Hi, fellow curlies! Long time lurker, but I created a separate account to show off my 3a/3b work in progress! I’ve divided this up into sections because it’s definitely of TL;DR length, so skip right to the routine part if that’s what you’re after.


HAIR STATS

Mostly very strong 3a, but there’s a good chunk of something approaching 3b at the crown.

Really thick, I can’t use small hair clips or ties, even with it being shorter. It feels like it’s become a tad less thick, maybe due to age (I’m in my 30s).

Last cut in March (8 months ago), it’s a shorter curly cut that’s growing out but still looks decent.

Highlights and color applied at last cut. The highlights were subtle, the color was close to my natural hair color to help cover the whites coming in.

No flat iron/high heat for the last 4+ years. Most heat I’ve used is a dryer on low with bursts of cold air.

No “bad” products for the last 4+ years. It’s only been curly approved products with no traditional shampoo! Only No Poo with the occasional clarifying shampoo.

Very dry climate. So dry here I have a sinus moisturizing gel I shove up my nose before bed to avoid nosebleeds. I know most curlies hate the humidity but I wish I had a little bit, I think my hair would benefit.

Hair washed once weekly, twice weekly at most. More often during the week if I’m exercising (which I haven’t done much of lately, hah), but coarse/dryer hair + very dry climate = fewer washings. I do a lazy pineapple to pin it up when I do quick body-only showers.


HAIR HISTORY

It’s a story that’s all too familiar here: My hair was NOT cool as a kid— the 90s were not nice to big hair, and I was also one of the only “ethnic” people in super white schools. When in its natural state, it was almost nothing but fuzz and it almost looked like I had an afro. Stylists had no clue what to do with my hair, so the cuts never helped.

I first heard about the curly method in 2009 or 2010. Even though that wasn’t THAT long ago, the spectrum of products we have available now versus then is night and day. With my limited hair understanding, I took the plunge and went natural, but it didn’t look so great. I stuck with it, though, mostly out of laziness because life got really busy and stressful. Straightening my hair literally takes hours, so laziness won. Used to use DevaCurl No Poo and One Condition in the shower before crunching in the DevaCurl Light Defining Gel. Never experimented with other stuff because, again, I was lazy and busy.

Recently, my hair was going limp and was feeling greasy no matter what I did, so I started reading through the links in this subreddit and experimenting with newer products now that my life has slowed down. I bought a few new products based on recommendations here, and what I outline below is after playing around with a few different things for the last couple of months.


NEW "ROUTINE"

“Routine” is in quotations because routine suggests I do this with regularity when this is the first time I’ve done this whole “routine” as outlined below.

I realized I last clarified my hair when my hairdresser cut it several months ago, so I figured it was time to clarify. The pics are from last night, a couple of hours after washing.

1. Clarify with Kinky Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo. I really spent my time massaging it into my scalp, and I liberally applied to my hair and worked it until it had the “squeaky clean” feel. I used a rake comb to help detangle and make sure the shampoo was applied evenly throughout. I NEVER, EVER tug at any tangles, I take my time gently combing them out.
   
   (I really love how my hair turned out, I’m not sure if I’m going to just clarify every time I wash my hair. I wash it so infrequently and it has so much product applied to it each time that I think I’ll be fine, but I’ll edit this post if it turns out to be a bad idea.)
   
   
2. Crunch out excess water.
   
   
3. Condition with Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner. I applied liberally, massaging it into scalp and crunching it up into my hair until my hair felt smooth/soft. I crunched by leaning my hair to the side (and switching sides periodically) and making sure the crunch action reaches my scalp to ensure that the product it applied throughout.
   
   NB: Don’t over-apply to the point that the conditioner is dripping out of your hair, it’s wasteful and doesn’t add anything more to your hair apart from making it feel too greasy later.
   
   
4. Crunch out excess water. Crunching will be your life for the next 20-30 minutes.
   
   
5. Crunch gently with a towel. I just used my regular bath towel. Same crunch method as detailed in #3. I crunch until the dripping mostly stops.
   
   
6. Apply Miss Jessie’s Multicultural Curls. I squeezed out a generous palmful, tilted my head to the side, and crunched it up into my hair. Same crunch method as detailed in #3. I crunched until I felt I’d crunched it up evenly throughout and my hands weren’t covered in product.
   
   
7. Apply Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls. Same directions as in #6.
   
   
8. Get a handheld hair dryer, remove whatever piece is at the head of it so the airflow isn’t concentrated in any particular way. I have a Che hairdryer I bought 10+ years ago that works well. (I had a diffuser, can’t find it, if I find it/use it I’ll edit this post. If anyone has any diffuser recs for someone with 3a/3b hair, let me know, I may have gotten rid of mine accidentally, oops.)
   
   
9. Tilt your head upside-down, and dry with the hairdryer on low heat setting with one kept a a few inches away while your other hand continues to crunch. Occasionally shift your hair to either side of your head and back to upside-down.
   
   
10. If your hair dryer has a cold burst setting, use it for 20 seconds every 60 seconds or so. If not, just remove the heat for a few seconds as you continue crunching. CRUNCHING IS LIFE, IT IS THE ONLY LIFE YOU NOW KNOW.
    
    
11. Dry your hair until it feels dry, never stop crunching. Your hands shouldn’t be damp or wet. I always used to rush through this part and the curls aren’t the same, the more time I spend with any low kind of heat (either with this hair dryer or using the helmet dryer at the salon), the better for me.
    
    
12. Finish your hair with a small amount of shine serum. I plopped my head upright and scrunched in a small palmful of serum, focusing on the hair at the crown, the most coarse/fuzzy. I have some old DevaCurl MirrorCurls Serum lying around. I don’t like the smell, I’m open to trying something else.
    
    
13. Fin. Maybe now is a good time to go gather the hair from the drain trap before your spouse yells at you for secretly threatening him with tribbles.
    
    
    GOALS
    
    I’m happy with my hair, but I have some things to work on:
    
    
14. Fuzz. It’s still a little fuzzy at the crown, way better than before, maybe I need to make peace with it? Maybe a diffuser would help.
    
    
15. Length. I haven’t had long hair in years, I’d like to continue growing it out and seeing how much more the thickness/length of the hair will weigh it down and make it less bouncy.
    
    
16. Finding these products in bulk. It seems impossible, but I won’t give up hope. I would be willing to spend more money upfront for this stuff if it meant it was cheaper per ounce.
    
    
17. Figuring out how to keep it looking good through the week. I do the pineapple at night with a giant, silky scarf and then cover the top with a night cap, but it still looks fuzzier/less awesome the next day. What do you recommend? This climate is WAY TOO DRY for me to do this this whole routine any more than twice/thrice weekly.
    
    
    Wow, that was a novella. Thanks for reading, and best of curls to you all!

I'll throw in my basic recommendations to get you started. I'll add my mailing list for online shops later.

Shirts

• Purchase 1 black and 1 white tee that fits well, graphic tees that match your personality
  
• Invest in a nice sweater for wear in colder months, they look classy but casual
  
• Go to Macy's, find the clearance rack, and look for Alfani button-down collar shirts with sleeves rolled up. Not only do these make for great evening/date wear and business casual wear in the office, but they also generate compliments. The added benefit of finding them on clearance as that they usually run for less than $15 a piece and you can try them on in store.
  
  
  

  Shoes
  

• Vans are cheap and go with anything
  
• Check out outlets, warehouses, and in-mall shops during sales for good Nikes
  
• Ebay or Offerup if you're brave enough
  
  

  Pants
  

• At least 1 pair black joggers and a pair of well fitting denim.
  
• Bike(moto) or destroyed jeans under $30
  
• Lighter colored chino's are great for a classier look.
  
  

  Accessories
  

• Invest in a nice watch. Seiko is a popular brand for good reason. Be mindful when buying watches and leather straps that they should compliment your skin tone(darker on lighter skin, lighter on darker skin). r/watches
  
• I recommend leather or dark beaded bracelets. They're usually cheaper online but you can also make your own with materials from local craft stores.
  
• A small sterling silver chain with a nice emblem compliments well.
  
  

  Piercings
  

  Under no circumstances should you be getting any piercings done at a retailer like Walmart. Period. Nor should you be using a piercing gun to have your pierces done. Period. Find a reputable tattoo parlor that does piercing with a sterile needle. Discuss your skin sensitivity, how and where you want to be pierced, and what kind of jewelry you want to wear before you even sit down. When the time comes, make sure that they mark and show you where the piercing will be placed so that there are no discrepancies. Most places should place trainers that will be kept in place until healing is done, so make sure you keep that area clean every day. After healing is done, you can go back to the parlor and they should help you pick out your jewelry.
  
  

  Hats
  

• This one is a little trickier. I honestly just buy caps from Lids when they're on sale or from Amazon. Be careful buying fitted ones though, as depending on how often you grow or cut your hair they can become too loose or tight. I prefer snapbacks for that reason.
  
  

  Hair
  

  Most get fades or grow their hair out in a protective style, so not much to say about those. I'm aware, however, that someone asked about how to get the curly hair style that's becoming popular.
  
  

• Decide on what haircut you want; I prefer an Afrohawk. Let your barber know ahead of time what you're trying to do with your hair. Your hair should be at least a couple inches combed/picked out.
  
• Get your cut, then shampoo and condition your hair, or use apple cider vinegar(youtube it) to clean your hair.
  
• While it's DAMP(not wet, not dry, but DAMP) you can massage your usual oil(or growth cream) into your scalp.
  
• Take a dab of curling pudding(I use Cantu's Coconut Curling Cream) and run it through your hair while it's still damp.
  
• Finally take a little finger sized scoop of styling gel(Eco is popular, find one that smells good and holds your hair) and run it through the TIP of your hair. You're not trying to work it into your scalp so it shouldn't go past half way deep into your hair. Add more as needed but not so much that you form visible clumps.
  
• Now grab a mirror, find the crown in the back of your head, and take note of the direction your hair grows(clockwise/counterclockwise). Rub your sponge/brush in a circular motion in the same direction your hair grows for at least 10 minutes until you get the curls you desire. Fix or shake your hair as needed.

(sorry to interrupt this thread) I have the same feeling, and I haven't used the Marc Anthony product -- but I do have some good product suggestions.

I like using a volumizing mousse and/or a hair powder to give my hair grip and volume without a stitch of extra oiliness. I find that most thickening/styling creams tend to weigh my hair down, which makes my hair look fuller but fall flat later in the day. Root spray will do good things for me, but only in combination with something a little stronger.

I use a mousse nearly every time my hair is wet. If I want more volume or to do something when my hair is still squeaky-clean, I supplement with a powder/spray to give it the texture to hold. They are also good to fluff up your hair if/when it falls.

Favorite mousses:

• Drybar's Southern Belle mousse: Sort of a strong smell if you're sensitive to that. Volume, but I can run my hands through it. I've been using this every day.
  
  
• Kerastase Resistance Volumactive: Recommended by my hairdresser. The most powerful mousse I've used, with good hold. Doesn't leave your roots particularly soft but is volumizing magic (and is not usually this expensive).
  
  
• Aveda Phomollient - Leaves hair soft and full. This is the most minimal hold of the three.
  
  
• Runners-up: Bumble and bumble Full Form mousse (Works very well, runs out VERY quickly), Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus (Effective, but a little crunchy-feeling).
  
  Hair powder:
  
  
• L'Oreal Professionel True Grip: Love this. My personal favorite. Lasts longer than you'd think, even though it's so small. Doubles as dry shampoo.
  
  
• Schwarzkopf Dust It: Works well for styling/pulling hair up. A little denser than the True Grip.
  
  
• Got2B Powderful: The cheapest, and it's magic. Also made by Schwarzkopf. Holds its own against the other two.
  
  
• Runner-up: Bumble and bumble Pret-a-Powder (pricy, smells good, soft... but just not as good as the others as a texturizer or dry shampoo).
  
