If you have natural curly hair, you know the struggle of trying to tame your locks with heated tools. But what if I told you that there’s a better way? I’m here to show you how to embrace your curls and take a more organic approach to styling.
The Market is Flourishing with Products for Curly Hair
The market is full of products that can help you enhance your hair’s natural movement. From concentrated oils that deliver ultimate moisture to coils, to lightweight spritzes for reviving third-day waves, there’s something for every variety of curly hair. And forget the styling tools – modern innovation has seen classic brushes come a long way, so you can leave the heat damage at home.
1. Adopt the ‘Twist and Press’ Method When Drying
We’re all guilty of roughly drying our hair after a shower, but this can crush natural curls and encourage frizz. Instead, try the ‘twist and press’ method. This gentle approach will preserve curls and provide body. Here’s how to do it:
- After washing and conditioning your hair, gently scrunch out excess water with a microfiber towel or cotton shirt.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or styling cream to seal in moisture and define curls.
- Instead of rubbing your hair dry with a towel, twist small sections of hair and press them gently with the towel to absorb moisture.
- Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser on low heat to speed up the process.
2. Go Gentle with the Hairbrush
Curly hair tends to be more dry and brittle than other types, so pulling a hairbrush through it can cause breakage and iron out your curl’s natural shape. Instead, use a detangling brush on conditioned hair or a wide tooth comb. This will help to detangle your curls without causing damage.
3. Ask Your Hairstylist to Feather the Ends of Your Hair
One of the best kept secrets in hairdressing is to ask your hairstylist to feather the ends of your hair with a razor or scissors. This technique creates a soft, natural-looking edge that adds movement and body to your curls. It also helps to eliminate split ends and prevent breakage.
4. Use the L.O.C Method
Finding products that work for your hair type is the key to giving your locks that extra bit of lustre. A great starting place is to try the L.O.C method – which stands for liquid/leave-in, oil, cream. This method will add moisture to keep your curls hydrated and define your curls. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or water to damp hair to add moisture.
- Apply a lightweight oil, such as argan or jojoba, to seal in moisture and add shine.
- Finish with a curl cream or styling gel to define curls and add hold.
5. Always Use a Diffuser When Blow-Drying
A diffuser is essential for evening out curl patterns and adding volume to your curls. To give your curls some shape, simply turn your hairdryer on to the ‘low’ setting and drop them into the diffuser. Here are some tips for using a diffuser:
- Use a low heat setting to avoid damaging your curls.
- Spend longer on each section with the diffuser at low to medium heat to avoid creating frizz with too much movement or by drying too quickly.
- Use a diffuser with a long handle so you can easily move it around your head.
6. Avoid ‘Anti-Frizz’ Products
Some anti-frizz products on the market contain silicones, which can weigh down curly hair and cause buildup. Instead, look for sulphate-free formulas with moisturising ingredients such as glycerin and plant butters. These ingredients will help to hydrate your curls and reduce frizz naturally.
7. Change Up Your Mousse Game
Mousse can be a game-changer for curly hair. It’s packed with malleable proteins that strengthen every curl without that stiff feeling. Look for a mousse that is specifically designed for curly hair and contains ingredients that will hydrate and define your curls. Here are some tips mousse:
- Apply mousse to damp hair and scrunch it in to define your curls.
- Use a generous amount of mousse, but don’t overdo it – too much product can weigh down your curls and make them look greasy.
- If you have fine hair, look for a lightweight mousse that won’t weigh down your curls.
- If you have thick hair, look for a mousse that provides extra hold and definition.
8. Choose a Light Hold Hairspray to Lock in Your Style
Don’t make the mistake of drenching your natural curls in strong hold hairspray to keep them in check. Instead, look for curl-specific hold spritzes or do a very light misting of low-alcohol hairspray. This will help to hold your curls in place without making them look stiff or crunchy.
9. Don’t Be Afraid of Salt Sprays
To invigorate your curls, water is your BFF. Spritzing your hair with water and reapplying your leave-in conditioner, gels or serums can help to reactivate your curls and add moisture. But if you’re someone with looser curls, a good salt spray can do a great job of creating texture and revitalising the wave or curl. Look for a salt spray that is specifically designed for curly hair and contains ingredients that will hydrate and define your curls.
10. Treat Your Hair to a Deep Conditioning Treatment
Quench thirsty curls and encourage a lively bounce by treating your hair to an intensely hydrating conditioning treatment weekly or twice monthly, depending on your hair type. This will help to add moisture and prevent breakage. Look for a deep conditioning treatment that is specifically designed for curly hair and contains ingredients that will hydrate and define your curls.
By following these tips, you can embrace your natural curls and take a more organic approach to styling. Say goodbye to heated tools and hello to healthy, bouncy curls. Remember that everyone’s curls are different, so it may take some trial and error to find the right products and techniques for your hair. But with a little patience and experimentation, you can achieve the curls of your dreams.
