10 Things I Quit Doing to my Curly Hair for my Best Curls

[@CarisaSanchez]

Love this video as a woman who has been watching videos about curly hair for years (I didn't start loving these curls till I was older so I am still learning) I love seeing videos like this highlighting WHAT WORKED FOR YOU and not framing it as it is the only way. I love this

[@HolisticEnchilada]

All curls are different, and fine/thin curls have been left out of the conversation for too long.

[@MarcP5267]

Another thing you mentioned about us finer lower density hair is that’s on the wavy side vs curly is, we need to wash our hair more often for the most part. Refreshing becomes a battle. I wash, condition and style every 2 days and/or 2x a week. My finer lower density hair likes it better.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Yeah I hate dealing with refreshing. Your hair sounds a lot like mine.

[@MarcP5267]

@@HolisticEnchilada for refreshing I have found that refreshing with spraying my hair with water along with product to rehydrate makes my hair worse. What I use for refreshing is Innersense Sweet Spirit which is light. I spray it on my hands emulsify then milk my hair until it silks. That’s it not complicated. Don’t need to section my hair etc etc. Sometimes I’ll need to spray my hands very lightly with water then spray on the Innersense on my hands because my hands are dry.

[@dena-mo118]

Took to heart not leaving hair in a towel for very long and applying stylers when hair is mostly wet. Wow! Had a great result. Always thought I needed to apply stylers to damper hair. Have found many of the things you quit, had also quit previously as well. One of the best videos I've seen about curly hair in quite a while.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

I'm so happy to hear that! I'm all about finding the simplest way to get good curls.

[@christinecoppola1724]

My hair is very much like yours! I stopped any curling creams or leave-in conditioners. I only use a deep treatment if my hair is very dry...and it only goes on my ends. And YES, I occasionally use shampoo w/ sulfate. Sometimes you just need to go against the grain! Great video!

[@HolisticEnchilada]

I'm glad you found the video helpful! I agree with you, we don't need to be afraid to use products that are not "curly girl" approved.

[@LaraBrink-j8j]

My hair is fine but holds water like crazy - literally for hours and hours and I absolutely hate that cold and wet feeling. I stumbled upon a trick that has helped me dry my hair faster and it has given me more definition for more days. I put gel in my wet hair all over in sections, brush it all through, and then I take an old silk scarf and scrunch my curls with it, kindof squishing the water and product in but it also gently removes water and my hair dries much faster but without friction. This actually seems to help my fine curls look better and not droop as much from having too much water in my hair for so long. It was an unexpected benefit!

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Yes, this sounds like microplopping but with a silk scarf instead of a towel. Thanks for sharing.

[@karinowens7750]

Thanks. I love this video. And I liked that you included these were for your hair. Some of these are applicable to me but not all. The only suggestion (not that you asked for suggestions lol) I would have preferred would have been for you to have included pictures of how your hair looked back when it was at those times you were describing. I’m sure you have them. Anyway thanks for the great video!!

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Thanks! I agree with you. I wanted to include photos but I actually don't have many. I don't really take many pics, especially before I started creating content online.

[@katcalico9142]

I have basically the same hair. I lived up north and was mostly straightening but moved back home to FL and it is not practical so back to curly. Curly or straight you are so right about the layers!

[@HolisticEnchilada]

I can relate. Living in Florida, fighting my texture was a losing battle, and the reason I decided to embrace my curls. It was not worth it!

[@xerk2945]

I also live in Florida and it's such a battle. It seems like I always end up looking like Emma Watson in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets no matter how my hair starts out.

[@rhiannoncollins3042]

This is great! I recently learned I had curly hair, but I also have low viscosity hair and it’s hard to get good advice. I’m going to try stopping everything but the mousse. Excited about all the money I’ll save and I’m a minimalist when it comes to self care so this is awesome! I don’t have time to spend forever and a day on my hair. Do you have a “day two refresh” type video?

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Yes, save that money! I do have a refreshing video: kzbin.infoV2Mtef85rns?feature=share

[@nataliedoll1350]

SUPER HELPFUL!!!!

