How to Simplify your Curly Hair Routine + Minimize Products

[@GenaMarie]

📆 BOOK A CURL COACHING SESSION, 2 spots just opened up soon: genamarie.co/curl-coaching/ Summary notes & links on my blog: genamarie.co/2024/09/how-to-simplify-your-curly-hair-routine/

[@KasiaZ]

I am lately struggling a lot with my hair. I discovered they are curly some time ago, but over 2 years ago I ditched hair color and got back to my natural medium blonde. Now that I have completely natural hair it's not easy to find products that work due to low porosity as almost everything was weighing them down. I simplified a lot to daily shampoo, deep cleansing shampoo, lightweight conditioner (one is like a cream and I use it as deep condition and the other one is a spray leave-in), and then mousse/gel. I ordered Camille Rose curl love milk and curl maker jelly as apparently these are good for low porosity. I absolutely love how my curls turn out - so light, fluffy, bouncy, shiny, last for a few days without getting greasy. I learned so much from your videos and I love that you have a less is more and educate on different hair and curl types

[@LoriAdams-w7j]

I’m looking forward to your hair becoming more grey and what products will work for you. Mine is now totally grey and it’s challenging…much thinner and more coarse. I have yet to find products that work well, but keep trying!

[@jayalexander3356]

Same. I do not know how to manage my grey hair. Old products don't work the same amymore.

[@tinat232]

Same! My hair acts completely different now😂

[@ElaEG]

Same issues here. I've been experimenting with lots of products the past few years and trying to figure out what works in my grey hair and also trying to figure out how to make my thinner hair look fuller and cover my scalp. I find that what works changes over time and that I can use much heavier products now that used to weigh down my hair when it wasn't totally grey.

[@joyindrelie6715]

Same!

[@CJbrieflittlecandle]

The Jessicurl gel has jojoba seed oil, polyquats, urea, and panthenol. I find it to be moisturizing. Also, for five years I have been brushing my gel into my hair and today I tried styling with just a leave in and then glazing and scrunching my gel in after. I don’t know how long it will last but the results are amazing comparatively speaking.

[@anitaclue9868]

Jessicurl is amazing…and simple

[@GinaMarieCheeseman]

I also find it to be very moisturizing, and I live in a dry, hot area.

[@Fawn218]

Did you do this in sections because when I have tried this, I can't seem to get good coverage

[@CJbrieflittlecandle]

@@Fawn218 I did not do sections but I used a lot of gel, really spread it all over my palms, and applied to very wet hair. I guess my sections were more like sides 1 and 2

[@Fawn218]

@@CJbrieflittlecandle thanks! Did you continue using this styling technique?

[@samitty7192]

My hair is an absolute disaster when I wake up in the morning. I never have “next day curls”. It’s just a hot mess no matter what I do. I have tried putting it up in a pineapple, I have tried a satin bonnet. The bonnet just smashes my curls against my head. The pineapple just makes my hair stick straight up, even after I take it down. The only thing I haven’t tried is a silk pillowcase. But I’m reluctant to spend the money because it might not do anything for me. Ultimately I have to refresh every day with water and restyle/diffuse every day! I hear so many people don’t have to do this. What am I doing wrong? 🤷🏻‍♀️😖

[@GenaMarie]

I have a video that should help here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5umfXqrm8qCmqM&pp=gAQBiAQB I am planning more refreshing videos like this.

[@sheilaspringer869]

About the silk pillow case...it's also very good for your skin and about $20 ‐ 25. 😊

[@julieo4580]

6:38 i am so glad to hear someone say many are using too many products and can use one for good results. I have tried so many routines from online and they just weighed down my hair and felt gross

[@karenstinnett6874]

Just off subject for a moment, you would look good with bangs. I love your videos and I love your commentary. Thanks for all you do and taking time to help the curly haired people!

[@trishr-bf2be]

So appreciate all the information you share. From products to tutorials to advice. It's amazing!

[@angiehylton9977]

Hi from Winchester, VA! Thank you for sharing! I watched your live video from yesterday and decided to take your advice and try the ouidad without leave in conditioner. That did the trick! My curls were the best I’ve ever styled! Prior, they were so “wet” and lost their curl fast and started to frizz out of control too. I got the bounce curl volumizing styling brush and I believe that really helped. And I finally found a nice moisturizing shampoo and conditioner from curl smith (essential moisturizer line). The real test is how will they hold up after my cardio days. I don’t want to wear a scarf or bonnet at the gym.😬 thank you so much!

[@GenaMarie]

So glad it helped! Also I am very familiar with Winchester and lived there for a few years 😊

[@nursedro2373]

Pixie cut, salt and pepper, fine, asymmetrical cut hair. General store bought apple cider vinegar shampoo to really clean my hair. Maui moisture shampoo. Curlsmith curl revitalizer as my conditioner AND as my leave in conditioner. Curlsmith hydro gel. Fructis mousse. Scrunch every step. I have to not use too much on any product and very little moisture or high protein products. Wash and style twice a week. Hope this helps anyone with similar hair.

