Best Styling Product Pairs for Curly Hair

[@GenaMarie]

Which combo do you want to try? I created a shopping guide to help you select the right products here: genamarie.co/2023/02/best-styling-product-pairs-for-curly-hair/ I also include links to rouintes using each combo!

[@loretta9213]

What about salt and pepper hair, my gray is high porosity and my brown is low. How would I handle this with the weight of cream and gel? I have short (chin length) medium thickness high density. my under side is 3a top is more 2b/c. I think I'm very new to this.

[@OnePersonOneOpinion]

curly hair is so cool like i have heard both you and swavy curly courtney talk about how spiralicious is a hard hold gel and it is ABSOLUTELY light hold for me lmao gotta love how everyone is so different!

[@bmorena]

WHAT ON EARTH IS THIS SORCERY??!!! I was just breaking my brain and just sleeping 4 hours this week just searching on the web for this info!! THANK YOU SO MUCH GIRLY, GOD BLESS YOU!! YOU JUST SAVED ME A GOOD NIGTH SLEEP 🥺 sorry for any mistakes English is not my first language.🌼

[@dianewristen]

I AM NEW TO SHOWING MY CURLS AFTER YEARS OF STRAIGHTENING ...I AM 73. SO A BIG THANK YOU

[@monettepaparotti9167]

Your like a hair therapist. You've helped me recover from a place of wondering what was wrong with my hair to loving my curls. Thank you!!!!

[@Aprilpixie]

Another great combo for coarse hair is the Ouidad extra strong hold gel (Gena’s fave in the red bottle), and the Curls blueberry bliss reparative leave in conditioner.

[@GenaMarie]

Oh I have that one! I should try

[@Aprilpixie]

@@GenaMarie if you do, I would be so grateful if you’d follow up here letting me know your thoughts.

[@JoyousEducator]

Yay!! Definitely going to give it a try too.

[@thatoneuser8600]

5:43 I think you're missing one of the key ingredients and that is magnesium sulfate. It's also known as epson salt and because it has a salt-like texture, it adds roughness to your hair texture, drys out your hair depending on how much of it you use, but also increases hydrogen bonds somehow which makes your hair more curlier. I think that's why you notice more shrinkage and bounciness with AG RE:COIL and why you like it so much because of this ingredient that hardly no other curl cream has. Manes by Mell just made a video recently where she's testing out a magnesium sulfate spray and it seems to give her shrinkage and curlier hair as well, so I would be interested to see if you could get the same results as your AG RE:COIL product by using a different curl cream without magnesium sulfate, and then lightly spraying your hair with a magnesium sulfate spray and scrunching it in? Would be a fun video idea :)

[@shantellhall1577]

I love Jessicurl Spiralicious, one of my favorite gels. I have had good luck using the Curlsmith Air Dry Cream, JVN Air Dry cream and Hairitage Strength Training Leave-in conditioner pudding. I haven't found a cream Jessicurl hasn't played nice with so far. Great content!

[@sallyelphick3136]

Hi Gena! Another great video thank you for sharing 🥰 I have tried a few of these combos from your other videos and my favourite was the Ouidad gel and the bounce curl clump and define cream i got such a good wash day!! I bought the gel because of you and it has been my go to gel all summer here in Australia 🤗 for you next video can you please do your favourite hair oils that you recommend for scrunching out the crunch and for scalp treatments? 💕

[@GenaMarie]

Aw im so glad!

[@sky-ih9cu]

oh my I love love love the Ouidad gel..It's awesome and I have thick long curly hair. Definitely a game changer..I've used it with Carol's Daughter coco creme butter and works well also since may hair tends to be coarse... I've been wanting to try the Bounce Curl clump cream. That's next on my list. Thanks for all the great info. I find your videos are some of the best ones.

[@juanitabridges6808]

A new mousse-gel is the Verb one by Manes by Mel. I’ve been experimenting with it. It has good moisture retention. I’ve been using the AG styling cream underneath but I don’t like the strong smell of the cream. I’m definitely going to purchase the Recoil and the Curlsmith ones. Recoil is an oldie but goodie. Thank you for this video.

