Like many women with naturally curly hair, I straightened my hair for years before deciding to wear my hair in its natural state. As a result, my curl pattern had suffered major damage, but after ten years of trims, moisturizing treatments and trying various products, my natural curls had finally returned.
Because I’d put so much work into restoring my curl pattern, I avoided heat tools whenever possible and always used a heat protectant if I chose to flat-iron or blow-dry my hair. But one recent silk press at a salon without heat protectant reversed much of the progress I’d made over the past decade, leaving me with uneven textures and loosened curls (My natural pattern is 3C; now, it’s closer to 2C–3A). Although I’m devastated to have heat damage in my hair once again, my past experience has taught me that the right products and care can make a great difference in my hair health journey.
Cécred, Beyoncé’s haircare brand, recently launched the Styling Collection, which prioritizes protecting your hair during heat styling. When I learned about the products in this collection, they seemed perfect for me to try as I attempt to revive my natural curls—again.
What’s in the styling collection?
The Styling Collection consists of six products: the Strong Hold Gel, Thermal Shield Mist, Wrap and Set Foam, Heat Activated Silk Glaze, Volumizing Mousse,Flexible Hold Hair Spray, and the Edge Brush. Each product has 450° F heat and humidity protection, making them ideal for styles that involve using heat tools like blowouts and silk presses.
"We built this collection to give you what you need for any look,” said Cécred founder Beyoncé Knowles-Carter in a recent press release. “[...]You should never have to choose between a 'look' and the health of your hair."
How should I use the styling collection?
On their website, Cécred recommends specific ways to combine their products to achieve different results. For instance, if you want a sleek, silk press, they recommend the following combination: Cécred Thermal Shield Mist, Cécred Heat Activated Silk Glaze, and Cécred Flexible Hold Hairspray. If you’re getting a blowout, they recommend the following: Cécred Thermal Shield Mist, Cécred Volumizing Mousse, and Cécred Flexible Hold Hairspray.
Good Housekeeping Staff Writer Cameron Jenkins used the Heat-Activated Silk Glaze and Flexible Hold Hairspray to blow out her hair.
“I was really impressed with the Heat Activated Silk Glaze,” she said. “I loved how it helped cut down my blow-drying time. It usually takes me an hour to do my hair, but using this product, I only needed 30 minutes. It also left my hair looking extremely shiny and silky. I think this is the closest to salon quality that I've ever achieved from doing my own hair at home.”
I tried the products with a braid out, which required minimal heat, so I did the following: first, I washed and detangled using Cecréd’s Hydrating Shampoo and Hydrating Conditioner from the Foundation Collection. Then, when it was time to braid, I switched to the Styling Collection.
I sprayed the Thermal Shield Mist throughout my hair, then sectioned it into six parts. I applied the Wrap and Set Foam, did two to three braids per section, and wrapped my ends into flexi rods to secure nice, curly ends. I blow-dried my braids and used a small amount of the Nourishing Hair Oil from the Foundation Collection on my palms before unraveling each braid. Once I separated and fluffed out my curls, I sealed them with the Flexible Hold Hairspray and was ready to go.
Cécred heat protecting style products on 3c curls
Rosamelia’s damp hair in braids and flexi rods.
Rosamelia’s braid out results the next morning.
With curly styles, I often wonder if air drying would be a better choice to avoid further heat damage. However, knowing that I can do my entire routine using products designed for protection gives me so much peace of mind and confidence. No matter what hair texture you have, heat protection is everything, and Cécred understands that.
Where can I buy the styling collection?
The Styling collection is available on Cécred’s website and is available at Ulta Beauty.
Shop Cécred’s Styling Collection
