I have thick hair and a lot of it and wear it straight 95% of the time - It's naturally curly but when it's worn straight a la GHD it looks shiny and healthy and hydrated and nice. However, since coming to the realisation i look better when my hair is wave/curly, i now need help.

Enter stupid, frizzy DRY hair! This is how it looks if i have it curly or wavy. Part of the reason i straighten it.

I'm wondering what you lovely people can recommened to have my hair hydrated and moisterised all the way from shampoo and conditions through to styling products, masks and brands. It can also look a bit flat at the roots when it's like this and then all boof on the ends and I look like a triangle, even with the layers all cut in.

Cheers in advance!!

Oh my goodness i think you have my hair. Ecept my hair only looks at its best when i leave it alone and let it go curly.

My bff is a hairdresser so i'll telll you what she has told me.

- you need to use a really good treatment in your hair to help repair the damage the starightener has done
- use a good quality salon quality s & c for dry damaged hair or curly hair
-when you straighten you need to use a protecting product aswell (PPS have a fabulous one)
- i use PPS sea salt spray and also the liquid in the same thing and it gives me nice healthy looking waves
-if i hav a few frizzy when go curly i just smooth them down with a serum on the ends only
-never dry curly hair completely, let the last bit dry naturally, this will reduce frizz

overall frizz is due to dryness, so get rehydrating!!!! and less straightening

Are you blonde as well??

Nah i'm brunette! I dye my hair anything it just turns out brown hehe.

Can you recommend any products? I kinda know what i need to do, but having the right products is my big beef atm! It just looks so night and healthy and thick when it's straight, when it's not it just goes retarded and weird and bends all the wrong ways, and soooo dry!

I'm going to the hairdresser next week so will be sure to have them fix up the cut so it's more wave friednly and not have them blowdry it straight, ask them to style it a la natural wave.

This PPS sounds good - i have used John Frieda Ocean Waves previsouly and it worked nice but it was still dry i think from not the right s, c & and treatment.

That sounds exactly like me!
This is what I recommend -
The GHD will dry your hair out so you need to get your hair in top condition to wear it naturally wavy. Start regular treatments. For info see this thread.
http://forum.adorebeauty.com.au/showthread.php?t=164&highlight=hair+treatment

Use a good shampoo & conditioner. I keep coming back to Alchemy.

Don't brush your hair or it will frizz. Tiger claw it by running your fingers thru it while wet then leave it to dry naturally. If you are running late & need it dry - tip your head over & use your hairdyer on the low setting whilst scrunching the curls.

I am still trying to find my holy grail styling products but you will find many here.
http://forum.adorebeauty.com.au/showthread.php?t=402&highlight=curly+hair

The other thing I have noticed is that it will take a while for not only you to find your groove but also your hair. Once you stop straightening your hair will curls more & more. I always find that after straightening my hair it takes a few washes for the curl to come right back.

I've already cut down straightening it alot - I have been on extended sick leave with Glandular fever so it's lucky to get washed once a week, but it's helping it i think! A great tip, thanks!

It's also working out the best way to style it - when I am working i start at 8am normally so need something that is easy and fairly quick but stll stylish and sexy - no point going to the office with my nice work clothes and heels when my hair looks like a mop was crossbred with brillo pad! Maybe washing it the night before and letting it dry and get one of those silk pillowcases??

Will check out alchemy - thanks for the tip!

I have thick, thick curly/wavy hair that i occassionaly straighten but most of the time wear natural and I use alchemy shampoo and conditioner and pps sea salt spray. First I spray my hair with leave in conditioner then I remove most of the moisture from my hair using a towlel then I tiger claw my hair then flip upside down give it a good spritz with the sea salt spray flip it back over and give it another little spritz and then let it dry naturally. To give a little more definition I sometimes get a few parts of my hair and give it a little twist and let dry!

thanks tahlie - sounds like i know what to try now! Especially the rave alchemy is getting! Which ones do you use? I have been reading up on them and my only issue is that the one that seems suited is lavender and i HATE lavender - it's up there with mandarin, they give me chronic headaches.

I use yang ylang shampoo and Macadamia and wheat conditioner, they nourish my hair and the conditioner is fantastic as a treatment!

awesome - thanks heaps! i'm placing an order now - just tossing up between the intensive moisture shampoo or the ylang ylang, i can't wait to try this conditioner everyone raves about!

