How To Look After Curly Hair
If you find that your hair is always frizzy or turns wavy after exposure to moisture, you may have a natural curl that wants to come out. It’s no secret that curly hair is a challenge to look after at the best of times. It is often prone to frizz, dry and coarse. This leaves many picking up their straighteners rather than focusing on how to look after their curly hair.
At Belle Amour, we specialise in hair of all types and styles, including curly hair. If you are wondering how to look after your locks, we believe the key is hydration and a good routine! Read on for our top tips on how to look after curly hair.
The Science Behind Curly Hair
Curly hair and straight hair are extremely different because of their structure. Each strand of our hair is enclosed by a cuticle. When looked at under a microscope, this layer looks similar to little scales that interlock and protect the hair fibre within. If your hair is straight, the cuticle layer is completely smooth, keeping out any water or chemicals. If your hair is curly, the tiny scales can’t interlock as well, and your hair becomes more porous. When your hair is more porous, it absorbs and loses moisture more easily, causing it to become dry and frizzy. If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, this may be one of the reasons why you are finding it difficult to keep it shiny and smooth.
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Hydration Is Key
One of the main things to remember if you are blessed with wavy or curly hair is that hydration is key. Keeping your hair moisturised will prevent frizz from forming, alongside reducing unnecessary breakage. While this does mean using products to help lock in natural oils and moisture, it also means that you may need to rethink your hair washing schedule and process. It may be more beneficial to the structure of your hair to cut down on your daily hair wash to once or twice a week. While this may take some getting used to, it will help your hair benefit from the production of natural oils.
Minimise Brushing
If you are on your journey to find out how to look after curly hair, you may be surprised by this next tip. While it goes against everything our mum’s taught us, you need to go easy on brushing. Due to the structure of curly hair, brushing can do more damage than good. It can pull out your natural curl, provoking frizz and reducing definition. If you need to remove a knot or tangle, do it while your hair is wet with a wide toothed comb. This way, you can avoid breakage.
Drying Curly Hair
Once your hair is washed, it is important that you use the right drying method. For those with curly hair swapping your regular towel for a microfibre alternative or simply just an old cotton t-shirt can dramatically change the overall finish. Instead of rubbing the hair dry, gently pat and squeeze out any excess water. If you have any knots, make sure to use a wide toothed comb to reduce breakage.
A big trick to looking after curly hair is using a diffuser once any excess moisture is removed. A diffuser is a hair drier attachment that gently dries the hair without over drying it. It works to distribute the heat evenly, reducing the formation of frizz. Once the majority of moisture is removed, it is best to leave the rest to air dry naturally.
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Styling Curly Hair
When styling your naturally curly or wavy hair, it is important to stay away from heated tools. Due to the rough cuticle on the surface of your hair strands, using heat can break it up further and cause serious damage. Curly hair that is subjected to excess straightening or another heated styling method can completely lose its curl pattern and become extremely damaged.
Instead, you should consider leaving your hair natural and focusing on its health. If you do feel the need to style your hair for an event or special occasion, make sure to use a good quality heat protectant such as Paul Mitchell’s Hot Off The Press.
Recommended Products To Look After Curly Hair
If your hair is curly, it is important to use products that are specifically for your hair type. These products are often super moisturising, locking in hydration and working to create defined waves or curls while combatting frizz. At Belle Amour, we recommend using Paul Mitchell’s Instant Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner followed by Paul Mitchell’s Flexible Style Super Sculpt and Flexible Style Sculpting Foam. These paraben-free, vegan and colour safe products contain panthenol which works to improve hair elasticity, moisture retention and flexibility. Panthenol is a form of vitamin B and also promotes hair growth, making it a key ingredient needed to look after curly hair.
Look After Your Curly Hair With Belle Amour
If you still have any questions on how to look after curly hair, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at Belle Amour.
Based in Bagshot, our salon is easily accessible to those in Ascot, Camberley, Chobham or the surrounding Surrey areas. We would love to help you along your hair care journey, helping you learn how to look after your curly hair.
