Beginner Friendly Products – Curly Hair Starter Kit

  • June 21, 2017
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I know it can be very frustrating when there are tons of products mentioned on the blog and on my Instagram page. As we advance in our curly hair journey, we are better able to judge what our hair likes or needs, and hence decide what kind of products we should use; because I truly believe that learning requires a progression from simple to complex. But for people who’ve just started, this kit will help you pick up some basic products so that you can start your curly hair journey right away.

Remember that routine is perhaps more important than product. So do check this out – My curly hair routine. Also remember that no routine or product will show results on hair that is chemically straightened or has severe heat damage from straightening irons.

Apart from the below products, I would suggest a common thing for all curl types – A silk pillow. It is optional, but I cannot do without one :). You can even buy it later once you realize it is good to use one 🙂

If you don’t know if your curl pattern is 2a or 2b or 3b, check this out – Types of curly hair

  • If you have more than 1 curl pattern, you can try the products for the pattern that is more pronounced. For eg: if you have 2c and 3a but majority of your hair is 2c, go for products suitable for 2c hair.
  • If you are confused about your curl pattern, you can try the products for the lower value of the 2 patterns confusing you. For eg: if you are not sure if your hair is 3a or 3b, go for products suitable for 3a hair.

How to check if you have fine or coarse hair – Take a fallen hair strand and hold it in front of a light source. If the hair is very wide and easily visible, then you have coarse hair. If it’s so thin that you can hardly see it, you have fine hair. If your hair appears neither thin nor coarse, you have medium width hair. If you have medium width hair, you can either use the fine hair products or coarse hair products.

If you are very tight on your budget – You can start with the products you already have and just replace them one by one from the ones mentioned in the kit.

Let’s begin!

If you are from India, click on this post – Beginner Friendly Products : Curly Hair Starter Kit India

If you are from the USA, click on this post – Beginner Friendly Products : Curly Hair Starter Kit USA

I would like to repeat again that these products are just suggestions from what I’ve seen through my readers and fellow curly haired bloggers. You would need to try it to judge if or not they are best suited for you. You can always contact me if you are stuck at any stage 🙂

Blog Comments

Thanku so much Anjana for writing the saviour post of us beginners. Gbu alwz

Aww thank you Kawalpreet 🙂

Hi Anjana
So good to be among curlie girls here.. after years of hiding my hair I had decided to permanently straighten my hair. Stumbled upon ur video and ended up here. And am so happy I did.. I have coarse hair which feels like acting against gravity and have always braided it since no other hairstyles it can take.. will my curls stay if I follow this routine.? I need help😐

Yes absolutely Monica!

I recently decided to stop burning my curls through permanent straightening and get back to curls. I quickly scrolled through your blog and alas! What an amazing writer you are! You classify things so appropriately, you feed exactly what people are looking for! I will read all your posts and start following your CG routine! Thanks a ton lady!!

I am glad to hear that Sindhu 🙂

hi! your blog is very informative and easy to understand .. have a question though..
i have 2c/3b hair .. and have low porosity .. i am about to start my CG journey .. are there any specific products which can help my low porosity hair.. as i searched the products are way too costly for begining my CG journey .. can you suggest something ..

Deepali, this post has low-cost options too. If you cannot buy all of them, continue with whatever products you have and replace them one by one with the recommended products.

Same situation Sindhu stated above… in addition . + chemical straightening about 8 moths ago … regretting all the above & attempting to go natural & hopefully HEALTHY curl?!?! Thank You❣ for the post/blog … hopefully will bring healing to this head of mine 🙏🏻

You will, Sindhu 🙂

This was helpful in every sort
thanq😊

You are welcome Divya 🙂

Thank you so much Anjana sis for these beautiful tips…. your blogs r just great and awesome…. 😇😇😇😘😘😘 IT’S a great help to us(YOUR BELOVED READERS) .I love you so much😘😘😘😍😍😍

My pleasure Chaithra :):)

Hi..I am abhilasha..after reading all the information you have provided,I have started valuing my hair,…
But I m gng to start my cg journey,but I m facing problem of extreme hair fall from years ,I have hormones problem ..I will get the tests done what you have suggested …So shud I start the journey after the tests or will the cg method help in hair fall problem….

CG will not cure your hair fall if it is a hormonal issue. You can start CG parallely to getting the tests

Helo sis im jus going to start using some products for my hair and can u pls say me what is the difference between cream and gel and when to use them both.

Hi..Check this to know the difference – 10 types of curly hair products. Go through this to see when to apply each – My curly hair routine

Thanku so much

Hi Anjana,

Since March, after I came across Curly Penny and then this wonderful blog especially for CG’s, I have started following the CG routine by first ditching Sulphates and Silicones, then the comb. Currently I am using Enliven conditioner, Cantu cream and occasionally the Enliven gel (not suitable for my hair). I also apply coconut oil on my hair 2 times a week before shower.
The problem is 90% of the time my hair gets too dry. It will be fine the morning after shower. By evening, when I return from work it’s dry. The second day, it’s the same but I spray some water, apply aloevera gel and somehow tie them up… but it is horrifying in the evening. I can’t wait to shower and reset it as it will be dry, frizzy with an added bonus of an irritating crown of baby hairs.
Do you have any solution to prevent this dryness? Like should I apply any oil once my hair is dry after shower? Coz, even while showering, there are several strands of hair, that doesn’t stick to any curl coils.
BTW, my curl type is coarse 2c bordering 3a. A single strand looks like 2c but together it’s 3a.