[@bellzchellz]

My wash day consists of a few products too and it can get a bit overwhelming! Thank you for dropping this video today I’m going to try this simplified routine and see how it turns out 😊 today is wash day. Your curls look amazing !

[@kelelizabeth]

LOVE simple!! Can I request a video trying fragrance free curl creme/products? Brands like Seen, Curlsmith, Four Reasons/No Nothing, and Love Ur Curls are some that have fragrance free. I think maybe I'm just using them wrong to not get the results? Oh, and air dry styling FTW!

[@Elkycreates]

The key for me is not to wet the hair too much before applying gel. The dry ends need more gel all the time. I also use a good flexible hairspray like muk to set the dry curls and tame frizz.

[@24deb24]

I've experimented with several shampoos and conditioners. I like Not My Mother shampoo, conditioner and leave-in conditioner...which I use once in awhile. But, so far, the best for me has been the Treluxe products. I like the the styling products at used after the wash/condition...the Reflex Curl Serum and the Hi-Definition Curl Enhancer Styling Gel (which is more like a jelly). They are very lightweight. I've found that using the serum and the gel together (put them on my hand and rub them together) work. Don't know why mixing them on my hands work but the curls come out better. For refreshing, I tried, and it works...for me...a tiny dot of the serum with a squirt of water, rubbed between my hands, and very lightly coat my hair. Then scrunch. I figure it works because there is product already on my hair.

[@Elkycreates]

Hairspray smoothed over each strand with fingers keeps the frizz down and protects curls from humidity.

[@Chris-hr3fc]

While it’s still wet?

[@wyline53]

Love the Not Your Mothers Conditioner, can you please suggest other non-humectant products too?

[@_.1os3rv41._]

I’ve tried so many products and techniques and I’m thinking of just chopping my hair short. I have long curly/wavy hair, and I’ve been taking care of my curls properly for a year. I was never taught how to so it’s been a lot of trial and error. My hair also takes sooooo long to dry, and once it dries it looks really nice but then it frizzes up right after and it tangles up. My day two hair is messy, needs a whole refresh. I’ve been using products that have been recommended but still nothing. Maybe I’m just doing something wrong? Idk. Cutting my hair is my last option 😔

Always great advice.

[@ginamartin7511]

What do you wrap your hair in to sleep at night?

[@GenaMarie]

A bonnet. You can watch more on that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGanp2apisqofM0&pp=gAQBiAQB

[@irmaradinson2320]

Like very much Ouidad and curl smith protein line. NYM not my cup of tea it leaves it stringy. The bounce curl brush like it very much cause it separates my fine hair and easy to finger coil my crown

[@Chris-hr3fc]

How do you keep your curls when you work out?

[@GenaMarie]

I workout at home so I usually wear a bonnet if I just washed my hair. By day 3-4 I just put it up in a loose scrunchie and then refresh. Sometimes I’ll put the top section up separately with a clip then the lower with a scrunchie

[@xsilentvoicex]

it is fantastic you help the curly hair community like this, I have a question! Is the brand Cantù good? also is there a different way I could be washing my hair if I dye it? I keep getting lots of knots & strands coming out and idk what to do!

[@GenaMarie]

I don't recommend it unless you have coarse hair or type 4 curls. It's very heavy and will likely weigh down or over moisturize fine and medium textured hair. You can watch this about detangling methods: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKC5dauMn9B5f8U&pp=gAQBiAQB

[@kate7557]

My baby fine hair likes the curl activator cream and the wave whip foam! I only use about a nickel size amount of the cream as a leave in for my whole head. I emulsify it with a little water on my hands before applying (it is thiccccc). These 2 products are my lazy washday routine. Not much hold so my waves stretch out a lot but they leave my hair low on frizz and very soft and touchable. Perfect for days I'm brushing out my waves.

[@loofyy]

Thank you for this video! I just found you and I subscribed ❤

[@corneswartz2774]

Hi Gena! I usually style with a light leave-in and medium/hardhold gel. If I were to use just a gel, how would I know if it's moisturizing enough? What are the top ingredients to look out for in such a gel? Great video as always!🌺

[@GenaMarie]

Moisturizing ingredients can be oils, humectants like glycerin and panthenol, film-forming humectants like aloe or flaxseed, shea butter, etc.

