The Kinky Curly Hair Care Line

These reviews discuss some of products in the Kinky Curly Hair Care, LLC that do or do not work for my 4b/c nappy hair type.  As usual I always use the products as directed by their manufacturer product label and always apply the product on freshly washed hair.

In March I purchased from my local Whole Foods store, an 8oz jar of Original Curling Custard, an 8oz bottle of Knot Today, a 2oz tin of Gloss Pomade and an 8oz bottle of Spiral Spritz.  These products are not the most expensive on the shelf in comparison to Jane Carter Solutions or Miss Jessie’s, but the combined costs did place a small dent in my wallet.

So far, up to point of purchasing the Kinky Curly Products, not one product defined any curl to my hair type, because my hair type curls not in spiral but in zig, zag shape.  In addition, my hair going from wet to dry shrinks abundantly.  So my shoulder length wet hair will become just ear length hair when completely dry.  The curls pattern will knot or twists into very tight little balls and knots, similar to knots in strings or twine.  I can braid the hair or twist the hair and eventually it all goes back to it familiar pattern of knots and naps within 24 hours.

I marvel at the ladies on the uTube videos who can skillfully do 2 or 3 strand twists on wet hair, wait several hours for their hair to dry and after the twist out, they can wear those beautiful defined curls for a week.  Not me, I can get about 12 hours of curls after a twist out because my scalp sweats profusely.  Dampness is my best friend and my worst enemy.  Dampness provides moisture to the hair and the moisture prevent breakage, however dampness removes the curl pattern of the braid outs.  Therefore all the time consuming efforts of braiding can be lost in one day.

Consequently, even though I spent more than I wanted, I gave the Kinky Curly products a full one month try out with and without braid outs, just to see if this line would conquer the shrink factor in addition to maintain the curl pattern and definition.  Definition is merely describes hair that is not frizzy, the individual hair strands are curled together and hang loose enough to have movement to the hair when I shake my head.  Without definition I will have tight, not loose, curls on individual strands and my hair basically looks like one big cotton ball.  Nothing wrong with this look and style, I often wear my hair this way, but I prefer the loose spirals when I can get them.

On one hand, the Kinky Curly does produce defined curls on my hair without the flakes, unpleasant smell, and product build up.  Most importantly it did this without the overly chemical usage of silicons, paraffins and petroleum based ingredients.  The Knot Today is the best of the best product out of this line, because once I placed it on my hair, I could finger comb or comb through my hair so easy it was unbelievable.  The Knot Today, the leave in condition is applied before the curling custard which is used to increase the stickiness of each hair strand.  That’s right when the hair is sticky, the curls will come together.  This duo also give defined curls with twist outs, which worked better but takes longer because I had to wait 12 hours for my hair to air dry.  In a rush using a hair drier on low warm will speed up the drying time.

On the other hand, I learned that a little goes a long way.  Please do not overly use the Knot Today and the Curling Custard even though the directions advice to use a “generous amount.”   When too much is applied the hair does not throughly absorb the products and the hair will feel tacky to the tough when dry.  I started with a small amount and then add a little more if needed.  The next day, all my beautiful loose curls had disappeared, my hair was a soft cotton puff again.  And this happened every time I applied the Knot Today and Curling Custard on clean, super wet hair.   I did not use the Come Clean to wash my hair but I don’t believe my shampoo caused the problems, I believe the Custard ingredients do not provide the correct amount of hold for a hair type that does not have a natural spiral curl pattern.

COME CLEAN:  8oz $12.00

You know all the grimy stuff you’ve put on your hair. Here’s your chance to COME CLEAN TM . NEW & IMPROVED Formula with Phytic Acid – a natural chealating agent that removes hard water minerals such as calcium & magnesium. An all natural replacement for EDTA derived from soy & corn, it will soften hard water, rinse cleaner and prevent hard water buildup on your hair.

Our exclusive blend of Mandarin Orange extract will gently clean your hair and scalp of dulling buildup while Sea Kelp will help maintain its proper moisture balance. This Sulfate Free shampoo is perfect for dry damaged hair and gentle enough for everyday use.