I know this is long… Sorry and feel free to take your time 😛

Thanks,
Shruthi.

Hey Shruthi..can you mail me some pics of your hair after it is 100% dry (on your wash day) and uncombed – info@curlsandbeautydiary.com

Could you please tell me what you mean by INR 1500?

INR – Indian Rupees 🙂

How do I know what is mycurly hair type

I have mentioned that in the article itself – Types of curly hair

Hi, My hair type is fine 2c. Can I use enliven conditioner fr cowashing? Or use another.

Yes you can Hema.. this is also great – Revlon Flex Body Building Protein Conditioner

Hey Anjana
I am also a recent ” enjoy your curls the right way” beginner! So I tried Ouidad in New York. I am also trying curl creams and definers- ogx argon oil curl cream( blue bottle) and now the cocunut curls hair butter.. I use the cream and water in my palms and set my curls -the curls set real fine.. but what I’ve observed is that all of these make my hair quite coarse towards end of the day plus hair ends up knotting ( I wear a croc clip ).. have you observed such coarseness? Wondering if I am doing something wrong – If so any tips?

Hey Swati, hair gets coarse if there are protein ingredients in the products..also if it is not hydrated enough or if there are too many polymers

Hi Anjana,
Your blog is really really helpful. I wish to start with this beginner kit.
I have straight hair from my crown area till almost where my face ends, and the length of my hair is curly. I’m not able to figure my hair type, could you please suggest what would be the type and accordingly what products I should use?

Please mail me the photos Divya

Your blog has helped so much with my curly hair thank you so much ❤ I’ve coarse thick hair with 2b curls. It’s really really dry could you tell me How to do a diy deep condition treatment with olive oil ?

Hi Usha..so great to hear that! Have you checked these posts Deep Conditioning Curly Hair and 3 homemade hair masks for curly hair

Hai, just now I went through all your posts. I feel too excited to follow suggested things. I have fine medium length long S wavy seen at the mid length of hair and fizzy dry hair with oily scalp. At crown part the hair volume is very less and scalp is seen. I even have mild dandruff. I want to know what type of shampoo conditioner and gel will be useful.

Hey Sravani, use any medicated anti dandruff shampoo if you please. Then follow it up with the other products suggested for your hair type.

Whats INR?

Indian Rupee 🙂

Awesome work you are doing…
Dear I have severe dandruff . Will the procedure b same for me ??
Also, will these conditioners work well with colored hair??

Hey Shikha, do you use anti dandruff shampoos? Other than that routine will be the same. Yes the conditioners work well with coloured hair.

No dear, I don’t use anti dandruff. I am currently relying on acv with water n rinse hair with the solution post hair wash…
Anti dandruff made my hair dry 😶

If the acv works, then you can continue using that 🙂

Hello anjana….can you please suggest some good hair oil or hair mask… My hair type is 2c/3a i think…. Im sensitive to normal coconut based oils …when used i tend to have sinusitis… So i need a good hair oil or mask for prepoo…which i can leave on hair for longer time…

Reply

Bhargavi Vishwanathan

Wonderful article for people who hate curly hairs and this includes me as well. But this routine and article is giving some confidence to start and flaunt the hair. Thank you anjana. I have a doubt my hair is a mix when I take bath it’s fine and more curvy at the bottom so which one should I start can send you a pic so that you can let me know which products to use..

Hey check the hair pattern after it has dried completely. Don’t brush it. Then check with the pattern post

Hey Anjana
I have scanty hair on tye crown n need to use hair fibre to hide bald spots. Can you suggest a good one? Btw i am now following the routine regularly. Just cant wait for the straightened hair to be cut off 😊
Thanks
Lakshmi

Unfortunately I don’t know any such products Lakshmi

😣 now i dont know whom to ask. I consider you to be the encyclopedia for curly hair. Anyway thanks a ton for the prompt reply as always

Hi Anjana,
I am having a hard time knowing the pattern and type of my hair(as they are dry and slightly curly on the crown of my head but coming down they are straight that is because i got keratin done to my hair which is more than a year ago and i regret it till date) , i came across your article and while i was reading i got stuck at a point where you said these products or routine will not work on chemically straightened hair what did u mean by that , does that mean it won’t work for someone who has just recently gotten their hair chemically treated or does it not work of someone who got it done an year ago and the treatment has faded by now.
One last thing can you help me knowing the pattern of my hair because i can’t seem to figure that out??

Hi Diksha, What I meant was it will not help bring out curls on damaged hair. Even it has been an year, you have to cut off the chemically treated hair. It would be difficult to determine the curl pattern on treated hair.

hi
i have Wavy and soft hair, i want to have curls hair like u.
Please help me
what kind of Conditioner ,Cream and Gel can i use .
i will be waiting for your reply.
Email :- dk24232@gmail.com

Check this post according to your budget and hair type and buy accordingly

Hi Anjana,

I’ve naturally straight hair. I want curly hair. Is it possible to get curls by using the above products mentioned ?
I want permanent curly hair. Can you please help me in this.

thanks,
Sujita

No Sujita

Thanks Anjana. Can I get for few months atleast ?

