Every head of curly hair is unique, and while gorgeous, speaking from experience, curls need constant TLC, says editor Trudi Brewer. Here are the tips and products for bringing out the best in your wave.
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Curly hair is a beast to tame. It’s also demanding. It requires more moisture, and once humidity is at play, frizz taming, too. So, to embrace your natural curl and abstain from chemical treatments, here are the tips and products to keep your curls looking their best.
Unless you're willing to undergo expensive, permanent straightening treatments if you live in a humid climate, curls need moisture to look their best. This process starts in the shower; invest in a curl-specific shampoo and conditioner, and use a nourishing hair mask weekly. Making the final rinse of your hair with cold water helps prevent frizz by closing the cuticles, especially effective after applying a hydrating mask; the cool water seals the moisture deep into the hair shaft.
UMBERTO GIANNINI THIRSTY CURLS Dehydration SOS curl TREATMENT MASK, $25.
This new deep nourishing treatment is a silicone-free, multi-tasker and perfect for dehydrated curls. Its natural formula is stacked with jojoba seed and camellia seed oils, cocoa seed butter, wheat bran extract, and mushroom extract. It’s cruelty-free, and the pot is 100 per cent recyclable.
To use: Apply to clean damp hair and leave it on for ten minutes. Or, use it as an intensive sleep mask to recondition your curls overnight.
Nourishing hair oils are excellent for making the most of those beautiful waves. A few drops of plant-based oils, like argan, olive, and jojoba, into damp hair help nourish and defrizz. They are also great for scalp health too.
Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil, $91.
This luxe-y hair oil is hard to beat. The blend of healing plant oils, including jasmine, edelweiss flower, lychee, and argan extracts. Together, they condition, strengthen and repair split ends while giving curls incredible shine.
To Use: Apply to damp hair for heat protection or to dry hair for extra shine and softness.
Heat styling and curls are not great mates. So, to avoid poof or frizz, let hair air dry as long as possible or use a diffuser to get volume and define the curl without creating frizz. Always use a medium heat setting and heat-protecting spray on damp hair before styling.
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment, $70.
This spray is a life changer if you suffer from frizz. It leaves an invisible coating on the hair that prevents humidity or moisture from penetrating it. The result? Smoother, sleeker, and noticeably shinier strands. Best of all, these results last for days, even after multiple shampoos.
To use: This anti-humidity technology is heat-activated, so the hair must be damp to do the best job, and then blow-dry your hair.
It's a myth that you can't brush curly hair. Brushing your curls can be a miracle-maker, especially before bed, as this helps distribute the natural oils from the scalp to the hair, making it smoother, more manageable, less frizzy, softer, and shinier. I rate Tangle Teezer Thick and Curly for smoothing my knots and helping with product distribution; it’s a fantastic multi-purpose brush to groom curls.
MOROCCANOIL CURL DEFINING CREAM, $63.
Loaded with curl-loving argan oil, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and essential heat protection, anyone with fine curly hair will love this featherweight formula. It calms frizz and refines ringlets without feeling greasy or sticky. It works magic to bring back the bounce to your curls while making hair more manageable.
To use: Apply to towel-dried hair and diffuse to activate and define curls; for a relaxed-looking curl, let hair dry naturally.
When you use a diffuser, cup your curls between the attachment and your hand so you can feel if your hair gets too hot. Once dry, hit the hair with a cool blast setting on the dryer and diffuse for a few more minutes on a cool setting. This will seal the curl, prevent frizz and add shine.
ghd Helios/Air Diffuser Nozzle, $45.
This diffuser has contoured-like hard fingers to help you create soft volume by lifting and separating the hair, boosted by a brilliant even airflow - ghd have cracked this detachable hair tool.
Styling curly hair is easy once you have the right products; add a curl cream to your damp hair, and then try twirling your curls. This will coax hair into waves by twisting sections away from the face and is a great way to air-dry your hair.
Schwarzkopf Session Label The Definer Curl Cream, $42.
The lightweight beeswax formula offers excellent curl hold without feeling sticky, and bonus - the UV filter helps to protect your hair from the damaging effects of the sun.
To use: Warm a small amount in your palms and work it through damp hair, starting at the roots. You can use a blow dryer or air-dry hair with this styling cream.
Styling foam is hot right now. Find out how it can work for your hair.