KNOT TODAY: 8oz $12.00, 32oz Refill (web only) $44.00

Essence Magazine, “Beauty Best Sellers List” 2008. KNOT TODAY TM is a creamy herbal conditioner and detangler designed to smooth the cuticle and remove knots, snarls and tangles from thick curly textured hair.

After washing hair, apply KNOT TODAY TM generously and work through troubled areas with a wide tooth comb. Can be used as a regular rinse out conditioner for wavy hair or as a leave-in for thicker curlier hair types. An excellent product to use after removing braids and extensions. **TIP- When using this product as a leave-in, apply in the shower and rinse with a little water to evenly distribute the conditioner.

 

CURLING CUSTARD: 16oz $29.99, 8oz $17.00

Essence Magazine, #1 “Beauty Best Sellers List” 2008. CURLING CUSTARD TM gives moisture and curl definition, hold and brilliant shiny hair all in one product!  It reduces bulk, defines & elongates your curls helping them to ‘hang’ better. CURLING CUSTARD TM will bring out the natural curl or wave pattern you never knew you had!

It is an advanced botanical formula made with ALL NATURAL ingredients that nourish and strengthen the hair. Utilizing the humectant properties of the Agave Nectar, CURLING CUSTARD TM will give weight to your hair, define your curls, remove frizz, provide long lasting hold and shine without ever being greasy, crunchy or drying to your hair. This high performance product is very concentrated so a little goes a long way.

**TIP- This product is designed to work alone but ultimate curl definition and length can be achieved when used with KNOT TODAY TM as a leave in conditioner.

For best results apply CURLING CUSTARD TM to soaking wet, freshly washed hair. For very kinky and tightly coiled hair use KNOT TODAY TM as a leave-in conditioner then apply CURLING CUSTARD TM to soaking wet hair in small sections. Smooth each section with fingers from root to tip.

 

SPIRAL SPRITZ: 8oz $12.00

The perfect styling product for individuals with fine or wavy hair types. SPIRAL SPRITZ TM is a wonderful natural alternative to silicone serums. This lightweight Aloe based spray is made of all natural ingredients and contains vitamin B-5 to add moisture to your hair and completely eliminate frizz!

Can be used to style wet or dry wavy hair and provides a flexible hold..Works great to smooth, moisturize and re-fresh 2nd day hair and remove frizz on all hair types.

**TIP – Use SPIRAL SPRITZ TM to reactivate your style when you do not wish to re-wet and re-style your hair with the Curling Custard TM. Spray lightly when using to refresh your style. A little goes a long way!

GLOSS POMADE: 2oz $10.00

POMADETM offers awesome shine! A great finishing product for flyaway edges and for spot treating sections of hair to stretch out and separate curls when you don’t want shrinkage.

Made with ALL NATURAL oils and with lemon essential oil for fragrance. NO PETROLEUM, MINERAL OIL, BEESWAX OR LANOLIN. Can also be used to smooth and add shine to frizzy hair on 2nd day.

**TIP – To remove ‘crunch’ if you have applied too much styling product or to lubricate strands on 2nd day, apply to palms of hand and scrunch throughout hair when it is completely dry.

PERFECTLY POLISHED: 4oz $18.00

PERFECTLY POLISHED is a pure and natural blend of luxurious oils. Formulated with Argan Oil from Morocco it is designed to lubricate, protect and add a healthy shine to your hair. Can be used for hot oil treatments, pre-shampoo treatments and as a finishing aid on dry hair. NO MINERAL OIL, NO PETROLEUM AND SILICONE FREE

 

MIDNIGHT MIRACLE: 4oz $22.00 – WEB ONLY

lightweight yet intense overnight treatment. Midnight MiracleTM delivers a balanced dose of protein and moisture in the form of a thick rich foam. No heat is required to have it work its magic. It penetrates the hair shaft with its exclusive blend of castor bean extract, silk protein and meadowfoam seed oil.