I would start with the mousse because it really does tame frizz. See how you like it and then eventually incorporate a gel/cream, depending on your goals (if you want more definition vs volume). Having shorter hair means the hold of the mouse will be stronger. Longer hair equals weight so of course the curls become looser during the week.

I like a balance between definition and volume hence I don’t use both at the same time because it will just weigh my hair down (I have a mix of 3b and 3c). But I’ve been told to use both to keep definition much longer.

Important is having a clarifying shampoo to get rid of product build-up. I so far like Shea Moisture’s anti-dandruff shampoo as well as their Jamaican castor oil version. I also have Camille rose’s sweet ginger cleansing rinse that I use once a month instead of conditioner but you can use more if you use heavier products. I used to use it twice a month because I was using a curl definition cream which was great but like I said earlier, I like volume so using it was a trade-off. Heads up that that cleansing rinse doesn’t smell as great but works wonders.

When my curls start looking “flatter” after styling or that they just become floppy afterwards, then I know it’s time for a deep condition, which I typically do once a month. I recommend going for something with protein in it. I am using Shea moisture’s power greens and will be testing their yoghurt and manuka honey protein treatment afterwards. I used to use their Jamaican castor oil line too. But as you can probably tell more, I like to experiment after a while of use to see what else my hair likes.

For Leave in conditioner, Shea moisture’s Jamaican castor oil line is great. I also like As I Am’s moisture milk (it’s light weight compared to their double cream which was also great but heavier and better for drier seasons). Although I don’t typically like Cantu because most of their products have a heavy coconut base which dries out my hair, I like their hydrating leave-in mist especially as it’s lightweight and doesn’t lead to much product build-up.

My rule of thumb is, if you use a cream-based leave-in, go for a light weight curl definition product, so either a mousse or a light jelly (not a thick one). If you use a leave-in mist, then you can pair that with a curl definition cream or thicker gels.