[@corneswartz2774]

@@GenaMarie thanks so much!🌻

[@corneswartz2774]

​@@GenaMariecan I also just ask, could I use a type of moisturizing mousse before my gel in place of a leave-in? And does such a mousse even exist?☺🌺

[@fabshelleyg]

I'm now addicted to AG products, thank you. I still struggle with refresh days but keep trying. I was wondering about Ouidad Botanicals for refresh as I wouldn't be using so much water? I LOVE your channel. ❤

[@Magicwithizz]

I love the ouidad bi-phase refresh spray for refreshing! It doesn’t have hold I believe but it does an amazing job smoothing and re clumping without weight. I spray it into my hands not directly on my hair

[@fabshelleyg]

​@@Magicwithizzthanks!

[@raaneegandhi-brown7074]

Great video! I wish you could do a video trying the jessulicurl product line.

[@GenaMarie]

I have videos where I’m using the styling products!

[@michelledavis757]

Hi Gena! Great video. Quick question on the Curlsmith hairspray. I’ve seen other influencers mention that they use this hairspray on damp hair before diffusing. Do you see any problems with doing this❓ My hair is low porosity, fine, and pretty soft. Thank you.

[@GenaMarie]

I would not use the Curlsmith hairspray on damp hair. It’s meant for dry hair only since it an aerosol. Curlsmith has said this too. However some hairsprays are water based and can be used on wet hair, like the Bounce Curl one

[@michelledavis757]

@@GenaMarie Thank you

[@Abreu_23]

hi gena, im having a bit trouble finding the right brand of products for my curls they are a bit frizzy also i have the same curl type as you and i cant find a good brand it would be helpful if you can recomend me some products also idk what porosity my curls are also i love your videos ty sm!!! also is curl talk a good line ???

[@vjw0115]

I think my problem is how much product to use per section

[@sandrabassett9923]

K18? Thoughts?

[@hayleycepeda7872]

I have no idea what shampoo & conditioners I should be using while I’m still swimming on an almost daily basis! I was clarifying every day (because of chlorine) but then I stopped because it felt too drying. I now just condition with either Innersense color radiance daily conditioner or NYM bond building conditioner. I do always wet my hair prior to swimming and/or apply conditioner or a pre-swim treatment. But I’m confused about what shampoo and conditioner to use now

[@susiegriffin2539]

Thank u for the tutorial 💓 I appreciate u very much !!!!

[@TonydancerRowan81]

I run daily well almost daily, I try and go five days before washing and it is rough, If I go a full five days I look like my hair was dipped in grease but the last 4 inches look fried. I condition my end at least every other day because I do shower daily ( I sweat like a dude) If I use more than two products in my routine I can explain what it does to my hair. Do you have any recommendations. I am also a mom of two so it wash and go it preferred.

[@mylilramey3821]

I just looked through all of the ingredients of the AG liquid effects gel, and I don't see any proteins listed. Am I missing something?

[@GenaMarie]

Hydrolyzed Pea Protein and Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein are on the label

[@mylilramey3821]

Thank you for the reply. That is so odd because the label I looked at does not have those listed.

[@robdebl2414]

Thanks for the video!:)

[@AEW0416]

I really struggle to get curl definition in the back. Any suggestions?

[@GenaMarie]

I have a video on this here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpS6hHqagrpkq9Usi=sQjo1pLe1h_qvOQl

[@fabshelleyg]

I always add oil to my hair to scrunch out the crunch, is this wrong? Should I be going in with dry hands instead, thanks in advance!

[@GenaMarie]

You can certainly use an oil if you want shine and extra softness. I just prefer to retain more hold so I don’t always use them. Sometimes though!

[@fabshelleyg]

​@@GenaMariethanks

[@karen8785-d3y]

Ouida water works clarifying shampoo color safe like the I like the ouida regular gel and moisturizing looks I it like better then curl talk it made my greasy

[@starlords.7788]

I watched your "best drug store products" video, I know you said they are good for medium texture/medium porosity but do we really need that much stuff?

[@GenaMarie]

Which products are you referring to specifically?

[@starlords.7788]

@@GenaMarie I just meant all the sampoos, conditioners, stylers etc.

[@GenaMarie]

@@starlords.7788 Not sure what you mean. When I do videos such as "Best products for fine hair" or "Top 10 gels," for example, I list many different options to pick from depending on your preferences, budget, hair needs, etc. I am not saying you need every product on the list.

[@TaylerBootz]

I have to wash my scalp everyday. My fine curly hair doesnt get detailed styling. Thats too much everyday!

[@GenaMarie]

Washing daily can be harsh on the hair. Refreshing helps extend your wash day.

[@accioanastasia]

Thank you!❤

[@arielgoldstein1551]

How do you use mousse?

[@GenaMarie]

Watch the video I just posted yesterday because it's using mousse!

[@diana4043]

Funny. I started my curly journey 6 years ago. Tons of products later…I am much happier when I spend LESS than 20 minutes applying all my products. 😂

[@MarcP5267]

Caring for curly hair is really ez. People complicate it.

[@Abreu_23]

it really isnt that easy for some people it can be hard to find products that work well with their curly hair so it isnt always easy bc its easy for you