Overall you need lots of moisture and not to fuss with the curls too much. I suggest washing your hair when you get out of bed for the day. I have washed my hair at night adn when i woke up it was a huge big curly mess and i had to stuff around with it so much i may aswell have washed it and blow dried it.

Embrace your curls because now when you have a special occasion you can go all straightened and look super sexy and then ppl will be like "wow, you look great". not that you don't normally :glee:

Def get the Mac & Wheat Treatment it has many fans here & I don't think you can beat it for the price.
I use the unscented shampoo as I have a very sensitive scalp. I hate Lavender too.

The Mandarin shampoo is good, very gentle and shouldn't cause any scalp problems. Mac & Wheat highly recommended for intense moisture, or for a lighter alternative the Jojoba conditioner is fabbo. Have re-purchased a number of times now.

thanks for all the great advice guys - at least i know where to start with the shampoo and conditioner! unfortunatlyraspberryberet anything mandarin gives me chronic heachaches - people can't even eat them near me at work! so anything like that i can't use, same as lavender. I struggle going down the cleaning aisle at the supermarket!

Try this site:glee:

http://www.curlmart.com/

I have thick hair and a lot of it and wear it straight 95% of the time - It's naturally curly but when it's worn straight a la GHD it looks shiny and healthy and hydrated and nice. However, since coming to the realisation i look better when my hair is wave/curly, i now need help.

Enter stupid, frizzy DRY hair! This is how it looks if i have it curly or wavy. Part of the reason i straighten it.

I'm wondering what you lovely people can recommened to have my hair hydrated and moisterised all the way from shampoo and conditions through to styling products, masks and brands. It can also look a bit flat at the roots when it's like this and then all boof on the ends and I look like a triangle, even with the layers all cut in.

Cheers in advance!!

This is my hair too!!!! I recently started wearing it curly/wavy on weekends but I just can't bring myself to leave it natural during the week for work as it feels so messy and out of control. The truth is, I've been straightening it for so long its actually just waaaay easier to style like that. I have to wear my hair up to work so I just blow dry it straight and don't use my GHDs as i put it up into a pony tail. If I'm going out I use the beloved GHDs. I have no idea where to start to achieve "wash and wear" hair but would love to find the answer.
I'm currently using the Aesop shampoo which is awesome and I was using the Rose hair mask which was even awesomer (hehe) but very expensive so i recently got the standard aesop conditioner as a replacement. This is just not hydrating enough. I am also a fan of Terax Crema.... awesome conditioner.
The styling products is where i get stuck.
I currently use a kerastase defrizzing oil which is good but expensive as I chow through it like you wouldn't believe, and a straightening balm. I use the straightening balm even when i wear it wavy (I tend to pull out the curls to waves as it sits better) and if its really dry i use the MOP leave in conditioner which is also awesome.
BUT....
I am in search of a HG calming/smoothing/defrizzing styling product that is just ONE product to simplify things. The search continues and my bathroom cabinet looks more like a hair salon every day!

I know what you mean - it's easier to straighten my hair and takes less time! Especially in the morning for work!

I think i will be trying the alchemy stuff and also the terax as a mask as they have great reviews. And like you wavy i prefer but it's curly so it's almost a matter of starightening then making it wavy which takes a while (time i'd rather spend sitting down with a cuppa watching sunrise!)

Styling products are definitely where I get stuck also!!

I've got my strightening styling time down to 20 mins in the mornings before work (is that agessssss???) but would be much happier if i could just let the blowdryer rough dry it (which would take about 5-10 mins)and it looked decent. I'm afraid I just can't master it and despite putting it into a ponytail it just looks healthier and neater when its straight.
I've tried a curl definer (kerastase) but I wasn't happy with the way it felt, a bit tacky or something. I've tried many so-called defrizzing serums but keep coming back to the kerastase one despite the price (its in an orange bottle) but even with this I still have to use a balm of some sort to flatten it otherwise I look like the hair bear bunch. Too much hair.
Will keep looking and researching the site and post if I find something we should try!! :glee:

I reckon I'm b/t 10/20 mins doing my hair if it's down - i started washing it the night before and tying it back so it's just a bit damp in the morning and quicker to dry as my hair is so thick. I was using Redken leave in which i liked but discovered on here they test on animals so I'm going to stop using it!

I have used kerastase in the pate and generally really like it - the shampoo, conditioner and masque, but avoided the styling products for the same reasons you struggle, for the size and amount i'd use, i would spend tonnes on it! even more than me who doesn't look at the proice of things 9/10!

