Curly Qs: Rizos Revamped

I washed my hair this weekend with my usual shampoo and conditioner, and when it came time to style I tried a new scientifically-based curl-defining cream that shall remain nameless (go ahead, take a guess!). It's a light cream that is supposed to be ultra frizz-fighting, but once I rubbed it throughout my hair, it left my curls parched like straw, even though I had also added my usual leave-in conditioner! They felt dry, looked dry and were frizzy—not good.

Since I didn't like the results, I had to rewash and style my hair again the next day. I dared to try another new product, SAMY Get Curls Re-Energizing Potion ($6, mass-market retailers nationwide). This clear, serum-like formula doesn’t feel greasy or heavy. It’s also alcohol-free, which is great since alcohol can suck the moisture out of rizos that tend to be dehydrated already. I used it on my damp hair without my usual leave-in and noticed how it coated each strand, immediately getting rid of fly-aways. I was surprised at how defined this potion left my curls. And coworkers noticed too—giving me compliments on my frizz-free locks even though we've been hit with humid and rainy weather here in NYC!

Have you ever had to restyle your hair after using a product you didn’t like? What are your favorite hair products to combat humidity?