Nope

Hi
A lot of the products here are neither sulfate free or silicone free. I read another blog which said as part of curly girl routine it’s important to stop such products. Can you please elaborate?

Hey Sumita, I have a lot of readers who use silicones and sulphates without any issue. You can read about them here – Readers’ Diary. I also use sulphates regularly. I stopped silicones because they weigh my hair down. Like mentioned in the post, this is for beginner’s who have no idea what to buy. If you do want to go the strict CG method way, you can check this – CG Method and CG Friendly Products in India (Intermediate and Advanced Curly Hair Care)

God I now love your blog. It’s so helpful and you are as well. It takes alot of effort to seriously replyto each n every query. Thank you ❤

Thank you Sheetal 🙂 The pleasure’s all mine ❤

I have dryness in my hair.. Inspite of following cg routine.. What may be the issue

What products do you use?

Hey Anjana…. I loved your blog…recently i have started reading your blog…. Right now i am following the curly girl method with products i have at my home but now planning to buy some other products you have recommended for beginners. Can you please suggest which condition is better L’Oréal Smooth Intense Smoothing Conditioner or Enliven Natural Fruit Extracts Conditioner ?

Depends on your hair type. I have mentioned what works for which type in this post itself

Hi Anjana,

Mine is 2a type hair,I’ve started using
Conditioner – L’Oréal Smooth Intense Smoothing Conditioner
Cream – Garnier fructis sleek and shine intensely smooth leave in conditioning cream.

My hair turns curls(not too much,but 40% curly). When my hair is air-dried, after a while, I loose the curls and my hair is proper straight not even wavy.

I’m crazy about curls, I want the, so badly..could you please suggest on this,

PS- I’m an Infoscion too ! 🙂

Why haven’t you included a gel yet?

Hey, If I apply get, I need to have hair washed frequently. My shoulders and neck become itchy. Can you suggest any other product ?

thanks,
Sujita

Which gel caused that issue?

Aloe-Vera-gel by patanjali.

That is not a gel used for hold. Check the gels mentioned after “Gel – “

Hi Anjana,

I was wondering through so many blogs, videos and so on to manage my curly hair before I have come across your blog. After seeing yours, I felt that I can settle here to follow up all the tips.

I am so glad that I am here, after seeing all your informative and very much to the point details.

While going through the list of products to be used depending on type of hair, I would like to know difference between below two products.

DevaCurl Delight One Condition

Deva Devacurl One Condition Conditioner

So glad to hear that 🙂 De”light” is lighter than the original one and is meant for wavy hair types.

Hi Anjana,

I recently came across your blog and absolutely love it! I used to have straight hair but then suddenly 4 years back, they started becoming curly on their own, and of course i had no idea what to do with it. But your blog is an absolute saver! 🙂
I just had one question – I have 3a/3b type hair and i want to know which other conditioner can i use besides oriflame? Please recommend! Thanks so much!

You can try Devacurl One Condition Karishma 🙂

Thank You for replying! Will surely try it!

Hi could you let me know how to keep my curls defined while sleeping.. I always find my curls getting a bit distorted and end up tying it up in a bun because of looks shabby being left open…

Ann, check this – 4 ways to sleep with curly hair

Hey!
Great effort…Great tutorial…!!
I have got three questions though..
1) how many times in a week do u wash ur hair?
2)Do you oil it before washing?
3)Can Men use these products as well according to their curl type?

Thanks Sharon
1) 1-2 times
2) Not always, maybe once or twice a month
3) Yes absolutely

Hi Anjana,

Loved your blog very much.I am beginner only.
I need pocket friendly routine.Please suggest.

It is already mentioned in this post according to budget

What does 1500 INR mean?

INR stands for Indian Rupee 🙂

Hi Anjana
Your posts are really amazing…I just wanted to know the gel that you have listed Schwarzkopf Taft marathon shows that’s its for men can be used for females as well ?

Yes Shraddha. Ingredients matter, not product labels 🙂

Thanks a lot

Hi Anjana,

I have really thick coarse 3a/3b hair. I tried following the strict CG method using the Tresemme Nourishing Moisture conditioner with DevaCurl ultra Defining Gel but my curls didn’t feel well defined and soft enough. My hair used to get greasy and I would end up tying it in a bun. I realized silicones make my hair feel softer. When I stumbled across your blog, I decided to give the modified CG a try with silicones. So now, I use ogx shampoos or cow ash with suave wild cherry blossom and S2C with the Suave Keratin Infusion Smoothing Conditioner. I use As I Am Leave in followed by DevaCurl ultra defining gel. Though my hair is dripping wet and Suave keratin gives great slip, my curls are not clumped. They are very frizzy. After my hair is dry, it looks ok on the first day. But from the second day onwards it feels dry and straw-y. Not to mention the baby hair on the scalp. Is there something you would recommend?
PS : sorry about the long post! And thank you for taking the time out to help all the curly girls out there!

Do you leave conditioner in?

Yes I do

Mail me some pics

Dear Anjana,
I am wondering what the phrase “less than” or “more than 1500INR” means. I assume this is describing a ratio for the degree of overall hair thickness, but I am not sure how to use INR to define my own hair thickness. Please let me know if you can offer some insight on INR.
Thank you!
Reay

INR is Indian Rupee. It’s just a spilt according to budget 🙂

Hey!
can you please review Khadi products. I read that even they are sulphate paraben free.