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Thanks!

[@MarcP5267]

I have fine low density hair much like yours. What I found is all I need is a cleanser, conditioner and a gel. That’s it, no leave ins or creams just straight to the gel on soaking wet hair.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Same! 🙌

[@Wolfess88]

Gotta try this

[@MarcP5267]

@@HolisticEnchilada I was thinking. I’ve been in the wavy curly game for many years. Since my hair is healthy and hydrated and tomorrow is a wash day, I might skip the conditioner and use a leave in conditioner like Innersense Sweet Spirit.

[@vikkistutzman4712]

This is exactly what works for my hair type too! I struggle with tangles (especially when my hair gets longer) so I'm afraid to skip a leave in conditioner but I am going to try it because I think my curls would hold up better without it.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

You could always apply the leave in just to your ends to help with the tangles.

[@erinhawkins5950]

Oh gosh! Same! I cowashed for YEARS and have just recently started using shampoo again. My hair is so much better.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Yes, cowash was a terrible choice. I love shampoo!

[@mrshadenoughofallthis911]

Love this. All good advice.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EstherLion91]

I have very fine thin curly hair that tangles. I shampoo only, no conditioner in shower. Then i apply pureology leave in conditioner when i get out of shower and let it sit. Then i can comb out without tugging and losing hair. Then i add either mousse or gel. Not too much product.

[@TheAngelaDuke]

Excellent video! Thank you!!

[@HolisticEnchilada]

You're welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@elizabethmcgrath1923]

I love your curls! I have simplified too! I use a peppermint scrub occasionally to clarify. Blunt cuts are key. I do use a daily conditioner in the shower from roots to tip for my fine dry hair which I do rinse out thoroughly. I work out hard (sweat a lot, daily workouts) so a good tepid rinse is needed but I only wash 1-2x per week as my scalp as I age has turned from oily to dry. I squeeze in a leave in conditioner mid-shaft on and if I have time I use a diffuser but otherwise air dry. I let my hair part whichever way it wants. The great thing is, my scalp is happy. I used to get steroid shots my scalp would get so upset so my dermatologist is pleased with less products, less heat, more gentle approach - not unlike yours.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

That’s so interesting that you switched from oily scalp to dry as you aged! Mine has always been oily so let's see what happens.

[@debance6429]

Thank you, this is really helpful!

[@HolisticEnchilada]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@fishscales28]

I started using a hard hold gel with no moisturising ingredients and only amino acids and an essential oil and it gives much better hold, I actually bought it because my old gel was too moisturising and it wouldn't even form dry casts anymore and would remain sticky instead of drying

[@theukyankee]

which one do you use, please?

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Yes, do let us know which product.

[@arielfonseca7148]

Yes, product please!

[@VengefulAngeI]

What gel do you use?

[@Elpinices]

Great video! I think we should all start to listen to our hair needs and not apply something because the hair industry convinced us that this is the only way to do it. Everyone’s hair has different needs even from time to time , because they are alive. We can do a treatment the same every time because of a “schedule”

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Totally agree! Thanks.

[@Willowy13]

NoPoo destroyed my scalp and hair. It took me 4 years to reverse the damage after I went back to sulfates (wash hair every single day) and silicones. My routine is simple: shammpoo, conditioner, oil, leave in, oil, gel. Hair masks are used as needed.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

I’m glad you’re back to a routine that works! I’m all about simplicity.

[@MGraceRae]

THIS. I still wash every single day, because I don't want my scalp to relapse, and with products my hair does not dry out.

[@lezlier.6679]

I’ve never done the 10+ step routines on my fine wavy/curly hair but agree less is more. My hair doesn’t do boo with anything marketed for curls. I wash my hair, I do use a microfiber towel but it only stays in

[@HeatherHurstComedy]

I feel seen. thank you!

[@HolisticEnchilada]

You're welcome 😊

[@bennleahohde3462]

Omg u are literally describing my hair , I am so glad I found this video!!!!

