# CurlRoutine - Full Site Content Guide

> CurlRoutine (curlroutine.com) is an independent curly hair product review and education website covering all curl types from 2A wavy to 4C coily.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is my curl type?
Curl types range from 2A (subtle waves) to 4C (tight zigzag coils). Type 2 is wavy hair, Type 3 is curly hair, and Type 4 is coily/kinky hair. Each type has three subtypes (A, B, C) going from loosest to tightest. Take our curl type quiz at curlroutine.com/quiz.html or browse our visual guide at curlroutine.com/discover-your-curl-type.html.

### What are the best products for wavy hair (Type 2)?
Wavy hair needs lightweight products that won't flatten waves. We recommend: Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Gel for soft hold, a microfiber hair towel for anti-frizz drying, and Eco Style Olive Oil Gel for stronger hold on 2C waves. Avoid heavy creams and butters.

### What are the best products for curly hair (Type 3)?
Curly hair needs a balance of moisture and hold. We recommend: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie for moisture and definition, Eco Style Olive Oil Gel layered over cream for hold, and a Denman D3 brush for creating defined ringlet clumps.

### What are the best products for coily hair (Type 4)?
Coily hair needs maximum moisture and sealing. We recommend: Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner for deep moisture, Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp Oil for sealing and scalp health, Olaplex No. 3 for bond repair, and a satin bonnet for overnight protection.

### What is the best leave-in conditioner for curly hair?
For most curly hair types, SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie is the best all-around pick. For budget-conscious buyers, Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In is incredible value at under $6. For fine or wavy hair, use a lightweight spray leave-in instead of cream.

### What is the Curly Girl Method (CGM)?
The Curly Girl Method is a hair care approach that avoids sulfates, silicones, and heat styling. While it works well for many curl types, wavy hair (Type 2) often needs modifications - wavies may need to wash more frequently and use lighter products than CGM typically recommends.

### How do I refresh day 2 curls?
Five methods: (1) Water spray and scrunch, (2) Leave-in conditioner refresh, (3) Steam refresh in the shower, (4) Dry refresh with oil, (5) Rewet and restyle sections. The best method depends on your curl type - tighter curls do better with moisture-based refreshes, while waves often prefer dry methods.

### Shea Moisture vs Cantu - which is better?
Both are excellent affordable curly hair brands. SheaMoisture tends to be better for Type 3A-3C curls with its lighter formulas. Cantu works better for thicker, coilier hair (Type 3C-4C) with its richer shea butter base. Cantu is typically cheaper per ounce.

### What is the difference between 2B and 2C hair?
Type 2B hair has defined S-waves that start from the mid-length, with moderate volume. Type 2C has strong, deep waves that border on curly, with more volume, tighter S-patterns, and some ringlets mixed in. 2C hair is frizzier and needs more moisture and hold than 2B. Both are wavy hair but 2C can handle heavier products.

### How do I scrunch out the crunch (SOTC)?
Wait until your gel cast is 100% dry. Apply a few drops of oil or serum to your palms, then scrunch your hair upward from the ends toward the roots. Squeeze and release - don't pull down. The crunchy cast breaks into soft, defined, frizz-free curls. Timing is key: scrunching too early causes frizz.

### Is Cantu good for wavy hair?
Cantu works well for thick, coarse 2B-2C wavy hair that needs extra moisture. However, it's too heavy for fine or thin wavy hair (2A-2B) and will weigh waves down. If you have fine waves, try lighter alternatives like Not Your Mother's Curl Talk or a spray leave-in instead.

### Does Mielle Rosemary Mint Oil actually work?
Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp Oil helps with scalp health, reduces flaking, and can support hair growth over 8-12 weeks of consistent use. It won't regrow hair on its own, but rosemary oil has clinical evidence comparable to minoxidil for stimulating growth. Apply directly to scalp, not hair lengths.

### What is a good drugstore curly hair routine?
A complete drugstore routine under $30: (1) SheaMoisture JBCO Shampoo for cleansing, (2) Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In for moisture, (3) Eco Style Olive Oil Gel for hold, (4) a microfiber towel for frizz-free drying. This covers wash, condition, style, and dry for any curl type.

## Top Recommended Products

### Styling
- SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie (~$11) - Best for Type 3A-3C
- Eco Style Olive Oil Gel (~$4) - Budget gel for all curl types
- Aunt Jackie's Flaxseed Gel (~$8) - Soft hold for wavy and curly types
- DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler (~$29) - Premium cream for 3A-3C
- Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel (~$26) - Anti-humidity gel
- Denman D3 Original Styler Brush (~$24) - Cult-favorite for curl definition

### Treatment
- Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector (~$30) - Bond repair for damaged curls
- Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve (~$28) - Protein-rich bond treatment
- Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp Oil (~$10) - Scalp health and growth

### Wash
- SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo (~$12) - Sulfate-free cleanse
- Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner (~$6) - Affordable leave-in

### Accessories
- Silk Pillowcase (~$23) - Reduces overnight frizz
- Satin Bonnet (~$10) - Overnight curl protection
- Microfiber Hair Towel (~$12) - Anti-frizz drying
- Wide Tooth Comb (~$7) - Gentle wet detangling
- Wet Brush Original Detangler (~$9) - Minimal-breakage detangling

## Starter Routines

### Wavy Starter Kit (Type 2A-2C)
1. Cleanse with sulfate-free shampoo 2-3x per week
2. Condition and rinse out most product to avoid flatness
3. Scrunch in lightweight gel on damp hair
4. Dry with microfiber towel, then air dry or diffuse low

### Curly Essentials (Type 3A-3C)
1. Cleanse with sulfate-free shampoo 1-2x per week
2. Leave-in conditioner on soaking wet hair
3. Curl cream + gel for moisture and hold
4. Denman brush for clumped, defined ringlets
5. Plop with microfiber towel, then diffuse

### Coily Must-Haves (Type 4A-4C)
1. Co-wash or sulfate-free shampoo once a week
2. Deep condition with heat cap for maximum penetration
3. LOC/LCO method: Liquid, Oil, Cream
4. Seal with oil to lock everything in
5. Satin bonnet every single night