[@lynnettewood4269]

I like the curlsmith airdry cream, followed by morrocanoil foam to define. Then scrunch in joico joigel with firm hold after microplopping to get a good cast and help with frizz

[@alicefrazee8934]

This was great, I needed more info on the creams with the gels. Thanks so much.

[@charlieseverson3534]

YES! I love the Jessicurl Spiralicious gel! Try it with the Curls Creme Brule curl cream.

[@belindachappell9875]

Thanks Gena ❤ great to have this resource all in your email too. If anyone isn’t signed up for Gena’s email you get all this info in a table to refer back to 👏🏻🙏🏻🥰

[@GenaMarie]

Thank you!

[@Bexwizard]

How can I sign up to your email list please Gena? Thanks so much 😊always love the detail in your content, my only struggle is not being able to get the brands you mention as they’re only available in the the US and I’m from the UK. I can sometimes find some on Amazon but they’re usually way overpriced. A video about products readily available in the US, UK and other European countries would be amazing 👍xx

[@GenaMarie]

@@Bexwizard There's a link to sign up in every video's description box and a form on my blog. Here you go: eepurl.com/cxMjdL

[@sayantaniist]

Omg.. what a great 👍 job dear.. sooooo much appreciated 👍

[@DesirayBrown]

I have low porosity, thick coarse hair. I detangle with the kinky curly Knot Today leave in, then use kinky curly come clean shampoo, curlsmith double cream deep quenched (protein free). Then add the leave in again and the kinky curly custard. I’ve been obsessed with my hair and used these after researching your channel. Thank you! Going to try the curlsmith soufflé and a curlsmith leave in next since it seemed to really like the deep conditioner!

[@priscillawhatley5989]

I like to mix Aussie gel with GOT2B black bottled gel, it has a really good hold sometimes I have to dilute it

[@Ladylovesblues]

Great video - I have noticed that I can get dramatically different results with my strong hold gels depending on what I pair them with. I agree the Jessicurl Spiralicious gel can be a bit drying by itself but I really like the hold it provides. I have been using the Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream with it lately, and my hair has stayed moisturized and soft between washes. I have also used the Bounce Curl Avocado and Rose Cream with it & had good results.

[@GenaMarie]

Yeah I think I’m going to try the bounce curl cream next!

[@rachelsobel2118]

I use Ouidad ACC Gel with AG Re:coil Curl Activator

[@lisamackenzie8504]

Love spiralicious for refreshing. Amazing

[@TheLauren1113]

I think the Ouidad Stronger Hold works really well with AG Recoil also. But lately I’ve been loving the Living Proof Curl Definer even more! Love that Ouidad leave in as well. I use it occasionally as a primer. Never thought to use it on its own with the gel! I will give that a try.

[@user-um9fh2fb2k]

They did remove the wax from the Curl Talk curl cream. The new formula is smoother and leaves my hair more defined and shiny. I don't need a gel with it.

[@bubbles__61104]

Could you do a drugstore vision of this like things you can find a Walmart and target under like 15 each. Would we wonderful

[@angies49]

You’re always so very helpful! Thank you! This was so good! Yes, more product combination recommendations! 🎉

[@user-jj4rs9ot7n]

Great information. Can you please recommend a color protective clarifying shampoo? Thank you.

[@cirrusm.2829]

Thanks for the recommendations, I'm not from the US but I'll try to find similar enough pairs in my products. For now unfortunately the only product that works for me is a very drying strong hold drugstore gel that is a nightmare to scrunch out. Mixing it with lighter gels gives good results too but only on the very rare days when it's not too humid :( Maybe I'll start with using more leave in to make it easier

[@livdelima6132]

With the Curl Talk line, I always loved my results after styling. But I always felt so much build up in my hair by the next day.

[@GenaMarie]

Same! I don't love my results over time, if used back to back

[@karatalksaboutstuff7333]

I used to love their mousse, but I've changed my mind for this exact reason. I feel like it's not as good over time as other products.

