• mamahood
    • homeschool
    • Maxwell
    • Natalie
    • Marigold
    • Landon
    • baby things
  • faith
    • 23 identities PDF
    • Tanzania + Compassion
  • inspiration
    • our home
    • books
    • lifestyle
    • marriage
    • homeschool
    • simple living
    • we’re debt free!
    • book recommendations
  • homeschool
  • devotionals
    • (in)courage Devotional Bible
    • 31 Days of Prayer for the Dreamer & Doer
  • new? start here

Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / inspiration / for fun / {This only took trying 287 different bottles of hair product to figure out. For now, at least.}

{This only took trying 287 different bottles of hair product to figure out. For now, at least.}

March 25, 2013 · 19 Comments
Filed Under: for fun, hair + beauty

curly-hair-tips-gussy-sews

There was a time when styling my curly/wavy/voluminous hair was easy. So easy. And then one day we found out we were expecting our first baby and honestly? My hair has been so, so different since then. Each month I was pregnant it’s changed a little. Of course there are the hormones, the hair coloring, emotional mess of moving from Minnesota to California — all of these things play a huge role in styling my hair. Which probably makes me look a little crazy, huh?! ;)

Over the years I’ve also owned approximately 287 different bottles of hair product. Mousse, spray, spray gel, pomade, dry shampoo — the product list, and brand names, go on and on. What worked for me a few years ago doesn’t necessarily work for me now, and vice versa. It’s been a little crazy trying to find the best products for my curly hair, so thankfully we are a family who recycles. Ha!

A little bit ago I shared on Instagram two of my favorite hair products. Quite the discussion started in the comments so I thought it would be fun to transfer that to my blog so more of us can join in on the convo! First, I’m going to go over my current hair styling routine, then there’s I have a little Q+A at the end. Ready? :)

MY HAIR STYLING ROUTINE //

Shampoo + condition in the shower, as usual. Comb hair with a pick or wide-tooth comb before rinsing out about 80% of the conditioner. Finger comb hair after it’s been rinsed, then gently blot hair with a towel so it’s not dripping water everywhere. Quickly comb through hair with a wide-tooth comb, the less combing the better. Scrunch hair to re-define curls/wave and spray each section with Sea Salt Texturizing Spray {I buy this at CVS}; each section is left side, right side, back/crown area. Scrunch a little more, making sure hair is still pretty damp with water/texturizing spray. Wait a few minutes, then spray a bit heavier of an application with Dream Curls Curl Perfecting Spray, covering each section [described above]. By now you should see defined curls/waves. Finger comb to re-style an area that needs more definition or twist a small section to recreate the curl/wave. Wait a few more minutes and allow your hair to air-dry for a bit. Using a diffuser, blow dry hair in the direction it grows to avoid frizzies, stopping when hair is about 80% dry. Add some hairspray to the roots and rub fingers on scalp to create lift before it dries fully. I love this brand of hairspray. Allow hair to air dry the rest of the way.

 

Q+A WITH INSTAGRAM FRIENDS //

1. Have you had to find a new combination of hair products since you moved? @lemontreemeg

-Yes, but I think this is mainly due to being pregnant and my hair texture changed.

2. Do you put this in when your hair is wet and blow dry or how exactly do you use this product? @ladyjane_co89

-Check out my hair styling routine above. I only used a few words when describing my routine and hope it is specific enough for you ;)

3. Is it expensive? @taraberg

-No way! I love and totally appreciate higher-end hair products, like Aveda, but lately I’ve been on a hunt to find quality hair products that can be bought at the drug-store or Target. All three hair products listed above can be found at Target, CVS or online (like with Amazon).

4. I love a good spray gel, but there are always sections that still look frizzy. Does the scrunching not make your hair frizzy? @happy_little_lovelies

-The two products shown in the photo above are fully liquid, they aren’t a spray gel. Spray gels leave my hair frizzy in certain areas, too — I don’t like how inconsistent their hold is so I do my best to say away from them.

Any extra questions? Leave a comment below, I loooooove finding new hair products to use! xoxo

 

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print
  • LinkedIn


19 Comments
Filed Under: for fun, hair + beauty

Join over 4,400 women who receive Maggie Whitley Designs inspiration & encouragement:

 

Loading

« {A Baby Be Blessed giveaway — yeow!}
{How do you prepare your heart for motherhood?} »

Comments

  1. Heather says

    March 25, 2013 at 3:26 am

    I am literally going to drive to CVS this morning in the snow to get these products….My curly hair has become so unmanageable that I am going crazy – I’ll try anything! Thanks in advance…

    Reply
  2. Southern Gal says

    March 25, 2013 at 6:01 am

    I’m older than you by many, many years and I can tell you that you will keep changing products as you age. I think my hair gets “tired” of the same products so I change up when it begins looking sad. I leave my hair very wet and brush it with a wet brush which works better than a comb on my hair since it’s super thick. Sort of like this, but with fewer bristles widely spaced apart – http://www.paulmitchell.com/EN-US/PRODUCTS/PROTOOLS/BRUSHESANDCOMBS/Pages/413SculptingBrush.aspx
    Then I add product and let it dry naturally which can takes up to three hours. If I have to be somewhere I’ll use a diffuser on the underside of my hair. I’m usually almost standing on my head when I use it! I am using Matrix Super Defrizzer Gel right now and like the results. For a while I used Garnier Fructis Style Curl Scrunch Gel. My stylist used a Redken product that I loved. I think it was Ringlet 07 curl protector. I’m going to buy some and try it at home. I, too, recycle hair products. There are so many young girls in my church who love to see me coming! I will have to check out the products you listed. I never turn down a recommendation from another curly headed girl!