  Texturizing spray: This stuff, sprayed at the roots, will fluff up any hair, any time. Works well for volume and for getting styles to hold.
  
  
• HOLY GRAIL PRODUCT ALERT: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. Hold up hair, spray at roots, drop hair, roots stay up. Great for fluffing up a ponytail or boosting limp afternoon/next-day hair.
  
  

I have a hard time taking good photos of my hair, but I noticed that it looked pretty nice here so I'm taking the time to share my routine with you guys!

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo

Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner (rinse out)

Then when I get out of the shower I use the L.O.C. Method with these products followed by squishing my hair in the sink with a few hand-cup-fulls of warm water. I found that raking them in and then squishing my hair with a little water afterwords eliminated the frizz that I got when I did S2C and also made my curls clump together more neatly since the products add a bit of slip. It also removes any excess product and doesn't make my hair feel greasy and weighed down as it did with S2C.

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner (leave-in)

Una Designing Oil Non Oil (dime sized amount on each side of my head)

Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner (only on the bottom 1/2 of my hair)

This is when I squish with the water and then I grab my Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel and rub a good amount into my palms. I run my fingers gently through my now clumped and dripping wet curls, and then squish from the bottom which gets rid of the excess water and allows the gel to form a cast around the curls. I do this on both sides of my head, and then squish any dripping water away with a cotton t-shirt.

I then diffuse my hair on a medium heat setting until it is about 40% dry, and then I transfer over to my space heater. The reason I do this is because diffusing gives me good volume, but if I diffuse all the way my hair gets too much volume and ends up looking 1/2 the length it is and my curls begin to warp in to wonky directions. By switching to my space heater, the slow warm air flow doesn't disrupt my pattern and makes my hair dry extra soft and bouncy. I don't like air drying because it takes way too long, and from me moving around I get a lot of frizz. I also noticed that it feels more like the products are just sitting on my hair rather than drying to become soft and flowy.

I am now able to pineapple my hair at night (I prefer using these scrunchies over traditional hair ties because they stay in place 100x better and also just slide off of my hair without giving me snagged curls, frizz, or any sort of kink) without even using a satin pillowcase, and come out the next day with what I could call almost better than day 1 second day curls! The pineapple gives me even more volume without taking away length and I just go in with a little bit of water on my fingers to smooth out any out of place curls. I give full credit to the Eco Styler Gel for allowing me this luxury. It didn't work for me with my previous routine, but now that I have converted to the L.O.C. Method I couldn't be more pleased and in love with my hair!

Sidenote: I also dyed my hair with Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Cream #63 Brown Sugar to get rid of my roots and lighten my hair a very very slight bit, and I came out with ZERO damage, ZERO difference in texture, and ZERO split ends. My hair is so healthy now, I am beyond amazed.

Thank you to the moon and back to all of you here for helping me figure out how to take good care of my curls and allowing them to reach their full potential. I am forever grateful! <3

Okay.

You need some shape to your hair. You also need to stop using a comb. Using a comb makes all the hairs look too uniform and will make any thinning or balding stick out like a sore thumb. Combs should really only ever be used when trying to achieve that hipster hard part/Mad Men look. I'm a big fan of more natural hairstyles. I would highly suggest growing out your hair a bit (while you still can) and using some sort of fiber or pomade product. I don't have a hair loss problem personally but my friend does and uses Rogaine and has had great results. In the long run, you may just need to bite the bullet and keep your head shaved. But for now, while you're young and in college, there's no reason why you can't try to have a good head of hair for a bit. When using either fiber or pomade, you just need to use about a quarter-sized amount in your hair. There's no real method to it. Just work it into your hair spiking pieces here and there. Maybe twisting some sections for extra texture. The longer your hair is on top, the more you can do with it. You could go with either of these and look a lot better.

Shorter Hair

Medium/Messy Hair


My suggestions for products are below.

1. Layrite - Good hold. Will give some shine to your hair. Water based so it washes out easily.
   
   
2. Fiber Grease - Asian product so the directions and labeling are oddly worded. But smells like apples and has very good hold with good shine. Water based as well so it will wash out easily.
   
   
   
3. American Crew Fiber - Decent hold. A lot of people on this sub like this one. Provides more of a matte/natural look to your hair. It's a little more "waxy" feeling. Still washes out, just not as easily as water based pomades.
   
   
4. Rough Rider by Kevin Murphy - Most expensive option. Probably the best hold out of all the products mentioned here. A small amount goes a long way, this container will last you a long time. More of a "clay" feel in your hands. You may want to use this in combination with a "shiny" fiber like the Fiber Grease as Rough Rider has more of a matte finish to it.
   
   EDIT: I agree with u/rogertaylorswift. Keep the sides clean and trimmed but leave yourself some length on top to play around with. A little product goes a long way. The key is not using too much. Then you get into the realm of seeming like you're "trying too hard" as you mentioned. All these products are available off Amazon. I wouldn't go crazy trying to find them in China when you can just get them delivered to your dorm room.
   

Hahahaha we can do this, together <3

But seriously so here is my process:

• Shower, Shampoo/Condition/Etc
  
  
• While still in shower and hair is soaking, add a dollop of this and comb through (I just find it conditioning and nice).
  
  
• Put hair up in an old graphic t-shirt (less frizz than a towel!)
  
  
• When 50-60% dry, take out and add a dollop of this - It's like a gel but way more forgiving and it smells like cake. (It doesn't taste like cake. Don't ask.)
  
  
• Do my 6 tentacle braids...yours probably looks infinitely better with the french braided pigtails hahaha.
  
  
• Go to sleep (my favourite step!)
  
  
• Wake up, hair spray braids and let set while I do my makeup and whatever else.
  
  
• When ready, take out braids and tousle roots - I try to avoid disturbing the body of the hair too much because then it's like brushing out curls and the frizz/largeness is oh my lol. But the roots definitely need some breaking up.
  
  
• First day that's usually the extent of it.
  
  
• Second Day I add the silkening gloss to control frizzies (2-3 pumps usually?). Second day is always the best day! Idk why hahaha.
  
  
• Third day I also add the gloss - It seriously doesn't make oily at all!!!!! It's as amazing as the original thread says <3 Also third day I do a bun or something with the nice texture the braids give. Sometimes I leave it down but I definitely look a little lazy if I do that haha.
  
  I hope that helps! It's also possible your hair doesn't hold as well (cough or you have higher standards for acceptable hair than me...totally possible cough), but I think with those products you will hopefully get a little more mileage out of it!

creme does not hold up as well as gel does, but i think it looks nicer, on my hair at least.

Maybe you could find a picture of what you want your hair to look like to give me an idea? Like what is your goal, what would you want your hair to look like.

It sounds like you might want more...volume? Your hair seems more on the fine side and like a 3B/3C. I follow the curly girl method, you can learn more about that on the sidebar. I use Yes to Carrots Conditioner, but I'll be stopping that when the new formula makes it to the local grocery stores (they just started adding silicones, but old formula, which is still available near me, doesn't have that in it). And I use Curls Goddess Curls for gel. For creme, I use whatever I find on sale that fits curly girl friendly.

Gel is great for humidity, it also is lighter and helps curls curl better. Cream is heavier, better for dryer conditions because it adds moisture, but it's heavier and will loosen curls.

And you have to find the right balance of conditioner so your hair isn't too weighed down, but also isn't frizzy. For your hair, I'd think a poker chip size amount of conditioner would do and then half of that for the styling product.

My day starts the night before and doesn't go very well if I'm not prepared for it:

• Prepare lunch for the next day. Currently alternating between mango+blueberry+strawberry salad (50% mixed greens, 50% spinach) with mango dressing (on the side, don't want a soggy salad), and a rice bowl of brown rice, grilled chicken, snow peas, bean sprouts, spinach, and topped with a homemade sugar-free teriyaki sauce. Rice, chicken, and sauce are all prepared the Sunday before.
  
• Visit sleepyti.me or use the app (Android, don't know about iDevices) to figure out when I should be going to bed or waking up.
  
• Take vitamins: Fish oil (extremely important for healthy skin/hair), men's multivitamin, calcium+D3 - Whether or not I take half or whole of these depends on other supplements I take throughout the day and/or my diet. I get these from Costco.
  
• Use 2-step facial peel every-other night, wash face with glycolic face cleanser on the other nights.
  
• Moisturize on nights that I use cleanser only, as the 2-step peel moisturizes enough on its own. I will stress that cleanser is very much dependent on skin-type and what works well for you. Go to Sephora and talk to someone there about what to use, they'll happily give you a few samples, try each for a couple days and then go back and buy the one that works best for you. You shouldn't start to get oily until the end of your day with a good moisturizer that's working for you.
  
• Brush lightly without toothpaste or with a fluoride mouthwash - Limit brushing, more than once a day can actually do more damage than good. (Friend is a dentist)
  
• Floss
  
  Then when morning comes..
  
• Hit 10 minute snooze 2-3 times
  
• Maneuver out of the bed, trying not to disturb the cat, occasionally the missus if she has a late start, and the dog that doesn't fit but thinks he should anyway.
  
• I've had laser hair removal on my neck, so I don't worry about shaving there. I've been rocking the two-day stubble look on the rest of my face, so every-other day I trim with a bare blade on the trimmer.
  
• I only shower every day when I'm working out like I should be. Other than that, every-other day. Better for your hair and skin, natural oils and such. Make sure the shower is just warm enough that you're not shivering. This will wake your ass right up and remind you that the rest of the day probably won't go how you'd like it to (margaritas on the beach). I switch products often, but right now I'm using Bumble&Bumble Creme de Coco shampoo and conditioner for the hair, Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser for the face (it's warming and feels nice in a cold shower), and Olay Ultra Moisture w/Shea Butter for body scrub- it has almost no scent and keeps your skin moist enough to not use lotion on your entire body.
  
• Towel dry hair, not all the way, but close.
  
• Add the following products in the following order to hair: one and one-half pumps of Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum (only if you have thick or frizzy hair, DO NOT use this if you have fine hair), generous misting (do not drench) of Bumble&Bumble Styling Lotion, and for hold 1-2 fingertip-sized gobs of Bumble&Bumble Sumotech - I let all of this sit for a couple minutes while I proceed with next steps
  
• Anti-ingrown hair with Anthony Logistics for Men Ingrown Hair Treatment - Let this dry/set before moisturizing with Boscia Black Hydration Gel
  
• Deodorant- Which one I use depends on whether or not I'm going to use cologne: With cologne I use either unscented or matching (currently Gucci Guilty), without cologne I really like Jack Black Pit Boss Antiperspirant & Deodorant - it's not a heavy scent, and it lasts all day for anti-stink and anti-wet shirt (wet spots on the underarms of your shirt does not a gentleman make).
  
• Blow-dry and shape hair, self-explanatory.
  
• Brush teeth
  
• Get dressed
  
• Breakfast of chilled steel-cut oats mixed with vanilla fat-free Greek yogurt (this is made in large quantities on Sundays, would be happy to further share recipe), with mixed berries (blue, straw, black), mango, ground flax (body can't digest/process whole flax seeds, you'll just shit them out without getting any value), and almonds. French press coffee if I have time to grind, drip if not, preground from local coffee shop.
  
• Feed and water the animals, take the dog out for a quick walk.
  
  Weekly tasks:
  
• Pluck stray eyebrow hairs. If you have caterpillars above your eyeballs, nobody will take you seriously (see monthly tasks).
  
• If you have body hair that you do not like, trim it. If you wear V neck shirts or if you are West coast and don't wear a tie, you shouldn't be doing the last button of your shirt up. So trim at least the top of your chest.
  
• Clip your nails. I need to do this every 7-10 days.
  
  Monthly Tasks:
  
• Get your eyebrows shaped. The barber/salon you go to should offer this service for $10-15 + tip.
  
