Is it Hair Transition or Terrible Products for Your Hair? That is the question!

[@Rachelsjourney]

This so helpful...this can cause so much confusion. Not only did I get lost in the product junky frenzy when I started, I did a few things wrong. I did not consider how different my fine/high porosity/low density hair was from people I was following for advise...curl pattern really doesn’t matter. I didn’t pay attention to dew points and humidity...my hair needs change drastically in the summer with high humidity. I assumed wet styling was needed for my high porosity hair but I learned that I need a combination of wet styling for leave-ins and damp for gels. When I started, drug store products like Shea Moisture actually worked okay, but I think my hair was starved for nutrients. Then I tried Mop Top products in the summer but the glycerin was a problem. Then I thought JessieCurl’s products would be the answer since they are mostly glycerin free...but the lack of protein put me into moisture overload and I became a fluffy alpaca (love this term). Then I thought TreLuxe would be the answer...but discovered my hair frizzed up with Aloe (I really hope that is only due to the humidity). So back to lightweight protein products...Giovanni for conditioning, leave-in and gel, and BioSilk gel. Oh boy...Humectant free but protein rich products are hard to find. It can be so confusing but once you finally find the ingredients and techniques your hair needs, it is all worth it.

[@leander8840]

thats like my hair journey in a nutshell

[@jessicagalyon5840]

I am in this phase. Saw you need a protein/moisture balance, so i got all the protein. I can’t use protein or my hair goes into protein overload. Any. And I had a bathroom full of protein products. Then found out I can’t use too much aloe. And then that I have low porosity hair.. My hair dries really slow when wet styling & I just can’t do it. I’m about to give up tho bc I’m testing things on my 4 yr old & her hair went from bouncy spirals & so shiny. From a 3b to a 2a, w dry fly aways all over. I worry I broke her hair by using the protein mask on her too 😩

[@columbia2635]

I know this is 2 years old but, OMG, this is what's happening to me! I don't even know for sure what protein or conditioning overload is, even though I've watched HOURS of video!!! Thx for making me feel less idiotic...:)

[@sherilynschneider]

I actually have dreams about my hair! Yikes! Now that is an obsession.

[@shaunaferguson6102]

Totally agree! I've been at this for 1 1/2 years now and you're completely accurate! Keep it simple and focus on the health of your hair first!! Curl memory is totally a thing. I can go with no product now, it won't be as defined or hold as well but the curl is the same!

[@jessicagalyon5840]

How long does it take to get them to rem?? And what helps? If I am combing my hair out before scrunching hurting that? Bc some days I don’t like the crazy look. And rt now it has a mind of its own & I don’t look put together- only bc I have some 1c, 2a, 2b hair. & now I am 3 wks in & am getting some 3b clumps around my face. It looks insane

[@shaunaferguson6102]

@@jessicagalyon5840 honestly I feel like it takes some time for the hair to grow out and as you cut off the old and the new grows in it will develop it's pattern. Not that it won't get better but I definitely think once my hair grew fully out and I did some serious chops to get it healthy, THEN it was there. Don't get discouraged, it does get better!! And some may disagree but I find that brushing my hair gently doesn't effect the curl pattern anymore. I used to only be able to brush it with conditioner but now can brush after then style and don't notice a big difference. My hair is soaking wet though and I'm very careful and use a wet brush

[@debranorton6434]

I am almost a year into CGM. I have thick, coarse, low porosity hair. Age 65 and haven't colored for over 15 years, so I have streaks of pure white, warm sandy grey, and kind of strawberry blonde. (I was a natural red head) I always considered myself to have straight hair that got lumpy if I air dried. I went from daily washing/blow drying/curling iron to washing twice a week. Because my hair is coarse I tried some of the Shea Moisture products and the one that started out horrible was their Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I followed the directions and it was a greasy disaster, so it got relegated to to the back of the cabinet. Then one day my hair was being unruly, so in desperation I got it out and used just a tiny bit, barely touching a couple fingertips into it and smoothing it over my hands. I used the praying hands method of application, some scrunching, and my hair was under control. I use it often now, still just a tiny bit.

[@hildrethbabyy]

You should try aunt jackie's! I never had success with shea moisture but I'm falling in love with aunt jackie's. I have medium-coarse hair with medium-high porosity ❤

[@paddymcmarlar]

@Debra Norton -- Hi, sounds like you're writing part of my story! I'm just starting CGM, but like you, I'm 65 with thick, coarse, low porosity hair, and am also a natural redhead of the dark auburn vein (Mom says I just missed being a brunette! lol). Although I haven't used color since way back in my 40's, I have many silver/white streaks especially around the crown and front sides (along my ears). I've grown my hair out over the past 2 years and went from very short, almost above my ear and with razor cuts to now past my shoulders and I haven't had even a trim since Oct 2018! So I'm in desperate need of a good cut that is CurlyGirl friendly. But I'm a little afraid to take that plunge with a stylist cuz so many really don't know what to do with hair like mine. They're going to comment on the amount of it to begin with! lol Right now I've started with the Not Your Mother's Curls brand of shampoo/conditioner/leave-in/gel. I also have a couple of the Shea Moisture products, the exact one you mentioned, but I haven't used them yet. I washed yesterday late afternoon, air dryed and slept with a sleep bonnet on. My hair seemed out of control today and I ran some more leave-in conditioner thru it and that helped a little I have so much hair! But I think my lack of a good cut for naturally wavy/curly hair is so much of my problem. I'd say back in high school my hair was mostly 2C - 3A pattern with most of the 3A on the underneath side where it would tangle. I hope I have the patience to hang in here with this journey! Would love to trade thoughts with you if you'd like. Thanks!