[@fishscales28]

I stopped air drying pretty early after I saw a manes by mell video where she explained it can weigh down loose curls or fine hair and also that it can cause more frizz. I recently started doing the hack where you use a blow dryer on low heat then hold up hair clumps to sort of pixie diffuse without a diffuser, and alternating that with hover drying on low speed and low heat so that it dries my scalp too and dries faster, bc pixie diffusing would take forever to dry hair

[@HolisticEnchilada]

That sounds like a great approach for your hair type!

[@RachelLovelace]

Yeah, the cut of my hair is something I'm having to work on. It's long, and I cut it for straight hair... now I have those see-through curl layers. So, I've been growing it out, cutting it blunt, growing it out, cutting it blunt. It's been thickening up!

[@HolisticEnchilada]

That's great to hear! Definitely takes longer for long hair to look thicker.

[@fishscales28]

Ive actually found that shampoo formulation can be very important, I have a sulfate free shampoo that cleanses way better than my sulfate shampoo, and double shampooing helps sometimes.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Definitely! Shampoos with certain surfactants or a good mix of them are best for me.

[@EverythingAndNothing08]

When I was bleaching my hair to death I needed a curl cream, but at this point less is definitely more. I also made the mistake of trying to go longer between wash days and my scalp got so itchy (which had never happened before). I now wash every other day and that works great for me.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Yeah, my scalp gets super angry if I try to go more than 2 days

[@dennissems]

I clarify at least twice or three times a week. I also wash my hair almost everyday because not only my hair looked terrible (sweaty due to hot humid weather) but my scalp gets angry. I do use a dot of leave in as if I don’t my hair feels like weird. I use a lot of gel and hard hold spray to make it hold its shape.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Sounds like my hair. I just love the clean feeling I get from the shampoo. My scalp always feels better after a wash.

[@fralencemelograno]

Sancta simplicitas, love your routine, i find myself fighting with mine cause it’s too much for me to handle, too dense for my fingers to detangle and be able to scrub when shampooing, o try my best every time, try to finger detangle dry but it’s always too long and tiresome 😢 yet I manage to love my curls now that I’m 52 years old and they make me smile every morning, so I keep trying 😊 thanx for all the advise, I’ll follow you, greetings from Rhodes, Greece 🌺

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Don't waste time with finger detangling and use a detangling brush on hair that's saturated with conditioner. So much faster!

[@fishscales28]

I have thick hair and my ends and mids are color treated so some strands are medium to high porosity, so I end up using some lightweight curl cream under hard hold gel and cutting layers worked pretty well for me

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Yeah, that makes sense. Typically, hair like yours would do well with a leave-in or curl cream and some layers.

[@fishscales28]

I never used co wash because I have an oily scalp and I need to wash my hair pretty regularly usually, otherwise I get worse dandruff, but I do look for shampoos that cleanse well without tangling up or drying out my hair too much, or over moisturising it (it may sound hard to believe, but once by using a family member's shampoo which had a lot of oils and some silicones, I over moisturised my hair and had curl drop for a good few weeks)

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Haha, it's happened to me so I believe you!

[@fishscales28]

microplopping is usually better once you put products in because otherwise you might get scalp issues and loose root volume from the products getting squished into your scalp

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Yeah that's exactly what regular plopping does. Microplop 💯

[@fishscales28]

apparently the heat also slightly sets the curl pattern sort of like how heat styling works at least thats what gena marie on youtube said and it kind of makes sense in addition to faster drying time for why it gives better hold

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Yes it does! One of the main reasons I encourage others to diffuse.

[@43pups43]

Exactly! If you put tons of layers of products into your hair, how can your hair absorb the products??? I also think the hair cannot absorb more than two layers of products. It's just about selling them... nobody needs all of those products.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Yeah I think most people use too much product too.

[@fishscales28]

I use a lightweight curl cream instead of leave in conditioner, it enhances my curl pattern better, but thats just because that particular product really enhances my curls, moxie curl cream but I think its only available in my country

[@fishscales28]

I bought it after watching a content creator who has similar hair type and texture to me (but Im realising mine may be curlier) who used it for a while say it enhances her wave and curl patterns

[@HolisticEnchilada]

I've heard good things about that cream. Haven't tried it yet.