• I get my hair cut every 6 weeks, but if you go to a good barber/salon, you should be able to go in every 2 weeks or so and get the back of your neck and around your ears trimmed for free. This will be a 5 minute process and keeps you looking sharp.

I got mine trimmed this week and the stylist asked how I style it (specifically where I part it) and I was like "yeah, I go like this" and put my hand by my left temple then ran it through my hair going to the right and slightly back. And that was the whole thing.

She goes "Wow, that's complex" (or something similarly sarcastic)

I was like "yeah, I mostly wear hats at work so you can't even see it anyway."

My #1 styling tip (I don't count the above as "styling", though it is a tip) is to forget about whatever gel/products you used on your long hair and get something for men. I use some [putty from garnier] (http://www.garnierusa.com/products/styling/men/putty/power-putty-surfer-hair.aspx) most of the time, they have a light spray if you're looking for something more natural, too.

If you ever want to spike it, get you some hair glue. I just got some of this shit for a cosplay I was doing and that shit means business! I was trying to spike my hair into a mohawk two weeks ago for a concert and my maximum fuckery gel/hairspray combo just could not make it happen. Then, last week I was cosplaying as Goku so I went to the store and got some got2be because a friend who cosplays recommended it to me. I ended up with beautiful Goku hair that lasted... 14 hours iirc. I used hairspray, too, but I was sweating and running around on and off all day and I kept touching it because spiky hair is fun to touch and it held up great. I was really impressed.

I usually go with Ganier just because they're cheaper and they tend to smell nice, like even the "man scents" are pretty nice and not overpowering, but I've been led to believe that got2be is where the magic is at and from my one experience with got2be, I believe it.

I do have one possibly negative comment about the hair glue though... I felt, the whole time, like I was putting jizz from someone really dehydrated in my hair. It was the same color and the same opacity, kinda like if you had normal glue and left it out overnight or something and half the liquid evaporated. I'm a mature adult, sometimes.

Sometimes.

Unlike a lot of people here, I'll actually give some good advice.

People who say "quit being a bitch", obviously never rode regular rides with women. My girlfriend does like to ride pillion, but she does complain that it's hard to look good for an outing. The helmet messes up her hair, makeup, etc.

I have a Coolmax Skull Cap or helmet liner that I bought from the US a long time ago for a tenner. It looks something like this. I like it a lot. Look for helmet liners that cyclists use. For girls with longer hair, they may prefer a buff. In particular, my girlfriend wears stud earrings, and the buff is nice in that it covers her ears. She does look like she's wearing a hijab when she puts it on though.

None of these are really going to perfectly preserve your hair. It's best to also try a better hair product. I haven't used gel for literally decades since it's too crunchy and shiny. For me, gel is a very school-boy thing to use. Wax is too shiny. The best hair product I've used is American Crew Forming Cream which does well in helmets.

First of all, your hair is beautiful! Love the curls.

My only suggestion would be to add layers. It looks like you may have some in the back but they should be trimmed up a bit. That'll help a little with volume.

My hair is alot like yours. To get the volume I want, I use gel and scrunch the living heck out of it. Add the gel when your hair is soaking wet and scrunch upside down. Make sure you use enough as all the water dilutes it. You'll have to play around with this to find the right amount.

I also use a diffuser with long teeth (does this make sense?) and use it to lift my top layers for added volume. Diffuse on low/hot setting. I alternate diffusing by lifting and by putting my hair upside down. LOTS of volume. Also, when my hair is almost dry, I scrunch in additional gel. It gives me better curl formation. If your curls come out crunchy you can scrunch out the crunch. It'll all depend on the gel you use.

Don't worry about using Deva products. There are others just as good and 1/4 the price. Also, what other others may recommend for styling products may not work for you. I use Kinky curling custard
https://www.amazon.com/Kinky-Curly-Original-Curling-Custard/dp/B00KJSAT86
and others swear by Eco Style Gel-Olive https://www.amazon.com/ECOCO-Eco-Style-Olive-Ounce/dp/B003E7UNE4/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_194_lp_t_4?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=TJ18SNCBJKDZD98F22B3&th=1

The curling custard is expensive and I use it when I want my curls to look spectacular. Otherwise, I go for a good strong hold gel.

Look at Youtube videos too. There are a bunch out there on getting volume for curly hair.

For cut: make sure your hair is longer than that picture then take that picture into your favorite hair stylist and tell them you want that look. A good hairstylist will take that picture as a template and make the look work for your particular hair and head shape.

For styling: you'll want a matte paste/putty. A really popular one is American Crew Fiber, which I've been using for a little while now and has pretty decent hold with low shine. Another popular one is Sumo Tech. I haven't tried that one yet, though I've heard good things and I think it might be a tad shinier if that matters.

As for how to get that look, it's actually remarkably easier than you'd think. Once you have your hair cut the right way it's just a matter of getting out of the shower, drying your hair off, and applying a good amount of your desired product to the hair with your hands. After a little experimenting and practice you'll get good at estimating the right amount you need and figuring out the best technique to get the look you're going for. When starting out, the best thing to do would be to ask your hair stylist to give you as close to that look you pictured as possible for your hair/head shape (remember, it's never going to be exactly like the model in the picture), then ask her/him for tips on how to work the product correctly.

from someone who just learned how to style my own frizzy/curly hair:

Start by getting a trim - I would take at least an inch off the bottom and get regular trims (every 2 months or so) for the next year to grow out healthy hair. Be gentle when you shampoo, use your nails to scratch around your head, but be gentle with the actual long hair. When you condition, only condition from about your ears down or your hair will get oily quickly. Wash every 2 or 3 days unless it's really dirty. After you get out of the shower, PAT dry; do not rub the towel all over. Then, comb it out with a wide tooth comb and use a styling product to kind of keep your hair together. If you need to, make some curls with your fingers to keep the hair together. Following these really easy steps has allowed me to actually leave my hair down and not look like a frizz ball.

My current routine: I just switched to Herbal Essences Naked Shine shampoo about a month ago. Smells great and hair is definitely shiny! I condition with One N Only Argan Oil Conditioner I found at ulta. For a wide tooth comb, I went fancy and got one of these. After I comb, then I use about a nickel sized squirt of this leave in conditioner/style cream - for this one use just enough or you will look greasy and only use it from the ears down and scrunch your hair together. Good luck!!

One more thing: It's kind of an initial outlay of a little cash, but everything lasts me for months except the shampoo. I've had the conditioner since last year and it's still a little less than half way empty. The curl cream - same deal. I've had it since mid last year. The trick is to use sparingly. Shampoo lasts a while too since I only wash my hair twice a week. The wood comb - I LOVE it; it's really gentle but still detangles.

Fuck the surgery thing, that's crazy talk. I would just recommend losing the earrings (if that's what they are). I had a very similar problem as you when I was in high school. I had longer, thick hair, but I needed to find something that didn't look over the top, but still looked decent.

http://imgur.com/a/i0k7t

The top picture was me in high school (i know the picture is funny, but I didn't have a social media account back then) and the bottom is what I currently do with my hair at 22.

I found a product called American Crew Forming Cream
http://www.amazon.com/American-Crew-Forming-Cream-Ounce/dp/B000KEIPC6

I like it because it doesn't make your hair hard and you can restyle it throughout the day with no issue at all. It also doesn't have a wet or shiny look to it, so it doesn't look like you have anything in your hair (which I always thought to be douchy). I just take a shower, let it dry for like 10 mins and then i rub a very small amount between my index, middle finger, and thumb and part my hair off to the side. Very simple, low maintenance and it keeps the hair out of your face while looking pretty good. Ditch the bowl cut for christ sakes! Stop trying to be unique!!! :P

You are pretty attractive, If I were you, I would get rid of the earrings, get a trim and tell the barber you want it relatively short, but want to be able to part your hair off to the side, which will leave you with bangs to do with as you please. Also, start dressing more preppy, like khakis/boat shoes, northface/columbia, just dress very conservatively and it will definitely bump your numbers up on the attractiveness scale.

• Big Barker dog bed -I don't have one yet, but I've laid on one before and if it can support my squishy tushy, then it's perfect for my dogs.
  
• Kinky Curly curling custard
  
• Pretty much the whole Andalou Naturals facial care line - especially the "Clarifying" products
  
• The lip balm my good friend makes (She's launching her own company soon!)
  
• Bee's Wrap

> They also told me that my hair should actually be curly.

What was their logic behind this statement? It seems that their statement launched you on a journey to get your hair to form curls at any cost. Were they able to apply products to your hair to style it in the curls that you should have?

Regarding your query, if you're trying to enhance curls, your biggest focus should be on styling products. The function of shampoos and conditioners are to cleanse and add back the moisture lost from cleansing, respectively. I actually use Tresemme shampoo/conditioner religiously because they get the job done, at such a low cost. I'm less loyal to styling products because I've figured out that once I use the conditioner as a leave-in, I get well defined curls regardless of which curling cream I use. Note that my hair is somewhere between a 3b and a 3c pattern.

My hands down favourite for curl definition is Kinky Curly Curling Custard. It has to be used in combination with the Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner/Detangler. The draw back is the price. I do not recommend their shampoo, it strips way too much from the hair and left mine dry and crunchy. If you're interested in testing out Kinky Curly's Curling Custard, it's important to apply the way its recommended for best results:

1. Apply the leave-in while the hair is still soaking wet
   
2. Section off hair. This is veryyy important.
   
3. Apply the gel to one small section at a time. I find that I get perfect definition if I use my fingers to twirl the hair in a curling motion.
   
4. Once the entire head is complete, allow to air dry. And DO NOT TOUCH IT! You want to minimize handling throughout this process.
   
5. See the Kinky Curly demo for more info.
   
   Other tips for bringing out curls
   
   - scrunching: check any video on youtube
   
   - upside down shake: this is my go to every single morning before work. I wet my hair, apply my "leave-in" (Tressemme conditioner), apply whatever curl cream I have on hand, use my hands to make sure it's spread evenly and detangle the hair as I go along (I don't own combs, just a Denman brush I use every now and then). Then flip my head over and shake vigorously for about a minute. And I'm out the door. Drying it while upside down in front of the fan gives me better definition. I think that's because it dries faster so there's fewer flyaways (aka frizz).

Sorry dude, but your hair's looking pretty immaculate at the moment. Like it's got good shape to it, good texture. I'd recommend, messing about with different styling prodcuts to see what you like the look of. My current favourite is d:fi dstruct, seem's to always be stupidly expensive though.


But yeah, one is always their own worst critic, it's a good thing you came here first before chopping it all off. I hope to see some update photos to see how your flow develops over time. Good luck!

what's your problem dude, like why even make the post? Just go to a barber and get a nice haircut. Have him put some product in your hair and walk around and see how you feel for a day. You don't need to buy it This will look pretty natural and will last you awhile You don't need to use the stuff every day just when you want to look good like a date or interview or whatever. This will last you MONTHS! I have a hair gel I've been using for a year that i've been trying to find things to use it on so I can use the one I linked. (I hate product also!) But the more I use it the more comfortable I become with it. After my 9 year LTR I had a buzz cut just like you and really didn't have any fashionably clothes. I worked on changing that even if I was uncomfortable wearing and going out with nice hair at first. Now while i'm not the best looking person in my social group I'm definitely the best dressed with the best hair...... while I still have it haha

Are you looking for /r/malehairadvice?

I'm no expert on hair but I recommend American Crew Gel IF you want to use products. Shuan White's hair looks like it pulls back alot, so try combing your hair back daily or just gel it back. You can also wear a beanie or hat or something in the morning to help pull it back

Other than that, your lengths are good, keep parting it like you do.