They don’t provide the full ingredients list

Hi Anjana
Thank you so much for providing this valuable information!☺
My hair type is 2c/3a , as majority hair falls in 3a category, i have decided to go with the beginner kit for coarse 3a type.
With conditioner and gel i am fine but I find the cream {Blunt hair cream} bit expensive.
Would you like to give any alternative?

Use the conditioner itself as a cream

Hi anjana..
Thanks for the extensive list. Your blog is a life saver!! I had a query though. I recently started my CG journey. I DC once a week after that I cowash and used the conditioner itself as a leave in then apply gel. But as soon as I SOTC the hair look a bit dry and by the end of the day they lose all curl pattern and very dry. How do I keep my hair moisturized? Please guide..thanks!!

Which gel do you use?

Hey Ma’am
Do you have any suggestions for tea tree special conditioner for fine 2a hair type? Infact This conditioner is not mentioned in your list for 2a type.
Enliven natural fruit extract kiwi and fig is not available now. Which one do you suggest next from enliven?

Which conditioner is that? You can use any one from Enliven

Its Paul Mitchell tea tree special conditioner.

Can you post the ingredients?

Cetearyl alcohol,isohexadecane, isododecane, behentrimonium methosulfate, melaleuca alternifolia ( tea tree ) leaf oil, hedychium coronarium ( white ginger ) flower/leaf/stem extract, algae extract, aloe barbadenis leaf extract, rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, anthemis nobilis flower extract, simmondsia chinensis leaf extract, PPG-5-ceteth 20, citric acid, tetrasodium EDTA, Magnesium nitrate, bisamino PEG/PPG- 41/3 Aminoethyl PG- Propyl dimethicone, PEG- 12 Dimethicon, sodium glycolate, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, magnesium chloride, sodium hydroxide, parfum , limonene, Cl 42090 ( blue1) , Cl 19140 ( yellow 5) , aqua

Ya it looks kind of ok. Also there are some water soluble silicones in it (just in case you are avoiding silicones)

Hi Anjana, your blogs are fab! I dint know there were so many hidden treasures for maintaining curly hair. I have long high porosity type 3b curl. My hair use to curl up really well until the past 4-5 months where I started noticing heavy flakes and hair loss and nothing could get my curl back. Then I consulted a tricologist ( famous one ) in India used its shampoo and creams, did reduce my dandruff but I have lost my curls in this trade off. I still suffer from hair loss. I have just started my cg journey. Have been extensive on my budget like I use Shea moisture Jamaican shampoo and conditioner plus leave in. But I’m concerned about so many products build up and again the dandruff setting in. I have also tried DC after DC my looks amazing for 5-10 kin then just frizzes up. Can you suggest few basic routine as to how many times should I shampoo in a week and DC?

A long one ! But really looking forward to your response.

Thanks (:

You can wash anytime you see build up starting to form on your scalp

Hi Anjana
Glad to see that your doing great work by helping confused ppl like me resolve their hair problems 😀
I’ve been following your blog for quite sometime but haven’t reached the goal of having perfect frizz and mess free curls I have a combination of 2b & 2c hair
currently use Bed head level 2 shampoo for shampooing
Followed by Pantene 3 minute miracle conditioner for cowash and conditioning
Post that I’ve started using Shea cantu curl cream for the squish method Followed by loreal invisi fix gel 8 And then I let it air dry but I don’t end up getting smooth curls and my curls feel greasy too pls help (my hair length is a little below shoulder level) Pls help

Cantu cream sounds very heavy for your hair type. Have you tried the beginner kit?

My hair is thick n bushy n frizzy is cantu cream still heavy ?

I wouldn’t think so 😐

Hey Anjana

I am still confused even after reading this detailed blog. My hair will be between 3b and 3c.
Few quick queries ,
Will the devacurl shampooand conditioner suit me??( I do have very very dry and recently first time colored hair , tried many products and not satisfied enough.)
Amongst Devacurl shampoo – no poo or less poo???
deva curl one conditioner or decadence ???

Thanks in advance

To start with I’d suggest Devacurl Low poo original, one condition decadence, decadence leave in and arc angel

Hii, i have 2b wavy hair.. Can i use my matrix hydrasource mask as leave in conditioner?? Can wet Hair combing cause more hair fall?? I got too much hair fall after straightening my hair 2 years ago..i lost volume..i want my hair back..

Yes as long as it doesn’t weigh down your hair
Yes there is a chance that brushing wet hair pulls more hair out
https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/7-ways-to-grow-healthy-hair/

Thank you ma’am

Are all the products listed silicones and sulphates free and cg friendly? because I see products like loreal,garnier.

Can i use matrix biolage ultrahydrasource hydrating masque as a conditioner for my 2B FINE hair?? Leave in conditioner weighs my hair down..so what to use to tame frizz??

Maybe, it’s better to check the kit mentioned for your hair type. That with the routine will give you frizz free hair

Another question..are parabens bad for hair?? What does it do?? You have suggested enliven n oriflame conditioner for fine 2b hair under 1500 ..both contain paraben.. Is there any affordable alternative??

Thank you so much dii.
You are doing very good work..these site blessing to people like me who hate their natural hair and go for straightening and all negativity.

