What is curly hair
Curly hair is unique and beautiful, but it can also be challenging to manage at times. If you have curly hair, you know it has a mind of its own and can be prone to frizz, dryness, and breakage. However, with the right hair care routine and products, you can keep your curls looking healthy, defined, and radiant.
As the hair curls due to the shape of the hair follicles, it is harder for moisture to travel throughout the hair, leaving much of the hair dry and fizzy.
Looking after curly hair
The key to caring for curly hair is to be gentle with it and use nourishing products that help to maintain its natural moisture. You can keep your curls looking healthy and beautiful with a little effort.
Heat styling, such as blow drying or flat ironing, can damage and dry out curly hair. If you must use heat, keep the setting low and protect your hair by using a heat protectant spray.
Brushing or combing dry curly hair can lead to breakage and frizz. Instead, use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair when it's wet and coated in conditioner.
Curly hair needs extra hydration to stay healthy and defined. Look for almond oil, coconut oil, and shea butter, which help moisturise and strengthen the hair.
Shampoo is essential to a hair care routine, especially for those with curly hair. As moisture finds it harder to travel through the length of the hair, it tends to be drier and more prone to frizz than straight hair, so choosing a moisturising shampoo to nourish and hydrate your curls is essential.
Hair and scalp natural pH Levels range from 4.5 to 5.5. Ensure that any shampoo, conditioner or product you apply to your hair has a pH-friendly level for your hair and scalp. Avoid using natural soap on your hair, as the pH level for soap is high (9-10). A high alkali pH in soap will damage your hair follicles and further dry your curly hair. To find out more about soap versus shampoo, read our blog here.
Shampoo for curly hair
Many different shampoos can be good for curly hair as long as they are formulated to nourish and hydrate the hair. Look out for these in shampoo for curly hair.
It contains nourishing oils like coconut oil, shea butter and almond oil to replenish any lost oil in the hair.
Look out for shampoo containing Vitamin Pro B5, as studies have shown this vitamin nourishes and strengthen hair follicles. Vitamin E is also known to help promote healthy hair and scalp and is a natural antioxidant.
Protein is a common ingredient in hair care products, including shampoos and conditioners. Protein can help to nourish and strengthen the hair, making it less prone to breakage and damage. Proteins like hydrolysed protein, keratin, and collagen can be easily found in most shampoos and conditioners. These proteins can help to repair and rebuild the hair shaft, making it stronger and more resilient.
Conditioner for curly hair
Conditioning after shampooing is a great hair care routine, especially to add further hydration to your curly hair. Many different conditioner types are available, including rinse-out conditioners, co-washes (conditioner-based shampoos), and deep conditioners.Ensure your conditioner has natural oils, proteins and vitamins for healthier, stronger hair. Conditioners are typically made with conditioning agents like emulsifying wax, which soften and replenish your hair with moisture.
Deep conditioning treatments can help to nourish and hydrate your curls, making them softer and more manageable.