[@cherylhartl3749]

My hair is the same as yours - wavy/curly, fine, low porosity and lower density. What do you use for heat protectant? I have always depended on my leave in to provide my heat protectant but I recently read that you shouldn’t do that b/c the amount in leaving is not sufficient. I’ve now started playing around with the CurlSmith heat protectant both with and without the leave in and it’s alright either way except my fair is so fine I keep getting fairy knots when I don’t use any leave in.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

I actually don't use any. Diffusing doesn't really cause heat damage and my hair is healthy so not a concern of mine.

[@katie405]

How often do you clarify your hair? Do you ever heat style anymore? Straightened or curled?

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Right now it's every wash. I use Nizoral once a week and Malibu C Scalp Wellness every other wash. I don't straighten ever because I don't like how it looks (super thin) so I just diffuse dry and that's the only heat I use.

[@katie405]

@@HolisticEnchilada thank you! Appreciate your channel! Helps a lot with my curly thin and fine hair ❤️

[@joanaoaxaca9806]

What you said makes a lot of sense so I want to do this. I’m pretty clueless on products and I have a question that may show my cluelessness. You said you stopped using curl cream. Is curl cream a styling product? Because later you said your results were best with gel and main styling products. What are main styling products? Thank you.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

People will disagree on this. I don't really consider it a styling product because it doesn't offer hold. It's usually not something you can use on its own and have lasting results (this is the case for most people, but of course, there are exceptions). I consider main styling products to be products that define and hold: gels, custards, mousses, etc. Creams and leave ins moisturize the hair and while they do define curls, they don't offer hold so the style typically doesn't last if that's the only product you use. I consider creams and leave ins to be more like a prep product, preparing the hair to be styled.

[@joanaoaxaca9806]

@ Thank you! That helps me a lot to think about what gives hold.

[@madlenj.4644]

2:58 do you mean you have used Low-poo or co-wash? And do you mean you now use sulfate shampoo? Oh yes 05:04 you say it. Because the same (greesy hair) happened to me with low poo. I think its because of the oils in the low poos. And i wonder if it would work if a *low poo without oils* would be used, but idk one, *do you?* I have to use sulfate shampoo every wash too (i´m washing once a week..yep also stretching out..yesss i´m feling itchy sometimes too 😲) and even though its sulfate shampoo with no silicone, polyquats, oils ...still theres sometimes slightly white resedue on my scalp -> sebum. *Which shampoo do you use?* Diffusing with heat makes the best curls, yup, volume for fine hair. OMG we have the SAME hair. I´m ssubsscribing. I´m lazy too 😅thats why i only wash once a week. Ingrediens of my shampoo (no silicone, no microplastic): Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Glyceryl Oleate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glycol Distearate, Citric Acid, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Haha, I loved reading your comment as you came across more info in my video! So yeah, the scalp issues is why I shampoo every 2-3 days. I can't deal with the itch, flaking, and greasiness. I just need a strong shampoo and clarifying/sulfates don't seem to be a problem for my hair so I don't worry about that. I use Nizoral once a week, and Malibu C Scalp Wellness every other wash.

[@bluegypsy71]

I have fine 2B curly hair but I have too much fluffy volume (I seem to have 3x the amount of hair that most people have but each strand is so thin, like baby hair) so I need layers or I get that dreaded pyramid "bush" and I get so many knots in my hair...do any videos on your channel address this, please?

[@HolisticEnchilada]

I don't have any videos on detangling or knotting but I do have an in depth blog post on the topic: holisticenchilada.com/how-to-detangle-curly-hair/

[@rachelsykes4931]

What gel do you use please?

[@HolisticEnchilada]

I cycle through a few: Curlsmith Hydro Style Flexi jelly, Boucleme gels, Giovanni LA Hold, Jessicurl Spiralicious

[@rachelsykes4931]

Thank you - what would you say gave you the strongest hold?

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Jessicurl snd Giovanni. Curlsmith In Shower Style Fixer is also great, but my scalp doesn't agree with it.

