Advice about product selection

CurlyLili

Hello fellow curlies,

I am trying to figure out which products to order for my hair. 
I have used the "fake curly hair products" all my life. There is a very limited selection of sulphate free shampoos and silicone free conditioners in my country (Slovenia). It is hard to find anything labeled "for curly hair", and even if I do find it, it contains silicones and a **** ton of other chemicals. Now I finally did some research, watched a few YouTube videos and decided to change the way I treat my hair.
The current state of it is quite sad tbh (see image ). Some of it is wavy, some of it is  curly, some of it is extremely dry and "hay like" (especially on the back side)... I have figured out the porosity of it is low (i did the glass of water test, and my hair has been floating on top of it for 3 days -then I decided to stop looking at it ... also when I spray water on it, drops stay on top). I am unsure about the protein sensitivity - my hair is quite elastic (if I stretch it between my fingers, it takes quite a lot before it snaps), and I also did a greek yogurt/honey & olive oil mask, and my hair didn't seem to mind it (I did that after using a clarifying shampoo, to clear all the silicone residue out of the way).
One thing I am sure of is that my hair needs moisture. A lot of it. 

Anyway, this is my shopping list:

Shampoo: SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut oil  
Conditioner: - SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative conditioner
                    - SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl&Shine Conditioner
Masque: SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura oil Intensive hydration hair masque
Detangler: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus KIDS extra moisturizing detangler 
Gel: MopTop Curly Hair Custard
Definition product: SheaMoisture Curl enhancing smoothie (I am most sceptical about this one, read many reviews saying it weighs down fine hair - my hair is mixed, some of it is quite thick, but the majority is fine/medium)

Thank you in advance for your opinions and experience.
I apologise, If I put this topic in the wrong thread. I was thinking of placing it under "product reviews" section, but I guess that is more for reviewing than inquiries. 

Gretchen

Welcome, @CurlyLili!  Sounds like you're well on your way to improving your hair's condition. This is a great thread to read through if you have some time. 

Keep us posted!

BrittanyM

If you can't get products easily where you live, you can always go the DIY route. I've always wanted to try the DIY flaxseed gel. Shea Moisture is always a good start. Their products typically work if you use the right amount for your hair. With your hair being dry, they will probably work for you. Fine hair doesn't always mean weighed down easily, but if you do find it weighing down your hair, use less of the product. Your hair reminds me of Curly Penny's from YouTube. Best of luck!

Therese1

Yes, some do-it-yourself products might be helpful, at least at first, while you're trying to figure out your hair. Some good recipes can be found here: http://science-yhairblog.blogspot.com/p/recipes-and-projects.html. You could maybe try the gelatin protein treatment to see how your hair responds to protein.

Guide 65

Oh my gosh, your hair is going to be gorgeous once you get it in better condition!  Right now it looks sooo dry.  You need more conditioner!  Deep conditioner, rinse out conditioner, leave in conditioner.  Use styling products that are moisturizing.  Flax seed gel is wonderful and you can make it yourself, if you can get Deva Curl, then B'Leave In is great. 

Mop Top is a really good product line.  Can you get more of that?  It's much better quality than Shea Moisture.  A European only line is Trepadora.  You can find it in salons, although I don't know which countries. 

CurlyLili

Thank you all for your suggestions.

I tried the flax seed gel, but it made my hair very dry, hard and crunchy... and a lot less voluminous. I tried scrunching it out, but it didn't help much. It also felt like my hair was a lot more tangly. It is possible that I applied too much of it though (got all hyped about moisturizing properties ).
Surprised to hear Shea Moisture is not very good quality... I heard great things about it. 
Maybe I will try some AsIAm products also, the french store I am ordering from has that brand also. I heard they have a few "light" products. 
If all else fails.. I will order DevaCurl from Strawberrynet... and eat ramen for a while 

I would love to try some more moisturising DIY masks, suggestions are welcomed 

CurlyLili

I caved in and got a whole lot of Devacurl.. and the MopTop custard... and some other stuff

Will report on the progress in a while.

Thank you all for the suggestions, I appreciate it.

CurlyLili

So I am now almost 2 months in the CGM, and I couldn't be happier. @Guide 65 - I was silly, and didn't listen to you... I ordered some SM coconut and hibiscus line products, and they are way too heavy for my hair, even if I use a tiny amount. I do enjoy their shampoos and deep treatments though. Otherwise, I try to keep all other products (especially stylers) water soluble and light. @Therese1 , that link you posted is the best website for hair knowledge, and it has helped me tremendously with understanding my hair issues. I thank you and the rest of the girls from the bottom of my heart! ❤️ 🌀

Guide 65

Your hair is really beautiful!  It looks so much more hydrated now.  Thanks so much for the update.  We love success stories!

Therese1

Beautiful hair! I'm so glad that things are working out for you.

Drpjfitz

@CurlyLili  just wanted to say that your hair looks gorgeous now! Amazing results! Your success gives me a lot of hope for my own hair.

sharon.koshy

Hello, Recently I encountered protein overload and I am steering clear from protein products and its a struggle finding protein free products. I came across a conditioner and it was mentioned as protein free on a CG website. However, when I saw the ingredient list it has thyme and marshmallow extracts, which I believe has protein? My hair cannot tolerate protein from even Shikakai and amla, so I am wondering thyme, marshmallow extracts will work for my low porosity, protein sensitive hair.

sharon.koshy

Hello, Recently I encountered protein overload and I am steering clear from protein products and its a struggle finding protein free products. I came across a conditioner and it was mentioned as protein free on a CG website. However, when I saw the ingredient list it has thyme and marshmallow extracts, which I believe has protein? My hair cannot tolerate protein from even Shikakai and amla, so I am wondering thyme, marshmallow extracts will work for my low porosity, protein sensitive hair.