[@debranorton6434]

@@hildrethbabyy, thanks, I will check it out.

[@debranorton6434]

@@paddymcmarlar, Wow! Another red head, (well, used to be) how fun! Your silver streaks sound like they're placed like mine, I have one coming from the crown of my head too, it makes me feel like I have a skunk stripe back there and I try to hide it. My hair was a darker red too, but it faded as I started going gray. I would love to trade thoughts with you! My email is [e-mail] I look forward to chatting with you! :o)

[@CrazyAussie199]

I also really like the idea of using the same products, but in different quantities, especially when you are learning what works for you. Sometimes my hair needs less product than I was expecting (or more), so in knowing that I am going to have bad hair days anyway, giving myself permission to use a bit of trial and error has been very helpful to me. Just remember to follow Courtney's advice and document, so you can track the changes.

[@genacaldeira3793]

Hey Courtney. This is so true! So, I started In March with my curly journey. My hair looked awful and it wouldn't curl, so I eventually gave up. But since I was working from home due to the pandemic and had a lot of CGM approved products, I continue to used them and stoped putting heat to my hair. My hair started to get curlier over time, even with no styler. And then some weeks ago I started styling it again and, out of the sudden, it looks great! Time to get your hair healthy is the most important thing!

[@nncee29]

I had been flat ironing my hair daily for about 16 years because as a teenager I didn’t know how to manage my frizz and curls. The routine just stuck with me since then. Currently my hair is super fried, dry, and bleached. Three weeks ago ago on wash day, I applied baobob oil after washing my hair and I had a head of curls. When it dried though, I was left with limp messy hair. It was my AHA! moment though. But holy cow it’s a process. I’m only three weeks in my journey but I see progress everyday.

[@winterthrill3900]

establishing curl memory is so tricky for me- my job means I have to pin my hair back for most of the week, so my curls only get a chance to get together at the weekend :(

[@willowmoon5063]

Agreed. Just started my journey it's going to be interesting being my job requires having my hair pulled up.

[@sejalkaranjkar2289]

Honestly styling your hair at all will help with curl memory, even if it loses its hold due to pinning it up. Due to a variety of reasons I end up French braiding my hair basically every day. But my curl still seems to get a little better over time. So I think so long as you are allowing it to curl, it will build memory regardless of whether you end up crushing your curls later on.

[@cassandrarobel4607]

The explanation of curl memory / curl family was fabulous, Courtney, LOL so true

[@mmw55122]

I am at the 6-month mark on my 2b-ish hair. This the first time I have heard about hair stringing vs clumping during transition! I always thought that either the products or my application was to blame. It also might explain why my clumping and curls radically improved after my last wash a day or so ago! Maybe my hair is finally moving out of transition!! Woohoo!

[@Manzana30BS]

Great video!! I’m two weeks into my transition and let’s just say every wash day brings upon a new...surprise. It’s frustrating but glad to learn it normal!

[@MaryLeeGaffin]

Oof... this is exactly what I needed to hear 5 years ago. I wish I hadn't been so loyal to a particular brand for several years, but I thought it was my hair, my hard water, etc. instead of the products. If you've given your product lineup a good month or so and still aren't liking the result, start subbing out one thing as a time as described in the video. Don't wait years like I did!

[@lebriae]

I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with my transition phase (I'm at around 6 months) but I have fully embraced my product junkie status with no shame and I WIIILLLLL NOT STOP. Love your videos Courtney!

[@palestar828]

If you have that kind of money, then all the power to you lol

[@niknak13]

I started modified CG about 6 months ago in March when lockdown started because I figured it would be the best time to transition and finally get my frizzy wavy hair sorted! The first few months no matter what I did my felt dry so I just slathered it in hydrating products whenever I washed it ... Fast forward 6 months, after massive initial improvements, my hair became super weighed down and frizzy again. I think I finally hit the point where my waves weren’t dying of thirst anymore so all the products I was using just no longer worked because I was overmoisturizing!! Now I‘ve begun integrating more protein into my wash day and BOY do my waves love it!! The definition I saw around month 3-4 is finally coming back and I‘m so excited! This whole journey had been crazy and difficult and confusing but also super rewarding and I absolutely love it! (You‘ve also been a major help these last few months so thank you!!)

[@apothekarya]

Thank you so so much Courtney! This is exactly what I needed to hear. I am currently in month 4-5 of the transition phase, and just been getting so frustrated! Love your channel and your enthusiasm

[@jennifermunoz7375]

Same

[@elizabethcarroll8526]

Same!

[@jessicagalyon5840]

3 wks. I don’t think imma make it much longer I’ve never had the fly aways I’m getting. Even my 4 yr olds hair doing CGM looks way worse & her hair started healthy, shiny, & curly. Now it’s frizzy & limp

[@arlenepassanisi2679]

This was the most helpful information I have heard to date since starting the CGM two months ago! You described exactly what I am going through. Thank you so much! Now to figure out what to do with the 50 products I have accumulated!!! There really should be a CGM drop-off/pick-up where we could all just trade products that didn't do the job for us!!!

[@anissaferringer4965]

I am just over a week into the curly girl lifestyle and this may have saved me a small fortune!

[@NSLivefree]

Totally has been happening to me! I'm 3 months in to embracing my wavy hair. Thank you Courtney! My gel had been drying out my hair and looked awful when it dried! I thought it was a protein/moisture balance issue. But once I found a protein Curl cream it completely changed my hair!! Still in transition, but I see there is hope for my hair!!

