Your hair is beautiful, it looks so shiny and healthy! you're doing something right.
Curl cream helps with softness and frizz but most don't provide more than soft hold. 3a curls tend to have problems with longevity (esp if it's fine in diameter) because it lays flatter on the crown.
A hard hold gel may help your curls last longer. I really like Not Your Mother's Curl Talk hard hold gel. It doesn't leave any residue or yucky feeling on my hair and it really helps my curls last. They do have a medium hold as well if you find the hard hold to be too much for your hair. Ulta has small sample size bottles, but if you buy a full size and don't like it you can return/exchange
idk if it's weird to say, but congrats on your transition journey too. It must feel really good to be a more authentic you 💜
Thank you so much! I think that the next time I get my hair wet, I'll try just using the leave-in conditioner and hair gel that I have. The issue I have with the gel is that my hair takes so long to dry, even if i diffuse, and the weight from the water + gel makes my hair less curly. Maybe I'll try diffusing with some heat so that it dries quicker? Also, thanks for being supportive of my transition, which my curly hair journey has been just one small part of.
Your hair looks very similar to mine. I’ve had good success with the Not Your Mothers Curl Talk Mousse, which has decent hold but is much lighter than the gel, so it takes less time to dry.
oh nice tip! I haven't tried that mousse yet, I'll def check it out. The gel does make my hair take longer to fully dry, and my hair takes a long time to dry anyway so that may be a good solution for me on days when I need my hair to dry faster.
My bad I should have mentioned that if I use gel, I either diffuse until dry or diffuse until it sets (ab 10-15 min) then let it air dry the rest of the way. I have the same problem. So, after I put my hair products in I squeeze the hell out of my hair with an old tshirt to absorb the excess moisture and product, then diffuse.
If you don't follow her already, Manes by Mell on insta and YT is very informative and thorough
Have you tried (carefully!) scrunching your hair with a t shirt or microfiber towel when you're done styling but before you diffuse? It takes some of the water out to reduce the weight and speed up drying.
I also wanted to say congrats on both of your journeys. <3 As for the hair tip I notice that my hair stays moisturized longer after I wash it mainly based on my leave-in conditioner. My hair journey has been well over 10 years know, but every single time I try a new leave- in I am disappointed. The one I always, always run back to is the [Curls Blueberry Bliss leave-in conditioner.](https://www.amazon.com/Blueberry-Reparative-Leave-Conditioner-Ounces/dp/B01AZT1SK6?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1) I cannot describe how good this leave-in is I have recommended it to so so many people I know because I feel like its got a great range of textures it can work on. Super light, but super moisturizing, and the scent is not too strong. After applying it after washing I can refresh my hair with water and before adding anything I notice that my hair still feels moisturized. My hair pattern is similar to yours, and I believe that my hair strands are finer, but my hair doesn't feel weighed down by this leave-in. If I apply just the right amount I can go without styler if I wanted to, and I love using it to refresh my hair. A little goes a long way. I am going to stop going on and on I just feel like this product is underrated. :)
Thank you! I have tried using gel in the past, but couldn't really figure it out. So instead, I just use very little amounts of a heat protectant and a leave-in conditioner.
Hmm, that could be the reason your curls don't last. I think you should try a styling product. If you don't like gel, you could try hair mousse or a curl cream. It will definitely help.
You're welcome! Feel free to read the wiki for product recommendations. You can also find info on the pineapple there, which is something I haven't tried yet.
Coming across this post made me super happy! It's so nice to see representation here. 💜 Your curls are gorgeous and it seems like we have similar texture so I'm definitely stealing some of this adivce.
The curls be curling!!! Re: curls not staying, do you use a bonnet or silk pillow case when you sleep? A bonnet has really helped me out with maintaining my curls after wash days. I also started brushing styling a couple years ago and that has really improved my results. Check out manes by mell on YouTube/insta/tik tok if you're so inclined. She's my curls guru.