[@karenb.2012]

I ❤️using NYM curl talk shampoo, conditioner with these stylers: curl keeper original, curl talk curl activator and NYM hard hold gel. Love that combo! ❤️your videos!! I don’t like the NYM mousse dried out my hair and made it stringy.

[@KathleenKC1]

I am a fan of the Pacifica Pineapple Swirl Curl Defining Cream. It pairs well with the Ouidad & Dove gels.

[@snowflakes215]

Will you please do a review of the new Not Your Mother’s bond line? I find their curl talk line makes my hair like straw so I worry this would do the same. Just idea for your channel 😊

[@GenaMarie]

Yes, i can!

[@winterwaffle16]

I use the NYM Curl Talk cream every wash day, but idk how I'd be able to tell if I have build up! I use a clarifying shampoo every other week though. I also wanted to add that Ouidad has a drugstore line called Twist that has a gel. It's liquidy but not as much as their Climate Control gel is. I find it's not enough hold for me though and I still get some frizz if I don't use both a leave in and a cream. I'm used to using both when styling my hair anyways. I was just hoping I could get away with just a styling cream if I found the right gel, so I'll try the Curling Custard

[@GenaMarie]

Yeah, I've tried the Twist gel and I liked it, but just wish it had a little more hold. And if you're clarifying, I'm sure you're fine with the NYM Curl Talk Cream.

[@ruth8268]

Oh my gosh! So much good information! It can be overwhelming, really! Thank you for your expertise.

[@juliegaillard1209]

This is a wonderful and very helpful tutorial! Thankyou for being very specific and intentional with details here. I’ll be referring back to this one very frequently. It’s exactly what I’ve needed 🎉

[@Willowy13]

My favorite pair is Shea Moisture JBCO leave-in and Curlsmith Flex Jelly (the one from the blue line).

[@adelinachaparro]

Love this video, thank you. You’re my go to expert. Thoughts on curlsmith flexi jelly?

[@GenaMarie]

I like it! I dont use it as much as others since I like really strong hold

[@imajenn3006]

You listen to us ❤️🌷 This is great! I would love something on how you eval a product/combo & also techniques eg raking. Like how did you/do you decide when you have used enough product... what your hair feels like damp... do you just use a new curl cream by itself wash days until you reach the point it looks greasy? Oh, TWIST is supposed to be a great drug store. I have been really liking LUS 3-1 with a gel, or strong mousse. You use both less & more than you would think. It has amazing stylers/clumpers but no cast. I hated it, but then i got the cream amount right, and gel amounts right. Its mostly polyquats and has amazing humidity resilience.

[@ilovemecabana]

You are HEAVEN sent. Pleaseeeeeee help me! I tried the ouidad strong hold gel but it left my curls horrible they had zero hold and definition I believe it’s the moisture in the product. My question is do you have a dupe for the curl smith in shower gel? That’s the ONLY strong hold gel that really holds and defines my bleached curls for days but it is quite pricey. I just got Jessicurl to try I’m hoping it has a good hold 😭

[@kristivaughan3839]

I have been using Kinky Curly and NYM combined or Raw Curl with NYM, but I am going to try some of the combos you talked about here.

[@mesquitecervino249]

I find that the Spiralicious from Jessicurl is very finicky. If you scrunch your hair at all while it is drying, you may not get the cast you like. Any advice would be welcome. Also, I love Rockin Ringlets from Jessicurl as well- it is similar to Ag Recoil in that it has magnesium sulfate in it. Not as big of a fan of Confident Coils from the same brand because once again- I find it to be finicky. You get white flakes in your hair if you use too much of it. I like to be able to scrunch my hair, and add as much product as a want with no negative repercussions for my actions lol. But like I said earlier, if you have any tips on Spiralicious let me know- like I want to like it, but right now I don't.

[@Caeleinn]

I've been noticing a build-up on my hair after wash day; never thought it would be the curl cream I've been using (NYM's Curl Talk). I've got really fine, thin hair, so I need something lightweight. I think I'll look into the CS Featherweight or the Air Dry cream. I got a bottle of the Ouidad gel in the red bottle based on your recommendation, and because I live in a very humid area. I love the hold it gives, but will probably love it better with a different cream underneath.