[@elizabethcarroll8526]

Hi, was it a CG-approved gel? I'm just wondering because I'm using the Aussie Instsnt Freeze gel and I'm wondering if thst could be drying out my hair, even though it is CG approved.

[@NSLivefree]

@@elizabethcarroll8526 It was the Aussie Instant Freeze gel. But I've actually tried it since I do a lot more conditioning and leave-in and it works a lot better.

[@elizabethcarroll8526]

@@NSLivefree gotcha, thanks!

[@cathyjones-hatcher]

OMG- What an excellent video for NEWBIES! Every person starting this journey should SEE THIS! I'm 2 years in but this would have been SO HELPFUL if I had seen it early on. Thanks for all you do to educate the masses! 💋 ❤😊

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

You’re so kind! I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@boldphoenix1]

This was so helpful! I only learned 2 weeks ago that I had secretly wavy hair, and I was struggling to find people who actually showed pictures from their transition. It helps me with my patience retraining my hair.

[@CurlySusie]

This is a 10/10 video Courtney. Excellent explanation and advice.

[@catsav1]

Your hair looks so good in this video!!

[@jenniferprice9971]

I know that I am trying to finish using all the stuff that I have partially for space but also because lack of money. Even just the different techniques that I have applied since November have improved how my hair looks and feels. I have started styling my hair with the mousse and gel I already had on hand and only bought a leave in, a deep conditioner and recently an oil. It has helped me limit accumulating a ton of products. Because honestly while I want to be more particular about the products I use in my hair I need to get rid of the non cgm approved products first so I’m using them while I’m learning the application techniques and learning what I need in my hair and how to take care of it so that as I have used up the products that I already have I can start subbing in other products and be more picky than just using what I had. It has helped me save money while also learning and improving my hair health. So I understand that my transition will last longer because I’m not fully transitioning all at once but I’m still getting good results. The one product that I hated how my hair felt was a tressume gel and my hair felt sticky and gross and like it had build up the day I put it on. Since it was the first time I had put on gel it was possibly I just didn’t understand how to apply it. I will probably try it again after I finish my current bottle of gel and then finish my bottle of mousse.

[@kathyrntoodle6827]

I'm in the middle of transition. Been on the wavy journey for a month and a half now. I'm just trying to be patient and see it through. My hair is getting healthier though, so I can't complain

[@lorabetht9206]

I have finally started seeing “curl memory” in my hair after almost 6 months! I was strictly “curly girl” for about 3 months and then I found what works for me- now I do use some silicones 😉

[@jessicagalyon5840]

I’m 3 wks in. And I finally caved & used silicone in my 4 yr olds hair last night. And I don’t see any difference other than her hair looks so smooth today I am thinking of using them in stylers to lock the moisture in. But I don’t know which ones are harder to remove & which ones wash off easier

[@palestar828]

@@jessicagalyon5840 water soluble Silicones are said to wash off easier. I try to avoid all Silicones though for various reasons, but always do what's best for you, but remember that if you're going to use silicones, you need to use Sulphates since Sulphates remove silicones.

[@alexisgarcia9661]

I'm about 2/3 months into the CGM, and this video could not have come at a more perfect time for me. I've been trying to keep my routine very simple (one brand shampoo, conditioner, and styler), only changing when I've got an empty. Before trying this method, I could count on one hand the times I blow dried my hair and maybe only straightened it about 10/15 times. I've been so discouraged about my hair because it'll come out of the shower looking SO cute, ringlets and beautiful clumps, and those will stay after I plop, but a few hours in, my hair is straight again. Seeing Courtney's pictures and her explanation that this just takes time absolutely made me feel better, but it also made me feel understood! THANK YOU.

[@Mimi_Evolving]

Omfg I have been watching your videos for like two years and never save your before hair. You literally just made me so motivated to stick with this because my hair looks just like that

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Awe! good! And everyone is different, it is certainly a journey!

[@LG-ne7si]

I just started CGM two weeks ago, and am definitely in transition. I needed this video so much! Thank you!

[@OpalMoonstone247]

Everything makes sense now. This is super motivating. Thank you for sharing this information. My biggest suggestion to everyone is to invest in a continuous misting water spray bottle. It will literally make a difference immediately. And remember to scrunch your hair with a cotton t-shirt instead of towel drying, unless it's a microfiber. I only have the t-shirt and that's just fine. But the spray bottle makes THE biggest difference. I think I have a mixture of low and high porosity hair, and yes, I'm 3 months into my CGM journey so it has very bad days at times, and yes, I've cried at least once... But, I think it will get better. Thanks again for reminding us not to go buy ALL the products at once. I'll stick to a routine with a few, and hope for the best. At first I hated the NYM flexible hold gel, but now I love it. It's the water, y'all, the WATER😅❤

[@tvmom]

Heat styled and straightened my hair nearly every day since 1974 ... Covid made me lazy during telework. My nearly 60 year old self has developed beautiful ringlets. Thanks for your videos. I wouldn’t know what to do with it.

[@breannanorthrup5498]

I didn't really like the Curls Blueberry Bliss Leave In at first but now its my go to! It was weird and sticky in the beginning but I think once I started using it immediately after my shower WHILE still in the shower it really made my hair super hydrated.

[@lisahansen4163]

I wish I had this video 8 months ago! You hit the nail on the head. I kept products that didn’t work for me at first and now they work much better. And I love love love Jessicurl for my course thick lo po 2a 2b waves. Question- does anybody else dislike how Bounce Curl smells?