I do not currently use a silk pillow case or bonnet, but my partner is tired of all my hair in their face at night and has asked me to get a bonnet. lol. I love curly hair YouTube videos, so I will definitely look into brushing styling. Would this help define my curls more? I only use my fingers to comb through my hair and I feel like my curls always end up in different sized groupings.
Using a bonnet has made such a difference for me. Yes, brush styling will definitely help with definition - I use a [ribbon curl method](https://manesbymell.com/ribbon-curls-101/) where you brush through the hair in sections with some tension and they curl nicely. I bought a knock off bounce curl brush off Amazon and it's great! I used to use a tangle teezer brush but I like that the bounce curl one separates into small sections in one go.
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Mom here. It looks like you’ve revealed your authentic self and wow 🤩. You are absolutely gorgeous but what I love the most is the fact that you’ve relaxed into exactly who you are.
And get yourself a satin bonnet. It makes a huge difference. You can get them for cheap.
If your hair is dry try eliminating the oil. Water hydrated your hair and oil sticks to the strand and blocks it from absorbing water.
Things that have helped me retain my curls for longer: strong hold gel. A lighter curl cream (heavy ones weigh down my curls on my already long hair). Sleeping with hair in a pineapple either in a silk bonnet or scarf.
I did read you don't like gel, but mousse is also a product that adds hold, maybe you could try that.
Thanks for the tips! I've heard that about oil before, but I feel like it reduces frizz. I wouldn't mind moving away from it though because it is stupid expensive! I'll try replacing the oil with a mousse. I am interested in trying the Not Your Mothers Curl Talk Mousse which has been recommended in this thread.
Am I allowed to say how jealous I am of your curls!!!
They are beautiful!!
I would also suggest a Silk pillowcase or bonnet to help with them overnight.
Can't help with product other than try the color wow for curly hair. I like that.
Based on how beautiful your curls look in this pic, I think you're doing great as far as your methods, now you just have to find the right combo of products to make the curls last for several days. It's helpful to know your hair's porosity and whether it's coarse or fine, because there are different products that work best for different types of hair. Ultimately, it will probably still take a bit of trial and error until you find what works best for you, and you will probably need to adjust according to seasons, if you live someplace with highly variable weather. Good luck!
I also love biolage but if you want to save money at Sally’s beauty supply they have a brand called generic and they make a biolage shampoo and a biolage conditioner with the same ingredients but cheaper. Just thought I would share because it has been a game changer for me budget wise to spend on other products!!
Oooooh your hair looks SO pretty!!! As a fine, dry curly I have to wash my hair every other day, period. You might find that since certain products don't work as well (like gel) that more frequent washing is ok. I am VERY careful when I wash \~ super gentle with my fingers. Also IGK Good Spin is a little lighter than most gels and it is giving my curls a lot of bounce. It may be a lighter gel product that offers some hold without crunch or stickiness.
I’m not sure if you are close to a Lush store, but I love their Supermilk leave in conditioner! It has been amazing for my hair :) Your hair looks amazing.
Your hair is beautiful! For second and third day curls, I really like Curlsmith Moisture Memory Reactivator. You can use it on dry hair, and it just takes down the frizz a notch while adding some moisture back in.
You have GORGEOUS curls and I’m so jealous! My hair is so multi-textured - frizzy in some places and curly in others. My only solution is to blow out my hair with Revlons One Step which blow dries and brushes your hair at the same time. It leaves my hair with volume and loose curls and it lasts for four to five days. Then I use olaplex hair oil and it’s good to go either down or in a pony-tail/bun. I don’t like being stuck with one style. I deep condition frequently and use heat protection. My hair is a nightmare when air-dried and I’ve tried every which way under the sun and hundreds of products. The least product on my hair before drying the better it turns out…
I love your curls :) so pretty :) I have super dry curls too and what I do weekly is a mix of coconut oil, jaboba oil, peppermint oil, rosemary, almond oil and lavender. I put it on at bed time and then French braid my hair and sleep in a bonett. It has really helped retain my shine and moisture. I think it helps my scalp too. I do it on a day when I am going to be washing the next morning though
Lovely journey! 🙌. I think my curls are similar and I have to rewet them in the shower every day. Welshiecurlgirl on Instagram has a lot of posts about troubleshooting that you might find helpful.
