Aunt Jackie's UK.

A range named for what it does

Aunt Jackie's is an American curl brand with plain speaking product names, which makes it easier to shop than most. Curl Boss, Frizz Patrol, Don't Shrink. The label tells you the job. The range is aimed at curly and coily hair, sits in the affordable bracket, and the textures are thick enough that a little goes a long way.

Definition: gels, jellies and puddings

Curl Boss coconut curling gelee is the everyday definer and the biggest seller. Ice Curls glossy curling jelly gives a firmer, shinier cast for wash and go styles. Flawless pattern perfecting pudding is creamier and better on looser curls that flatten under gel. If shrinkage is your issue rather than frizz, the flaxseed Don't Shrink elongating curling gel is the one built for stretch.

Frizz Patrol setting mousse works over any of them on a twist out or a rod set, and Slicked flexible styling glue handles sleek styles where you still want the hair to move.

Masques, and matching one to the problem

There are four masques and they are not interchangeable. Not Your Average is the protein one, for hair that feels mushy, over conditioned or heat damaged. Curl Spell is pure moisture, for hair that feels dry and rough. Magic Mend is the thermal repair option if you press or flat iron. Soothe Operator is the one for a dry, tight scalp.

Alternating a protein masque with a moisture masque is what makes the pair work. Using Not Your Average every week on hair that is already stiff makes things worse, and the same goes for using Curl Spell on hair that has gone limp.

Braids, twists and edges

Hold Tight braid and twist gel keeps a fresh install neat, and Ready, Set, Hold braid setting foam is what you spray before you dip the ends. Smooth and Swirl edge gel handles the hairline without the crunch you get from stronger edge controls. All three will flake if you layer them over a pass that has not dried, so give each one time.

Scalp oils, cleansers and day three

The Elixir oils come in three blends, collagen with tea tree, biotin with rosemary, and saw palmetto with grapeseed. They go on the scalp in sections rather than over the whole head. Cool It conditioner is the cooling one, useful after a long stretch in braids.

For washing, Lather Up is the gentle sulphate free shampoo, Power Wash is the clarifier for build up, and Coco Wash or the flaxseed Purify Me co wash cover the weeks in between. Wake Up refresher spray and Shine Boss sheen mist handle day three, when the curls have flattened on one side and a full wash is not due.