[@GenaMarie]

Yeah I notice some buildup with repeated use 😩 Just have to clarify often.

[@kristineparrotta2456]

Try using it with the feather light protien cream from curl smith... I also use a gel from oiadad it's in a light purple bottle, it's has medium hold but it's amazing for curl definition... its called good shape.

[@renata6488]

Another strong gel for me is I create hold by innerscense which is more on the pricey side.

[@TheLauren1113]

Camille Rose Curl Maker is pretty good. It’s not the liquidy type of gel I normally gravitate to but it works well. I do prefer the Ouidad though.

[@curlychapina]

May I ask why? I love the curl maker, could not imagine something better, so I am intrigued 🙊

[@hayleeblack6639]

Nym cream, Kinky curly paired with nym mousse. Has wonderful body and hold.

[@sctc7102]

Hi Gena, you have been instrumental in me figuring out how to style my hair. Have you ever tried the Raw Organics line? I’d love to see a review from you on these products.

[@MaRyJoYo23]

In regards to the drugstore options, have you ever tried the NYM Curl Talk Lasting Definition Hard Hold Gel?

[@vaskylark]

Ok, so the Kinky Curly and the Curl Talk cream pairing in the video you made, which one would you apply first? I have these two so I want to try them together. Big fan of Kinky Curly but I normally I put it on last but maybe I should be putting it on first?

[@fabiolarodriguez7637]

Saved for the next purchase of products 😊

[@angelarosethomas7737]

Hi gena thanks for this video , Cachos 5 in 1 combing cream goes very well with jessicurl spiralecoius gel the cream is a bit heavy though

[@ceystal]

Uncle Funky's Daughter Curly Magic is a good drugstore gel option with protein, moisture, and medium hold

[@GenaMarie]

Yeah i like that one! I need to use it again because its been awhile

[@ceystal]

@@GenaMarie also Camille rose curl maker is a very comparable

[@kimhamilton762]

This is a great video, Gena! I recently purchased some Quidad products. I recently used the moisture lock leave-in conditioner then the featherweight advanced climate control styling cream and the curl quencher moisturizing styling gel. My coily curls are so defined, moisturized and less fizzy! I am on day three and I did not to any refreshing of my coily curls! These products are perfect for my low porosity, medium dense hair. I cannot use heavy creams for my hair. I am going to try the strong hold gel next with the same products. I should get the same results.

[@GenaMarie]

I need to try their creams! I always avoided them due to the silicones but Im starting to use silicones now in moderation

[@kimhamilton762]

@@GenaMarie I think you have to find the right balance when using products with silicones. The featherweight advance climate control styling cream is free from non- water soluble silicones. This is perfect for my low porosity hair. Many of the products that I used before had dimethicone and/or Cetyl dimethicone. And use over time has made my hair heavy with product build-up. And my coily curls did not pop. But as you stated you have to use silicones in moderation.

[@RabielleParfait]

I love Kinky Curly Curling Custard! 😍Have you also tried out Innersense I Create Volume, I Create Hold and Ecoslay’s Jelloshot? ☺️They don’t contain glycerin which helps a lot too in high humidity or dryness.

[@GenaMarie]

I have used the Innersense gel and I liked it, but it's too thick for my preference. I sometimes use thick gels and dilute them but overall I like more liquidy gels.

[@1980sandra]

Hello there. Could you try Dove Curls Defining Mousse? This us the one I like, it’s very soft and not crunchy. I would love to see your take on this one and what you’d pair with it or if you wouldn’t recommend it at all.

[@meenakshimeyyappan22]

NYM curl talk gel doesn't dry my hair too much - they just came out with a strong hold gel so maybe try that out!!

[@GenaMarie]

I've tried both the original and the strong hold and didn't like them unfortunately. 😩 The original didn't give a cast at all, and the strong hold was too thick and sticky for me and dried out my hair.

[@nikki2370]

Have you tried the new Sally Hansen curl products? I saw another influencer recommend it. It's like $10 each item. I have been wanted to go out and buy the gel!