Your answers are very satisfying..keep it up..😘

Hi,
I recently started curly hair routine at the beginners level and as suggested in the blog am trying to use aloe Vera gel as a leave in and for that after reading many reviews I got jeju aloe Vera gel which claims to have 99% aloe extracts. But at the back of the tub nowhere it’s mentioned that it can be used on hair.i just wanted to take a suggestion from. You if I can go ahead and use it for my hair

Yes you can

Hi Anjana,
I have been following your hair care tips in 2 weeks now and the result on the day of wash is amazing but the second and third day is not very good, it becomes very frizzy and dry 😞
I also read almost all your articles regarding shampoo but I am still confused on which would be the best one for curly hair, if you could suggest just 1 – probably the one that you are currently using (head and shoulders and Panteen doesn’t suit my hair at all)
Lastly, if you could advise on how should I tie my hair when I am at home or travelling in such a way that my curls doesn’t lose its bounce and shape (if I keep my hair open while travelling the wind ruins it big time🙈)

It will be really a great help to me if you could reply.
Thankyou so much.. your tips are amazing ❤️

I use the Camille Rose sweet ginger cleansing rinse now.
A loose pony works for me 🙂

Hello Anjana! My hair is 2a/2b type. Please tell me if I have understood the steps right. First I have to shampoo my here, then apply enliven conditioner. After washing it off I have to reapply the enliven conditioner as a leave in? And then apply the schwarzkoph taft gel. Won’t this gel be too harsh for my hair as it is a mens’ gel?

That’s correct. There’s no ingredient that makes a hair gel act differently depending on the gender. Hair is hair.

Also, which product is better for conditioning and leave in, enliven or cantu curl activator cream?

Enliven is a conditioner, Cantu is a thick cream

Hi Anjana, I used the Cantu Shea butter creamy hair lotion and the Deva curl ultra defining gel.. before using them I conditioned with the trsemme perfectly undone conditioner and left a little in and then proceeded with the cream and gel.. i see the curls but my hair is not soft, it feels a little product-y.. is it because of too much cream or too much gel? Thank you for your help!

Could be because of too much product

Hello anjana
I am about to start my curly girl routine and need your guidance
I have purchased mumma earth no more tangles conditioner and lotus herbals kera veda conditioner
Is that products OK to start with?

If you want my suggestions, that’s what this kit is for 🙂

Hi Anjana
Am happy to get this blog from my friend.
I am about to start my curly girl routine.
Problem with my hair ,when ever i finish hair wash it will be too good until it is wet or for 2 hours .Once it is dry it will become more dry and thin.Could you suggest me which type of products will suit for me.

The products in this kit are exactly for that Logi. Along with the routine.

Hey, Anjana..I m new one…whose been in love with ur work…thanks a ton for helping ppl…and making them feel good about themselves …😊I have Type 3a hair …my hair looks dull and life less…and gets thin at the ends…can plz suggest me how to tackle it…Thankyou in advance ☺️

Have you started with the routine? Do you have heat damage? When was the last time you had a haircut?

Yes…Anjana.. recently started ur beginners kit (my hair looks better than before but gel just couldn’t help me controlling my frizz)…I underwent chemical perm 2yrs back…but I cut my hair very frequently…

Chemical damage will give lifeless hair, you have to cut it off

Hi
Seems you have updated this article.
Just curious to know why Garnier leave-in conditioners have been removed from the Coarse 3a/3b hair | 3c/4a hair section?
Thanks in advance! 🙂

Because in spite of saying repeatedly that this is for those who have absolutely no clue about anything related to curly hair, people message me asking if these are CG friendly. So I figured if most people want that, why not make it CG friendly 🙂 Great observation by the way Jasneet!

I have straight hairs…. but i love curls…. i want curls to be permanent…. what should i do

This blog is for naturally wavy/curly hair only

Hi Anjana,
Can u pls tell in which order do we to use the products starting from shampoo till the gel??

You can see that in my video in this post https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/my-curly-hair-routine/

Hi, could you please suggest a store in Bangalore, Delhi or Chennai from where the below products can be bought-
Conditioner – Oriflame Dry & Damaged hair
Gel – Schwarzkopf Taft Marathon Looks 48H Long Lasting Hold 6 Power Gel

Conditioner – Devacurl One Condition.
Cream – As I Am Leave In Conditioner or Cantu Shea Butter Conditioning Creamy Hair Lotion
Gel – DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel

There’s no such store. Buying online is your only option

Hii Anjana Chechi…
I’ve been following ur instructions… Almost lyk 1 and a half mnth now, I been trying beginners frndly kit as per you suggested. So Hw long do I hve to stick on vit beginners frndly kit 🙂

I didn’t understand your question Ansa 🙂

How long do i have use beginner friendly kit

What do you mean?

How long do i have to follow beginner routines

As long as you are not aware of what products best suit your hair

💡.. Tank u fr ur patience 😍😘

Hi Anjana,
According to Ur post conditioner u suggest is loreal for 3B…but in many of Ur hair routine i saw enliven too..as I am not gonna use any leave in conditioner as of now and I am new to this CG routine, which conditioner wud u suggest for my hair?