[@bhagyanaik5980]

I am in the transition stage and I can feel you ❤️

[@HisLove4You]

OH!!! I NEED THIS VIDEO BADLY, thank you!! Been in so called transition for 7 stinking months :( Will be watching in a bit! Xo

[@sunshine_sgirl3652]

I just started the CGM a few weeks ago. The thing with my hair is I hadn’t been using heat or anything hardly ever for a while because my hair was coming out a lot and I was trying to minimize that. Then I started to notice it wanted to be wavy, after not ever having curl in my hair before. My hair has always had wave, but it’s been this puffy, Un-uniform situation. But suddenly there’s curl or wave so I’m trying to see what happens. My hair doesn’t like to clump. I feel like it looks stringy most of the time. Hopefully in time it will look better. 🤞🏻

[@Panakeia_50]

Go on ! ☝🏻❤

[@briannaprieto3043]

Did it getbetter?

[@klarisakivlin9433]

Wow! Thanks for the info on curl memory. That is really useful and gives me hope for my floppy 2 hour hair! 😂

[@tuesdaynyx]

Such a funny question. I thought I was in transition but I was actually in a low dew point using tons of glycerin and I was also over moisturized and in major need of protein.

[@laurenlanterns4376]

I’m so impatient!!! Been leaving my hair wavy with probably too much (definitely too much) product for 10 months(?) and just now doing CGM. Been a week. Hair is annoyed, so thank you for this😂

[@meganhenderson8666]

OOOHHH!!!! Thank you! Now I understand way more because of this video!! 1st wk CGM. I know it will get better!!

[@elisesteele6939]

Me too! Good luck to you!

[@kathrynr.h.4537]

Today was the first day I tried the curly-wavy hair and I’m not going to lie, looking at your hair transition photo made me feel a little better because mine looks exactly the same right now, so it gave me hope that my hair will look beautiful with time too.

[@juliebruce1114]

Thank you Courtney! This is so true to life. I really don’t know much about transitioning because I never straightened or blow dried my hair. After 40 something years of trail and error I had a pretty good routine. I just figured I was supposed to have big hair. Once I tried CG products and finally used gel my hair was so much less frizzy and more curly. I also have gone back to products I used even before CG and now they work for me because my hair is 3 years into a healthy routine. (I didn’t know they were CG😉)Everyone’s hair is different. The best advice I took was PATIENCE and find what works for you! Change one thing at a time-including plopping, diffusing, using a brush, etc. Do it for a few washes before you change one thing again. Be your hair’s best advocate!!

[@sunflowerbaby1853]

I've always used Neutrogena anti residual clarifying shampoo w/ phenomenal results. Left my hair shiny & bouncy. In several videos you highly recommended Suave Daily Clarifying shampoo. So I bought it. Well my hair definitely did NOT like it. My hair always felt beyond dry. And even after I finished with my routine & lotion potioned it my hair felt so brittle. After a month, my hair was so dry & I was noticing severe split ends. Then I said to myself what is different in my routine? It was the Suave daily clarifying shampoo. I threw it away & did a month of deep conditioners to bring it back to life. So it's true. What works for one person does not always works for another. But you always should try a new product, it could become a favorite.

[@adrianaherrera4284]

I've had similar results with suave shampoo, a little too stripping

[@heathershurin829]

I am a COVID-19 curly! I’m a pre-school teacher. When I was laid off in March I started watching you and a few other channels. I’m 53 and I’m letting my silver grow in as well as making my hair as curly as possible! LOVE JESSICURL products!! Wanted to love LUS, but made my scalp itchy 😟. Thank you for your help! I’m back at work now and a few kids have said,”you’re hair is so curly!” I love 💕 those kids!🤣

[@pomegranateemporium]

This video has given me faith to carry on 😂😭🙌💕

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Yeay!!! 💃💃 Keep going and hang in there! Experiment to see what your hair likes (and what works with your lifestyle). Have fun with it! 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@pomegranateemporium]

@@SwavyCurlyCourtney you're the best 💛✨

[@mtnjhutch]

Thank you for this! My hair is stringy, fuzzy, very curly at the back, kinda curly at the sides, and stringy at the top with very little wave even. It looks good when I leave the house in the morning. But fuzzy by 10 am. It does feel better, healthier now.

[@ajoyfullsound]

Today is the best hair day I've had in a long time!! I got my top layer to curl today! I washed my hair last night and made the mistake of brushing it after I took it out of the towel, but I put it in a braided bun and thought it would be ok. I took it down this morning and it was not fully dry and it felt ok. But as it dried it got super frizzy and dry bristle like😭😭🤷‍♀️🤔🙈. My sister asked me to feel her hair today to see if I thought it felt healthier, and then she felt my hair... of course it had to be on a bad hair day 😭😂. It was so tangeled! And she said it felt like straw😂😂😂😭. So I refreshed it and used my new diffuser and I got my soft curls back. I even got the top layer to curl!!

[@ajoyfullsound]

@@lilyessi09 ok thanks! I'll have to keep this in mind for the next time I do.👍

[@edgeofsevnteen]

That top layer can be stubborn, no doubt! I’ve been struggling trying to get it to curl with the rest of my hair

[@josiepionteck3617]

I’m in my 6th month of transition from colour and highlights to silver and 4 months into cgm. Total chaos happening. Lol. Learned about flash drying with the Dippity Do wired gel. Some days I wear your alpaca look too. Thanks for the info on using one line. Makes so much sense. Will sheepishly hide the 2 other lines I collected and try your recommendations.