Hmm Kusco Murphy Lavender Hair Cream seems to get great reviews. Maybe I'll give that a try.

Ooohhhh Nooooo I just remembered you hate lavender!!!!!

How about the Hamadi one..... seems similar but no mention of lavender..phew

Beauty can be pain, but migraines aren't worth it!! I was so bummed because it seems to work for people. I might try the kevin murphy hair resport or soemthing, they get good reviews.

I was also bummbed about the Aesop handcream when i read it smelt like mandarins - I can't handle that either!!

Hadn't thought of hamdi - will go read up about them now!

Does the Krusco Murphy one really smell like Lavender?

I have sampled the Hamadi Shea Cream & it is good. I like that it kinda acts as a treatment & styling product in one. Less drying chemicals in my hair. Well that's how I am trying to justify the price! :whistle:

Does the Krusco Murphy one really smell like Lavender?

I have sampled the Hamadi Shea Cream & it is good. I like that it kinda acts as a treatment & styling product in one. Less drying chemicals in my hair. Well that's how I am trying to justify the price! :whistle:

Medusa, could you use the Hamadi one to "slick" back hair in a ponytail? I am STILL looking for something that will provide a finished look, keep flyaways at bay but not make my hair greasy. Does a product like that exist?!

Does the Kusco Murphy one really smell like Lavender?

Yep, it really does. Love this product. Good for all hair types but does great things for the curly gals. My ringlet-ed friend swears by it.

DAMMIT SMELLING LIKE LAVENDER! Maybe it's the universes way of telling me to shave my hair off!

Yes I can't stand Lavender either.

I don't think the Hamadi would do for ponytails, it doesn't have enough hold. I expect it would be very similar to the Lavender Cream.

Must get me some of this lavender cream!!

Doesn't solve your lavender issue though loolabelle does it. Back to the drawing board:glee:

Hamadi shea spray is excellent for taming frizz and is not too heavy on the hair. However, I find that if you put too much into hair when wet it can dry looking a little crunchy. If you get the amount right is is wonderful, though; my wavy hair adores it.

I think I will be definitely checking this hamadi out and not rushing for the razor just yet!!!

How about Kevin Murphy's Easy Rider? Anyone used this?
sounds like its what we're after

Have recently tried a couple of Kevin Murphy products. So far:

Easy Rider = This is a very thick pasty type curl activator/defrizzer. it definately defrizzes and does what it says it does, but i do find it a bit heavy. First time i think I used a bit too much so the second day I used less, it was better but still heavy, I prefer a lighter product feel.

Hair Screen (Motion lotion - name change) = This is much lighter. Still creamy but you squeeze it out of a bottle rather than scoop it out like the easy rider so i hope that helps explain the consistency!. Does a good job at defrizzing and has a light hold. Can't even feel its in my hair which is perfect for me! I much prefer this one.

Hair screen wins for me!!
:glee:

Ohhhh, sounds great! So you def would recommend it??

The hair screen (think its called motion lotion now) yep I'd recommend. Have only used it a couple of times mind you but can give you an update post future use!
The easy rider does a great defrizzing/holding together of curls thing so if you don't mind a heavy product then go for it. The easy rider has a very strong smell too, while the Hair screen is softer.
I prefer the Hair screen.

thanks tahlie - sounds like i know what to try now! Especially the rave alchemy is getting! Which ones do you use? I have been reading up on them and my only issue is that the one that seems suited is lavender and i HATE lavender - it's up there with mandarin, they give me chronic headaches.

I also HATE HATE HATE lavender with a passion (I once got a lavender perfume from a friend for my birthday and gave it to St Vinnies because I detest the smell) but I bought this one because it's suited to my type of hair and Alchemy is supposed to be good for dandruff/itchy scalp...

...I would DEFINITELY recommend it!! If you smell it from the bottle it seems really strong, but it doesn't leave any traces of the smell in your hair. If you're really worried, try using it with a conditioner that you like the smell of.

Hope you have some suggestions.

