Crash Course in Curly Hair

Curly hair can be crazy hair! People either love it or hate it. In my experience, the most common issues stem from improper knowledge of the type of curl you have.

Understanding your type of curl

courtesy of Nylon Magazine

Almost everyone has some degree of natural texture to their hair. When it comes to shampooing, identifying your curl pattern is key.

II and III curls: these are wavy/fine curls. If you want your hair to look more full, shampoo more often and condition less.

IV - VIII curls: these curls tend to be thick and/or coarse. Only shampoo when your scalp is dirty or oily. (Be wary of shampooing and scrubbing your ends because it may affect the curl shape). This may only be once or twice a week. If you have a lot of product buildup, rinse with water. Condition as often as necessary.

Detangle

Tangles and knots are a daily struggle if you have curly hair. The best way to detangle is in the shower. First, condition your midshafts and ends. Let the condition penetrate the cuticle of your hair for a few minutes. Then, either finger detangle or or use a wide tooth comb (starting from your ends and working your way up). You will be amazed at how gentle of a routine this is!

Moisture is key. Sulfates not only strip/dull hair color, but they strip moisture as well. When you run low on your shampoo/conditioner, consider buying sulfate free products.

If you have curly hair, how often you condition is just as important as how often you shampoo. Regularly conditioning your hair can seriously hydrate and control frizz.

Styling your curls

One of the great things about curly hair is how quick styling can be!

A diffuser is one way to keep the texture of your curl. It controls air flow through the blow dryer so they dry evenly. (Diffusers are typically sold as an accessory to your blowdryer). Start with a low heat setting. Fun tip: if your dryer has a cool setting, use it! Finish your styling with a cool shot to tame frizz and set your curls.

If you're applying products, do so on damp - NOT wet - hair. As a general rule of thumb, wavy curls love lightweight products (mousse, light oil) and tighter thick curls love heavier products (gel, cream, serum). Did you know Surface, our salon's retail line, has an entire product line dedicated to curly hair?! It's fantastic, and our curly hair clients give us great feedback. Ask your stylist which products may be best suited for your curl.

I hope this post gives you a better understanding of do's and dont's with curly hair. Feel free to leave a comment if you need any tips I may not have touched on!