[@nauticalnausicaa7790]

I'm still fiddling with my routine and being consistent, but I definitely have learned that my hair LOVES mousses, and so far from my gel experiences, is not fond of gels! I haven't been heat styling much for a good while now, but I haven't been taking the time to let my hair form its own waves (heatless curls are a big crutch for me). Well, the past two times that I did let my hair find its own pattern, I think I may even have 3A curls in my less damaged spots! I'm SO shocked because I literally almost didn't try CGM at all because I thought my hair might not even be wavy. I've never dealt too much with frizz as long as I'm not manipulating it a lot, so I thought maybe I was just a 2A. I'd say so far, I look 2B-2C dominant! I've been enjoying your videos and find them really helpful. And its funny, because I nearly didn't watch your videos because I thought our hair was too different, like yours was so much wavier/curlier than mine so it wouldn't be helpful. All this to say, I kinda think everyone with a slight bend in their hair should try CGM to see what happens :)

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Yes, a slight wave could be something more. Part of it as well is going through the transition phase and just working on getting your hair healthy. Plus, see what it likes!

[@rchiariello]

You must have read my mind! I've always thought application method is more important than the products themselves. I'm still very new to the CGM so I am hesitant to try pricier products since I still am learning what my hair needs.

[@carijohnson2927]

Ooh for me, it's coconut oil. My hair HATES coconut oil, it immediately feels like oily straw, not hydrated at all. And Shea does the same thing. Just a week into my CG journey and loving your videos, thank you for the information and inspiration!

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Wow you found out so quickly what your hair does not like! That is fantastic! You are embarking on a fun journey! Have fun with the process. 🥰🥰

[@derrickjenniferwatkins1394]

I never heat styled...I just brushed and lived with puffy hair 😬 Once i discovered the curly girl method...my hair looked good! From the get go! Cause it looked so bad before that transition was a vast improvement 😊.

[@joyfulbyanna]

This is exactly what I’m doing: change out one product at a time and document the results! Keep it simple, right?

[@SephyMarie]

While I love the emphasis on the hair needing water, we do need to know our water too! My local water was an issue. It had way too much chlorine in it and was super hard water. A $35 shower head water softener likely saved me TONS of money on products. Cause the water was then helping my hair and I got better results from the products I was using.

[@KatydidStitches]

This was a super helpful video! I had a not so great washday today, and I think I needed this. Lol. I literally just started CGM like, a week ago. I've had two decent washdays, where even though I clearly had a long way to go, there were waves and my hair looked relatively happy. Today... not so much. So thank you for clearing this up! I've spent my whole life blow drying my hair straight (because I thought I had straight hair...), so clearly my hair has literally no memory of a curl pattern. It's starting from scratch! Lol!

[@ypragoz7501]

I am starting month 3 and I am most definitely in the frizzball stage. It doesn’t help that Chicago has had the most humid summer in ages!! I’m sticking to my current products though because I have seen potential. I still end up stringy and frizzy because I am working on the perfect ratios but I’m trying my best to be patient. And you are so right about damp styling during transition- it doesn’t work. I gelled while wet and later thought “this will never cast, let me add more gel before it dries completely” 🤦🏻‍♀️ HUGE mistake.

[@valerielinares2068]

So, my story is that the reason I was struggling so much with hair was because of those drugstore brands with sulfates and silicones, - and brushing my hair on the regular because I didn't know that brushing curly hair is damaging (or that my hair was supposed to be curly to begin with!). I've never bleached, dyed, or had harsh salon treatments done to my hair. Nor was it ever heat damaged because I rarely use heat stylers. So, what was the reason for my dry, brittle, thirsty hair? Sulfates and silicones. I had no idea that I even had curly hair, until I turned to the curly hair community here on KZbin and began trying out different things. Anyway, I found a KZbinr/hairstylist who said that those with extreme low porosity hair likely have extreme low porosity hair because of the sulfates and silicones which dries hair out from the inside. Then the silicones seal the hair so moisture can't get in. Literally, my hair would repel water. When I go to wash my hair, I have to wet it for a good minute because it's like there's a force-field on my hair, lol! Well, not really funny - but kinda funny. But, I say all this because that same KZbinr recommended that people with my hair type need a weekly deep conditioning treatment with heat to heal extreme low porosity hair. I've been using the Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment with my heat cap and I have noticed a significant difference. I only just started this routine about 2-3 weeks ago, so I don't think my hair is at it's happiest or healthiest yet. But, I think it's gonna get there. I struggled with dry, frizzy, brittle hair for YEARS (give or take 20 years). So, seeing _any_ improvement is HUGE to me!! You have NO idea!! Well, some might relate, who knows.. I'm just so happy and excited to see _SOME_ kind of improvement after all these years!!! UGHHHHH! Lol!

[@palestar828]

To heal extreme low porosity hair? There's no such thing as extreme low porosity hair lol and low porosity hair also doesn't need to be healed because it's the MOST healthiest hair. You mean not to heal it but to get moisture in. That's why you want to use a deep conditioner/mask with heat. Not to heal it, but to open the cuticle. But not sure why you keep saying EXTREME low porosity. There is no such thing

[@abiwatts1064]

This is very helpful, thank you! I'm only a few weeks in and trying to figure out what my hair needs

[@ozarks_onna]

That well loved herbal essences mousse gives me super stringy curls. I gave up on mousse. Recently tried a foam and it works way better.

[@meerasolomon3507]

I got Shea Moisture’s curl shampoo and conditioner and my hair hated it. Sooooo heavy and greasy feeling. I had to wash again the next day. I tried it again later on and same reaction. I’ve since learned how to find lightweight products with a balance of protein and my hair is much happier. And I was able to send the Shea Moisture to my mom, who has much coarser hair than I do.

