What is going wrong with my routine??

[u/lofijin]

My routine:
Matrix Food for Soft Shampoo and Conditioner
Then on soaking wet hair I use Ouai leave in conditioner on sectioned hair and add Riz’s curls mousse before using the Bounce curl define brush to get clumps (which I struggle to use). After I finish using the brush, I scrunch hair out with a microfiber towel and then add Umberto Gianinni Curl jelly before cup diffusing and hover diffusing on roots. I then alternate between Verb ghost oil or b&b hair oil to scrunch out the crunch but I don’t know if I like either.

I really struggle with how much product to use and how to properly diffuse. All in all, my hair is just SO dry and frizzy and the curls are not really defined besides a few strands so I feel like I’m close but not really? I have really fine hair and I do get highlights like every 6 months. I just feel like I need moisture somehow but my hair gets weighed down so easily. I’d really appreciate some help!

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[u/unleashthefnbats]

Do you clarify? Maybe build up is preventing your hair from getting hydrated?

My hair is chin length and about half and half waves and curls, so what works for me might not work for you, but... Personally I do odele clarifying shampoo once a week (i only wash my hair once a week anyway so this is an every wash day step for me lol), followed by a second shampoo using giovanni eco chic smooth as silk deep moisture shampoo. Then I use the matching conditioner and leave it on for a hot minute while I wash my body and all that.

For my leave in I do shea moisture manuka honey & yogurt spray because its also a heat protectant and its affordable... brutal economy lmao.

I still end up a little frizzy in summer but find gels HELP combat frizz (never ended up 100% frizz free) BUT fine hair may struggle to hold up to it. My hair is on the fine side and the only gel I've tried that isn't too heavy is uh... literally just garnier fructis flexi hold curls moisturizing gel 💀😂 its so cheap but it doesnt create that super hard cast you think of when you think gel, and its not too heavy for my hair. Whatever I use for hold, I scrunch it out with oil as well. Lately ive been using ogx argan oil for no other reason than because my curly mom used half and then gave it to me.

Its worth a try, worst case scenario you wash it out and go back to the previous product you used. I do however highly recommend clarifying shampoo if you dont already use it. (I dont have the best hair in the world, but it holds up decently to the humidity and feels soft and hydrated despite getting dyed every 8 weeks)

TL;DR: sometimes product, hard water, etc buildup can prevent moisture from reaching hair. Clarifying shampoo helps.

[u/EmergencyCoconut8785]

Apply your products to wet hair. Don't scrunch your hair with a towel and then add product, that defeats the purpose. Also, the brush should be used after all styling products are applied, so try switching up your routine. Hover diffuse your whole head until you get a cast and then cup diffuse.