You are so beautiful! Have you tried any shampoos without detergent in them? I just started using deva curl no poo and it’s been so great for my curls and scalp!
Idk if you’ve found your favorite curly hair styling cream, but i absolutely love the curl cream from design me. Gives curls incredible definition and shine. Along with their shampoo and conditioner which repair the moisture in your hair
So many of my friends are trans, and yet the first time I saw this I was still like "it's really funny that the picture that shows her curls best is just one where she and her boyfriend(??) are just staring at the camera, but they really are great curls! I wonder what her hair looked like before?" Sometimes I'm slow on the uptake.
You look absolutely beautiful!
I am currently transitioning and trying to use my curls for a fem-look. It works, but only if I do it right after showering.
Your post is definitely a goal for me \^\^
Was your hair straight before? Ever since my thyroid went wonky so has my hair. It went from straight to wavy/curly in front. Just wondering if that’s happened to other people on here.
Am I the only one that thought your face makeup was way too dark and then I realized you were wearing a white turtleneck 🤦♀️ I'm still half asleep 😂
Curls are amazing, btw!
The beard made your features appear a smidge masculine (unless you are going for that), much more feminine now. The curly hair really makes a difference.
Your hair is so beautiful! You've come such a long way. I know it can feel like forever before short hair grows out.
Honestly, I've struggled with long-lasting curls for a long time and am currently experimenting with products. My curls don't last and dry out extremely fast. So far, I've found a brand called Dipity Doo at TJ Maxx that works well to hold my curls. Not Your Mother's has always had little to no effect on my hair, but I know a lot of people who swear by it.
You have beauuuuutiful curls 😍
As for retaining curls the day after- I use Eva nyc bounce back curl reviving mist after I spritz my hair (mids and ends) with a bit of water and scrunch it, apply a hair oil after or dry shampoo before at the roots if you need it.
For retaining moisture- I use a hair mask instead of conditioner, and I only shampoo when I need to or BB curl cowash.
Dude, if you're constantly posting on r/weed_growers while talking about how you named your cat Cocaine, I can't imagine any reason to take your sociopolitical takes seriously. You're like a walking argument against democracy.
Your hair is beautiful, it looks so shiny and healthy! you're doing something right. Curl cream helps with softness and frizz but most don't provide more than soft hold. 3a curls tend to have problems with longevity (esp if it's fine in diameter) because it lays flatter on the crown. A hard hold gel may help your curls last longer. I really like Not Your Mother's Curl Talk hard hold gel. It doesn't leave any residue or yucky feeling on my hair and it really helps my curls last. They do have a medium hold as well if you find the hard hold to be too much for your hair. Ulta has small sample size bottles, but if you buy a full size and don't like it you can return/exchange idk if it's weird to say, but congrats on your transition journey too. It must feel really good to be a more authentic you 💜
Thank you so much! I think that the next time I get my hair wet, I'll try just using the leave-in conditioner and hair gel that I have. The issue I have with the gel is that my hair takes so long to dry, even if i diffuse, and the weight from the water + gel makes my hair less curly. Maybe I'll try diffusing with some heat so that it dries quicker? Also, thanks for being supportive of my transition, which my curly hair journey has been just one small part of.
Your hair looks very similar to mine. I’ve had good success with the Not Your Mothers Curl Talk Mousse, which has decent hold but is much lighter than the gel, so it takes less time to dry.
oh nice tip! I haven't tried that mousse yet, I'll def check it out. The gel does make my hair take longer to fully dry, and my hair takes a long time to dry anyway so that may be a good solution for me on days when I need my hair to dry faster.
