Because the right product still needs the right routine.
Last week in our Growth + Retention Series, we talked about one of the biggest questions we hear all the time:
Original Formula vs. New Formula
We broke down how each formula supports your hair journey differently, how they dry, how they hold, and why choosing the right formula is the first step to real results.
This week, we go even deeper.
Because even with the right formula, there is one thing that changes everything:
Your application.
The truth is, many people do not have a product problem.
They have an application problem.
If your hair is growing but not getting longer, if your styles are not lasting, or if your hair feels dry even after applying product, the issue may not be the formula—it may be how you are using it.
Retention starts with consistency, but consistency only works when the product is applied correctly.
Let’s fix that.
START WITH A CLEAN FOUNDATION
Before application, your hair needs to be ready to receive the product.
If there is heavy buildup from old products, oils, gels, sprays, or residue sitting on the hair, it can block moisture and prevent your formula from working the way it should.
That is why we recommend starting with a:
Clarifying Shampoo First
This helps remove buildup and gives your hair a clean foundation.
If your hair tends to be very dry or struggles to hold moisture, you can always follow with a hydrating shampoo afterward.
But first—we want the hair clean.
Product works best on prepared hair.
Not on top of old buildup.
APPLY FROM ROOT TO ENDS
This is one of the biggest mistakes people make.
They focus only on the surface.
But healthy hair starts at the root.
We apply from:
Root to Ends
That means:
• smoothing the scalp
• supporting the roots
• laying the edges
• coating the strands
• sealing the ends
Everything matters.
Especially the ends.
Because your ends tell the truth about your retention.
If your ends stay dry, rough, or split, you will keep losing length no matter how much your hair grows.
THE STRETCHING METHOD THAT SAVES TIME
One of our favorite techniques starts right after wash day.
Many people with 4A, 4B, and 4C hair stretch their hair by putting it into:
• 4 to 8 plaits
• twists
• braids
This helps reduce shrinkage while the hair dries.
Here is the better move:
Apply the product BEFORE taking the plaits down
Instead of taking everything down first and then starting from scratch, smooth the product onto the roots, edges, and sections while the hair is still stretched.
This helps:
• lock moisture in sooner
• reduce unnecessary manipulation
• smooth the roots
• control shrinkage
• create better curl definition when released
Then, when you take the plaits down, you are taking down curls—not chaos.
Half the work is already done.
Now you only need a small amount to finish and seal the final style.
That is smarter retention.
YOUR ENDS NEED ATTENTION
The ends are where retention is won or lost.
You want your ends:
smooth
sealed
organized
protected
Use a:
Wide-Tooth Comb
to gently guide the ends into place and make sure they are moving in the same direction.
Do not rush this.
Smoothing the ends helps prevent breakage, split ends, and that dry unfinished look people mistake for “my hair just does not grow.”
It grows.
We just have to help you keep it.
COMB FOR LENGTH—NOT SHRINKAGE
This is a major tip for curl definition and length retention.
Many people comb the hair straight down, and the moment they let go—the hair bounces right back up.
That is shrinkage.
Instead:
Comb outward or upward first
Let the curl form naturally, then allow the curl to fall into place.
This creates:
• better definition
• less shrinkage
• more visible length
• a more polished finish
Especially for tighter textures like 4A and 4C, this changes everything.
Do not fight the curl.
Guide it.
Then let it fall.
REFRESHING YOUR STYLE THE RIGHT WAY
Let’s say you have:
• a week-old wash and go
• a stretched style
• curls that need refreshing
• a puff or bun that needs to look polished
Do not start by overloading product.
Start by:
Putting the hair where you want it first
If you want a high puff, shape the puff first.
If you want a sleek bun, position the bun first.
Then apply the product to smooth, define, and finish.
The product should set the style—not create confusion.
This is how you get a polished look instead of buildup.
Especially with the New Formula, the hold helps lock everything into place beautifully.
HOW EACH FORMULA DRIES
This matters.
Because how your product dries affects your expectations.
New & Improved Formula
This formula dries with a cast.
That is intentional.
It helps:
• lock the style in place
• reduce daily manipulation
• train curl patterns
• improve retention
• help styles last longer
That cast should stay for a couple of days.
It is like setting your style with holding spray—but better, because it is locking your hair in nourishment too.
If you want to soften the hold, stretch the style, or loosen the finish, that happens during your night routine.
Not by fighting the product on day one.
The New Formula is lighter, clearer, and reaches the hair faster—making application smoother and results stronger.
That is why it is the New & Improved Formula.
Original Formula
The Original Formula is richer and heavier.
It is excellent for:
• moisture support
• thicker textures
• daily maintenance
• polishing styles
• keeping everything looking fresh
It does not create the same cast, but it gives rich nourishment and support.
It is perfect for maintenance and moisture-heavy routines.
Both formulas work.
The key is using the right one the right way.
FINAL THOUGHT
Retention is not luck.
It is routine.
The right formula matters.
But the right application is what turns good product into real results.
That is where growth becomes visible.
That is where length starts to stay.
That is where your routine starts working for you instead of against you.
This week, focus on your application.
Because sometimes the breakthrough is not buying more.
It is using better.
And that changes everything.
