How To Care For Your Curly Hair
Those of us lucky enough to have curly hair are no strangers to the year round battle of taming our manes into submission. Whether you already adore you curls or are still learning to love them, we’ve put together a few tips on how to care for your curly hair.
The relationship we have with our hair is a very personal one. If you combine the struggle to fully accepting your look with an untamed, frizzy barnet well, it might take a few trials before you can embrace your curls. But it’s so worth it! One of the most recurrent questions you might come across in the curly community (if it doesn’t exist yet, let’s found one) is: when did you stop straightening your hair? And it usually involves a crucial moment of self-acceptance and realization: ‘Why haven’t I done it before?!’ Even the most elaborate hair care routine will never top the lengthy process of straightening curls. Not only that but taking care of your curly hair will be less time consuming, but much more rewarding. One of the biggest hair trends of the year broke the 90s taboo of the straight fringe. (Modelled, right, by our beauty crush Sophia Roe.) Now you can rock any hairstyle without having to go for either romantic locks or sexy bombshell. Natural products are more gentle and nourishing for your curls than the chemical ones. We believe the more natural, the better. Here is our step-by-step guide for bouncy, healthy curls!
Image: @sophia_roe
How To Care For Curly Hair
The Haircut
Finding a salon that gives you a proper cut is the first step, and probably the most important. Some haircuts look good even with frizz if they’re properly done! Some people might say: only a hairstylist with curly hair will know the struggle, but that’s debatable. It’s worthwhile to be specific when making an appointment and asking for someone who will know the best techniques to enhance your curls. At London based Buller and Rice, they use products with sustainable and organic ingredients: kind to your waves and locks.
The Pre-shampoo
Nourishment is absolutely key. It is an essential step to prevent damage when styling. No matter how gentle your shampoo is, it will always include some ingredients that will dry your hair a bit. Applying an oil before cleansing is perfect for achieving a shiny but non-greasy look. Coconut oil has been a not so well kept secret for ages, but jojoba oil does the work as well. Both are easily absorbed by the hair and readily available to buy.
The Shampoo
With curly hair you don’t need to wash your hair as much as you would do with straight hair. Dry shampoo will no longer be your best friend. A good moisturizing shampoo will do the work without any damage!
The Conditioner and Mask
This is the step that everyone with curls will swear by: you can’t skip this one! If you’re in a rush, a conditioner will be enough. However if you have more time or a lazy day at home, it can be an excellent chance to give extra nourishment with a hair mask of your choice. Don’t forget to comb it through gently and rinse with warm, but not too hot water. If you dare, cold water with a little bit of apple cider vinegar will give your tresses extra shine.
Styling
We also know that one of the perks of having this typology of hair is that you don’t have to worry too much about avoiding oily products that might be heavy. Our curly locks are literally sponges for moisture. Avoid combing again after rinsing out the conditioner, this will make your locks more defined. This is arguably the most personal step, as every person has a very specific type of curl. You may even have different types of coils and kinks on your own head. Whether you use dry oils such as jojoba, serum, or swear by anti-frizz sprays, it takes some time to find the perfect one. However creams are usually more recommended. Letting your hair dry naturally avoids heat damage, but a low heat diffuser is great if you want them to be more defined. When your hair is dry, it’s likely to look – again – frizzy: don’t feel defeated, simply add some more styling product.
Embrace Your Beautiful Curls
Let’s say it out loud: frizz is ok! It’s part of having curly hair. It’s a look. Having locks doesn’t mean having perfect unachievable spirals that are often the result of a curling iron. If you thought you had too much product in the morning and then your hair is frizzy again at the end of the day, don’t sweat it. Remember that all beauty standards are temporary, and forever changing: and that some people would spend hours in a salon to achieve what takes you just 20 minutes!
Curly Care Products We Love
Disclaimer: The content of this article is for general advice only and should not be used as a substitute for professional healthcare or beauty advice. We make every effort to ensure we only recommend safe products however you should always do a patch test when trying new products. This post may contain affiliate links