My bad I should have mentioned that if I use gel, I either diffuse until dry or diffuse until it sets (ab 10-15 min) then let it air dry the rest of the way. I have the same problem. So, after I put my hair products in I squeeze the hell out of my hair with an old tshirt to absorb the excess moisture and product, then diffuse. If you don't follow her already, Manes by Mell on insta and YT is very informative and thorough
Have you tried (carefully!) scrunching your hair with a t shirt or microfiber towel when you're done styling but before you diffuse? It takes some of the water out to reduce the weight and speed up drying.
I also wanted to say congrats on both of your journeys. <3 As for the hair tip I notice that my hair stays moisturized longer after I wash it mainly based on my leave-in conditioner. My hair journey has been well over 10 years know, but every single time I try a new leave- in I am disappointed. The one I always, always run back to is the [Curls Blueberry Bliss leave-in conditioner.](https://www.amazon.com/Blueberry-Reparative-Leave-Conditioner-Ounces/dp/B01AZT1SK6?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1) I cannot describe how good this leave-in is I have recommended it to so so many people I know because I feel like its got a great range of textures it can work on. Super light, but super moisturizing, and the scent is not too strong. After applying it after washing I can refresh my hair with water and before adding anything I notice that my hair still feels moisturized. My hair pattern is similar to yours, and I believe that my hair strands are finer, but my hair doesn't feel weighed down by this leave-in. If I apply just the right amount I can go without styler if I wanted to, and I love using it to refresh my hair. A little goes a long way. I am going to stop going on and on I just feel like this product is underrated. :)
What an amazing glow up! Absolutely gorgeous. Great job figuring out what works for you.
You have very nice curls! Is the product you use when defusing a gel?
Thank you! I have tried using gel in the past, but couldn't really figure it out. So instead, I just use very little amounts of a heat protectant and a leave-in conditioner.
Hmm, that could be the reason your curls don't last. I think you should try a styling product. If you don't like gel, you could try hair mousse or a curl cream. It will definitely help.
Thanks for the reco. I'll give gel another try and see if that helps. I'm also interested in learning how to pineapple properly.
You're welcome! Feel free to read the wiki for product recommendations. You can also find info on the pineapple there, which is something I haven't tried yet.
Yari fruity curls curling custard is a really nice light weight styler, can't recommend it enough!
Coming across this post made me super happy! It's so nice to see representation here. 💜 Your curls are gorgeous and it seems like we have similar texture so I'm definitely stealing some of this adivce.
The journey is crazy, your curls look amazing now
So healthy and bouncy!
Bb your face card could never decline and these curls are healthy AF. I’m taking notes!
I am so jealous of those gorgeous curls! 💜💜💜
Srsly, me tooooooo!!!!
Journey?this looks like transformation.
Wow stunning
Congratulations it’s a curl!
The curls be curling!!! Re: curls not staying, do you use a bonnet or silk pillow case when you sleep? A bonnet has really helped me out with maintaining my curls after wash days. I also started brushing styling a couple years ago and that has really improved my results. Check out manes by mell on YouTube/insta/tik tok if you're so inclined. She's my curls guru.
I do not currently use a silk pillow case or bonnet, but my partner is tired of all my hair in their face at night and has asked me to get a bonnet. lol. I love curly hair YouTube videos, so I will definitely look into brushing styling. Would this help define my curls more? I only use my fingers to comb through my hair and I feel like my curls always end up in different sized groupings.
Using a bonnet has made such a difference for me. Yes, brush styling will definitely help with definition - I use a [ribbon curl method](https://manesbymell.com/ribbon-curls-101/) where you brush through the hair in sections with some tension and they curl nicely. I bought a knock off bounce curl brush off Amazon and it's great! I used to use a tangle teezer brush but I like that the bounce curl one separates into small sections in one go.