[@helennoble9587]

Hask shampoo , conditioner, leave in conditioner, little hair oil, salt spray done , perfect large bouncy juicy curls

[@saral6978]

Have you tried many of the Twist products by Ouidad? I love,love, love the lightweight gel. For me it's the perfect hold and my refreshes have been pretty great! I also use their primer leave in spray.

[@GenaMarie]

Yes I have! It's just not one I use all the time since it's not strong hold for me

[@hillarywiener171]

You should try the Aussie line of hells if you haven’t already

[@adnan7652]

aprreciate it, keep it up

[@ellenalmqvist6413]

I love your channel! With the jessicurl gel, I pair it with the jessicurl rock in’ ringlets (which I use first) and get great results. Thanks

[@GenaMarie]

I'll try that next!

[@deandrajohnson1973]

U should check out the Miribel line. I’ve been using the protein cream which can be a leave in or a rinse out conditioner and it is packed with protein and my hair loves it. Since u like protein u might dig it too. 👍🏾

[@GenaMarie]

Thank you!

[@jessg.829]

I have been wanting to try the Miribel Naturals products for a while now! How do you like their flaxseed gel?

[@deandrajohnson1973]

@@jessg.829 that I haven’t tried. I have fine hair and prefer a soft look so especially in winter I don’t use gel but this cream is wonderful! It’s only been a few days but it’s given me awesome hair days. 👍🏾

[@jessg.829]

@@deandrajohnson1973 Thanks!

[@kristivaughan3839]

2 things. I didn't see the link you talked about for the video you did on Bounce Curl and CurlsSmith combo. What is the name of your nail polish color? Love it.

[@hollyscottlaukkonen8280]

Have you tried the Kinky Curly Knot Today leave-in (one of my favorite things ever) with the Curling Custard? Curious how you’d compare that duo to the others.

[@GenaMarie]

No, but I need to try it!

[@amandaewan6077]

I started using (and fell in love with!) the Dove amplified on my fine, low density hair....but now I cant find it anywhere! The Walmarts here havent carried it for months and Im wondering if it will come back :/

[@RockyBarraganRB]

Got excited when you mentioned Curl Talk combo’s with Kinky Curly. I love KCCC. Then I looked at the Curl Talk ingredients…it’s not CG friendly. 😞 Bummer. Was hoping to find a different combo. Right now I’m using the SM Curl Enhancing Smoothie. It works well but it can day almost a full day for my hair to air dry.

[@GenaMarie]

It's not too bad if you're clarifying often. It's just one wax ingredient, but I wouldn't want to use it back to back every wash day

[@jessg.829]

Have you tried the Treluxe curl cream and gel combo? I've been having good results with them! Thanks for the great combo ideas! 💡

[@GenaMarie]

Yes! I love those too! I just don't get as long-lasting hold so I tend to reach for these stronger hold options more

[@jessg.829]

@Gena Marie Yep... I just used the CS Feather Light cream and Souflee last week and I got great results without refreshing!

[@ruth8268]

Gena, have you or do you use a hair oil? If so, any particular brands? Any advice? Thank you!

[@namastea]

So they say the AG lotion formula has changed is that true ??

[@chicanica64]

Which do you put on first? The cream or the gel?

[@GenaMarie]

Cream then gel

[@infinitigirl29]

Genna, I really appreciate your recommendations, I have tried some many times to get a cast with the Ouidad Red gel and I can't make it last more tha, one or 2 days. Any troubleshooting ideas?

[@GenaMarie]

Check this video out if you haven't already: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKSxqnqniaeKhNk

[@jodifuller7249]

Have you tried trelux products?

[@DrugAbusePrevention]

Good Unscented products are so hard to find. Any recommendations?

[@shadowchsr79]

I have fine wavy hair that is fairly low porosity and the styling souffle from Curlsmith builds up so my hair feels damp and producty. I Tried several times using it with and without other products, used less and just can't make it work but I hate wasting a product.