Honestly it looks fine man haha. Ask the guys at /r/malehairadvice though

This is pretty much how I style my hair everyday, but I don't use gel, wax, or a blow dryer. To get that look, I apply hair "glue" to dry hair. The glue is strong enough to let me do whatever I want with it, but also leave it light, fluffy and most importantly, dry looking. This is the stuff I use. It's cheap, but very effective. I simply take a fingertips worth, spread it all around my palms, and evenly mess up my entire head of hair to give it volume. Then I style it as it looks, re-applying as needed. Your biggest problem is that you also keep pulling your hair forward, making your hair hang over your forehead like the rim of a hat. Guide it back lightly! Hope this helps you. Good luck!

This is one of my favorite beauty items on Amazon. I have super curly hair, and this is one of the only things that can tame my lion mane. If you have uncontrollable curly hair, the above product and THIS work WONDERS
I LOVE painting my nails. I love playing with nail polish and being a total girl. Here are some of my own nail creations on my Pinterest :) I'm also a huge fan of bananas (and Peanut Butter).

Also, I'll totally give you my address as long as you don't like personally deliver it to me without notice...

I first discovered them at hair salons. I prefer hair mousse and didnt like hair wax as it was a bit sticky, but it did give a solid hold.

Refer to this channel on how to use them.
https://www.youtube.com/user/joeisblu

This is the hair wax i was referring too http://www.amazon.in/LOreal-Professionnel-Sculpte-Sculpting-Unisex/dp/B002PLO7KG?tag=googinhydr18418-21&tag=googinkenshoo-21&ascsubtag=ac98f23d-ebeb-4baa-962c-09de991e8fcc ...

There is also some better products like hairmousse or loreal powerball or something if you need tons of volume, like the guy in the youtube channel.

Best advice is go to a good hair salon (looks or gitanjali if ur in delhi) and asks them what to use, how to use. Gitanjali is better than looks, personal opinion coz they dont try to "force sell" products to you and actually took the time to explain to me the different products available and what's the diff btw them

I have 2b-2c fine hair as well! For me, putting the gel in when my hair is still dripping wet then plopping really helps. Only scrunching it in, no raking. I also use pins to get my roots to have some volume and follow up with diffusion, but that's a project every time I do it. I've had much better results like that.

For nice simple waves I just scrunch in a small amount of gel at the ends of my hair and then plop in the same way, Waaaay less work but doesn't look quite as nice.

Also, for me the cheap LA looks blue gel works better than the deva curl ultra defining (stronger hold), but that's something to play with!

First, you've got a good head of hair my man! You've got the foundation for a barber to do their thing!

My suggestion is a typical one found here, but you could rock pretty much any cut where its short on the sides & longer and styled on top. Here are a few photos for inspiration:

Side Part Comb Over

Fade with Sweep Back

Relaxed Brushed Over

It might just be the pictures you posted, but it doesn't look like you use any product in your hair. I would buy some product and test out different styles.

Here are a couple products (low to medium price range):

American Crew Forming Cream

Bed Head Matte Separation Wax

My personal favourite Fatboy


Hope this helps! You can always try /r/malehairadvice as well! Good luck!

I don't follow CG method but I use certain products to come up with my own routine.

Hair Wash Day-

Step 1: I comb through and massage my scalp and hair with Avocado Oil and use the Vanity Planet Scalp Massage and let it soak in for an hour. I specially use more oil on the ends.

Step 2: I use a hot towel to steam my hair a few times by the end of the hour

Step 3: Use OGX Biotin and Collagen Shampoo to wash off the oil.

Step 4:Condition with Cantu Hydrating Cream Conditioner

Step 5: Use a microfiber head wrap or a tshirt to remove excess water

Step 6: I then use a couple of dollops of Miss. Jessie's Pillow Soft Curl Cream and scrunch my hair .

Step 7, for the top of my head hair I use Frizz Ease serum and comb through and make it sit in place with Bobby pins(This makes the top part straight without me having to use heat at all)

Step 8: I let it dry naturally

​

Days following the wash:

--Post-Workout Care: I workout a lot and sweat in the scalp like cray-cray so I always wet my hair completely after the workout and use the already existing products in the hair to set it back, letting it dry naturally.

--Days after wash morning routine: I braid my hair at night and when I wake up the curls are almost always intact. But I do use a spray bottle already mixed with a few drops of Curl cream and re-scrunch the curls and let dry naturally.

--Next wash Schedule? -- I usually wash on day 3 with just Cantu's scalp rinse and use the conditioner. But like today if I don't have the time, I wet my hair completely by spraying water all over in sections and follow Step 6,7 and 8.

​

I do the deep oil conditioning atleast once a week. That is the only time I use the shampoo. For every following wash after the oil conditioning I use Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Conditioner instead of regular conditioners.

Oh my god you are fabulous, thank you so much for the information.

I have been buying products at Bleu Libellule and MGC Beauté, (their websites don't list ingredients, it pisses me off), and there are hundreds of pharmacies throughout Paris that carry a lot of beauty products that you won't find in a typical supermarket (Avène, Klorane, La Roche-Posay, René Furterer, Vichy, Bioderma, etc.).

I found the styling gel on Amazon.fr! I found the As I Am products, but they are very expensive (25-37 euros, as opposed to 8.99 USD at Walgreens). The can of Herbal Essences mousse is 46 euros, haha.

I think I will try Aubrey Organics GPB (I found it on French Amazon, too) and a silicone-free conditioner called Timotei here in France. I have a curly-haired friend that has had luck with it.

Thanks so much for your input, that is so nice!

Wherever your hair stands up make sure to tell whoever is cutting your hair to leave it a little longer there. If not try this on it The stuff looks hard so keep that in mind but it will control your hair.

High School is weird with people worrying about reputations and stupid shit. Try to small chat with her and get to just know her. A quick joke about something in class to get it initiated and then just carry on the conversation. "So what's your next class?" "How do you like that teacher?"

The goal is to have the girl feel comfortable with you while being flirty.

A lot of the hottest girls that were in my high school aren't dating the most attractive men. But confidence is very important in the dating world. Doing things that fix things that you consider faults will help build that.

Best of luck and dm me if you ever need advice on that hair. Not a stylist or anything but may be able to help.

Same situation as you - thought I had straightish hair most of my life and turns out it is 2B (2A if I don't take good care of it). Here's my routine and products:

• Wash with Shea Moisture shampoo - sulfate free and very gentle. Leaves the natural oils in my hair so it's shiny and moisturized, but clean looking.
  
  
• Work DevaCurl One Condition into my hair and comb through tangles with my fingers. Then I do the "squish to condish" method to get all the conditioner into my hair and let it sit while I do the rest of my shower stuff. :) The DevaCurl conditioner is pretty expensive, but very worth it to me. It's just so moisturizing and does wonders for my waves.
  
  
• Rinse out with cool water, flip my head upside down and scrunch up my soaking wet hair to get it to form its curls.
  
  
• Scrunch L.A. Looks Gel into my hair, then plop in a t-shirt.
  
  
• Either let my hair air dry or use the pixiecurl method with a diffuser (there are videos of how to do this on youtube). The pixiecurl method can be a bit tedious and give me a bit more frizz, but it also gives my curls way more definition and volume than if I air dry.
  
  Note that the L.A. Looks gel does make hair feel crunchy when it is drying (which I hate the look and feel of), but once it's dry I release the gel hold by scrunching my hair and tossing it around a bit and it looks completely soft and natural. I used to be totally gel-phobic because I hated the crunchy gel look - then I learned you can scrunch the gel hold out of your hair! You get the nice definition that gel gives you and the natural look of something softer like a serum.

True! Okay so i use OGX coconut milk sulfate free shampoo (when I need it) and conditioner, which I've never had a problem with before. And if I just use those, I'm okay. I use this sometimes, which before I had long hair was okay -Curls Goddess Curl Gel but sometimes I use Not Your Mother's Sea Salt Spray if my curls are more relaxed into a wave. I'm anywhere from a 2b to a 3a, just depends on what it's feeling hahaha. My curls get heavy really easily, so I try not to weigh them down besides the obvious of growing them out. I put either product in after I get out and lightly pat dry my hair, and kinda scrunch or whatever plopping motion that is to lightly distribute the product. I try to stay away from the hair under by my neck and by the edges of my face to avoid breakouts, but here we are. Haha. That's about it. They're fairly low maintenance curls/waves.

I have very thick, very curly hair that I am constantly battling to keep straight. I live in a humid place and have found this stuff to be amazing. (http://www.amazon.com/Got2b-Ultra-Invincible-Styling-6-Ounce/dp/B004FQK7DA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410804490&sr=8-2&keywords=got2b) You can get it anywhere and is cheap. Got2b is actually a Schwarzkopf (professional hair) product if brand names are important to you. I stumbled onto this stuff on the morning of my wedding at CVS when I realized I was out of gel. I've been using it for 7 years now. It comes in a straight gel format or something like a pomade/gel hybrid. If you get the hybrid (I've used both), make sure you shake it well to keep the gel & pomade from separating. Good luck! Oh, last thing, I saw someone complaining that gel makes your hair look wet. This will definitely give you that wet/slick look. As a general rule, you should always apply your product to a damp head, not a wet one.

EDIT:
For clarification, when you apply product to hair that is too wet, the product just runs down your wet hair and onto your scalp and doesn't hold hair very well. Also, give your hair time to set up. If you get it just right and immediately run out the door, you'll likely just have your hair set up in some style other than was your intent.

Wash Day: Morrocan Curl Cleansing Conditioner

Or, I Co-Wash with Trader Joe's Nourish Spa Moisture balance conditioner. I also prefer the TJ's shampoo when I need to wash my hair to remove product buildup (which I do once every two weeks).

Post wash I use the LOC method to moisturize.

Leave In - Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner


Oil - I use my own mixture I created with Peppermint Oil, Tea tree oil, Black Castor Oil, Almond Oil, Avocado Oil and Olive Oil. My hair really loves it.

Cream - I wear my hair in twist outs, the cream I use for my twist outs is the Cantu Conditioning Curl Cream

I retwist my hair once a week (personal preference).. and I use a bit of Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream, but sparingly, as it makes my hair feel slightly crunchy, I only use it in the front for my bangs to curl up very tight when I twist them.

For edge control, I use the Olive Oil Eco Styler gel..

My hair is 4b/4c. Chopped two years ago -now past my shoulders, nearly 16 inches in length. I tried a LOT of products before I found those my hair likes.

Also, I recommend checking out Amazon's Texture's and Hues page. It's for women of color.. and it's AMAZING.

I posted here a few weeks ago looking for Tips for my hair being very dry and causing matted knots on the underside of my hair even after washing my hair day one.

I actually already had the products, but I decided to try it again. I used Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Curling Shampooand SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner I took the advice and applied the conditioner to the underside of my hair to help get it where it needed it most.

After stepping out of the shower I towel dried my hair and applied Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk

Plop until I felt like it, slept in a satin cap and bam! My hair is noticeably softer, the curls are a lot curlier not wanting to fall straight like they did before.

I have high prosperity hair, my hair would actually get frizzier and dryer as The days go by, these products have protein which has helped my hair get the moisture that it needs which has reduced the frizz and the drying out. Very happy with the out come, I washed on Friday (this pic is Sunday) and I’m still rocking my hair today Monday, I expect to make it most of this week with out needing to wash. I’m 38 weeks pregnant (tomorrow) this was for my baby shower!

I have this same exact haircut except it flows to the left rather than the right.

I would actually recommend against American Crew Fiber pending on the hair texture. A friend told me to try it out because it can be so fool proof (and it really is at time) but was just too light to actually form the hair I wanted. My thicker hair needed more of a moose than a wax substance. My hairstylist handed me Kevin Murphy Easy Rider and it has worked fantastic so far. Doesn't require a lot to keep the hair perfectly smooth and still for 24 hours.

