With that said, the MiraCurl Curling Jelly is supposed to be a curl enhancing gel that will eliminate frizz and define the curls. The first time I used it in my sons 4a hair, and my own, I did not like my results. My sons hair wasn’t as defined as it usually is when I use other products and for my own hair, not only was it not defined, but I had some residue from the product still left in my hair after it dried. I figured that I didn’t apply enough to my sons, and maybe too much to my hair.

I tried it again in my son’s hair and he was left with better results, but in my opinion the other product I use for curl definition works better in his hair. When I finally tried it again. I parted my freshly cleansed hair into 6 sections and rinsed each section in cool water to close my cuticle before apply a leave-in conditioner. I then apply 2-3 pumps of the MiraCurl Curling Jelly to each section working it in thoroughly, by racking my fingers through my hair gently until each strand was evenly coated. Once I finished applying the gel, I shook my hair to help loosen the curls.

It took about 4-6 hours to completely dry and my hair only shrunk a bit. Note: I really believe the lack in shrinkage is due to my rhassoul clay treatments though. I had nice shiny coils, but I still had some product residue in certain areas.

I applied the Donna Marie Super Butter Cream to my hair once it dried before I went to bed, covered my head with a satin bonnet and went to sleep.

The next day I noticed that the residue was worse than the night before. I spritz my hair lightly with plain water to loosen the curls again and to get rid of some of the residue. Overall, this product did define my curls and it left my hair very soft and moisturized. I really like the way my hair feels, but the white residue is a real issue for me. Also, even though this product did define my curls, it doesn’t work as well as other products.

If you are looking for a curl definer that is affordable, I would try this out if I were you. It is $20 for 18 oz of product. My only suggestion is to wait until the summer to order, when the hype should die down. Also, try it a few times to see what application method would be best for you.

Credits: Photo from beautybydonnamarie.com

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If you have decided to stop using shampoo, your hair will still need to cleansed and clarified every once in a while. Co-washing the hair, even with conditioner that does not contain silicones, mineral oil, beeswax, etc., will eventually cause buildup on your scalp and hair if you don’t clarify your hair at all. My suggestion is to clarify your hair every 4-6 weeks with either sulfate free shampoo or by cleansing the hair with baking soda. I usually mark the 1st of the month on my calendar as a reminder to clarify my hair.

This method can be used on both natural and relaxed hair. Co-washing the hair is beneficial for both types of hair and clarifying the hair without the use of harsh clarifying shampoo’s is better for your hair’s health as well as your pockets. While the average bottle of shampoo is about $5, you can purchase a box of baking soda for as little as $1.

Baking Soda Clarifier Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tsp baking soda

Mix the above ingredients in a cup or small bowl until the baking soda is dissolved. Do not use more baking soda than suggested because using too much baking soda will cause your hair to become very dry and brittle. A rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of warm water per tablespoon of baking soda. Once you have this mixed thoroughly, rinse your hair completely with water. Next, pour the baking soda mixture on the hair paying close attention to the scalp. Make sure it runs on your scalp and use your finger tips to massage your scalp releasing any buildup. For intense buildup try the Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub along with this clarifier. Next work the mixture down to the ends of your hair by smoothing it down with your finger tips. For longer hair, double or triple this mixture.  Rinse your hair throughly and follow up with your deep conditioner.

Credits: Photo from 1greengeneration.elementsintime.com

If you are relaxed and are trying to prolong your relaxer before your next touch-up, or your natural and you want more manageability, you should give the caramel treatment a try. I loved it and I use it once per month.

Below is a video of myself mixing and applying the caramel treatment:

Ingredients:
6 TBSP Raw Honey
6 TBSP Olive Oil
3 TBSP Molasses
1 TSP Apple Cider Vinegar
2-3 Containers of pureed (baby food) bananas
1 TSP Natural oil (ex. coconut, wheat germ, etc.)
1-2 TSP cornstarch

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Credits: Photo from www.life123.com

I decided to use baking soda instead of shampoo to cleanse my hair which I will write an article on later this month, but my scalp was still a bit itchy. I examined my scalp and to my surprise, my scalp where my hair in the front was cornrowed had some buildup. I did a brief scalp check by gently scraping my scalp with my finger nail to find gunk underneath. I did not want to use shampoo so I reached for the next best thing: Brown Sugar!

I mixed about 2 tablespoons of conditioner with 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. I then applied it to my entire scalp as if I was greasing my scalp. After I applied all the Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub to my scalp, I massaged my scalp gently for a few minutes. I rinsed my hair completely and my scalp was completely clean. No more buildup!

If your scalp has that “gunking” buildup due to sweat, products, etc., this mixture will remove it without stripping your hair. This will become a staple in my regimen whenever I discover buildup on my scalp.

Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub Recipe

1 tsp brown sugar

2 tbsp silicone free conditioner

Directions: Mix together and apply to scalp. Massage to remove buildup and impurities. Rinse thoroughly.

Credits: Photo from iemommy.com