Because my hair type is not 3b

Hi Anjana,
I’m about to start my curly hair routine but I’m confused whether my hair type is 2a or 3a , how to decide? Currently, i’m having half chemically straightened hair and half my natural curly hair, which shampoo would you recommend?
Also I’m contacting you from Malaysia, do you know where can I get the products in your beginner kit and the shampoo?
Hoping to hear from you soon, your blog been so so helpful!
Thanks a ton! 😀

You have explained very well all the minute details which I was unaware of all these days..thank you so much…I am gonna try it …

I would suggest one thing that please upload videos….sometimes it is hectic to read such a big article and flipping the links provided hear and there..If it was a video at one stretch we can understand everything…

So my request please come up with a vlog..

Blog is also awesome…😊
Vlog will be much satisfactory..

I am glad 🙂 There are videos for things that require demonstration – for eg my curly hair routine

hi anjan,

when iam using pure allo vera as a leve in conditioner (pure allo vera extracted from plant and i used to rinse it of also)after some time my hair is becoming dry

Aloe doesn’t suit everybody. It could also be that the rest of your products and routine are not correct.

Dear Anjana,
To begin with, I love how you embraced your natural hair and super love your new haircut. Yes, I stalk you on IG. 😀
I have 2a/2b shoulder length, medium thick hair and have just started out on my CG routine. I use Soultree hibiscus shampoo and conditioner and am yet to buy a good cream and gel. Can I use the soultree conditioner as a leave in and use Schwarzkopf Taft Marathon gel after that?
Also, since I cycle everyday, my scalp gets sweaty and greasy. How can I wash my hair everyday while on a CG routine? Please help me out.

Haha thanks Maanas 🙂
Yes you may use those products.
Check this for sweaty scalp – https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/how-to-care-for-your-curls-during-after-a-workout/

Thanks Anjana!
So, I do follow the curly hair routine now except for the gel. Just got some flax seeds to make gel at home. Hope that works out well! 🙂

Hi, can the products mentioned be used for kids (7 yr old girl) too (2c/3a type) or would you suggest any other kid-friendly products?

hi anjana,
i wanted to ask about Enliven Shampoo and conditioner. on online shopping site it shows ideal for men.
is it so, cant be used for women hair?

There’s no difference in ingredients between men’s grooming products and women’s. It’s just marketing strategy.

Hi Anjana

Any other conditioners that you’d recommend for fine 2c/3a hair? Have used both conditioners mentioned here in the past and looking for a change.

Reply

Best Curly Girl Products (Available in Canada) - What Dinny Wore

[…] waves and curls that are thirsty for hydration, you’ll love this conditioner! Recommended by Indian curly hair blogger Anjana, this conditioner is both affordable and effective. I usually purchase it at a drugstore or grocery […]

Hey Anjana,
hello from Germany. 🙂 I just “found” your blog and I´m sooo happy about it. It´s really helpful and I´m so thankful that you share this with us.

I started in February with the “cgm” and I think I´m more a “wavy girl” but I don´t know what means “INR”? Can you translate it for me… Thank you!

Hi Beatrice! Oops, It’s Indian Rupees 😀

Ha ha… Okay, Thank you. 🙂

Reply

Samhita Rangaraju

Hi Anjana,

I’ve been using Cantu shea butter moisturizing curl activator for a while now. It works well but if I use even a little bit more than usual my hair feels weighed down and looks oily. I tried Arata hair cream too, it gives no shine and makes my hair frizzy. Natural/Organic products always do that to my hair.

I’m looking for alternative curl creams, possibly not too expensive. Any suggestions?

Thank you for your time, absolutely love your blog! Wouldn’t have come this far without you.
Samhita

Hi Anjana,
I know am late to stumble upon your blog but boy has it saved me! I had planned a smoothening for my 3a type hair next week but one day after wash I looked at my curls and realised I was going to give up my natural beauty and forcing the hairs to be something else altogether. And for the last time I checked internet for a solution to retain my curls and carry them proudly.
You are a saviour for our Indian hairs Anjana! I am diligently following all your steps (even made notes for quick referenceB-))
And my hairs have never looked better or got so many appreciations! All thanks to you man!
There is something I wanted help with. I was using OGX Moroccon Argan oil Shampoo along with Matrix conditioner (using before your blog happened to me:)). Now I bought Enliven conditioner as per your list. Today I washed with the conditioner for the first time but now that my hair is dry, it has lost its curl. I had scrunched, plopped, not combed etc. But the earlier definite curls are lost. Should I stop using Enliven conditioner? Or is there a home remedy to save my purchase?

Thanks a lot for your time and ever saving ideas!

What styling products did you use post wash?

The usual Streax serum I always use. The only thing that changed in the latest wash was Enliven conditioner.

Try going back to your earlier conditioner Glincy

Hi Anjana, thanks for your posts. Your blog has been my guide through my 8month CG journey. I am 2c/3a low porosity hair and progressed well from a bird’s nest to a little tamed curly head. However I am stuck now on what could be the problem, I don’t get too much definition, neither a lot of hold. I have used ecoslay orange marmalade, Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie, etc and failed miserably ie., My hair looked limp. I now only use kinky knot today to detangle, wash it off completely then apply literally a pea sized amount of as I am coconut leave in and scrunch. My hair then looks ok but indeed something that can add more definition and hold. What do you suggest I can do. Sorry for the long post, just a desperate attempt before giving up the CG method.