[@irinamosli8807]

What do you use now?

[@meerasolomon3507]

Irina Mösli Either Giovanni 50:50 (no protein) or Mop Top (protein) shampoo and conditioner, Curls Blueberry Bliss leave in, Uncle Funky’s Daughters Curl Magic or Eva NYC Gotta Bounce, and Biosilk Rock Hard gel, with Eva NYC get glossed serum to finish when dry. To refresh I use Eva NYC Bounce Back spray and more of the serum. Not all are CGM approved.

[@vulpesvulpes9453]

I had the same issue with shea m. Now i'm using cantu and i love it! But still in transition...

[@danyeldoyle9685]

I hardly ever use a curling iron, blow dryer or straighten on my hair. So there isn’t much damage. The underneath part of my hair has some nice curls. But the top is just straight. So hopefully in a couple months my hair will start to look better. It’s so frustrating to do all this work for my hair to look like crap. But that you for the advice I was starting to give up on it.

[@kimcarr3741]

Hey Courtney, first off, deaf here and the CC were not up yet. Usually they kick in a day later but I can't wait any longer. I'm going to try to keep this short. I'm 65 and up until April of 2019 I had been flat ironing my hair religiously. I am 100% white from an inherited predisposition to go gray early. It is fine, medium density and most like high porosity but I could be wrong. It's definitely not low for sure. My hair is curly but I have a hard time with hold and technique which I know from reading the comments is not the thread of this video. You recently (I watch every video that is CC by you) suggested pairing AG recoil and Harry's gel for a stronghold....I did and it works! So happy 😄and hoping it keeps on working. Now for technique I am stumped. I know there are many ways to do this and I love plopping and have the maneuvers down pat but no matter how long or short I keep it up with the products in, when I take the t-shirt off my hair it is literally stuck to my head and yes I accordion the curls downward. Shaking it around does not get it off and it acts like I've used too much conditioner which to my shame I hardly ever use because everything I buy is too heavy. Even light weight leave ins can be a problem. Currently, my hair is passed my shoulders and collar bone. I thought for sure that once it got to this length plopping would no longer be a problem but that's not the case. The sides of my hair are stuck in a forward facing unbecoming way and not pretty to look at OR dry in that position. Right now, I brush my wet hair and divide and conquer without plopping. If you can think of any reason why plopping isn't working for me please, please let me know. I'm losing my mind here😩. A fun fact...I do not follow the cgm 100%. Even tho my hair is white and most likely dry, tho it doesn't feel it (I'm oily) my hair just can't take all that product. I really, really appreciate all the hard work you put into your videos trying to help others. Keep up the good work. Well done.........

[@stacywilson9718]

Wow, thanks for this video. I'm new and gave up the wavy styling technique but still used the correct products this last time because it felt like my curls were great the 1st wash but since it's been terrible. I didn't know curl memory was a thing!

[@michellebridges5990]

I did so much research and saw so many amazing things about Innersense. It was definitely pricey, but I was willing to pay for great quality. Turns out, it did nothing for my hair. I was having more and more bad hair days, and then I saw your video about glycerin. So now I’m on the hunt for some great glycerin free products!

[@Schmachthexe89]

Your hair looks amazing! I just shaved my head a few months ago, so I'm still waiting for it to grow long and healthy again :D My natural hair is quite similar to yours and I only found this out because of you

[@courtneywest]

Thank you so much for your content, Courtney! I just started my cg journey thanks to getting lazy during quarantine and experimenting with air drying my hair. I've lived 40 years thinking that my hair was straight and due to air drying, realized that it has a definite wave pattern. I've binged mainly your videos and have learned SO much! Thank you!!!!

[@free2bkittenforever]

I've heard if you do want to experiment with products to try it for a full week before switching. As someone with a sensitive scalp this is good advice since I react with too much change too quickly

[@vsquared30]

Yes I needed this! I've never had extensively damaged hair, but my version of caring for my hair was letting it do whatever it wanted (also not helpful). And I'm currently reaping what I sow- it's still doing whatever it wants XD. Even though I started out "ahead" I still need to slow down. On that note, I've tried the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil deep conditioner and my hair came out feeling like a potato chip...That product is being donated

[@mamakatz6340]

OMG. You’re speaking to me right now.

[@ansleyfleury7403]

I’m 2 months in and I feel like my clumps break faster and the frizz is sooo bad compared to the beginning. But I also have a ton of new baby hairs. And I can finger detangle in about a minute where the first time it was like 15 minutes. It’s a back and forth of...it’s better...no it’s worse...it looks great....nope I need to put it in a bun! The bun is my new hairstyle! 🤣

[@neatlittlenest-michelevig8805]

Great video Courtney! The one product my hair screamed at was a Shea Butter product from Shea Moisture. It literally made my hair feel like instant straw. 😂

[@dotsonms]

Same!

