to help keep moisture in ❤

[@dakota630]

i love your videos, and loved seeing a realistic take on your curls but i found it confusing and a little disappointing that you specifically didn’t want to use all products with protein in them and the next clip was a protein product.. i’m not sure if it’s that they have less protein or what but as someone with protein sensitive hair i was excited to see what you picked but.. you still picked protein. still all the love ❤

[@GenaMarie]

Thank you! Which product/day are you referring to? I didn’t use any product with protein on my Sunday wash day. The verb foaming gel in the Christmas souffle do not contain proteins

[@katieduffy593]

How do you know if your hair would benefit from protein or not?? Thanks for all your info.

[@GenaMarie]

If it's damaged, such as from heat, bleach, harsh detangling, etc. Or if it's very fine

[@katieduffy593]

@@GenaMarie thank you very much. Mine doesn't need protein then.

[@patgaudio476]

Is there any routine for curly/wavy hair that doesn't require so many products?? Looking for a simple, inexpensive hair product routine for fine, low density wavy, mixed curls.

[@patgaudio476]

So a heart emoji means what? There are no sime affordable hair care products and routine for low income people like me? The total cost of all the products you recommend are over $100!

[@Lw77596]

Hi Gena, a Very Happy New Year to you, I loved seeing this process! My hair is coloured and gets very dry but is quite fine so doesn't respond well to too much cream followed by a gel when styling, so I try to do just gel with a medium to hard hold. What gel would you recommend?xx

[@GenaMarie]

Happy new year!!

[@702desertmom]

Great video Gena! I look to you for advice on prolonging washing my hair. I currently wear a satin cap at night, is silk better?

[@GenaMarie]

Either works fine! The main difference with silk is its a higher quality natural material

[@702desertmom]

@@GenaMarie Thank you’

[@stephpolka]

Do you usually leave your inner layers a little wet when diffusing? Thanks!! :)

[@caretaker6835]

Cute hair style for thin short hair

[@laurelynhead2435]

What do you think is the difference between the Curlsmith Souffle and the Kinky Curly Custard in their performance when used alone? Let me know your thoughts?

[@GenaMarie]

They're very similar! The main difference is the Curlsmith Souffle has more oils in it. In terms of performance on their own, I need to test that.

[@tifflovesmetal]

Curious what would be causing your hair breakage? I have coarse wavy hair and Kinky Curly is the only gel that gives me a serious cast but I use a hair spray on top of that. I’m in Canada so products are not easy to come by. Maybe I’ll try the curl smith soufflé.

[@GenaMarie]

I've always had issues with breakage. Which is odd because my hair is medium to coarse so it's not like it's fine and fragile. I think because my hair and scalp are naturally dry so I don't have a lot of protective hair sebum. Also I think it's tied to my previous nutrient deficiency with iron.

[@MistyMeanorB]

Thank you for all of your tips!!! Wondering if you could answer a question that nobody I have asked knows the answer… I fix my hair in the morning (wash, air/blow dry, style, etc). I use hairspray, that doesn’t seem to hold very well. My hair is still somewhat stiff/sticky at night. I have been combing through it at night with a wet brush to smooth it out. I feel like the combing at night may not be good for it??? Not sure what else to do. I wash it every other day. I have very fine, thin hair with stick straight pieces on top, frizzy, kinky pieces, waves, cowlicks, and blank spots 😩😩. It’s so hard to manage and doesn’t grow much. I am 60.

[@GenaMarie]

I don't recommend brushing your hair out unless you're about to wash it. I also recommend using a gel instead of hairspray. Hairspray can be drying and sticky. it's fine just a light topper to tame flyaways if you have a lot of frizz and need it to last in humidity. But I wouldnt use a regular styler overall

[@MistyMeanorB]

@@GenaMarie thank you so much!!! I just bought some Curlsmith gel to try!!!

[@MsHendrix5]

Is there a reason you use Olaplex rather than the Curlsmith bonding treatment?

[@GenaMarie]

I like both but I have coarse hair in some areas so I can’t use too much protein and Olaplex is protein free.

[@debbiesc.5957]

Would you recommend Kenra Curl Defining Creme? Also would you recommend Curvaceous Full Swirl Cream?

[@mariaenroth7058]

No subtitles.😟

[@GenaMarie]

They're on!

[@stephpolka]

Do you usually leave your inner layers a little wet when diffusing? Thanks!! :)

[@GenaMarie]

No, I get it fully dry 😊

[@irmaradinson2320]

Love the curlsmith elixir it help my fine hair to grow without breakage