I use http://www.amazon.com/LOreal-Professionnel-Sculpte-Sculpting-Unisex/dp/B002PLO7KG and for me its one of the best I have ever tried and I have tried a lot. you can check my post http://www.reddit.com/r/malehairadvice/comments/1ar9k2/listened_to_your_advice_went_very_short_on_sides/ how it looks with it, I dint use much of it.

Also I bought a tub of Toni&guy fibre it is quite good, have been using for few days.

Also some people recommend american crew fibre, never tried it myself atleast in europe it isnt very popular imo, but on forums online some people love it, might just be some clever advertising. But different products suit different people so you might need to try a couple until you find one you like

Even though I'm like 2a/2b, I recently started using a product with polyquaternium-69 (PQ-69): https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curl-products/ingredient-proven-to-resist-the-highest-humidity/

The product in question is this: https://www.amazon.com/Got2b-Ultra-Invincible-Styling-6-Ounce/dp/B004FQK7DA

I already had some lying around before I discovered PQ-69.

The humidity has been harsh on me too. Last night, I washed with SM Coconut & Hibiscus line (I S2C as well) then put the style milk on as my leave-in. I sealed with a light oil then applied a mix of the style milk and curling gel soufflé, then put the Got2b on top. The Got2b has some drying alcohols in it so beware. It's also slightly sticky, but I think I applied too much.

My hair was really defined! I even plopped for 10 minutes and my hair looked superb, with hardly any frizz. Then I f-ed everything up by doing an overnight plop. I thought it would preserve my hair but it turned me into a frizzball! So tonight will be experiment #2. I'll just sleep on my damp hair since the gel had a slight cast anyway.

Jessicurl Spiralicious Gel is probably your best bet and the most CG product that contains PQ-69. It has a tiny bit of ethanol, but it's necessary for the PQ-69. Other than that, it seems like something worth checking out.

It looks pretty matte, so you could either just go for a volume powder which are pretty cheap and since you dont have that much hair it would help them look like "more". I am currently using Schwarzkopf Osis Mess up wax, and it is great! Good hold and a matte look.


It is also a lot (3,4 oz) I got one pack of it for like 4 months now, and it's half empty.

Yessss, my hair is down to my wait and about 4x thicker at least than most of my friends. I can straighten it or put it in 6-10 braids at night to have wavy hair the next day and that's about it. I do take thinning shears to it every 3 months or so to keep it more manageable and it tangles less.

Some tips for you: these hair ties are a lifesaver and never slip out like others do, and one pack has lasted me 3 years so far. Also, bobby pins work best wavy side down, in case you didn't know! If you want some volume on top, and teasing/hairspray isn't enough, this stuff is awesome and cheap in-store, normally about $4 here.

I have very fine hair, and I use a volumizing shampoo and volumizing powder. The shampoo doesn't do too much, but it does help. The powder is amazing, I think it works by making your hair kind of staticky, makes it stand up better. Because of that, I always have to use it with some other styling product to keep it from looking like I got electrocuted.
Shampoo: http://www.amazon.com/Tigi-Bed-Head-Styleshots-8-45-Ounce/dp/B004T19PMA/
Powder: http://www.amazon.com/Got2b-Powderful-Volumizing-Styling-Powder/dp/B00546F4CY

The American Crew gel fits your needs; low shine, good hold, and easy to wash off. For this you definitely have to run your fingers through your hair after it dries. The hold is good but doesn't give much body to the hair. The OGX matte finish bamboo fiber has been my true American Crew Fiber replacement. Low shine, good hold (not as good as the gel I linked), and easy to wash off.

American Crew Firm Hold Gel

OGX Matte Finish Bamboo Fiber

Ok first thing: in the future, if the image you're posting isn't interesting without the context of the reddit post, you shouldn't post it to the public Imgur page. There's an option to keep it off the public page and make it so only people sent directly through the link will view it. Imgur users get seriously butthurt when posts don't make sense for their own frontpage because you were just hosting images for a reddit post, and they're a toxic cesspool of humanity so their comments get nasty real quick for no reason.

-----

Now on to the advice.

Do you trim the top of your beard down that low? If you do, stop doing that, let the top hairline grow in naturally. It's way too low. If you don't, and that really is as high as it gets... I hate to say it, but you should shave it off. Or trim it all the way down to a light scruff/shadow, if you really like the fact that it might make you look a tiny bit older. It's just that right now, your beard only seems to grow underneath your jawline, and it's just not a good look. Also it's not growing in on middle of your upper lip, and with your hair being as dark as it is, holes like that are glaringly apparent.

Now for the hair on top. You and I have extremely similar looking hair, besides the color. I think it looks good the way it is, if you just go in and get the ears/neck cleaned up every 2 weeks. Also work on taming that cowlick, or just give the rest of your hair up top a little more messiness to disguise the cowlick. My stylist cleans up my ears and neck for free between cuts, if you build a relationship with one stylist you might be able to negotiate the same deal.

BUT since you asked for a new cut, this is a look that works well for our hair type. You need to put product in it every day--I recommend a water-based pomade--and preferably blow-dry to give it volume. But it can be a really clean look with just enough edge to show you have style. The easiest way to get the barber to cut it like this is show the picture, but to ask for it in words you could say:

"1 to 1 1/2 inches on top, with texture. Taper on the sides and back down to a 2 at the bottom. Blend it so there are no hard lines between the top and sides."

Trust me, I know your pain. For further info, I use this:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BVMA9H0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Comb with a part, blow dry upside-down, run a comb through it when it's dry to break up the clumped hairs, then I use this:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UPO54M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

to get the exact shape. This stuff is great, it stays flexible throughout the day but still has good hold

Fine hairs suck but this is the best method I've worked out to get good looking hair styling

I had this same problem and my hairstylist suggested Kevin Murphy- Easy Rider Cream

I’ve been using it for about a month and my hair is loads softer and no frizz. Definitely isn’t heavy and doesn’t add oil to your hair.

I only use about a nickel size amount while my hair is damp. But you can use it on dry hair as well. I apply it about three inches down from my roots to the ends. Bonus - it smells wonderful.

The whole container will probably last me 4-5 months. Maybe more.

here’s a good before/after of my hair.

I think that's a very good start. I always love it when you can see a little texture and messiness to a guy's hairstyle. When it's too short, it looks a little uptight. I'd recommend this product for anyone with a textured hairstyle that they'd like to shape a bit without being hard and sticky like gel: http://www.amazon.com/struct-Pliable-Molding-Creme/dp/B000GX57BI :)

difi distruct. good price, great hold, love it. not too shiny or greasy either. highly recommended

Depends on your style, something with some shine and high hold would probably work the best but of course if you don't like high shine then it wouldn't work. I would say a paste would work good for your hair, american crew made makes one here. Or you can shop around for a more expensive one (I think alpha M makes one but i've never tried it).

Also make sure you aren't shampooing your hair every day, it dries it out and it's unneeded. My current routine is conditioning most days and shampooing once a week tops.

Ok I was in the same situation. Work doesn't care about the beard, but I want to maintain a professional approach to work. So I heeded the advice of /r/beards awhile ago. Here's what I'll recommend:

Step 1 : Oil and/or Leave in conditioner

My current favorite http://www.amazon.com/DUCKBUTTER-Duck-Butter-Beard-Oil/dp/B00YZ5UWSQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449214132&sr=8-1&keywords=beard+oil+pack

http://www.amazon.com/Honest-Amish-Beard-Balm-Conditioner/dp/B009NNFB0O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449214332&sr=8-1&keywords=beard+leave+in+conditioner

On the days I shampoo and condition my beard I dont use the leave in. Other days I use the leave in. Oil everyday.




Step 2: Brush

http://www.amazon.com/Zeus-Bristle-Pocket-Beard-Brush/dp/B00LV31TVY/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1449214502&sr=8-7&keywords=boars++hair+brush

Pick up a boars hair brush and get the product from step 1 deep in there.



Step 3: Paste

Current personal favorite:
http://www.amazon.com/Garnier-Fructis-Style-Clean-Finishing/dp/B0050N4DLO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449214605&sr=8-1&keywords=garnier+paste

This process leaves my beard straight and soft. I still have to deal with the odd hair sticking out, but it looks more professional.

I've danced for a couple of years now. and i hear most of these issues all the time.

1. So... when it comes to spins... its something you might want to do at a live class, with a partner and someone watching... butt...you will learn to use less and less of them as you get better. a to of girls don't like to be spun or simply cant.... so i avoid it. every once in awhile ill do a whole bunch of turns with an advanced dancer, but its rare.
   
   
2. I used to rock a mohawk which required some strong stuff. Its called "glue" or "styling glue" This is the good shit I can jump in the pool swim for a bit and my hair would still be good to go. with that said taking it out of your hair is a kind of a pain. as it takes some work to get it off. Alternatively, i use THIS for about half the price. it will get the job done, for most normal hair do's. There's other styling glues out there, so feel free to try whatever catches your eye or fits your budget.
   
   
   3)meh, just feel the music. be musical. hit the 1's and you will be fine.
   
   
   
3. anything you feel comfortable in. or you feel fashionable in. it really does not matter.
   
   

Your hair is beautiful and I really love the color with your rosy skin. You look like the quintessential English girl. 😊

Since your hair likes olive oil, have you ever tried Eco gel?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B003E7UNE4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505972741&sr=8-1&keywords=eco+gel&dpPl=1&dpID=51nq7Go2JqL&ref=plSrch

Start with a small amount, and build up from there to see what your hair can take. I really like mop top but it's superexpensive in the UK.

For the hair, I recommend di:fi di:struct. Its a cream, not a wax/gel/glue. Girls like hair that is styled but doesn't look hard. The cream helps it maintain shape throughout the day, doesn't get all crusty/flaky, doesn't look/feel hard and it also washes out easily (keeps hair healthy), unlike the other products.

Its a small jar, but you don't need a lot, it will last you a good while if you add a dab of water to it when you put it in your hair. Also, get your hair wet, style, blow dry to get the shape. Then put in the product.

It's going to depend on what style you want! Most products are categorized by two parameters: hold and shine. For example, if you want high shine you're going to look at things like pomades and/or gels. Hair gel is usually high shine and high hold (think those punk rock spikes or the spiked up hair that was popular in the 90s) while things like fiber and cream can give you various types of hold with a low shine or matte look.

What kinds of products have you started looking at? I personally use the Gatsby Moving Rubber line (the green one) but a good beginner product is American Crew Fiber. It has good hold, matte finish, it's fairly cheap and can be found in any drug store.

This is what I use:
https://www.amazon.com/Simply-Great-Beard-Oil-Conditioner/dp/B01L2MSOFM/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1503523012&sr=8-1&keywords=simply+beard+oil+viking

And I have a boar brush. And to be honest... to keep things in place i just use what I use in my hair:
https://www.amazon.com/American-Fiber-Pliable-Molding-Ounces/dp/B0007CXWC4/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1503523061&sr=1-1&keywords=american+crew+fiber

I'm sure there's better stuff, but my beard is kinda' stiff and I am not in an area with lots of options. So let me know if you find something better! :)

I only use one product on to get my hair like this. You can normally find it anywhere, from Walmart to Publix.

I was given a head full of super thick and straight hair, and this is quite literally, the only stuff that will keep it in check. I only have to use a dollop at a time and it's not bad for your scalp. Highly recommend it!

(Skeptical Gel Users: I've been using it since I was 12 and I'm not balding yet :P)

Eco Style Gel is pretty good about not going crunchy. You have to way too much on for it to crunch and even if you do just spray some water on it and scrunch it a bit and it will soften. I love this gel :)

Thanks for the reply! Lots of good resources.

I did a little bit of reading in the wiki/sidebar and did a quick inventory of what I've been using. My styling products are all wax based and silicone-free. The weakest link in my routine is my cheap 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner (because I guess marketers assume men only care about convenience, got me). I sulfate free shampoo and conditioner from Burt's Bees and am looking forward to see how that goes over the next few weeks.