    Reply
    • Southern Gal says

      March 25, 2013 at 6:01 am

      @Southern Gal, Wow. That was a book. Sorry.

      Reply
  3. Leslie says

    March 25, 2013 at 6:44 am

    This is strictly personal choice and i won’t judge you if this is the case, but do those products make your hair “crunchy”? Alot of curly-hair girls may go that route, but I can’t stand the feeling of crunchy-stiffness. I need products that leave my curls soft. I’ve used Aveda and B&B Curling cream with some success, but would love to try your suggestions (as long as it’s soft, not crunchy!) Your hair always looks adorable, by the way!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 25, 2013 at 9:46 am

      @Leslie, NO WAY! That’s my biggest “ick” with most hair products. I like soft hair that has a controlled curl :)

      Reply
  4. Sherry says

    March 25, 2013 at 7:01 am

    What would you suggest to make slightly wavy hair look curlier or wavier?

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 25, 2013 at 9:49 am

      @Sherry, Sometimes you just need a product that has a stronger hold. I’d try some of Aveda’s curly products — their defining whip or phomollient foam are two favorites!

      Reply
      • Sherry says

        March 30, 2013 at 7:55 am

        Thanks! I will try these…

        Reply
  5. Michelle says

    March 25, 2013 at 7:25 am

    Your routine seems too time consuming and a little too controlled for my taste. I too have naturally curly hair and I find the most gorgeous results when I put either some Curl Deva Curl Cream in or Garnier Fructise Curl Cream in, let it airdry and then use a difuser and hair dryer to finish it off. No worrying about sections or combing it a certain way, etc. I also follow its lead as it changes often and wear it many different ways depending on how my hair wants to be done– It really has a life of its own. I just kind of go with the flow. I would like to see what your hair looked like it it wasn’t so “styled” and you let it do its thing more naturally? Give it a try. You may like it.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 25, 2013 at 9:52 am

      @Michelle, Hey, that’s OK! I understand :) When I finished writing out my routine I thought it looked a little long, too… but really it only takes me about 7 minutes to do my hair and that includes some drying time. So for me that’s quick, but I understand that may be too much for others :) I’ve air dried my hair in the past and I don’t like how it looks, the curls are too crunchy/stiff looking for me. When I use the diffuser they soften up a bit and gain more volume. Thanks for your comment Michelle :)

      Reply
  6. bre dale says

    March 25, 2013 at 7:52 am

    Thank you for sharing! Same issues here since I got pregnant and myhair is still funky 3 mos pp. I will try those!

    Reply
  7. Stephanie says

    March 25, 2013 at 8:51 am

    Beware! Three months after I had my daughter, my hair started falling out in huge amounts. Not to worry – its totally normal and will eventually even out to a normal amount of hair fall.

    Reply
  8. Celinka says

    March 25, 2013 at 10:28 am

    I have some of the curliest, tightest curled hair I have ever seen! It took me what feels like FOREVER to finally find products and a routine that works for me, and at our current budget. I typically only wash my hair once a week, and I try to use a clarifying shampoo when I do (it gets all the product and conditioner build up off the hair). I “wash” my hair with conditioner nearly daily (I usually use the Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Conditioner) and comb my hair with the conditioner still in. I think the best thing ever for curly hair is a hair towel made specifically for it! I wrap it around my head the minute my shower ends and usually leave it on while I dress. It pulls so much of the moisture out and doesn’t mess or frizz up my curls (and I feel it keeps me from having to blow dry, which is something I was never able to figure out with any success)! I section off my hair and use one of Garnier’s shine serums and their Curl Calm Down cream (I define/scrunch the curls by section). Styling only takes me about 5 minutes (I have long hair and a lot of it) and I let it air dry the rest of the way. I love the curl cream because it defines my curls without adding any weight or crunchiness to it!

    And I agree with Stephanie, about 6 months after I had my little, my hair started falling out a ton. It’s the flip side of getting to keep such long, pretty, and thick hair while preggers!

    Reply
  9. jamie w says

    March 25, 2013 at 6:57 pm

    Thank you so much for this post. I was born with super straight super thick hair. As I grew older it started to get some wave and tons of frizz and poof. I recently had my second daughter and my hair decided to curl. I have no clue what to do with curly hair. It was suggested to use a Suave curl mousse. I’m not happy with it at all. It makes my hair crunchy :( I hate doing anything with my hair as well. I am the wash and go type. This has helped and I think I am going to be trying some of the products you mentioned and in the comments.

