Product Review: KeraCare Twist and Define Cream

No, this is not me, although we both have great smiles. Lol! My cheerful model pictured has type 4c hair, and it is all natural and in an updo in the back. She has no chemicals in her hair. We used KeraCare Cleansing Cream, Uncle Funky Daughter's Richee Rich Conditioner, and Keracare Twist and Define cream. I "shingled" and double strand twisted the hair into cornrows. I did not have to use any perm rods on the ends of the cornrows because the type 4c curl pattern naturally curls back on itself at the ends. The drying time was at least an hour. We loved the elongation of the curl pattern that the Twist and Define cream gave, but there was some minor crystallization residue in the hair. I am thinking that in the future to skip the deep conditioning process and follow with the KeraCare Natural Textures Leave-in Conditioner. Then use the KeraCare Twist and Define cream.

The crystallization that formed in some areas was tolerable, but it reminded me that even when I was experimenting this summer with the KeraCare's Defining Custard, I used to have challenges with crystallization. I am almost convinced that when it comes to the natural, curly hair product lines, one really needs to stick with all the products within the same line.

I also have to admit that I had to use "Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding" around the hairline because the KeraCare Twist and Define Cream did not seem to want to lay some of the shorter, kinkier hairline down. Miss Jessie's "Curly Pudding" is my best edge tamer for natural and relaxed hair.

My model can further finish this style off with a colorful scarf or a loose headband.

Shingling: A Natural Hair Styling Technique

Shingling seems to work best on Type 3c to Type 4a curl patterns. Typically, this curl pattern is coarse, frizzy, and a finger size in curl diameter. The combination of the KeraCare Cleansing Cream as a curl wash and Design Essentials Defining Creme Gel as a shingling cream has been a perfect combination. A rinse out conditioner is optional. Please see separate article on KeraCare cleansing cream.
Shingling involves combing the Design Essentials Defining Creme Gel through the hair one section at a time. The defining creme gel is a thick creme but oily enough to work and distribute product down the hair shaft. Just apply at root and comb down repeatedly until you get the product through each section from root to end without adding too much product. A wide tooth, seamless comb is more ideal than the comb used in this picture. This picture was taken from the Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding literature. Sometimes the Curly Pudding is too light to control the coarser hair. The Design Essentials Defining Cream Gel gives more control and shine on some curl patterns.
This is an overview of Shingling 101 as presented by Miss Jessie's product line featuring their "Curly Pudding" styling aid. Please see my separate article on "seamless combs." Hair must dry under platform dryer or air dry without touching. Hair can be left loose or section the hair by cornrows and double strand twist set/flat twists, then let hair dry in the cornrows. Dryer time: An hour to an hour and a half. When completely dried, pull the cornrows apart and style. Typically, I do not need perm rods on the ends because the curl pattern seems to coil on its own without unravelling.

Pictured is when drying loose. If you use the cornrow method, then you can leave out some of the beginning of the twist/cornrows along the hairline in order to give style and keep hair off of the face. You can achieve a bob style as well.

Please note: IF you are using permanent haircolor or lightening your hair, then the color will texturize your hair by making it softer. These products and techniques may not work well on color-treated hair because the color treated hair is no longer "natural." Sorry.

Maintenance: Do not use water. It will break the seal on the hair. "Hair Milk" or some "oily" cream is good to keep the hair from shrinking back up!