Ingredient Spotlight: Lets Talk Curl Definers!

I have a love-hate relationship with "curl definers". During the beginning of my hair journey, I had a slight obsession with obtaining the perfect ringlets. I couldn't resist; the pictures of the smiling happy women with glistening silky curls coupled with the phrase "curl enhancer" [which I so desperately sought] lead me to believe that I too could have that kind of hair if I bought the product. Wrong. A few hundred dollars and a couple shed tears later, I started to accept and embrace my loose, wavy, sometimes slightly curly, curl pattern [as unorthodox as it is]. A word to my newbies out there; curl defining creams are meant to define and enhance a curl pattern that is already present. It isn't going to turn highly textured hair into silky perfect coils, nor will it dramatically change the texture. What it will do is help with curl formation which will in turn enhance [and in some instances retain] your natural curl pattern until the next use.

What puts the "definition" in your curl defining creams? 

Polymers/Co Polymers/Cross-Polymers: Most [not all] commercially manufactured products geared towards enhancing curls, kinks and coils contain polymers. Polymers help to eliminate frizz and unite curls. Products containing polymers may also promise "long-lasting hold"; this is made possible as the polymers create a film-like substance over the hair keeping strands together thus protecting the curl pattern while locking out humidity. 

Wheat Protein: Wheat protein helps strengthen the hair whilst adding body and shine. Wheat protein also helps with curl formation and curl retention. 

Precautions: 

Polymers: Because polymers are "film forming" by design, clarifying shampoo sessions are recommended to remove water resistant, moisture-blocking buildup

Wheat Protein: Some protein-sensitive curlies may experience dryness after regular use of styling products containing Wheat protein.

Natural Curl Enhancers:

Aloe Vera Gel 

Agave Nectar

Tip: Mix 1 cup of shea butter, 5 tablespoons of glycerin and 1/2 cup of Aloe Vera gel with an electric mixer [with whisk attachment] for a natural curl enhancer that's easy on your wallet! This mix keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks. Want to up the ante? Add a few drops of your most nourishing oils! 

Looking for some pudding, custard or cream recommendations? Here are my faves!

Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding

water, parafinium liquidum, glycerin, triethanolamine, fragrance, carbomer, PEG-12 dimethicone, dipropylene glycol, silk amino acids, aloe barbadensis leaf extract [Aloe Vera Extract], avocado oil, shea butter, sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil, macademia seed oil, oleth05, ethylhexyl methoxycinnanate, disodium EDTA, DMDM hydantion, ext. violet 2  

Bee Mine Bee Hold Curly Butter

100% Shea Butter, 100% Aloe Vera Gel, Essential Oil Blend, Vegetable Glycerin, Rosemary Leaf and Chamomile Extract, Silk Powder and Perfume 

Komaza Care Coconut Curl Pudding

Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Sunflower Oil Dipalmitoylethyldimonium Chloride (A derivitive of Palm Oil) aloe vera, acrylates, alkyl acrylates[polymers], Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Polysorbate 20, Cinnamon Cassia. 

[photo source]

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