I have fairly short, straight hair (ala Posh-ish, but without the bits hanging in my face coz they drive me nuts). It is naturally red but I have foils put in every 3 months to jazz it up a bit. I really like the colour and quite like cut but I need help 'doing it'. My hair lacks body and generally 'hugs' my head, although it feels soft and silky and is very shiny. Most of the time I just shove it behind my ears. I am a complete dryer/straightener virgin so am not able to do much with it by way of styling except for products. I have in the past used Shape Trix but never replaced it. Does anyone have any suggestions of what to use and how to make this mess look sexy and stylish but not teenage (I celebrated that magical 4something birthday a year - or is it two ago)? They say that you're never to old to learn :penguin:

Hi dodts! Sounds like you need some volume and/or texture. Salt spray is great for this or a 'root-boosting' product. I recommend either TIGI or KMS. Spray/work into damp hair then - if it's really, really short - let dry naturally and work some moulding paste into the ends for a piecy-look. If it's more of a bob, again spray a volumising product into the roots and blow-dry straight with a small paddle or vented brush. You could also flick the ends out a bit. Noice, very noice.

dodts , is your hair fine ? or even fine & lots of it ?

let me know , i have fine , fine , fine "slippery " hair & can be hard to style , but i have found a way to get it to look ok

i'll wait to hear from u to tell u what i now use :penguin:

dodts , is your hair fine ? or even fine & lots of it ?

let me know , i have fine , fine , fine "slippery " hair & can be hard to style , but i have found a way to get it to look ok

i'll wait to hear from u to tell u what i now use :penguin:

My hair is not superfine, but it is on the fine side of normal and I do have lots, plus it is very slippery. Most products that I put into it fall out by lunchtime and I am left with the same old same old. I regularly have layers cut into it and it always needs thinning out as it gets really 'boofy' leading up to my 6 weekly haircut. Can you have boofy hair that hugs your head :confused:, I do.

Am planning on going shopping today for some products so any help would be great. :kissing:

My hair is not superfine, but it is on the fine side of normal and I do have lots, plus it is very slippery. Most products that I put into it fall out by lunchtime and I am left with the same old same old. I regularly have layers cut into it and it always needs thinning out as it gets really 'boofy' leading up to my 6 weekly haircut. Can you have boofy hair that hugs your head :confused:, I do.

Am planning on going shopping today for some products so any help would be great. :kissing:

i always use a shampoo & conditioner for fine hair or a volume hair variety
i like

the new herbal essence for fine hair
tigi catwalk 'sexed up' range
i think it is called sexy hair range , anyway it is a big red bottle & a fabo price , from hair dressers

i also use a volume spray in wet hair

the tigi catwalk one is good
as is one from priceline md [marc daniels] 'big hair' volume boost - the spray not the liquid [in an egg ylok colour bottle with a bit of red]

i then proceed to dry off my hair a lttle
then i use a pin round brush [just a cheapy] to blow dry my hair under , starting up at the roots
blast with the cool option on my hairdryer to set the 'lift'

i then spray with KMS hairplay , paste up spray [this is my no.1 HG] i like to blow dry this in
as it works better for me

this is when i decide if i want a 'piecey' look or curled under or curled up & made a bit boffy
i then use tigi catwalk 'catfight' piable pudding a little bit goes a long way

i finish with hairspray

goldwell laquar is great [it isn't too hard]
i also like charles worthington full volume hairspray

pm me if u want details of where "else" to buy :rollthoseeyes:

Thanks for all your help. Although it looks like I'll have to face my fears and break out the hairdryer :chuckle:

Now, for a spot of shopping. :clapping::glee::penguin:

Fusspot, I'll see what the shops have to offer, if not I'll PM you.

Thanks for all your help. Although it looks like I'll have to face my fears and break out the hairdryer :chuckle:

Now, for a spot of shopping. :clapping::glee::penguin:

Fusspot, I'll see what the shops have to offer, if not I'll PM you.

it took me years to be able to blow dry my hair :whistle:
even now i have some days where i i want to chop it all off :whistle: :chuckle:

let me know how u go :waving:

i have fine , fine , fine "slippery " hair & can be hard to style , but i have found a way to get it to look ok

Mine's not quite that fine, but it's 'slippery', fairly fine and there's lots of it. It's a nightmare for me and for stylists. It takes at least 12 months to break them into my hair, and I have had some who have never grasped the concept.

Well, I'm armed and dangerous.....:whipcrack:

I have just returned home with Tigi Catwalk Root Boost and Bedhead Hard to Get. I just checked the prices on that evil website and they are a couple of dollars cheaper online but I don't have to wait for them to get here. Perhaps the replacements can come from there instead of Hairhouse Warehouse.

Anyway...off to work out how to turn on the hair dryer:chuckle::chuckle:

Well, I'm armed and dangerous.....:whipcrack:I have just returned home with Tigi Catwalk Root Boost

Nice work dodts! Root Boost is one of my absolute favourites. That stuff means bizness!