I’m a newbie to this wonderful, informative site and have discovered I’m a Botticelli/Corkicelli type of gal.  Having spent many years straightening my hair I’ve now come to realise that curly is best, but I don’t know what products to use.  I’ve used just about everything the High Street has to offer and have been left with a fluffy mess.  I have been totally overwhelmed by the choice of products in the Emporium and don’t know where to start!  Anyone got any tips or advice they would like to share??? 

Welcome!!!  I’d say check out the botticelli, corkicelli and corkscrew curls forum as there’s curlie tips there which could help

Hi Beelindi and welcome. I would just keep it simple…you need a sulfate free cleanser, a silicone-free conditioner and a silicone-free and alcohol-free styling product like a gel or a curl cream. A leave-in spray is useful for refresshing your curls when you aren’t going to wash. Try not to overwhelm your hair with products particularly when styling. If you are not sure start with sample sizes. Also your washing, cleansing and styling technique needs to encourage curls and discourage frizz. So no combs or brushes or the blowdryer. In the emporium try a sample of Kinky Curly Come clean, a sample of Kinky Curly Knot today, Aubrey Organics Tangle Go spray conditioner and Wonder Curl Get Set Hair Jelly.  On the high street..you can try Naked range of shampoos and conditioners and pink boots hair gel. It’s all trial and error so don’t spend too much money at first until you get to understand hair and your hair in particular. You could also buy the Curly Girl Handbook which is really helpful and a good investment.

Hi Marleyhill34 and Curlcatastophe and thanks for the advice. 

Checking out the botticelli, corkicelli and corkscrew curls forums is a good idea - thanks for that.  I don’t blow dry my hair, but have to confess to still using a wide tooth comb from time to time which is fatal!  Not combing/brushing my hair is the hardest thing to get used to, especially when it gets dry and tangled.  I shall have another look in the emporium and make some decisions!  Onwards and upwards!  I know I’m going to get it right now - YAY!!  The good thing with this hot weather is that I wear it up in bulldog clip type hair grip which hides a multitude of sins!! 

Hi Emma,

Thanks for the advice and tips.  I’d never thought of detangling with my fingers then gently combing through with conditioner or oils on the comb - obvious when you think about it!  It’s not so much the prices in the Emporium that overwhelm me it’s the choice - there’s so many products listed there!  I’ve been reading various forums and am getting more of an idea of what may or may not work on my hair.  I’m determined to get it right this time!  I shall have to have a look at your diary and I think I’m going to start one too - excellent idea.

Linda