Discovering a New Love in Hair Care
There’s a special bond we form with our favorite hair products, a bond so strong that we often find ourselves doing everything possible to stretch their lifespan. This sentiment rings particularly true for me with Crown Affair’s Leave-In Conditioner. As I poured the last remnants of this ultra-hydrating and lightweight cream, I felt an undeniable sadness creeping in. But just when I thought I was running out of options, a delightful email announcing the launch of Crown Affair’s Smoothing Air Dry Cream landed in my inbox. Set to debut on January 27, this new product marks Crown Affair’s first foray into curl definition, something founder Dianna Cohen recognized was sorely needed three years ago. The desire to create something that caters to the unique needs of different hair textures was the spark that ignited this new addition.
As someone with coarse Type 4 hair characterized by tight coils and persnickety frizz, I completely relate to the struggle of maintaining moisture and definition. While I’ve adored the Leave-In Conditioner, I often found it slightly too lightweight for my textured hair, leading me to pour even water into the bottle in a desperate attempt to prolong its life. Thinking about switching entirely to an air-dry cream raised a mix of skepticism and curiosity in me. Would this new product really define my curls? Was it a viable styling option on its own? With these questions swirling in my mind, I decided to reach out to Cohen directly for some guidance on how best to use the cream.
Cohen was gracious enough to set up a Zoom call to share her expertise. “The first step is to wash, condition, and towel-dry your hair,” she advised. While I naturally gravitated towards using more than the recommended amount, Cohen suggested starting with a nickel-sized amount and then distributing it evenly through damp hair. Although she has wavy hair, she reassured me that the Smoothing Air Dry Cream delivers excellent softness and hydration, even surpassing their original air-dry mousse. I was intrigued to learn that this cream is intended to replace the leave-in conditioner, rather than being an addition after.
The formulation of the Smoothing Air Dry Cream focuses on defining, hydrating, and softening natural curls. A closer look at the ingredient list convinced me that this cream could truly deliver. According to cosmetic chemist Amanda Lam, the product replaces traditional styling agents with hydroxypropyl starch phosphate. This modified starch aids in managing frizz while allowing for curl retention without that uncomfortable crunch. The inclusion of nourishing ingredients such as coconut fruit extract and squalane promises to leave curls soft and touchable, a quality I deeply appreciate.
One aspect that caught my eye was the packaging. While many of Crown Affair’s products come in chic frosted glass bottles, the Smoothing Air Dry Cream is uniquely housed in a stylish mint green tube. Cohen explicitly mentioned that this decision was deliberate; it acknowledges the practicality of hair care routines and the often slippery conditions involved. A product that’s easy to handle during application is crucial for anyone looking to enhance their styling game.
Eager to see how well the product would perform, I decided to test the air-dry cream on my human hair clip-ins. The extensions closely mirrored my natural texture, albeit with slightly looser curls. By leaving out the front section of my hair, I was able to experiment with the cream’s effectiveness while still maintaining some of my authentic texture. Layering this innovative product onto my clip-ins, I was fully prepared to dive into this new hair journey and discover the potential of Crown Affair’s latest offering.