I just don’t understand how ppl can have so many products on their hair, I somehow have a feeling that my hair cannot take these many products. Anything more than a pea sized amount of leave-in also makes my hair limp

Thanks in advance for your time.

Have you tried any hard hold gels?

No none so far. Was thinking if that would weigh my hair further. Any hard hold held that you can recommend that do not weigh the hair down too much

Aspeck, please pick one from this post according to your hair type 🙂

thank you! will do

The L’Oréal smooth intense conditioner for coarse hair is not available any more ,what other conditioner in the same price range can I use ???i can’t afford over 500 rupees

Ashrita, I’ve heard the Re’equil range is good as a replacement

Hi Anjana,
Thanks for these beautiful blogs.
I have started with beginners kit. It will be fine the morning after shower. By evening, when I return from work it’s dry. The second day, it’s the same but I spray some water, apply aloevera gel and somehow tie them up… but it is horrifying in the evening. I can’t wait to shower and reset it as it will be dry, frizzy with an added bonus of an irritating crown of baby hairs and crown hairs are flat till evening.
Do you have any solution to prevent this dryness and frizzness? Like should I apply any oil once my hair is dry after shower? Coz, even while showering, there are several strands of hair, that doesn’t stick to any curl coils.
BTW, my curl type is coarse 2c bordering 3a. A single strand looks like 2c but together it’s 3a. And, i guess i have low porosity hair. My hairs are somewhat straight at crown then followed by waves and curls.

Sorry, for writing so long.Hope u understand.

Hi Deepali, how much of each product do you use?
Also check this https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/16-mistakes-might-making-curly-hair-routine/

As shown in your daily hair routine video, i am using every product quantity more than as shown because my hairs are frizzy, fine and entangles very easily.
And, I am also using Cantu curl activator cream followed by Enliven Conditioner.
My hair volume is not no so good.

What about gel?

Using DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel.

Send me some pics of your hair on Instagram (and tell me that I had asked you to send, for context :P)

Hi Anjana.. loved your blog! Great guide to manage curly hair!!!
I didn’t understand your take on shampoos.. which one do u recommend? And how do I know if I’m using silicones?
Thanks
Chai

Chaitali, I use any random shampoo. Don’t have any recommendations as such. If you want sulphate free shampoos, you can check this https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/list-sulphate-free-shampoos-india/.

This post has a list of silicones – https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/cg-method-cg-friendly-products-india-intermediate-advanced-curly-hair-care/. Reading ingredients of products is the best way to judge products.

Hello,
I like blog nice simple friendly simple curly hair is looking fabulous.
Thank you for share us

Hey
My friend read your blog ,she’s has a problem ,her hair gets clumped at the bottom and forms multiple knots and drys up .
She already entangles her here by applying conditioner and during oiling ,what to do ???

Hey Anjana,
I am new to your blog, came across this last Friday and have been reading the different posts over the weekend. Must say very very helpful. Thanks for the detailed info on curly hairs, indeed you are a saviour to many girls.
Have read most of the post and have prepared a routine just wanted to confirm if this looks good.
My hair is 2c boardered by 3a.
Routine:
1) Shampoo
2) Conditioner – Enliven Conditioner
3) Cream – Cantu Creamy Hair Lotion
4) Gel – L’Oréal Homme gel (wanted devacurl but it’s out of my budget for now as I am going to try this first time)
5) Air Dry/Diffuser
6) after hair is 100% dry scrunch to remove gel cast
7) apply little olive oil for shine
This is what I have summarised from your posts which I went through. Does this sound good or any changes are required.
Once you confirm will start with my routine.
Thanks Anjana 😊

Sounds good Neha 🙂

Hey Anjana,
I have started with the cg method like 2 -3 weeks back.
The results are not great at all.
Can you please check if I am doing something wrong. I can share the pics and routine of my last wash. Could you please share the email address where I can send it.

Neha, What’s your curl type, coarseness and length? What products and how much of each product do you use?
Also check this – https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/16-mistakes-might-making-curly-hair-routine/

Hey Anjana,
My hair type is 2c/3a – Fine – Medium length – low prosperity (tried float test).
Products which I use:
Shampoo – St. Botanica Moroccan Argan Shampoo
Conditioner – requeil Pink
Leave in- Ashba
Curl cream – cantu curl activator
Gel – L’Oréal homme and Aarta
Clarify- Pantene lively
DC- Mama earth onion hair mask
Except of r curl cream I use all the products in generous quantity, I feel curl cream is bit heavy for my hair as I am on the wavier side and loose curls.
Please advise
Also Can you please advise few moisturising shampoos.
Thank you 🙂

This post should answer your questions Neha. If you have any other specific doubts, let me know 🙂

Hi anjana. I’ve never used a gel and planning to buy one now. I read your recent review of the arata gel and since this is an older post and your preferences might’ve changed, I’m wondering if you’d suggest the scwarzkopf or loreal gels over arata or the other way around? I have 2c hair

Hi Surbhi, I updated this post a week ago 🙂 This always has my latest recommendations

Hello anjana , i have coarse 3a curl hair . I just want to ask that you have mentioned Re’equil Conditioner , i saw it on amazon there are two Re’equil Conditioner available so please tell me which one should i buy ?
1. RE’ EQUIL Babassu Anti Frizz and Smoothening Conditioner
2. RE’ EQUIL Murumuru Damage Repair Silicon-free Conditioner

Either one Shreya 🙂 Both are AMAZING!