    Reply
  10. Sarah says

    March 26, 2013 at 12:33 am

    I was just thinking about how I had totally seen this new hairstyle and color I just did somewhere…yes, it must have been here. I’m still experimenting with products and techniques though as my hair is only slightly wavy and I feel like changing things up sometimes. Now I worry about if I ever got pregnant….!

    Reply
  11. Jules says

    April 8, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    Thanks for the tips. I have to say that my hair changed when I was pregnant too….the other way. I had straighter hair before & now I have crazy curly hair. Who knew that this could happen?? I hope that you are enjoying your new baby & taking care of you too. Congratulations!

    Reply
  12. Megan | Bishop Place Handmade says

    August 28, 2013 at 9:21 am

    Just chopped off my hair!! I’m glad you posted this because I needed some advice on how to style it!! Thanks girl!

    Reply
  13. cinder_lou says

    February 21, 2015 at 2:01 am

    Curious if you have dropped using the dreaded -cones yet? If so, what are you using now…

    Reply
  14. Bobbie Collins says

    December 29, 2016 at 12:19 am

    I found this product a few months back and it is awesome!!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
READ MORE >>
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Join over 4,400 women who receive Maggie Whitley Designs inspiration & encouragement:

 

Loading

instagram

maggiewhitley

JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect o Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect on the moments I’ve felt my mind spinning, my emotions swirly, it’s almost always when I’m not feasting on the word of God. Not that reading scripture is the cure for anxiety —no! Rather, it’s hard to worry when we’re worshipping.
.
.
.
.
.
#womenintheword #wearethehomemakers #scripture #dailyintheword #titus2woman #healthylifestyle #mentalhealth #anxiety #anxietyawareness
Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️ Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️✨
A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is hot, and the whisper of a page turning. ♨️☕️📖 // We are breaking from school this week, my plan is to read a lot, walk a lot, and rest a lot. How about you?

#mothersofinstagram #tea #winterreading #hygge
I fought every internal comment I could think of a I fought every internal comment I could think of and took my kiddos for a looooong walk today before dinner. ❄️✨ There’s just so much work required to raise children! I’m feeling like a tired lady. But sunshine & fresh air are good companions to keep around. 

We came home and I made “the best dinner ever”. Max specifically announced, “it’s so great you’re launching new meals to the world”. LOL— kids! 🤣👏🏻💓
How about a little Wednesday night introduction? 😘Social media sure has changed over the years and we don’t always SEE who we’re following or remember WHY we’re following certain accounts. 

So, hello! As you can gather, my name is Maggie ;) 

I started writing online (almost 13 years ago) to share the handmade products I was sewing. My shop was called Gussy Sews. ✂️👛I love the community that has grown from sewing & sharing online.

Let’s FFW to today: Zack and I live in Michigan and have four young children (2 boys & 2 girls). I slowly left the handmade industry and walked right into homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging women through writing. 💕📝

Motherhood has been very hard on me. (And not just because of how close in age our four children are.) It’s been hard for me because I fought for years to accept that *it’s supposed to be hard*. 

I mean, how do you effectively teach another person to know and love the Lord? Bc that’s how I think of motherhood: a calling to nurture others by studying the One who nurtures me. So I gotta make the first move: study the Bible and seek Him first. As my friend Autumn reminded me, vulnerability births transformation. 

(I’ve had to be really vulnerable!)

So, yes motherhood has fully transformed me. But even more so, Christ has fully transformed me. My list of “all that He’s done for me” is off to a beautifully long start.

Something else I want you to know about me: I stalled for years before acknowledging I have anxiety and depression. It’s hard to talk about this because of course this isn’t forever “my hardship”, but rather because acknowledging this means to heal I have to work through some really difficult things. ✨

But my friend Jesus walks alongside me. He’s already done a mighty work in my heart, including helping me process my anger in healthier ways. I’ve also adopted a heart for sisterhood, mothering, and Titus 2 mentorship.

Sometimes our greatest losses are our greatest gains? That’s what I’m clinging to!

How about you? Tell me something about yourself so I can get to know you on a deeper heart level. 🖤🖤
How do you play in the winter? // We had a really How do you play in the winter? // We had a really great time visiting family in northern Michigan. On my blog I share a few ways we played outside, plus I describe a memorable childhood game ❄️☃️. Did you play it as a kiddo?
We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens in the morning (HGTV), playtime before lessons, and not enough quiet time after lunch. This made for a really, ummm, unenjoyable learning experience. 

But today! Today we reset the rhythm, and we have had a much happier home & time learning together. 👏🏻
Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — t Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — think outside the box in terms of how you view the definition of “motherhood” 💓😘 (also: look at my little friend, she’s sooooo snuggly)
It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hop It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hope to bundle up for another family nature walk, knowing the fresh air sweeps out any & all frustration, inviting inspiration inside. ✨That’s something we all need more of.
seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming the Laundry Beast (as a family of 6). Who wants the inside scoop? ✔️🧺👏🏻
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2021 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.