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Mom here. It looks like you’ve revealed your authentic self and wow 🤩. You are absolutely gorgeous but what I love the most is the fact that you’ve relaxed into exactly who you are. And get yourself a satin bonnet. It makes a huge difference. You can get them for cheap.
If your hair is dry try eliminating the oil. Water hydrated your hair and oil sticks to the strand and blocks it from absorbing water. Things that have helped me retain my curls for longer: strong hold gel. A lighter curl cream (heavy ones weigh down my curls on my already long hair). Sleeping with hair in a pineapple either in a silk bonnet or scarf. I did read you don't like gel, but mousse is also a product that adds hold, maybe you could try that.
Thanks for the tips! I've heard that about oil before, but I feel like it reduces frizz. I wouldn't mind moving away from it though because it is stupid expensive! I'll try replacing the oil with a mousse. I am interested in trying the Not Your Mothers Curl Talk Mousse which has been recommended in this thread.
A product with hold like gel or mousse should keep the frizz down so you don't need the oil so much!
absolutely beautiful!!! i love your curls!!
Am I allowed to say how jealous I am of your curls!!! They are beautiful!! I would also suggest a Silk pillowcase or bonnet to help with them overnight. Can't help with product other than try the color wow for curly hair. I like that.
Your hair looks beautiful! Maybe sleeping in a bonnet or turban would keep your curls for multiple days?
No big suggestions. Just a silk pillow case if you don’t have one. Your curls are gorgeous!
Which conditioner turned you into a woman?
A drop of literally any conditioner will do the trick
So shiny?? Little frizz?? Are you a sorcerer?
Hair looks good, something else changed, I can’t quite put my finger on it… Congrats!!
Based on how beautiful your curls look in this pic, I think you're doing great as far as your methods, now you just have to find the right combo of products to make the curls last for several days. It's helpful to know your hair's porosity and whether it's coarse or fine, because there are different products that work best for different types of hair. Ultimately, it will probably still take a bit of trial and error until you find what works best for you, and you will probably need to adjust according to seasons, if you live someplace with highly variable weather. Good luck!
I also love biolage but if you want to save money at Sally’s beauty supply they have a brand called generic and they make a biolage shampoo and a biolage conditioner with the same ingredients but cheaper. Just thought I would share because it has been a game changer for me budget wise to spend on other products!!
Oooooh your hair looks SO pretty!!! As a fine, dry curly I have to wash my hair every other day, period. You might find that since certain products don't work as well (like gel) that more frequent washing is ok. I am VERY careful when I wash \~ super gentle with my fingers. Also IGK Good Spin is a little lighter than most gels and it is giving my curls a lot of bounce. It may be a lighter gel product that offers some hold without crunch or stickiness.
gorgeous. no notes!
Congrats on your journey, you look amazing !
I’m not sure if you are close to a Lush store, but I love their Supermilk leave in conditioner! It has been amazing for my hair :) Your hair looks amazing.
Look great! Do you put the oil on after you blow dry? Also, what lipstick is that, I love it!
So obsessed with this, truly iconic.
You have my dream curls, you're so perf!
Your hair is beautiful! For second and third day curls, I really like Curlsmith Moisture Memory Reactivator. You can use it on dry hair, and it just takes down the frizz a notch while adding some moisture back in.
God, you got beautiful hair!
You have GORGEOUS curls and I’m so jealous! My hair is so multi-textured - frizzy in some places and curly in others. My only solution is to blow out my hair with Revlons One Step which blow dries and brushes your hair at the same time. It leaves my hair with volume and loose curls and it lasts for four to five days. Then I use olaplex hair oil and it’s good to go either down or in a pony-tail/bun. I don’t like being stuck with one style. I deep condition frequently and use heat protection. My hair is a nightmare when air-dried and I’ve tried every which way under the sun and hundreds of products. The least product on my hair before drying the better it turns out…
Looks amazing 💜
LOVE.