Products I'm using:

https://www.amazon.com/American-Crew-Forming-Cream-Ounce/dp/B000KEIPC6/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1500257942&sr=8-1&keywords=crew+forming+cream

https://www.amazon.com/Mister-Pompadour-Natural-Beeswax-Styling/dp/B00WKR4HRI/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1500257959&sr=8-1&keywords=mr.+pompadour

Shampoo/conditioner:

https://www.amazon.com/Burts-Bees-Moisture-Shampoo-Baobab/dp/B006YQ40ZA/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1500258088&sr=8-6&keywords=burt%27s+bees+shampoo

https://www.amazon.com/Burts-Bees-Moisture-Conditioner-Baobab/dp/B006YQ4DIO/ref=pd_bxgy_194_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B006YQ4DIO&pd_rd_r=YAG64W5AYHPPRH6Y7H76&pd_rd_w=JhTh2&pd_rd_wg=VcsOa&refRID=YAG64W5AYHPPRH6Y7H76&th=1

Got any recommendations for a water based medium shine and hold product (that doesn't make your hair feel stiff when running your hands through it)? Fan of American Crew Forming Cream (but doesn't have the best feel) and Baxter Cream Pomade (doesn't quite have enough hold or shine)

Any recommendation would be great, as im super unknowledgeable about this stuff!

The first thing to know is that there isn't really anything over the counter that is going to combat thinning hair. So don't fall for any "hacks" or "home remedies" to thicken hair. If you're concerned about your hair thinning/possibly balding, I recommend seeing a trichologist (head and scalp doctor). They can figure out why your hair is thinning.

One of the most important things you can do is not wash your hair so often. Shampooing too often strips your hair of natural oils, making it weaker. While washing often doesn't make your hair thin faster, it's a good practice for anyone (thin hair or not)

My first recommendation is to stop washing your hair with any type of shampoo and see how long it takes before it gets really oily. You'll know when your hair starts to feel greasy, kinda heavy, your head gets a little warm.

Then make a note of how long that is (say it's 4 days), and start washing your hair every 4 days with a light shampoo that doesn't have harsh chemicals, like this one. Most people use way too much shampoo. You want to squeeze about an amount of a quarter.

Then use lighter hair products. Since your hair is thin, it doesn't have the structure to support heavy products. My favorite products are Sumo tech and Gatsby Moving Rubber. Always use a little (dime size) amount and work it into your hair. If you need more, do it 1 or 2 more times. This is to evenly distribute the product vs going in for a big clump on the first shot.

I've used this for a while now. Its great. Much like American Crew Fiber you should dry your hair a little before using it. It will probably take a few tries to figure out the right wetness but, it looks great once you get it.

Yeah, I use a combination of Bumble & bumble Sumotech which keeps the hair really natural looking (it's kind of expensive though, which stinks), American Crew Fiber, and just regular gel.

And this is kind of a new look for this cut, usually I keep it up more, like this which involves alot of the Sumotech.

Hope this helped!

I'd suggest trying a few different products instead of the gel you're currently using. Play around until you find something you like. Most stores have great return policies, too. Here's some product suggestions: 1, 2, 3, 4

Aww look at you. Told ya it'd be good! So much cleaner and you can see your face now. I use this to maintain a similar texture:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0050N4DLO/ref=pd_aw_sim_194_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51Gsw5VPB6L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL100_SR100%2C100_&refRID=14NJGXJASWWZ91EDJKCT


Again though, talking to a dude with curls so might not work as well! Got2bglued makes some nice inexpensive stuff too if you aren't as worried about natural (curls don't mix with silicone).

Yeah I blow dry my hair and then rub a dime sized amount of this into my hair and gel the front up and that's about it. Takes a couple minutes, but pretty easy.

Looks like your hair is very frizzy. Cream would be perfect for this type of hair. You could give a cream product a try and see how you like the results? Also what kind of shampoo and conditioner do you use? (Brand).

Cream makes your hair appear thicker and allows for texture heavy styles.

(http://www.amazon.com/American-Forming-Medium-3-Ounce-Packaging/dp/B001EWF2F6/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1334804599&sr=1-1)

(http://www.amazon.com/Paul-Mitchell-Shaping-Cream-Unisex/dp/B000UPO54M/ref=sr_1_22?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1334804599&sr=1-22)

Something along the lines of those. There are cheaper alternatives at grocery stores.

I like the haircut that you've attached. Also, I know how hard it is to style hair like yours so I am going to offer you a game changer. Use this [American Fiber - Hair styling creme] (https://www.amazon.com/American-Fiber-Pliable-Molding-Ounces/dp/B0007CXWC4/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1487719676&sr=8-4&keywords=mens+hair+styling+american+crew).

I use it every day and it works with very stiff hair that sticks up like yours. How do I know? Because I have the same kind of hair. I always hated my hair until i found styling creme. This is the best brand I've discovered so far

Also, as a tip, just in case you aren't sure of how to talk your barber about how to get that hairstyle, just ask for a #2 on the sides and back, straight cut up for the sides, and longer on the top and front.

Here's also a good reference for talking to your barber:

Art of Manliness - How to talk to your barber

I use dust/powder (whatever you want to call it) and love the staying power it gives me. They also add thickness if your hair is thin which is great.
OSiS has a great one if you want to spent a bit more on the good stuff. Got2b is my current favourite because I'm on a budget. If you're health conscious about the types of products you use Surface has a to die for product and it is my absolute favourite when I want to splurge. The whole Surface line is amazing too!

Edit: don't be thrown off by the product names. Some say mattifying, some volumizing, some styling ... but they're all really the same multifunctional product.

Long time lurker here. I enjoy all the success pics.

I decided a while back to stop fighting my curls with gel and short haircuts. It's been going well and get compliments and surprise from friends and family. Those who haven't seen me in a while are totally confused and have asked if I've gotten a perm!!! I guess I have two questions

First: I'd like to go for the Jon Snow look if possible. I've been letting my hair grow and grow and grow. Now it feels like an afro-mullet combo. How should this hair be cut while it's still growing out? I get frustrated with stylists/barber/etc as I want an expert or at least someone with experience to guide me through this instead of asking what I want. "I don't know... that's why I'm asking you..." I don't want my hair ruined by someone guessing or going off of my unqualified instruction.

---

Second: At the end of the day, it gets frizzy/puffy (see the last pic in the album). I've tried not showering and it ends up looking greasy. How do you get smooth curls that aren't greasy or crunch due to gel?

---

Daily Routine:

1. Warm/hot shower with Shampoo and Conditioner from Costco.
   
2. Dry with a cotton t-shirt while hanging my head upside down
   
3. I'll apply Shea Curl Enhancing Smooth or Shea Curl & Style Milk
   
   

I like my handlebar to have a very strong hold, so I use Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel after an application of clubman's wax. Sometimes I use a hairdryer to dry the gel.

YES! This stuff is great!

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038TYTSO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3IQGL03Z0MNP5

Hey guys,

This is actually me....Thanks /u/bandholz for sending me the link.

Addressing the questions:

For this hairstyle I used a combination of:
KMS Sea Salt Spray

And

L'Oreal Homme Fiber Paste

I used the sea salt spray first as a primer and then applied heat while styling, then applied the fiber paste.

This was during the fall winter. During summer it's really humid where I live so I use a clay like Bumble & Bumble SumoTech because it's dry and doesn't get weighed down by the humidity.

It helps to let your hair grow quite a bit on top and keep the sides short.

As far as the comment on no side burns...well I would grow them if I could. It's really patchy and looks bad when I try, so I just keep them clean shaven... wish I could get my beard like /u/bandholz!

that just seems to be the drawback with gels... gets all crunchy and looks like dandruff when it breaks apart and of course you gotta wash it off with something like shampoo which is a huge no-no. I've only used a few gels but this one gave a softer appearance without too much crunch ECCO. You can find them at Sally's beauty supply also, and it has to be the olive oil one. I tried one that was clear and it sucked.

Kevin Murphy Easy Rider has always worked well for me. I put it in, comb or push it back, blow dry for 30-60 seconds, and it looks natural and holds well.

I have 2A/2B type hair and I have gotten good, non-crunchy results from Curls Goddess Curl Gel. Haven't really bothered to try anything else because this one works great.

I have cowlicks on the back of my head that I can't seem to tame. As you can see in the first photo, the hair on the back of my head is frizzy and sticks up in every direction (the second photo is for reference of what the front of my head usually looks like). I have very thick, very straight hair.

I currently use Bumble and Bumble Sumo Tech (http://www.amazon.com/Bumble-Sumo-Tech-1-5-Ounce-Jar/dp/B000BIUGTQ), but this clearly does not do the job. I apply it after blow drying, after conditioning my hair.

Any advice on how to keep the back of my head down? Or any advice to knew styles that would fit my face. I feel like the the back of my head completely undermines what I'm trying to accomplish.

This stuff is pretty good



As far as the hairloss, just make due for now. Technology should get better over the next few years. There is also the option of beard transplants which is cheaper and less demanding than a hair transplant if you are a high norwood. Just exercise, eat right, and relax. You can also try minoxidil or Finasteride. The latter has some side effects though, so be wary.

Most of the time I tend to use American Crew Forming Cream, but on a whim I decided to try out By Vilain Gold Digger because I'd seen the blokes that make it had a YouTube channel where they use it a lot, and the stuff is like bloody cement. It holds really well. I don't know if I'd buy it again simply because it's quite expensive with shipping costs, but it really is great stuff. I tend to use the Gold Digger if my hair's misbehaving, and the Forming Cream does the job when it's cooperating.

I think a high hold wax might not work for hair that long though, so in that case I'm just vouching for American Crew. I used their Fibre in the past as well and that was good too, so I don't think you'd go wrong with one of their products.

I have a haircut very similar to his and have experimented with different products. I would use [American Crew Defining Paste] (http://www.amazon.com/American-Crew-Defining-Paste-Ounce/dp/B002CMVU7Q). It leaves a matte finish so it doesn't make you look like a greaseball and had the perfect hold for the length of his haircut. Also if you want you can layer [Boost Powder] (http://www.amazon.com/AMERICAN-CREW-Boost-Powder-Finish/dp/B004BUVHJ8/ref=pd_bxgy_bt_img_y) on top of it to give it more volume.

Depends what you're doing with it and what type of hair you have, but for me, I've found that a rough paste or wax is what works best and has been recommended by stylists. I'm partial to Bumble and Bumble Sumotech (which is expensive) and Joe Grooming texture paste (which is slightly less expensive, but not as easy to find).

Thanks for the feedback!

Currently I'm using the American Crew Fiber which is labeled as a creme, but it has more of a wax feel to me.

Here's a link to it on Amazon, but you might find a better deal on it elsewhere if you do choose to get it.
https://www.amazon.com/American-Fiber-Pliable-Molding-Ounces/dp/B0007CXWC4

I agree with /u/HaxtesR, something to style your hair would be most beneficial. But the DevaCurl products are quite expensive over here so you might wanna experiment with different types of stylers before you spend so much money on it in case your hair doesn't like it. Or see if you can find one of their travel kits.

Some cheap things to experiment with are:

Boots Curl Creme

Umberto Gianni Scrunching Jelly

EcoStyler Gel -There are smaller and bigger sizes of this available.

Also have a look on http://shop.britishcurlies.co.uk/ to see if theres anything you think better suit your needs. They carry quite a few brands.

I used to use Tea Tree for several years, but then moved on to using D:fi's Molding Creme! It's cheaper ($20 for 5.3 oz) and has a stronger hold than Tea Tree's. Like Tea Tree's, it'll give your hair a matte look but keeps your hair very soft and dry.

Tons and tons of DEP. Nice and crispy, just like the ladies like it.

Or American Crew Forming Cream.

