September is here and with that always comes a new school year, a fresh haircut and/or color (although it's tough to get to a salon nowadays), a reset and new beauty launches. Timed perfectly, Ouidad just launched their new curl defining collection called Curl Shaper, which I am beyond excited about for so many reasons. For starters, it's meant for women with really loose curls and waves who struggle to get that definition, volume and consistency because products are either too heavy or too light. It's for those who live within that in-between straight and curly realm. If you fall into that hair type, I'm sure you know it can be extremely frustrating to try and decode what works for you because so many products out there cater to either wavy or curly textures. Maybe you just resort to blow-drying, flat ironing or curling your hair with a curling iron, further damaging your strands. Why I'm most excited for this line is that so many people who may associate Ouidad with only having products for tight curls can now experience how this line will work for them.
Ouidad's new Curl Shaper line takes that frustration and guesswork out of styling your natural texture (PHEW!). How? It's specifically formulated to give in-between strands the nourishment and protection they need by creating an incredible foundation for your curls with the definition and hold that you've always wanted. The best part? It doesn't leave your strands crunchy, greasy, weighed down or heavy! Believe me, I tried it on one of my girlfriends who has always struggled with her hair (pics below), and her jaw dropped to the floor when she experienced the results-I'm not kidding. It left her with the juiciest and bounciest curls!
Products used: Good As New Moisture Restoring Shampoo, Double Duty Weightless Cleansing Conditioner, Memory Maker 3-in-One Revitalizing Milk, Out of Thin (H)air Volumizing Jelly
I'm sure if you're a curly girl, you've probably been asked questions like: "What's your secret to such defined curls?" Or "Ugh, how can I get my hair to look at good?" OR "My hair is wavy and I put product in it, but it never holds and come out frizzy and undefined. What can I do?" Do yourself a favor and suggest the Curl Shaper line next time-it will change their life. I also encourage you to start a conversation with your friends around you. I've found that during quarantine (as we're still in it), so many women have made it a point to explore working with their natural texture and it's so awesome to see! The most liberating thing you can do is ditch the hot tools and embrace your natural texture. Sure, different hairstyles are fun and creative, but really understanding what you've got without depending on having to get it styled or using hot tools can be life changing.
What I also love about the collection is that so many of the products serve multiple purposes, simplifying your whole routine. I'll break down the whole line below in case anything catches your eye!
Good As New Moisture Restoring Shampoo: This is a super lightweight, oil-based shampoo that mimics your hairs' natural oils to cleanse. Don't fret on it being oil-based, though-our hair needs the moisture for curls to really thrive and reduce all that frizz. It gives you a really nice, clean moisturized feel.
Double Duty Weightless Cleansing Conditioner: This conditioner does it all. It's a 4-in-one formula that gently cleanses, conditions, detangles and nourishes curls. It's a perfect co-wash product to use in the shower on the days you don't want to actually shampoo your hair. Just wet your hair in the shower, apply this stuff and it's the perfect mid-week reset.
Bounce Back Reactivating Mist: "What do I do on day 2 or 3 when I wake up and my waves or curls looks wild?" This stuff. It's a multi-use spray that combines the benefits of a curl refresher and a leave-in conditioner. It's perfect for bringing curls back to life because it's formulated to specifically encourage definition without having to fully wash and reset.
Memory Maker 3-in-1 Revitalizing Milk: This is ideal for loose curls and waves of all textures. It works to restore curl definition and help reverse the signs of damage. This is perfect to apply before your styling products, on dry hair, or it can be used as a leave-in treatment left on overnight or for 30 min-1-hour weekly under a cap.
Out of Thin (H)air Volumizing Jelly: This product is specifically designed for finer hair to help bring curls to life. It leaves strands with an airy and lightweight hold and definition without that dreaded crunch.
Take Shape Plumping + Defining Cream: This cream is designed for medium to thicker textures. It's an ultra-light cream that helps plump and define loose curls and waves. It gives your strands long-lasting hold, and creates amazing definition without the frizz or crunchiness.
That's the breakdown...easy and simple! Let's try to start a Curl Conversation with the women around us-whether it's a family member, friend or colleague-to try to encourage them to take a break from blow-drying, topknots and straighteners and to try embracing their natural texture. I'm sure if they try this line it will really help them!