[@el2671]

Have you ever tried BTZ noodle head curl cream? Even if you haven’t, what are your thoughts on the ingredients?

[@GenaMarie]

No, I havent! Ill check it out

[@sayantaniist]

Dear my hair is dry thin wavy colored breakage pron short..may I use the combo of ouidad strong gel with curl Smith air dry cream or protein curl cream..PL suggest

[@debbiesc.5957]

Hi Jena: Have you tried Dove Amplified Texture Hydrating Clending Cream? TY

[@GenaMarie]

No I haven’t! It’s not silicone free from what I recall. But I’m starting to incorporate them more

[@irmaradinson2320]

Dove has a strong floral smell 😢. I stick with CS . I use moisturizer line and protein line. I tried VERB one and done my hair doesn't like it at all.

[@Star-dj1kw]

FYI the Haiirtage hair care is super perfumed up. I read online they also have a fragrance free line but I don’t know if it’s aimed at curlies. The product of theirs I was interested in was a heat protectant spray and after I’ve already bought the Curlsmith one.

[@tammydowell3723]

I live in florida. My go to is kinky curly knot today leave in and dippty do girls with curls gelee. It's awesome with fighting freeze.

[@lindafoster5977]

Thanks for all the info. Most products for curly hair smells horrific like chemicals. I’m highly sensitive to smells so trying new products is difficult for me. You don’t mention how these products smell at all.

[@ilovemecabana]

Also curls smith shine has no fragrance as well (:

[@sctc7102]

What about it shampoos? Any good non harmful shampoos? That won’t break the bank?

[@alishamarie833]

Do you know what could cause curls to not clump as well as they used to when styling? My curls used to clump into big curls and now less strands are clumping together creating thinner tinier curls. Is there a way I can get my hair to clump into bigger curls again like it used to?

[@GenaMarie]

Buildup is often a culprit of this, especially if you have hard water. I recommend a chelating shampoo to remove hard water buildup, and if you don't have hard water, a regular clarifying shampoo will do

[@TracyD2]

Do you find products work best when you mix those together or layer ?

[@GenaMarie]

Always layer not mix!

[@annabellagracie9898]

Hi Gena! Thank you for this video. I am still struggling to find the perfect combo for my medium density fine 2c/3a highlighted hair ☹️ I usually apply on soaking wet hair, and brush style. For some reason I’m not getting a good cast. I used the bounce curl cream, and the Quidad gel. Any tips would be greatly appreciated! ❤

[@GenaMarie]

watch this if you haven't already: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKSxqnqniaeKhNk it's likely because you're styling soaking wet, diluting the gel and/or using too much cream

[@annabellagracie9898]

Thank you! ❤

[@annabellagracie9898]

One more question. In the video you recommended you use 2 of the curlsmith gels. Is there another gel you prefer to use with the Quidad gel that will give the strong hold like the 2 curlsmith gels?

[@GenaMarie]

@@annabellagracie9898 I only showed the Curlsmith Souffle gel in this video and I use that with just a cream, not with another gel. For the Ouidad gel, it is strong hold so I don't need to layer a second gel on top. Does that answer your question or are you referring to something else?

[@annabellagracie9898]

Oh, i’m sorry. I was referring to the video you linked. You use 2 curlsmith gels in that video. So, the Quidad gel doesn’t need to be layered with another gel to get a good cast?

[@pennycoleman6178]

I find that products that have glycerine ….make my hair frizzy.

[@deniseruffini1688]

Me too…probably the reason Ouidad hates my hair. Second ingredient is glycerin and I got horrible frizz

[@pennycoleman6178]

@@deniseruffini1688 yes glycerine is the worst. Best gel…kinky curly original curling custard for winter…no glycerine and for summer stronger hold…biosilk rock hard styling gelee and not your mothers curl talk defining cream with both use just a little. That is what works for me. No glycerine ever.

[@reallimi7497]

Summary… Any and every crawl product that has ever been marketed will work in your curly hair. Just try them all and combine them.

[@paisley1134]

I can not stomach the smell of that Quidad. It takes my breath away and is stiff on my hair ewww