It's not the cheapest, but it's the best I've ever used:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000UPO54M?pc_redir=1411834820&robot_redir=1

I bought this back in March and still have 3/4 left in the container, so considering how long it's lasted, it's really not that expensive. However, I don't use it every day and don't use very much when I do, but I bet Jay uses something of this quality.

If you're looking to splurge, this is the most bad-ass wax I've ever found. Beware-- it's practically cement. But I use less than a dime's worth for an entire day of styling, and it holds like... something that holds really well.

For days where you're not looking for cement so much, I love this by Garnier. Lots of tousle (even for my hair, which isn't nearly as short as yours) that holds while still being touchable. Smells amazing, too.

Something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/American-Crew-Forming-Cream-Ounce/dp/B000KEIPC6/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1397754179&sr=1-2

Just put a little on your fingers and make sure to work it through all of your hair, even the back. That way it looks even. Better to use too little than too much when you've got hair your length, IMHO.

Hi! My hair is mostly 3A as well, and I live in the Southern US, which is extremely humid, especially in the summer.

I use gel as my styler. They do have the potential to be stiff/sticky when they dry. However, if you layer your gel on top of a leave in conditioner, that will solve the problem. My routine is cowash, S2C, apply my leave in (which can either be a small amount of your normal conditioner or an actual leave-in), apply a frizz serum (I use KY liquid because I can't afford Curl Keeper), and then apply my gel, which is the LA Looks Extreme Sport Gel. This is a high-hold gel, and it does get hard as it dries. But once it's dry, I flip my hair over and scrunch it until all the crunch comes out. I am left with soft, bouncy, well-defined curls that will usually last me about 3 days before I have to cowash again.

I personally have not tried any creams because they weigh my fine hair down and make it feel greasy. I would at least try a gel and see how you like it - just be sure to use a leave-in underneath!

*Edited to add a picture of my wash day hair!

You might want to give this a try. It's a really firm, gritty hold but it's completely matte. You only need to use like half a dime's worth for a solid hold. One jar lasts me a year or so.

A nicer clay might do you good. American Crew is particularly good - their defining paste is probably what would work best for you. It's a bit pricey but you don't have to use much so it lasts longer than the cheaper stuff that you have to apply so liberally.

>Let me know if you have more questions!

Lets say I have these 5 items here:

• Microfiber hair towel
  
  
• Wide tooth comb
  
  
• La Looks Gel #10
  
  
• TRESemmé conditioner
  
  
• V05 Clarifying shampoo
  
  Do I need any more items?
  
  If no, for the first wash using these items, what do I do?
  
  
  I know you don't use the V05 shampoo for anything except the first wash, but what do I do for the first wash? After I get the first wash down, the only thing I need to do is remove the use of V05 clarifying shampoo right?
  
  
  Let's say I get into the shower. Turn the water on and wash my hair and make it wet. Do I need a specific temperature of water? Let's say I add the TRESemmé conditioner. How much do I add for my amount of hair? What do I do with it? I add a certain amount to my hair, do I just let it sit there, do I massage it in, do I "scrunch it"? How long do I keep the conditioner in? Do I use the comb while in the shower working with the conditioner or during a different time? How do I use it?
  
  
  In the styling portion of the beginner-routine it states that you take a large amount of gel and scrunch it into your hair. For my volume of hair, would a handful of gel be too much? What does it mean to "scrunch it in"?
  
  
  In the drying portion it says to scrunch your hair with a microfiber towel, is this a different type of scrunching than the one in the styling portion? What's "plopping"? What does "scrunching out the crunch" mean?
  
  Thanks. Sorry for so many questions.
  
  
  
  

Yay! Then maybe if your hair needs clarifying from the water you could buy that other shampoo you found.

Last time I was in real humidity for an extended period of time I used this one. It was pretty good, but I was really on the go so I wasn't being super critical of my hair, so I can't give it a full review.

I was in a slightly humid place and bought the DevaCurl gel and it worked great! But it was more so drizzly rather than wicked humid.

http://www.amazon.com/Bumble-Sumo-Tech-1-5-Ounce-Jar/dp/B000BIUGTQ

Got this at my stylist a couple weeks ago. You need to make sure you're hair is completely dry before applying. Works awesome though.

Not sure where you are buying your American Crew, but this will have to be free if its $10 cheaper than it is on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/American-Fiber-Pliable-Molding-Ounces/dp/B0007CXWC4/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1473364650&sr=8-1&keywords=american+crew+fiber

Honestly, I think it's göt2b Glued, one of my friends in high school had the most ridiculous spiked hair (think late 90s metal Mudvayne style) and using this it was like his hair was carved of wood.

Edit: In reference to the quote u/Asian_Sensation84 posted about the gel, it could be göt2b Ultra Glued.

You see what you've gone and done? You have a guy with a shaved head looking up hair products.

So I don''t think Schwarzkopf is cruelty free but this gel is amazing! My brows are the same. The MUA Katie Jane Hughes uses it and that's why I gave it a try. I think it's cheaper to buy it in person tho
https://www.amazon.com/Got2b-Ultra-Invincible-Styling-6-Ounce/dp/B004FQK7DA

Australia is generally more expensive for beauty products in general, which is why I'm boycotting large companies and using lots of natural stuff (as mentioned in my other post).

It's more about finding out the right combination for you, and less about spending money on high-end products. Here is a volume powder which I did a quick search for on Amazon. I'm guessing you're in America?

I always blow dry my hair when I come out of the shower. When I do so, I put some mouse in my hair, and I use a round brush. Once my hair is dry, I use a volumizing powder on the roots ([this one] (http://www.amazon.com/Got2b-Powderful-Volumizing-Styling-Powder/dp/B00546F4CY/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1398649126&sr=1-1&keywords=powderful+got2be)).

If my bangs are not cooperating, I use my straighter and some hairspray afterward.

I hope that helped :)

Before you go use some expensive product. Go to your local pharmacy and buy some of those cheap clays. See if those work, if they do. You’re welcome. If not, my favorite stuff for my old faux hawk was [this.](Tea Tree Shaping Cream, 3.0 Fl Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UPO54M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nfyDDb13X0PS6)
The [grooming pomade](Tea Tree Grooming Pomade, 3 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E24RT4U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZyyDDbZ6BGEPD) is also very good for little quiffs.

> Creams / pastes:

Tea tree shaping cream $15 on amazon: Link This post shows it in use: Link

Mr. Pompadour Moroccan Texture Paste $20 Link

> Wax:

Carter Supply Flux Strong Hold Wax $19 Link

> Clay:

Baxter California Clay $20: Link This post shows it in use: Link

Daimon Barber N° 4 Clay Pomade $24 Link

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but where do you buy american crew fiber clay?? I'm looking on amazon and like theres one result :|

EDIT: Nvm... lol... is this it?

my go-to (for similar purposes) is bumble & bumble sumotech. smells DELICIOUS.

I just accidentally bought the American Crew Pomade because i mistook it for their defining paste, which is what I usually use. I like the defining paste because it has a pretty similar hold but doesn't have that high shine like the pomade does.

http://www.amazon.com/American-Crew-Defining-Paste-Ounce/dp/B002CMVU7Q/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1377068661&sr=8-9&keywords=american+crew+cream

I show them this picture. I usually use this and this, but today I used this gel, with this spray. The method I used today holds much better, but at first it gives my hair the look that you would expect from a gel.

i use american crew defining paste and I think it works pretty well. Medium hold/low shine.

Because of how loose your curls are, I would use some product to keep it more contain. This is a product I use that works well for many black people. A high fade while keeping the top kind of natural since your hair has a lot of character to it would work imo. Kind of like this but not as low on the top.

I'd say pick up a diffuser nozzle for your blow dryer to give you more control over your hair styling.

For product, it depends on your hair type. If you have thicker hair, you may want to try American Crew Fiber. It's high hold and a matte finish at a great price. If you have finer or medium hair (not thin), like me, I'd recommend the American Crew Forming Cream. It is medium hold and medium shine, but it's just slightly more shine than the fiber for my hair type (medium thickness, blond hair). The forming cream also allows for a more "natural" feel as if you layer it correctly, you can hardly tell it's there.

I've been using D:fi for about 10 years and it continues to be awesome. It can provide a lot of hold while still appearing totally matte. For maximum matte-ness, put it in towel-dry hair, let it dry completely, and then run your fingers through it to get rid of the wet look.

why don't you want to use hair gel(other than disliking the shiny and hard feel of it)? most hair gel is water based so it should wash out completely when you rinse with water.

i use crew forming cream. by feel alone, i think it washes out with just water. i give a good scrub in the shower though. paste/fiber definitely will not wash out completely with just water from my experience. the forming cream is medium hold and gives a slight shine. i think it's good for longer hair.

I love Design Essentials. I have red ends on my hair so those bits are dryer than the rest of my hair. This hair masque by Shea Moisture leaves my hair looking so juicy after I rinse it out. I use the Almond and Avocado leave in conditioner always. For any style I do including braid outs or wash n gos, I always use Curl Stretching Crème and Eco Styler Gel. Throughout the week to refresh or moisturize, I’ll either add oil (I’d link it but they don’t make it anymore) or spray some water and add a little bit of leave in conditioner.

My hair is also low porosity, so even though we have a similar texture what works for me may not work for you. After experimenting for a year I finally found a regimen that works for me :)

Fairly pricey, but it's good. Sumotech.

Probably something like this. I tried something like this once and it took me about 2 days to shower that shit out of my hair. While in my hair it felt like I had Legoman plastic hair... Would use again if playing in the Euros tho.

I want this!

I use coconut oil and Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream (whew!) for styling, Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Intense Conditioning Treatment for deep conditioning, and Lustrasilk Keratin Amino Acid Leave-in Creme Conditioner for everyday/styling. It's a new addition and a bit watery though, so we'll see how it turns out.

> But I also wouldn't be surprised if this is a troll and everything is real.

Most people that want an honest critique would show the 3d models, a breakdown, the texturing process, etc.

This is the black jar.

https://www.amazon.com/LOreal-Professionnel-Sculpte-Sculpting-Unisex/dp/B002PLO7KG

OP has 0 post history related to VFX, 3D modeling, lighting, or texturing.

American Crew Forming Cream. Gives a real good hold with a matte finish. You can get it cheap from amazon or have walmart price match.

https://www.amazon.com/American-Crew-Forming-Cream-Ounce/dp/B000KEIPC6?th=1

1st you need to grow your hair to twice the length you have (maybe longer)
2nd blow dry you hair a little before you style it.
3. try putting some conditioner in your hair after shampooing, I like (the slightly homoeroticly named) woody's for men it helps weight my hair down a little so it doesn't fight against the product so much.
4. try something other than fiber or try mixing fiber with something else. My hair also fights back against product I put a little bit of American crew forming cream in my hair then blow dry it then put Baxter's of California clay pomade and style with my fingers before brushing the side with a brush to make it look even.
5. show that picture to your barber/styles't

I think it would look good if you just went shorter, like off-the-ear on the sides and eyebrow-length on top, and put a little product in it. My hair is very similar to yours and I know first-hand that there is absolutely no hope of styling it at all without a little bit of junk in there. I use a tiny bit of this stuff and you can't tell that I'm using product but my hair kinda stays where I want it instead of just going flat.

How should I use SheaMoisture styling milk? I've never tried product on long hair before so I'm curious on how this goes. My routine is to scrunch for a bit, plop for 15 minutes, and then diffuse. Should I apply it during the scrunch, plop, or diffusion?

My other question is are these ingredients CG safe?

> Methylparaben, Tetrasodium EDTA, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone

These are ingredients that I found in LA Looks Sports Gel.

I wrote up my routine a while ago so heres some copypasta

_____

Every morning I take a shower and use argan oil shampoo and conditioner.

I get out and towel dry my hair and then I put in a metal hairband (elastic ones leave indentations in my hair by the time it's dry) to keep it out of my face while I brush my teeth, etc. I let it air dry for 15-60 mins or blow dry, if I'm in a rush.

