The Secret to Perfectly Defined Curls

What if the products you are using aren't the only reason you cannot achieve those perfect spirals you desire? I cower at the thought of the amount of money I have spent on 'finding the right products'. And while the products you use have can have an effect on the turnout of your wash N go, it took me a while to understand one specific thing.

It wasn't the products, it was the method.

When I first went natural, I had very limited knowledge about how to properly care for my hair. My knowledge consisted of what I observed while caring for my daughter's type 4 hair. I knew she needed heavier creams and butters, constant moisture and a consistent regimen. Untutored, I began to use my daughter's regimen for my type 3 hair. As you can imagine, this method did not align with my curl type. I would find that using the regimen I used for her, my hair would be weighed down and much more prone to build-up. I felt defeated. No matter what I used my hair did not agree. It wasn't until I stumbled upon a Facebook group dedicated to those with natural hair, that I began to understand my hair type more. I learned about porosity, (your hair's ability to hold moisture), curly typing, (I will go more in-depth about these terms in the future. For now, click the link to learn more about hair typing and porosity.) but most importantly, the LCG method.

For those who are unaware, the LCG method stands for (Liquid/Leave-In, Cream, Gel). In that order. Applying these products in this order achieves moisture, and a wash n go that lasts all week. The 'L', which is Liquid and Leave-in Conditioner is all about moisture. I find that creams and gels often act as sealants. Just like oils, they can seal in what has already soaked in the hair strands. Have you ever applied cream or gel to dry hair? Did you notice how dry and brittle your hair was afterward? Think about the previous condition of your hair. It was dry, correct? This is what your products sealed in, 'dryness'. Soaking your hair with water and applying a Leave-in conditioner assures you are beginning the styling process with properly moisturized hair. This step alone prolongs your wash n go, creates soft curls and decreases the 'crunch' effect.

Moving on to step two of the LCG method, 'cream'. This step will vary depending on your hair type. If you have thicker, or lower porosity hair (your hair has difficulty soaking in products, products often 'sit' on top of hair) you may consider using a heavier cream or hair butter. Those with low density, thinner hair may consider using a light cream to prevent the hair strands from weighing down. This step is essential to give your curls that 'bounce'.

Last but certainly not least, 'G'. This step consists of taking a dime-size amount of gel and working it through your hair strands. This step is significant as it gives your curls the hold they will need throughout the week. Keep in mind, the original 'LCG' method actually is termed the 'LCEG' method in which the 'E' and 'G' represent two different types of gels, an enhancing gel, and a hard hold gel. The enhancing gel acts as a curl definer, while the hard hold gel holds the curls in place. I personally only use one gel. I find if I am using a good enough cream, I simply have no reason for a curl enhancing gel. If you would like to try the 'LCEG' method, by all means, do. Unfortunately, hair regimens, products, and routines are not a 'one size fits all'. You will have a lot of trial and error before finding what works for you.

Now that you have knowledge of the method, let's discuss how to figure out what products mix well. In the past, when I have discussed the LCG method to curious curlies I am often asked "Do I have to use products from the same line?" to which I always reply "absolutely not!". That is the beauty of layering. But, you will need to take the proper steps in order to see if your products mix well.

Fortunately, there is a test you can do to see which products mix well. Grab your desired cream and gel rub them together on your hand. How they mix will determine how well they will work in your hair. Let me show you an example:

This is how you want your products mixing. You want the consistency to be very smooth like lotion. In this photo, I mixed my favorite combination. Bio Keratin Curl Defining Cream and Eco Style Cannabis and Sativa Oil Styling Gel.

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YIKES! This is what we don't want our mixture to look like. Notice the clumps and the products' evident difficulty to mix properly. To save you some time, this is 'Curls' Goddess Curls Gel mixed with Maui Moisture Coconut Styling Smoothie. Let me just say I absolutely adore these products individually, but they do not pair well together.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

L: Liquid/Leave-In Conditioner. Moisturizes your strands and prepares your hair for styling.

C: Curl Defining Cream. Gives you the spirals and 'bounce' you desire.

G: Gel. Gives your strands the 'hold' they need.

IN THAT ORDER.

Also, remember:

If it does not mix well on your hand, it will not mix well in your hair. Give your hair another try with this method. Enjoy those beautiful curls!

xoxo,

GirlSheCurly

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