Favourite curl creams / leave-in conditioners of 2020

Hello everyone and Happy New Year! 

In this first post of the year, I want to share with you some of my favourite hair care products.  As I previously told you; I've been wearing my hair, exclusively, in its naturally wavy/curly state (2c/3a) since June 2019.  Using a curl cream or a leave-in conditioner is an important step in my curly routine, one I cannot skip.  

Here are the four (4) hair creams I purchased and repurchased in 2020...

The reason I use four different leave-ins is that I rotate between them, and use the cream that my hair needs on that particularly wash day.  Your hair should maintain a balance between moisture and protein and finding and maintaining the balance between these two is critical for achieving and maintaining healthy hair.  Neither protein nor moisture can work well without the other.

When my hair feels a bit dry and is in dire need of moisture, I use the Garnier Fructis Aloe Vera Air-Dry Cream.  This product is very moisture-rich and it does an amazing job at hydrating dry hair.  It is ideal for dehydrated hair, highly moisturising, with aloe vera extract and vegetable glycerin.

On the other end of the spectrum, if my hair feels over moisturised and needs protein, I use the Garnier Fructis Hydra Liss 10 in 1 Air Dry Cream.  This product is rich in protein and it also acts as a heat protectant.  In fact, it claims to be a ten actions in one product; heat protection, anti-frizz, anti-humidity, anti-breakage, anti-split ends, repairs, moisturises, softens, gives shine and does not weight down hair.  This leave-in treatment is enriched with argan oil and liquid amino-keratin.

I use the Suave Professionals Curl Defining Cream (with natural shea butter and pure coconut oil) when my hair is balanced and doesn't need more moisture than protein or vice versa.  Coconut oil does not contain proteins itself, it is composed of approximately 50% lauric acid which helps restore and strengthen the protein structure of your hair.  This product enhances my natural curl pattern and helps fight frizz while adding moisture and shine.  I only use a small amount of this cream as it tends to weigh down my hair if I use too much.

The Garnier Fructis Hydra Ricci Air-Dry Cream, has a little bit of hold, that the other three hair cream I use do not.  It does a good job at defining my curls, however, I still need to use a mousse or gel on top for hold (as I do with any cream I use).  This leave-in treatment is enriched with pistachio oil and in fact, it spells just like pistachio.

These products are very affordable and work well for my hair type.  If you use strictly CG (curly girl method) approved products, you can try the Garnier Fructis Aloe Vera Air Dry Cream; it is the only one of the four hair creams I mentioned that is silicone-free.  

Personally, I do not use sulphates or silicones in my shampoos and conditioners, but I don't mind using silicone in my stylers.  Here in Malta, the air is very humid all year round and the silicone in my stylers create a barrier against the moisture in the air.  I tried following the curly girl method to a T but my hair loves silicone curl creams and leave-in conditioners. 

What are your favourite leave-in hair products?

Wishing you a year fully loaded with happiness.