If you’re lucky enough to have a mane of curls, you know that it can be as capricious—for you who have to take care of it—as it is captivating for those who look at it, including you. In our article, forget about the talk of fighting your curls! Here we talk about understanding them and caring for them with love. Whether your curls are as soft as springs or gently wavy, every twist is unique and deserves the best.
The differences between curly hair and frizzy hair?
In a previous article, we established the key differences between curly and oily hair. You can read this article if you want to know all about the differences, but here’s a great summary.
Characteristics of curly hair
These curls tend to be a little dry because the oil from your scalp doesn’t travel as well along your coils. To keep them in shape, remember to moisturize and define them with suitable products (we’ll tell you more about this later in the article), without forgetting to tame the frizz that appears with humidity. The good news is that while your porosity may vary, you can play around with several styling techniques.
Characteristics of frizzy hair
Conversely, if your hair is curly, it tends to zigzag without a defined shape and is even drier. They require a good dose of hydration and gentle detangling to avoid breakage. With them, the reaction to humidity is more pronounced—they tend to shrink or become even more frizzy. Their high porosity will require you to pamper them with care to keep all this hydration. Finally, detangling is just as crucial as with curly hair (if not more so), so take the time to do it gently.
Why does curly hair require specific products?
Your curly hair is unique and has its own unique needs. Their spiral shape makes them naturally drier because sebum, the oily film that protects and hydrates hair, has difficulty covering the entire length of the strand. This is why curly hair products are enriched with moisturizing agents to compensate for and nourish the hair fiber from root to tip. They help retain moisture and prevent frizz. In short, they are there to give your curls everything they need to be at their best.
What shampoos for curly hair should you use?
You want something that cleans without drying. Sulfate-free moisturizing shampoos are perfect for you. They will remove impurities without being too harsh on your hair and without stripping away the natural oils that protect it. A very interesting shampoo is Redken’s All Soft Mega Curls. It nourishes, smooths, and leaves hair with a soft, shiny finish. For 72 hours, it has the power to define your curls and leaves them visibly healthier and less damaged. It is the ultimate hydration product for medium to thick hair.
Which conditioners for curly hair should you use?
After shampooing, conditioner is essential to detangle and soften your curls. Look for products rich in natural butter like shea or cocoa, vegetable oils like argan or jojoba, or plant extracts that will deeply hydrate your hair. Apply generously, leave on for a few minutes, and rinse well for soft, nourished curls. As a conditioner, there is nothing better than the little brother of the shampoo we presented to you in the previous section, namely the All Soft Mega Curls Conditioner from Redken. It nourishes, strengthens, and improves hair manageability in addition to adding the moisture needed to perfectly define curly hair. Using it will help leave your curls looking visibly healthier, all day long.
Should you use creams, gels, or foams?
To style your curls, creams, gels, and mousses can be your allies. The key is to choose products that meet the results you desire. This can be a lengthening product, a definer, an enhancer, etc. Generally, creams are great for moisturizing, gels are great for defining, and mousses do a good job of adding volume. For example, Living Proof’s Lightweight Defining Styling Gel helps combat the effects of humidity and provides better control and definition without creasing hair. It holds your style 12x longer in high humidity, giving you a long-lasting hold without cracking or feeling heavy. You can (and should) test to find the product that works best for you or ask your hairdresser for advice. Finally, do not overuse products to prevent your hair from becoming greasy or heavy.
Can nourishing oils help your hair health?
Oils can do wonders for your curls. They help seal in moisture, add shine, and can even help repair damage. A few drops of coconut, argan, or jojoba oil applied to dry ends or strands can improve the look and health of your hair. But be careful, don’t overdo the amount of oil! For product recommendations, ask our hairdressers.
What ingredients should I avoid (talking about sulfates and silicones)?
In curly hair products—as well as in general—you want to avoid sulfates and silicones. Sulfates can be too stripping and dry out your curls. As for silicones, they can weigh them down and prevent hydration from penetrating the hair fiber. So you should aim to use products that say “sulfate-free” and “silicone-free” for healthy curls. To learn more about ingredients to avoid, check out our article on curly hair care.
Hair styling techniques for curly hair
To style your curls, you can use a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle. When applying styling products, do so on damp hair to better define the curls. A popular technique is to squeeze your curls from the bottom up to help them form. Let it air dry or use a diffuser if you’re in a hurry, but avoid touching your hair until it’s completely dry to avoid frizz.
What to do to combat frizz (instead of focusing on curls)?
INSTANT DE-FRIZZER NO FRIZZ 79G LIVING PROOF
To transform your curls into flawless straightness, a suitable routine is essential, and you must also take precautions to not affect the health of your hair. First, prep your hair by washing it with a smoothing shampoo that contains ingredients like keratin—known for its soothing power. Follow with a conditioner from the same range to maximize the effect. Before blow-drying, don’t forget to apply a heat protectant. This is crucial to avoid damage caused by heat from a hair dryer or straightener. Choose a product that smooths the cuticles and provides a protective barrier. When drying your hair, use a round brush to gently straighten each strand and direct the airflow of the hair dryer from the roots to the ends: this helps smooth the cuticles and prevent frizz. If you’re using a hair straightener, use a moderate temperature and work in small sections, moving the iron quickly to avoid overheating your hair. Also, several products have the power to help you with your fight against frizz, such as Living Proof’s no frizz instant de-frizzer spray. Finally, remember that frequent straightening can weaken your curly hair in the long run. It is therefore important to nourish them with hydrating masks regularly and to limit the use of heating tools as much as possible.
Conclusion
Whether you like lively curls or straight hair, each style has its charm. But in the end, the important thing is that you love your curls and that you choose the right products. Your hair will love you for making the right choices for it.