[@TheGooglyminotaur]

I’ve been shamed for needing to wash my hair every day for decades. I’ve tried everything! I hate my hair when it’s dirty and I don’t notice a bad difference with daily shampooing. So, I’m unhappy every other day (or two) and my hair doesn’t care. Why?! I’m tired of being influenced. I just do me.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Yes, just do what works for you!

[@karenblack7117]

Do you use a silk pillow at night or a silk hair cap to keep your hair looking good the next day?

[@HolisticEnchilada]

I use a buff and a silk pillowcase. The buff is what really makes the biggest difference.

[@fishscales28]

I do want to eventually buy a diffuser but idk when I can bc theyre expensive and Im scared they wont dry my hair as fast as low speed hair dryer

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Even the cheap ones are good enough for diffusing.

[@Izzy-fr1zu]

I agree with almost every tip. Especially washing your heir more often. I am so tired of this no poo trend. Seems to work for no one, when you take a closer look at it, but still, it is the first tip that pops up when it comes to hairecare, no matter if straight or curly hair. I ended up with pretty back eczema because of this, took me years to realize and heal my scalp. The only thing that does not work for me is styling my hair wet. It just takes forever to dry when I try it, especially the scalp area. Your hair looks great btw!

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Thanks! And yeah, I don't understand the hold the no poo trend has on the curly hair community.

[@azelia444]

what’s your updated routine now?

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Pretty much this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3O1hoNro86diMU

[@myrnasolganick3826]

Are you still using evolvh total control?

[@HolisticEnchilada]

I still use it sometimes, when I focus on volume.

[@daviddietsch]

So you don’t use leave in?

[@HolisticEnchilada]

No, just gel and hairspray

[@daviddietsch]

@ What hairspray do you recommend?

[@HolisticEnchilada]

I really like the Suave Max Hold spray. People seem to love the Curlsmith spray too but I haven't tried it.

[@daviddietsch]

@@HolisticEnchilada Gotcha thanks! Is it drying to the hair? Or is it alcohol free?

[@HolisticEnchilada]

It can be drying, especially if you have dry hair. It does have alcohol. I believe the Curlsmith one does not and should not be drying.

[@r.w.5379]

♥

[@Silverhaired59]

Microfiber can be confusing. The super smooth and silky Perfect Hair Care Towel works great. Those nubby microfiber towels like the miracle cloth dusting and cleaning towels are NOT for curly hair!

[@HolisticEnchilada]

That's a good point. I haven't tried the Perfect Hair Care Towel.

[@rosameijering5161]

What is that weird high sound in the video?

[@HolisticEnchilada]

My cat or family in the house? The AC? I don't hear anything so no clue.

[@shadowtouched16]

My hair will look nice with good curls and clumps while wet, but defusing on any heat temp it will cause just frizz and not curls. But air drying is even.worse. arg

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Are you using a styling product that has at least a medium hold? Like a gel or custard?

[@shadowtouched16]

@HolisticEnchilada I tried custards and gels but my hair is really fine so they are too heavy.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

What about a mousse?

[@shadowtouched16]

@HolisticEnchilada I've tried a lot but apparently not the right ones. I'll give in and get the more expensive stuff. I'm pushing $20/ a product l, on average now. Maybe my hair is just bougie! Hahahah

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Try a mousse that's supposed to be a harder hold and see if it helps.

[@ellisphoebe8807]

I end up in 40-45% Permanent hair loss bc of Devacurl hair gel n believed curly girl method 😢

[@HolisticEnchilada]

Oh no, so sorry to hear that ❤️

[@janinedear-barlow]

Over moisturised and build up isnt the same thing.

[@HolisticEnchilada]

No, it's not. Did I say it's the same thing?

[@janinedear-barlow]

@HolisticEnchilada Yes at 5:55

[@HolisticEnchilada]

​@janinedear-barlow ah what I meant is that the conditioning ingredients (polyquats, oils, butters, etc.) would build up on my hair which causes both problems for me.

[@janinedear-barlow]

@HolisticEnchilada ah right. I've been struggling with not enough moisture. Got a couple of new conditioners so hopefully they work.