Although it's labeled as a leave-in conditioner, I've found that it acts more like a cream. It's a bit thicker than your typical leave-in conditioner but surprisingly lightweight. Don't be fooled by its thickness; it doesn't make your hair feel heavy.
This product falls into the light to medium texture category for curl creams. What sets it apart is that it's fragrance-free, just like all the Shine Recipe products from Curlsmith. The cream's texture is delightfully creamy, and it provides ample moisture to your hair. Personally, I've had fantastic results with it, as it significantly enhances hair shine and keeps it super moisturized.
This product also contains some protein, making it an excellent choice for those with fine curly hair and high porosity hair. However, anyone can benefit from using it. This curl activator leans towards the thicker side for creams, but it's packed with styling agents that work wonders in bringing your curls back to life. Every time I use this, especially when I'm brush styling, my curls form these gorgeous, chunky clumps that are incredibly defined. It lives up to its name by really enhancing the bounce and definition of your curls. Plus, it's worth noting that it contains a good amount of protein ingredients.
Let's talk about the Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly, a fantastic find at your local drugstore. Now, I have to admit, drugstore gels don't always make it onto my channel because I'm quite particular when it comes to gels. My hair tends to get frizzy, especially in humid conditions, so I demand performance from my gel products.
But this one pleasantly surprised me. It's not super drying, which is a common issue with many drugstore gels. While it may not be a super-strong hold gel, it contains a couple of ingredients that help combat humidity. So, if you're on the hunt for a reliable drugstore option that won't leave your hair feeling crispy and can withstand some humidity, this might be a great choice for you.
I've been raving about this one quite a bit lately. What sets it apart is that it's a very lightweight option. I wanted to share this with you all because it doesn't have a ton of ingredients, and it's not loaded with moisturizing components.
In fact, most of Jessie Curl's products tend to be on the lower side when it comes to moisture. If you often find that your curls get weighed down easily, you might want to explore more from this brand. However, I should note that personally, it doesn't provide enough moisture for me. So, to make it work, I typically have to use a curl cream underneath it; otherwise, my hair ends up feeling quite dry.
if you're looking for a gel that excels in humidity, this gel is a superb choice. It's equipped with plenty of humidity-blocking ingredients, yet it manages to maintain a lightweight feel. Plus, it incorporates some moisturizing elements into the mix. You'll find ingredients like polyquaternium, which not only helps combat humidity but also conditions your hair. Additionally, it contains Argan kernel oil, lower on the ingredient list, to boost shine and moisture. There's also hydrolyzed wheat protein, so it does have some protein content, although not in excessive amounts. This gel falls into the medium hold category and has a typical gel formula, slightly milky in consistency.
I've mentioned before that I'm not a big fan of this gel formula, as it's quite thick and can be challenging to apply. However, I cannot deny the fantastic results it delivers. It has a unique, slightly tacky texture that adds texture and volume to your curls. After using it, I notice chunky curl clumps with significant volume and fullness that actually lasts. If you struggle with maintaining volume throughout the day or need help with root lift, this might be the answer. It contains keratin amino acids and rice extract, which provide strength to your hair without overwhelming it with protein. Personally, I find it best to use a curl cream underneath this gel; Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Cream works well, or you can try their new mousse or whipped cream products for a great pairing.
It's hands down the most high-hold product I've ever come across. I've been raving about it over on my Instagram, and if you're curious about my journey with it, you can check out my pinned story highlights on my Instagram page. I have to admit, my first attempt with it was a bit of an adventure; I used way too much and ended up with an intense hold that I couldn't scrunch out. But then, on the second try, I paired it with a curl cream from Innersense, specifically their Whipped Cream Texturizer, which is another excellent option if you're looking for some texture and volume in your hair. From there, I experimented with various curl creams, and the results were beautiful. The key is to use less product and find the right balance for your hair type and desired style.
Now, let's talk about Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Curl Activating Mousse. This one is a fantastic option for humidity control as well. While it's labeled as a level two hold, I'd personally consider it to be a bit stronger, depending on how much you use. What's great about it is that I can use it as my main styler, even without pairing it with a gel. Just applying it on top of a curl cream keeps my curls in check. I had one of my best wash days using this mousse, and I distinctly remember it giving me tons of volume and beautifully defined curl clumps.
The reason I'm featuring this one exclusively is because it's one of the few products where I can genuinely see a noticeable difference in the volume and fullness of my hair. It's almost magical. I was initially skeptical because it's a lightweight lotion-like product, and I couldn't fathom how it could add so much volume. But it works wonders.
Unlike some other hairsprays that come in aerosol cans, this one has a watery consistency. This makes it versatile, as you can use it as a styler on wet hair, rather than only on dry hair like traditional hairsprays. Of course, you can use it as a finisher on dry hair as well, which is how I typically use it.
However, please keep in mind that this hairspray offers extreme hold, and wherever you spray it on your hair, it can create a firm spot. To avoid this, I usually spray it into my hands and then apply it to my hair. I should note that they might have a new bottle design, possibly with a better misting mechanism, so be sure to check that out.