Then I use American Crew Defining Paste all over. I apply it in portions, sides first, front (as in where the forehead meets the hairline), back, and top. I feel like I use a different amount each day, I try to use a little more on rainy or humid days because the moisture weakens it all by the end of the day.

I finish rubbing the product in with a boar's hair beard* brush to even it out and prevent extraordinarily stubborn clumps of hair playing fly-away. * While it is a beard brush, I find these palm brushes with stiff bristles do a much better job than other boar's hair brushes. I've tried a few and this is what works for me.

Then I shake it out and push it back. The combing is just to even out the product, I don't quite care for the slicked back look and prefer it messy.

It sounds like a lot of work and time, but it probably adds 5, maaaaybe 10 minutes to my morning routine. Worth it.

(All of the above links are to the exact products I use in my daily routine. #amazonprimemasterrace)

sprinkle a bit on your hair and style with your fingers. this makes your hair dry-ish and gives it tons of volume.

have you thought about getting a perm?


this will help give you an idea on how you’d want to style it, and how to use the powder.

Hi, I have similar hair to yours, but probably thicker... I can't really tell from your picture. Anyway, I found some things that really moisturize my hair. In the shower I use this stuff as a normal conditioner. Even though it says masque, it works really well for my hair if I use it in the shower. I usually leave it in for about 10 minutes while I do whatever else I need to do in the shower, and then rinse it out last. I also use this leave in cream while my hair is wet. It really moisturizes my hair and smooths the frizz. Then I usually use this gel It seems to keep my hair really soft, at least compared to other styling products I've tried. I think the thing that helped the most was that shea moisture masque though, so I'd encourage you to try it!

http://www.amazon.com/American-Crew-Styling-33-8-Ounce-Bottle/dp/B002N5MIF0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369085637&sr=8-1&keywords=american+crew+gel

What do you guys think about it? I don't see anything wrong with the ingredients and hair gels wash out well.

D:fi d:struct is what you want. Strong enough to keep my medium length hair from falling in my face all day and zero shine.

amazon link

5 and 7. And I'd suggest using product such as Paul Mitchell. A little chunk of that, work into your hands then your hair...and bam! It will really shine and highlight the du. Even something a little more tame than this.

sooo, do you think the product is something like this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/American-Crew-Forming-Cream-85g/dp/B000KEIPC6/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1465923154&sr=8-1&keywords=Crew+Forming+Cream.

Tea Tree Shaping Cream by Paul Mitchell

Also mind sharing a picture of your hair?

Thank you! Half the time I use this https://www.amazon.com/Bumble-Sumo-Tech-1-5-Ounce-Jar/dp/B000BIUGTQ and the other half I just roll out of bed.

I've never used product until literally today :x The ones that have the product in it are the ones with me in the red shirt

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B008D5I61Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's what I used/tried out today, and I love it. Only day I've ever used it but it gave life to my hair, and for the first time in my life I actually feel I could do something with my hair hahah

CG method for over a year, but revamped what I do for it a week ago. Before: co-wash with maple holistics argan oil conditioner, scrunch in herbal essences totally twisted curl boosting mousse. Let hair air dry (no plopping). Every other wash using arvvazallia hydrating Argan oil mask.

After: co-wash with Shea moisture coconut & hibiscus curl moisture Co-wash, condition with maple holistics Argan oil conditioner (S2C), scrunch in Shea moisture coconut & hibiscus curl & style milk, scrunch in HANDFULS of L.A natural styling gel. Plop with microfiber towel for 15 min - 1 hour. Let air dry the rest of the way (which takes hours lol) and then scrunch the crunch out. Every other wash I condition with arvazilla hydrating argan oil mask instead of the maple holistics conditioner. Occasionally use neutrogena anti residue shampoo to get extra junk out of my hair. I also bought a silk pillowcase and have been sleeping on that.

Before and after, I wash my hair about once a week. On my before method, my hair would pretty much lose all curl by day 3. Now it holds the curl all week, but starts to feel really gross around day 6. I have some frizz problems, but I usually smooth it down with a very light amount of coconut oil.

So far I love the curls that I am getting through the use of gel! I was scared at first, but this sub is totally right about gel not being what it used to be.

Like a pomade?

Do you mean something like this? http://www.amazon.co.uk/AMERICAN-CREW-FORMING-CREAM-85G/dp/B000KEIPC6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Maybe this stuff, it's all natural


Plus you can get it for like $3 at Target so it's not too big of a deal just to try it

You're gonna want to get this and this. Get a high skin fade and style the top with the product, use the cream first and then the gel to lock it in. Blow dry it if necessary.

Hi! I know this is a little late, but I just found Pillow Soft Curls for a decent price on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Jessies-Pillow-Curls-Ounce/dp/B0094KPK70

I'm a fan of American Crew Fiber.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/American-Crew-BEFG7-Fiber-85g/dp/B0007CXWC4

You only need to use a little bit & it lasts for ages.

https://www.amazon.com/struct-Pliable-Molding-Creme-5-3-oz/dp/B000GX57BI

this one! So I guess its technically cream, not wax. Sorry!

I'm pretty sure what your asking for is impossible. I use this personally and it is the closest to that I've found.



I towel dry my hair so it is still a little damp, rub a little less than an olive size mound of product evenly on my fingers, apply evenly to hair, then blow dry into desired style. My hair feels different with product but I can still run my fingers through with no resistance. Not sticky unless you apply it while your hair is dry. Blow dry is absolutely crucial for hair to hold up.

When my hair starts getting frizzy or if I know it will due to humidity, I use a drop of this:

• Kerastase Lait Nutri Sculpt
  
  and if I have any time or I'm bored, I use this to give it some shape:
  
  
  
• Alterna Hair Concrete or
  
  
  
• Bumble and Bumble Sumotech
  
  I've used, and will likely use other things as well... but that's what I've been using in the past few weeks. I don't know if I trust amazon to sell the same product that they're selling in the salons... but they could be worth a shot. Just linked to them because it was the first result in google. You only need a tiny bit of each, and they last a long time... so they're worth it.

The crew cream is the only thing that doesn't flake in my hair. It's expensive (for such a little jar), but takes a very small amount if you use it while your hair is damp.

It doesn't dry hard either.

This stuff right here. Does wonders for my spiky hair (when I actually spike it).

Try this https://www.amazon.com/American-Fiber-Pliable-Molding-Ounces/dp/B0007CXWC4/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1483329318&sr=1-2&keywords=american+crew

American Crew Fiber and some hair spray.

Simple old American Crew Fiber will work for most hairstyles and hair types.

Rub some of this through your hair after you shower + blow-dry (when your hair is still slightly damp).

Something heavier than this stuff?

Also I made another comment where I mentioned the full routine (guessing I wasn't done typing it when you posted) but I do comb it.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/American-Crew-BEFG7-Fiber-85g/dp/B0007CXWC4/ Is this the product you using?

http://www.amazon.com/American-Fiber-Pliable-Molding-Ounces/dp/B0007CXWC4

Sumotech

http://www.amazon.com/Bumble-Sumo-Tech-1-5-Ounce-Jar/dp/B000BIUGTQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348701704&sr=8-1&keywords=sumotech

I do. Just a tiny bit on my fingertips, then style:

https://www.amazon.com/American-Crew-Forming-Cream-Ounce/dp/B000KEIPC6/

American Crew Forming Cream og STRUCTURE Paste er gode til den hårtype hvis du kan lide det lidt løst og de dufter rart.

Sidst-nævnte er bedst til det korte, mens først-nævnte nok er bedre når det bliver lidt længere. De er måske lidt på den dyre side, men man behøver ikke bruge meget, så de holder rigtig længe.

I use the crew cream
https://www.amazon.com/American-Crew-Forming-Cream-Ounce/dp/B000KEIPC6/ref=pd_lpo_194_bs_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WWYX2PE5HEAW41D5R6GA

Try using American Crew products to style. I'd take a look at their forming cream.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000KEIPC6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1374721041&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY190

Buy it from Amazon 11-12$ vs 17. There aren't many options out there that would get cheaper.

https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Mitchell-Shaping-Cream-Unisex/dp/B000UPO54M

is this what you're referring to?

Here what i use. Last you about 6 months of daily use. (dont use too much!)

http://www.amazon.com/American-Crew-Defining-Paste-Ounce/dp/B002CMVU7Q

http://www.amazon.com/LOreal-Professionnel-Sculpte-Sculpting-Unisex/dp/B002PLO7KG

Here's a link --- ECOCO Eco Style Gel, Olive, 32 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E7UNE4/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_0yVyyb1JYNGVE

Got2B Glued

I use this:
https://www.amazon.com/Got2b-Ultra-Invincible-Styling-6-Ounce/dp/B004FQK7DA/ref=pd_sim_194_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B004FQK7DA&pd_rd_r=EHMTSVG4MXXMT5G79XZF&pd_rd_w=mTcdZ&pd_rd_wg=sfKzY&refRID=EHMTSVG4MXXMT5G79XZF&th=1

I use Got2b Glue. I put it in wet, and blow dry to set.
http://www.amazon.com/Got2b-Ultra-Invincible-Styling-6-Ounce/dp/B004FQK7DA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1345207432&sr=8-4&keywords=hair+gel+got2be

I use this one
https://www.amazon.com/Got2b-Powderful-Volumizing-Styling-Powder/dp/B00546F4CY?th=1

This one? http://www.amazon.com/Got2b-Powderful-Volumizing-Styling-Powder/dp/B00546F4CY

How do these make your hair feel? I assume you use these when your hair is dry?

This has made a world of difference. Makes it so much more manageable.

I use this stuff:

Conditioner 1

gel


conditioner 2


It frizzes out all the time, but such is life in the south. I don't rinse anything out. I don't use a lot of the gel. I'll update again when I go full simba.

Serious: carry high speed projectile hair spray, their wings stick together and they cannot fly for a bit, and you won't get stung
My preference:
Got2B Glued Spiking Glue
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000142OC2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_808Syb63ZZ2JP

Yea, shave your face. You could also slap some paste in your hair and mess it up a bit. I use this.

I hate to reiterate this, but the link TELLS YOU the product to use!

However, if you've tried it and it didn't work try using a volumizing powder... this one gives me a look sort of similar. It has a stickiness to it when applied but my hair is still malleable and sort of fluffy.

This tea tree shaping cream is exactly what youre looking for. I moved onto this after having the same problems with American
Crew and I've never looked back.

Do you have around the same length hair as Matt? Because I assume it would be harder to maintain this style if it doesn't have enough weight. I have used this hair product before, and tried a style similar to Smith's and it worked well and stayed in place. And that's saying something, since my hair is usually stubborn as hell to any product.

Idk if it’ll help in your situation, but I use Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Shaping Cream and it keeps my hair in place while remaining natural-looking and a bit loose. I don’t think it has damaged by hair.

If you’re a girl, you can try leave-in conditioner? Haircare isn’t my forte, but skipping the shampoo can sometimes help too, as long as you don’t have a nasty scalp.

For dealing with it before you go to bed, it's water-soluble so it will wash out easily with a quick shower.

However, with most gels I have experienced and by my standards, it has a pretty weak hold. I would recommend American Crew Fiber or their Forming Cream because they have a decent hold and don't get all crispy like gel usually does. Nevertheless, all of this depends on what kind of style you're going for, thickness of hair, etc.; could you please elaborate on the style you're looking for, how thick your hair is, and other general stuff about your hair?

I'm Filipino and my hair is thick and straight as all hell, personally, I use Murray's Superior Pomade and American Crew Grooming Cream, but that shit has a lot of shine and hold. Here's a picture of me when I use my products for my hair. On top of that, the pomade is a bitch to get out of your hair but I don't mind and, as I said earlier, it gives off a lot of shine which may be a good or bad thing depending on what look you're looking for.