[@EDMEMC]

Of course the first line of products I bought was shea moisture. It was the coconut products. I noticed that my scalp itches quite a lot when I use the leave-in conditioner

[@keiras13]

yucko barfo is the technical term I'M DEAD

[@sreyapal8958]

Hi courtney. I am 4 months into transition. Can you make a video on refreshing 2nd-3rd day hair during transitioning, as transitioning hair behave differently from what you expect. Ty❤️

[@PianoPersonification]

I've been doing CGM for over a year now... I remember getting CG approved products and having most of my hair just be a stringy mess as my hair was so damaged from straightening it. 3 months ago before I cut off the damage, you could see a hard line where the damage generally stopped. It was severe. For me, a product change for my stylers was crucial, as I learned from research and many failed wash days in the wintertime that glycerin was dehydrating my already dehydrated hair. I changed stylers, added a custard, and I finally got "seaweed" textured hair! I was amazed, as I only had wet frizz for a long time. I wasn't hydrating my hair enough, and glycerin was the culprit at that time. Later, I realized I over hydrated more towards the warmer months, and I had to get a protein filled mask to balance it out. I'm still figuring it out, but feel your hair often, take notes and pictures of wash days... once I did that the progress was faster! Balance protein and moisture... moisturize a lot early on, and get a few products with protein to balance it out. I wish I had used hair masks earlier on in my journey, as that would have helped so much! The LA Looks gel killed my hair in the wintertime, but now after using it paired with another gel, I get some crazy hold!

[@MusicxxRose]

When you said that with starting you want to go out and buy everything to try, I felt that. Really did. I just started learning and watching videos a few weeks ago and have been buying off Amazon a little at a time that ends up building up on cost. I was thinking of getting a new shampoo and conditioner the other day, had it in my cart ready for payday. But then yesterday was wash day and I decided to try the squish to condish method for the first time and I do think it made a huge difference. I also changed up styling techniques a little and used a little more product. Hopefully that will help with slowing down on purchases since I have at least one of each type to use.

[@reganhulvey4213]

I started my curly journey 8/9 months ago. My hair is completely different now than it was then (2b/2c hair here - bleach & heat damage). My curls are finally starting to clump up really well each time. For the most part - I still struggle with my top layer. But now, my wash days I am doing one product different on each side & I am testing which products work better. So if you don’t mind one side looking s tad different than the other, maybe try doing the same routine but maybe the gel different on each side. I only would recommend this though once you’ve been doing the CGM for a while. But it’s teaching me a LOT! I’m also taking pics each wash day so I can compare. I’m awful at remembering how my hair exactly felt/looked like 😂

[@mikokennoob5032]

I am forcing myself to begin from the bottom. I chopped my hair and they are very short now. Like around my ears, and I kept starting over with products, I could not keep them healthy. Now all my hair are quite curly after cut shock for a while. I am determined to keep them healthy and I love it!

[@jessicagalyon5840]

This is my fave video of yours so far. So much information!! Most of these things really resonated w me & 3wks in are my struggles

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

I am so glad it did! It can be so tough earlier on figuring it all out! Hang in there! 🥰🥰

[@IngunnWanderer]

How do I know whether I've gotten through the transition period?

[@rachelb4398]

It's different for everyone, but, if your hair isn't too damaged, the older hair (it's oldest at the ends) should start looking similar to what you have growing out of your roots. So it may be some time before you can actually tell, because you need to let your roots grow out some so you can have something to compare it to. Unfortunately, if your hair is damaged enough, it may never get fully restored. In that case, chopping off the damage would be the only way to get rid of it. If you bleached, relaxed, went way overboard with heat, etc., it is possible the only way to get through a transition period is to cut off the damaged parts of your hair. Hope that helps!

[@IngunnWanderer]

@@rachelb4398 Okay, thank you. That helps a lot 😊

[@rachelb4398]

@@IngunnWanderer You're welcome :)

[@kirstingarrison5523]

Thanks for this! I just started cgm. After the first time I used the wash and style method (I hadn't used heat for a couple of years) it looked so lovely and curly with some frizz. After the second co-wash and style it looked like a frizzy mess. This was encouraging!

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Yes, hang in there! It is a journey! These two videos may be of help as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5PMY6qBr8qhipo kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5PMY6qBr8qhipo

[@paytonnicely1588]

I have been doing the cg method for 2 months and I am loving it I am so glad that I found your Chanel my hair is already starting to look good

[@YanaKyra2007]

just started with a natural way to fix my really damaged curls ( over 10 yrs of straightning every day), and my first start is a shampoo bar of Nature Box ( avocado oil ), a conditioner from Petal Fresh ( rosemary mint) and a deep conditioner from aussi, 2-3 times a week now ( i always washed my hair every day) and it is working better then i espected. My hair doesnt feel rough but ratter soft, and when i apply a little bit (wallnut) of Style Icon Aloë vera Gel into it, and diffuse it a little with a scrunch it works very well 🤗 In the beginning i put on too much gel in my hair but now i found the right amount of it... and it starts to work for me! I really start to looking forward what the cg method can do for me, and i like your vids about yoúr journey. Hope i have curl like you about a few years or so 🙏

[@daniellemariehardy7990]

The “fluffy photo” made me feel so much better 😂 my hair currently looks so wavy stringy 🤣

[@mtnjhutch]

It made me feel better also! Mine is so curly in the back but the top layer is barley wavy

[@randipoe9400]

My hair HATED aloe in the beginning. I bought tons of treluxe and Curlsmith products only to have flash drying... But i saved them, amd now theyre my HG products... my hair is soft, shiny and og so hapoy with those products! I've just ordered replacements, which I dont do very often 😉

[@cherylgratton7940]

During our first curl coaching session, you emphasized this for me, and it was SO VERY HELPFUL! Thank you so much! I am using the lineup of products you suggested, and it has helped me improve in my ability to discern and intuit what my hair is doing when I try different techniques. Looking forward to our next coaching session. Many thanks!!!

[@jessicamcguiggan2325]

Wow this makes so much sense I have urge to want to buy every curly girl product! So I have two sets of products right now the bumble and bumble curl line and the not your mother curly talk line I have been using not your mothers more so I will stick with it for a while to see if it eventually keeps the curl clumps! My hair definitely looks like your first picture you showed!