Hey Anjana,

Can you suggest me one Deep conditioner which is good for dry, medium coarse 3B-C curls in winters

I have been using Shea moisture manuka honey DC and it works well, wanted to try something else

Hi Sneha, I don’t use store bought masks. You can read more about it here https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/deep-conditioning-curly-hair/

Hey Anjana. Is it okay to use HYPE BODY antu dandruff shampoo to get started with CGM?
I apply coconut oil. And for gel i use aloevera gel. And when my hair feels dry i use biolage matrix hair serum.
But since i just started, my hair is frizzy during most part of the day. Is there any way I can make it less frizzy? Because of the frizz i feel like i should brush my hair when it’s dry. Is it okay to do that? My hair is 3a. I really need some help to get started. Thank you 🙈

Hi Vidya, I haven’t used HYPE BODY shampoo but it should be ok as I focus more on other products and the routine.
Check this https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/16-mistakes-might-making-curly-hair-routine/

Reply

DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel Review - What Dinny Wore

[…] my curls. Eventually, I switched to using curly hair gel as my main styling product. Thanks to a curly blogger’s recommendation, I tried DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel for the first time in February 2018. And it became my all-time […]

When do we have to oil the hair?

Hey Anjana
Very informative blog, lucid and beneficial too….
My query…
I have 2c/3a type curly hair n dye it for grey coverage. Root touch up once a month n global once in every six months. The salon advices me to use color protect shampoo n conditioner ( Loreal) . How do I fit into the CG method with color protection?

Hi Sheela, I honestly don’t think “colour protecting” products do much rather than providing a bit of UV protection and being sulphate free. The latter is easy with CG 😀

Hi Anjana 🙂 I am so happy to find you!
I had lot of hair tragedies lately (I used to apply black henna and then I wanted to be blonde, so I bleached it, and was awful :(, I had to cut more than 30 cms of my hair, and now I have 5 colors between red, brown, yellow, orange… :'( )
Anyway, I am from Colombia and here I can’t buy the products you recommend.
My question is: Do you have like ingredients to avoid or to look for in a hair routine?
And: Do you have any trick to hide temporary the damage I have in my hair?

Thanks <3

Hi Paula! If you are too flustered by the CG lingo, I would suggest you to try with any product that you already have. If not, you can take a look at these articles –
https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/cg-method-cg-friendly-products-india-intermediate-advanced-curly-hair-care/
https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/ingredients-look-hair-gel/
https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/ingredients-look-conditioner/

As for the damage, you can use some gel to slick back hair or use a scarf/hair bands 🙂

Hi Anjana,

Could you please suggest shops in Delhi/Chennai/Bangalore that I could purchase the below products suggested by you for coarse hair 3a/3b
Conditioner – Best Life Argan Nourish Conditioner
Re’equil Conditioner
Gel – Schwarzkopf Taft Marathon Looks 48H Long Lasting Hold 6 Power Gel, L’Oréal Homme Strong Hold Gel 6

Conditioner – Devacurl One Condition Decadence or TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner Aloe Vera and Avocado
Cream – Cantu Shea Butter Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
Gel – Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Curling Custard or DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel

Hi Shirell, it’s very difficult to get these products in brick and mortar stores.

Hello anjana,

I lose a lot of hair while taking head bath. Please suggest what to do regarding this.

Hey anjana, I’m new to this cgm thing and after so many years I’ve realised I have wavy hair and have started to embrace it, it usually wavers between a 2b and a 2c, Ive been combing my hair and so I really don’t know what hair type I might be.
Is it okay to just use a conditioner and a hair gel or should I use a hair cream too?
Or is it okay to use a hair cream and hair gel and skip the conditioner( leave in or Deep).
Thank you!

Hi Divyanshi, you can skip the cream but never a conditioner 🙂

Hi Anjana😊
Your posts are really in depth and a great help for the beginners.
I have damaged hair, tired of dandruff and hairfall.
Just wanted to ask if there are any side effects of CG method?

No Sadia

Do we have to pre poo every time we wash our hair??

That’s not required Kamila

Hello anjana, i hope u are feom palakkad, i am also feom palakkad..i have 3b curls, i wash my hair once after 2 days.. i use shampoo and conditioner and one himalaya protein creme as leave in.. but the day i doesn’t take a hair wash.. the hair is so dry and frizzy.. so that i cannot deal with it.. so that i am forced to wash my hair on each morning.otherwise i will comb nicely and use streax serum too to deal with it.. can you help me out in this??

Thank you! Great article.

Amazing blog and it feels great to stumble upon it. I got inspired to start my own CG journey by it. I am fairly new and have no idea to manage my hair to begin with. Hair is always dry and I have no idea to maintain it. Keeps fizzing out and falling eveywhere
Will this be a good start to buy all products by from the same brand so I can learn how every product functions and then explore?

Thing I am considering (And also coz its colour coded)
Arata Hair Fall Control Combo with Onion Oil, Argan Oil & Bhringraj
Arata Natural Curl defining Hair Styling Combo with Hair Gel & Hair Cream

Does this seem to be a good start?

Hi Vinita, of course you’re free to choose any product combo to start with. This post is just a guide for those totally unsure 🙂

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