It’s no secret that having wavy or curly hair can cause frustration, especially if you live in a humid climate. Frizz and fly-aways, random kinks and stray curls, dull hair and more can cause you to feel down about your locks. What you need is some tips to keep your hair feeling content, and thus to keep you feel as gorgeous as we all know you really are.
Whether you have curly hair that you love to wear straight, scrunched, curly or a combination thereof, there are 5 things you must keep in mind to help hack your problematic mane and keep you smiling as much as possible (no matter the weather).
1. Moisturize! Get your hands on a good moisturizing shampoo and your curls will thank you. Find one you can use regularly, that works for your hair. I use Aussie’s Miracle Moist conditioner. I rotate shampoos but the conditioner remains constant. While we’re talking about keeping moisture in, I may as well mention heat protectors. After all heat dries your hair out and helps create frizz. When it comes to curling hair beautifully, moisture is a very good friend to have on your side. Using a heat protector cream or spray helps keep that moisture in and protects your hair from damage and breakage from styling heat.
2. Cleanse, but not every day. Washing your hair every day can dry it out; this is not good for curly hair. Use a dry shampoo if you need to, but ensure you’re not over-cleansing. This will only increase your curly hair woes. Allowing some of your natural oils to get into your hair will actually help keep it healthy. Also, invest in a good cleansing or restorative shampoo at least once a month. I use Redken’s Hair Cleansing Cream shampoo. It’s a bit pricy, but I only use it once every couple of weeks and only a small amount is required to get a good lather, so it really is worthwhile. This particular cleansing shampoo has a great fresh scent and does a great job of getting rid of all the styling junk and product that builds up on my scalp and hair. When I use this, my hair comes out squeaky clean, soft, and shiny. It also means I can use the same shampoo more regularly, which has saved me on shampoo costs overall!
3. Stay healthy: Drinking lots of water and eating balanced meals will help your hair grow, and keep looking shiny and healthy long after you’ve left the salon. A bit of soy every now and then will help it too (drinking soy milk regularly can also help with hair growth!).
4. Get a good hairspray: I’m still looking for the best hairspray but I know the power of a decent one, which is that it prevents my hair from going wavy in the rain (if I’ve straightened it) or hold off frizz and keep up my hair’s volume and definition on my curly hair days. It can also tame fly-aways and add shine if you’ve got a good one. It’s often a good idea to ask your hair dresser for ideas on different brands and benefits. L’Oreal Elnett Satin comes highly recommended though. I’m planning to try it once my current one runs out (I refuse to waste!)
5. Get some curl helpers: You have several choices here but the two options below are highly recommended and both use minimum heat, and therefore cause the least amount of damage!
1) Diffuser: A professional diffuser can be a godsend, however, please note: not all diffusers are created equal. Most diffusers that come with a hairdryer as a spare piece aren’t great. They don’t have the same effect as a professional diffuser. Good quality diffusers are large barrelled and much deeper with long arms for your hair to wrap around. This allows your locks can fall into and curl around the arms in the barrel of the diffuser creating natural looking, well defined curls. If you dry your hair with a diffuser (and make sure it’s fully dry before touching or styling) you’ll find it doesn’t get as frizzy and you’ll end up with some great curls. A diffuser will however do little for girls with straight hair who covet curls or those with in between or wavy hair, so let’s move onto number 2…
2) Curlformers: these curly hair stylers are still relatively new on the scene and many people still sadly do not know of their truly miraculous curling power. I love Curlformers, and the results they deliver. They are a bit time consuming to put in your hair, and you need to wait to let your hair dry completely (which can take at least 45 minutes to an hour). But the results are incredible and consistent: smooth, very curly, glossy long lasting curls every time. That’s every time without fail. If you want to access your inner curly girl and/or glam yourself up for a date or party, Curlformers are ideal.
@kimberleynewey is a copywriter and sometimes curly girl who hails from Canada but currently lives in the south of England. She thinks Curlformers curly hair products are some of the very best on the market and recommends them highly!