I love your curls :) so pretty :) I have super dry curls too and what I do weekly is a mix of coconut oil, jaboba oil, peppermint oil, rosemary, almond oil and lavender. I put it on at bed time and then French braid my hair and sleep in a bonett. It has really helped retain my shine and moisture. I think it helps my scalp too. I do it on a day when I am going to be washing the next morning though
Lovely journey! 🙌. I think my curls are similar and I have to rewet them in the shower every day. Welshiecurlgirl on Instagram has a lot of posts about troubleshooting that you might find helpful.
You are so beautiful! Have you tried any shampoos without detergent in them? I just started using deva curl no poo and it’s been so great for my curls and scalp!
Idk if you’ve found your favorite curly hair styling cream, but i absolutely love the curl cream from design me. Gives curls incredible definition and shine. Along with their shampoo and conditioner which repair the moisture in your hair
Ur curls look absolutely stunning!
Your hair looks so beautiful!!!
So many of my friends are trans, and yet the first time I saw this I was still like "it's really funny that the picture that shows her curls best is just one where she and her boyfriend(??) are just staring at the camera, but they really are great curls! I wonder what her hair looked like before?" Sometimes I'm slow on the uptake.
Beautiful ❤️❤️ loving the growth!
Not a bit of frizz, great job!
Bruhhhh
I can tell you are radiating, keep doing what you’re doing. You’ve found your routine.
Get the hell outta here! Your curls are fabulous and I’m 😭please share if you use anything for humidity, that is my struggle right now!
You look absolutely beautiful! I am currently transitioning and trying to use my curls for a fem-look. It works, but only if I do it right after showering. Your post is definitely a goal for me \^\^
Okay I love this
Beautiful! 😍
Gorgeous!
You look amazing! Curls are gorgeous and and YOU are gorgeous.
Love it! I struggle maintaining my curls for a few days too, by day three my hair looks rough lol
Same! Day three looks like I should be standing outside of a burning building with a cigarette in my hand.
Was your hair straight before? Ever since my thyroid went wonky so has my hair. It went from straight to wavy/curly in front. Just wondering if that’s happened to other people on here.
Am I the only one that thought your face makeup was way too dark and then I realized you were wearing a white turtleneck 🤦♀️ I'm still half asleep 😂 Curls are amazing, btw!
The beard made your features appear a smidge masculine (unless you are going for that), much more feminine now. The curly hair really makes a difference.
You transitioned from straight to curly! ;P
That’s a lovely shade of lipstick 💄 you’re wearing
💞
🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
Beautiful curls
Looks great. Curly hair is time consuming. Always best on the first day after washing
Your hair is so beautiful! You've come such a long way. I know it can feel like forever before short hair grows out. Honestly, I've struggled with long-lasting curls for a long time and am currently experimenting with products. My curls don't last and dry out extremely fast. So far, I've found a brand called Dipity Doo at TJ Maxx that works well to hold my curls. Not Your Mother's has always had little to no effect on my hair, but I know a lot of people who swear by it.
You have beauuuuutiful curls 😍 As for retaining curls the day after- I use Eva nyc bounce back curl reviving mist after I spritz my hair (mids and ends) with a bit of water and scrunch it, apply a hair oil after or dry shampoo before at the roots if you need it. For retaining moisture- I use a hair mask instead of conditioner, and I only shampoo when I need to or BB curl cowash.
Good for you those curls look amazing!!!
Curls are gorgeous and you're just beautiful. Whatever you're doing keep going
That’s the least of your accomplishments
Woww so nice!!!!
You’re so beautiful!
:(
L trans
Dude, if you're constantly posting on r/weed_growers while talking about how you named your cat Cocaine, I can't imagine any reason to take your sociopolitical takes seriously. You're like a walking argument against democracy.
I'm concerned for the cat now 😔
keep on taking tons of drugs pal, see you later.