[@dipanwitadas8147]

Such a great point of getting intuitive about hair, Courtney! I think the touch and feel aspect of curly hair is quite underrated and goes a long way in product selection, especially in the initial stages. One product that my hair had pretty confusibg reactions to was the bounce curl gel..the first time I had the best hair day but the second time it flash dried inspite of adding tons of water.So like you said I've stuck it to the back of my closet and an planning to revisit it in some time.

[@Colley_co]

Looking forward to this video! I’m at the 3-ish month mark and idk what’s going on 😭 I’ve been using the same products the whole time so i could experiment with technique but I still can’t get consistency.

[@rachellep2581]

Dipitydo hair mousse, being a Canadian brand I was so excited for it. I heard so much good especially about their gel. I blame the Glycerin, my hair went so crazy it was the worst hair day of my life. I also placed it in the back of my bathroom vanity and their it still sits and reminds me of that day lol. I will need a more adventures and brave wash day before I pull it out again lol. So I'll get back to you on the last part 🤭 Ps another great video, Thanks I so enjoyed it. With your video, and my coffee in hand I feel like I'm listening to a good friend 😊.

[@yvettealdrich1201]

Any dry shampoo makes my hair so heavy and gross! I am just beginning my journey as I have some annoying waves later in life as well as caulicks that are awe full if I don't hear style. I am hoping with this method that I can use my natural hair texture and waves to my advantage!

[@hopesmith2471]

Good stuff and love those bloopers at the end! 😁😂🤗

[@SwavyCurlyCourtney]

Glad it was helpful and thank you!

[@tuu9617]

Dew point matters too. My hair needs in dry weather versus hot humid weather big difference for me

[@sammyp1153]

This was so helpful!!! Thank you so much

[@priscillamariah97]

Girl thank you for this video! Also the thumbnail cracked me up 🤣

[@lw3764]

It's interesting that Courtney said Jessicurl products worked best for her hair when she was starting out. I've found the same thing too. I'm new to all this, until about a month ago all I did was shampoo, condition and scrunch in some Dove mousse then air dry. I only started that routine about 8 months ago when I decided to let my hair go wavy rather than flat iron it.I started researching cgm, started trying different products. My hair looks best with Jessicurl styling products. Unfortunately my scalp hates them. Now I'm having to experiment to find out how to settle down my scalp and also make my hair look great. :/

[@trentkatelas4707]

Omg defintly agree at re trying products. I recently cut out sulfates from shampooand thought my hair was in need of protien so i got a protien heavy mask from glow lab. My hair hated it. Caused a tangly dry mess. Fast forward a few months and my hair now loves it. Use it and my hair doesnt tangle or dry out. But best thing is after use my curls are more defined then using my normal mouster mask.

[@misscinnabun79]

Been trying the cgm for about 2 months. I have 2b waves. Not your mothers curl gel was the worst (somehow none of their products have ever worked for me, even before 🤷‍♀️). My favorite so far is curls blueberry bliss leave in. It gave me clumps for the first time. Tgi rose water mousse gives me amazing shrinkage. So far, those are my favorite and I skip the jelly all together now. Maybe I will try the Curls, or tgi gel later on

[@florenciafernandez8447]

My hair has crazy flash dry with the Curls Leave In! I tried quite a few times since you love it so much but my hair absolutely hated it 😭😭

[@Panakeia_50]

Did you tried to change the amount of product you use? I heard that this can be very important 😊

[@florenciafernandez8447]

@@Panakeia_50 I did :( Nothing I did worked. I've been using the jessicurl aloeba daily conditioner as my leave in and my hair loves it! I guess the Curls leave in was not meant to be

[@mantra4ia]

I get what you're saying about the adjustment period, but it's insufferable. It's been six months and I'm just about to quit on my wavy hair aspirations with the curly method. I was never a big fan of hot tools before, and I like the fact that the curly method has me using my dryer even less, but on the whole I can't take the process from top to bottom anymore. I think I'll still use sulfate and silicone free products, but man I am done with hair gel and air drying. If I put a gel in my hair and let it be, it will be damp for 8+ hours, and during that time it will break, and when it's finally dry it only the underlayers will have waves. The rest will look stringy as if I've just come from the gym. This process is not for me.

[@tuu9617]

Co wash... my hair didn't like it but then tried couple months later and loved it

[@yensid4294]

The only thing I had to stop using was the Shea Moisture brand shampoo/cond. My hair was fine with it but my scalp wasn't. The added fragrance gave me allergic dermatitis. But at least I found out it wasn't the sulfates in shampoos that had been bothering me & I didn't have seb derm afterall & could stop paying for the expensive medicated shampoo & scalp treatment I'd been prescribed by my doctor. I just have to avoid added fragrance in my shampoo or excessive fragrance in my styling products. Jessicurl has been a lifesaver in this regard since they offer all their products in a fragrance free option. The shampoo/cond I was using previously that was formulated for fragrance free/sensitive skin made my hair feel horrible( but my scalp wasn't itchy & inflamed) There just aren't many good options out there for people with sensitivities when it comes to personal care/grooming.

[@victoriara8775]

Hi! I've been doing the CGM for 1month, just tried the Bounce Curl Light Gel and ...hate it! Now I understand what flash dry means!

[@monsteri4]

I needed to hear this at 3 weeks in because my curls are falling out regardless of products or application!! I have great waves when it's wet, but they don't ever look as good when they dry. My hair dries straight now, but it had some wave and texture before I bleached and dyed it a lot. I think this is going to be a long journey for me:(