Hair Care Tips for Curly Hair
If you‘re struggling with curly hair, it may just be that your hair-care routine needs a little tweaking. Sometimes it’s as simple as substituting one product for another or could just be a case of switching up your daily habits.
Figuring out what your curls need to keep them in optimum condition can result in a lot of trial and error, particularly when it comes to selecting the correct shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. There are a lot of options out there.
We asked two of our stylists (the ones with curly hair!) for some curly hair advice and also to share their pick of favourite products.
When to Wash?
Curly hair can be prone to dryness therefore it is recommended hair is washed no more than 2 – 3 times per week. This figure will depend on the texture and overall health of your hair, together with a few other factors such as whether you work out (and your curls are exposed to sweat) or whether they are exposed to the elements.
Hair that is finer tends to become weighted down by oil more quickly than other hair types therefore fine curls will require more frequent washing. Thicker or coarser hair, on the other hand, needs less as this hair type tends to produce a smaller amount of oil and is therefore drier. If left too long between washes however, hair can become dehydrated and knotted so it’s important to try and maintain the correct balance for your hair type.
(For general hair care advice please check out our blog on Hair Care Tips).
The Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Curly Hair
As with all hair types, the quest for great hair starts with your choice of shampoo and conditioner.
Curly hair often has a tendency to be a little dry and lacklustre. If this sounds like yours and those curls are lacking in the va-va-voom department, it is highly likely they need some additional moisture.
To combat dryness, avoid products that contain harsh ingredients such as sulfates, which strip moisture out of the hair. Instead opt for formulas that use plant oils or glycerin as these are far more nourishing.
Stylist’s favs:
- Insight’s Dry Hair Nourishing Shampoo & Nourishing Conditioner
- Nine Yards All In Moisture Shampoo & Just Right Moist Conditioner
- Authentic Beauty Concept’s Hydrate Cleanser & Hydrate Conditioner
If you have fine hair however, curls can become overloaded if they are too heavily moisturised so switch to a product that is developed specifically for fine hair such as Authentic Beauty Concept’s volumising range.
For coloured hair, to avoid fade always stick with a shampoo formulated specifically to protect your colour and look at combining this with a moisturising or repairing conditioner.
Stylist’s favs:
- Insight’s Coloured Hair Protective Shampoo and Protective Conditioner
- Authentic Beauty Concept’s Glow Cleanser and Replenish Conditioner, Hydrate Conditioner or Hydrate Lotion
Treatments for Curly Hair
If your curls are starting to feel a little dry on the ends and would benefit from some extra TLC, replace your usual conditioner with a treatment such as K18’s Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask.
This revolutionary treatment is one of our favourites as it restores the innermost layer of the hair fibre, reconnecting broken keratin chains that form the building blocks of hair. The result, hair’s natural strength and elasticity is restored, leaving it feeling soft and shiny. Available as both an at-home or salon treatment.
Styling Products for Curly Hair
When it comes to styling its as much about product application as it is about the actual products. That said, there is no substitute for good quality merchandise.
Salon products are typically more expensive than those you find on the high street. This is largely due to the number of superior ingredients they contain. The formulas are more highly concentrated than their cheaper counterparts so you need less of the product to achieve the same effect. The upshot – if used correctly, your premium purchase actually lasts longer, saving money in the long run.
Understanding which products to use, the amounts you actually need and how to apply them correctly will revolutionise the results you achieve and the length of time those results last. If in doubt on quantities, check the manufacturer’s recommendations or ask your hairdresser.
Generally, the best results are achieved using two styling products – one to enhance and define the curl with the second to hold it in place.
Apply to wet hair and then diffuse as soon as you can, for as long as you can.
Stylist’s favs:
To enhance and define the curl:
- Nine Yards Twist N Shout Curl Revival Cream
- Sebastian Professional Twisted Curl Magnifier Cream
To hold the curl:
- Nine Yards Go Large Volume Mousse
- Authentic Beauty Concept Amplify Mousse
Check out our lovely stylist Larissa’s Curly Girl Routine video. Larissa is shown here applying:
- K18’s Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask
- Nine Yards Go Large Volume Mousse
- Nine Yards Twist N Shout Curl Revival Cream
Diffusing
Diffusing will always provide the best shape, volume and definition for your curls.
Select a diffuser that matches your needs – some are designed to create volume whilst others to provide definition. Always opt for a model that has a large, deep bowl and use on a medium heat and speed.
Start your diffuse with your head flipped upside down and hover the diffuser around the roots first, as these take the longest to dry. This will provide more volume and curl definition. If its bounce you require, gently scrunch the hair with the diffuser midway through the drying process.
In a rush? Increase the speed and not the heat!
Freshening Up Between Washes
If your hair needs a refresh between washing, reach for the appropriate styling product.
Unless your hair is particularly dry and needs additional moisture, wetting your hair and reapplying conditioner in between washes will generally lead to scalp issues and a build-up of product on the hair – resulting in it becoming lacklustre in appearance.
Instead refresh with a mousse, cream or foam to plump volume, add hold or redefine curls.
Sleeping
Taking good care of your tresses when you go to sleep, will ensure there is a lot less maintenance to do in the morning!
If hair is medium in length or longer, one of the best ways to protect curls as you slumber is to tie it in a silk scrunchie on the top of your head, otherwise known as a ‘pineapple’. This minimises friction, prevents the ends of the hair from drying out and protects curls from becoming flattened or squashed as you move around during the night (it’s also great for added root volume).
The undoubted holy grail for curl protection whilst you sleep however is a silk pillowcase. Ideal for all lengths of hair, silk pillowcases ensure that moisture is not drawn from your hair (and face for that matter) as you snooze. Whilst cotton and linen are naturally absorbent, thereby creating friction that causes hair to break, silk does not. It’s natural protein-based fibre is similar to hair and is much less absorbent ensuring it doesn’t draw moisture away. It is also hypoallergenic, breathable and naturally resistant to dust mites.
Our Hairembrace silk pillowcase are made from 100% Mulberry silk, the highest grade silk available to buy and cost just £19.50 for the pair. Definitely worth the investment!
Whilst curly hair inevitably has its challenges, swapping out some of the products you use, tweaking the way you apply them and switching up your care routine can make a significant difference to the look and feel of your hair.
Cared for properly, those curls can look simply gorgeous and be the envy of us all.
Joseph Ferraro Hair (JFH) Ltd is a team of professional stylists that deliver exceptional hairdressing services for the individual. Owned and founded by Authentic Beauty Concept Ambassador and North-Eastern Hairdresser of the Year (2016), Joseph Ferraro, the JFH team is dedicated to providing expert hair care.
Should you need further information or advice on our range of products or wish to speak to a member of the team, please email enquiries@josephferraroonline.co.uk