Curly hair is so gorgeous and unique – and embracing it is best for the health of your hair. So before you reach for those straighteners, Lizzie Carter, founder of Only Curls, shares some top tips on how to care for those curly locks…
“We’re always trying to encourage people to ditch the straighteners and stop damaging their hair,” says Carter. “Embracing your natural curlpattern is way better for the overall health of your hair, uses less heat, and requires less washing.
“But on the flip side, curls can be more prone to frizz, and can become tangly and knotty between washes, as it tends to be typically drier than straight hair. This means it requires more maintenance on non-wash days.”
Diffuse things
If you have curls, Carter suggests using a diffuser.
“This gentle dispersed air is much kinder on your hair than touching it with direct heat (straighteners or curling irons) daily.
“Regular use of heat tools can cause damage and change your natural curl pattern.”
But the care process starts way before drying.
“Comb your conditioner through in the shower,” she said. “Detangling at this stage in the wash process is perfect. Any later and you’ll be breaking up the curl clumps and causing frizz.”
Carter advises using sleep protection, such as a silk pillowcase or satin bonnet, and figuring out a good refresh method, like a light spritz with water and gently scrunching the curls back into shape with a little curl gel or crème,
There are also some don’ts.
“Don’t dry brush curly hair if you’re not planning on washing immediately after, as this will break up the curls and cause frizz.
And don’t use a regular towel to dry your curls. The rough surface will cause breakage and frizz. Try a smooth microfibre towel instead.”
Go natural
When it comes to shampoo, Carter recommends sulphate-free.
“Sulphates have had a bad rep in the beauty world lately. They are not a bad ingredient, but can be a little drying for curly hair that’s already prone to dryness.
“And always condition, curls just need it, and finish with moisturising leave-in products like a crème for moisture and a gel for hold.”
And always, she says, apply your first styling product to soaking wet hair.
Only Curls has lots of top tips for styling, from scrunching out the crunch (scrunching stiff curls created by a gel cast) to finger coiling (a type of curl achieved by wrapping your hair around your finger).
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