"Flow it, show it, long as I can grow it, my hair"

Hi, my name is Nina and I'm addicted to beauty products.

Unfortunately for my wallet and my bathroom cabinets, I am a beauty product junkie. I've tried every mascara Lancome has ever made - regular formula and waterproof. Honestly. Btw, my fave is L'Extreme...but my absolute favorite go-to mascara? Fresh Supernova - worth every penny.

So you gotta believe me when I say I've tried practically every hair product for curly/wavy hair. Whether they're from the local drugstore or a beauty supply store or salon, if it's out there I've more than likely tried it. I know, it's scary. Another issue I have is that 98% of the hair products out there will break me out. So not only do I have to find something that works and meets my expectations, but my skin has to be ok w/it as well.

Image credit: Ulta.com

My favorite one has always been Mop C-Curl Curl Defining Cream. I've consistently used this for a little over a year now and have always been pleased with it. However, I usually like my curls to be more defined than wavy and this product def. doesn't enhance the curls. It provides volume and tames the frizz, it's organic, and it doesn't make me break out but I still wanted something that added a little more spring. (Btw, use sparingly. A little goes a loooong way w/this cream. Use pea size amounts at a time, rub hands to warm up the cream, and rake and scrunch thru hair)

Image credit: iwantthathair.com

That's where Redken Fresh Curls Spring Mousse comes in. This product really helps coax the curls out of my hair and for a mousse, it doesn't leave your hair crunchy at all. It's lightweight, smells nice, and definitely helps amp up the volume. The hold isn't that great so I use a little bit of the Mop C-Curl on top of it to add more hold and definition.

Image credit: beauty-mart.com

On days when I do feel like having soft, loose waves or when I'm planning on styling m hair straight, I like Enjoy Shaping Lotion. This doesn't have much hold but it does do a good job of taming the frizz and adds slight definition. This is also a good cream when I want to straighten my hair or curl it w/a large barrel curling iron. I do sometimes add a bit of the Mop C-Curl on top if I feel my hair needs a little more support.

But you want to know the real source of my voluminous hair?

Meet the DevaFuser:

Image credit: sleekhair.com

This thing is just amazing and I can't rave about it more. I know, it looks like Kermit the Frog's hand, but this little baby is a god-send. There are vents all around the "hand" so you can really go underneath and dry your roots. It also helps cut my drying time and it really keeps frizzies at bay. And because it's shaped like a hand, it does the scrunching for you and the "fingers" really get underneath. I also recommend this for girls who have straight hair and want volume. I can't emphasize how much is uplifts your roots.

But word of caution, the "universal adapter" is not so universal. It barely fits my Revlon dryer and I have to constantly push it back in while I dry. I just need to buy a new dryer which I'm lazy about. I hear the travel sized Conair ones fit the best. I would love to get the DevaSun Dryer but I just can't bring myself to pay $185 for a blow dryer.

So here's my drying and styling routine after I shower:

• I use a microfiber hair turban to soak up as much water from my hair.
• I never ever comb or brush my hair. This makes all my curls disappear and makes my hair frizzier. I comb my hair in the shower when I have conditioner in it.
• I rake my styling product(s) of choice from roots to ends.
• Flip my hair upside down and blow dry til my hair is about 85% dry.
  
• Flip my hair back right side up and finish drying, making sure to really get underneath to achieve maximum volume.
• Depending on whether I need more hold, I will scrunch in a tiny bit of the Mop C-Curl.

If you want more styling tips or advice for curly/wavy hair, you must check out NaturallyCurly.com. This site literally changed the way I care for, manage, and style my hair. The message boards are chock full of great tips and advice.

Happy styling!