Curly hair comes with its own set of unique challenges and misconceptions. Let's debunk some common myths and shed light on the best practices for maintaining healthy, beautiful curls.
Frizz is often a sign of curly or wavy hair. If you’ve always had frizzy hair that tends to get bigger in humid weather, you might have waves or curls! Try following a simple curl routine to see what kind of curls may be hiding in your hair. Check out more signs you have wavy or curly hair here.
Contrary to popular belief, shampoo is vital for curls to thrive and for optimal scalp health. The key is to limit shampoos with sulfates, which can be drying and a little harsh on curls.
Using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo like our Curl Cleanser will gently clean your hair and scalp, while also being kind to your curls and won't strip your hair of its natural oils. Follow the Cleanser with our Curl Conditioner for the ultimate wash day results.
Curly hair does need more moisture, so incorporating a Co-wash into your routine can be beneficial when your hair feels more dry or tangled. Many of our customers alternate between our Cleanser and Cleansing Co-wash on wash days to achieve the perfect balance of clean, moisturised hair. See our helpful co-washing guide here.
Curly hair actually needs more Conditioner than straight hair and also benefits from richer deep conditioning treatments and hair masks.
Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair due to its spiral texture. The natural oils are unable to penetrate the hair shaft as easily as in straight hair, resulting in dryness and easy tangling. Using more conditioner adds needed moisture and softens the hair, reducing tangles and protecting the hair shaft. That’s why we curlies often use up our conditioner well before any other products!
It’s also vital to use a little leave-in conditioner or curl cream after rinsing out your regular conditioner to ensure your curls are sufficiently moisturized when styling. Try our gorgeous, top-rated Hydrating Curl Creme for the best results. Curls thrive when the hair is healthy and hydrated!
When first starting out, it's easy to get excited about what our Curl Type is. At the start of your curl journey, you’re probably not seeing your true curl definition, as most of us start out with damaged curls that need some love and attention to be their true selves. It is fun to look at our curls and see if we might be Type 2, 3 or 4, according to the Curl Type system, but what matters more is our hair texture, density, and porosity. All of these factors need to be considered when choosing the right styling products and techniques for your curls.
Texture is how thick our individual hair strands are, which can be thin, medium, or coarse. Density is simply how many hair strands we have, with low density being fewer strands and high density having the most strands. Porosity is how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture.
Don’t be put off by these technical sounding terms! We have all the information you need in our easy-to-follow Hair Density and Hair Porosity tutorials.
Waves can be classed as a looser curl type according to the Curl Type system, where curls have three main types (Type 2 - waves; Type 3 - curls; Type 4 - coils). If you have wavy hair, following a curly routine will be beneficial as it will add needed moisture and hold to your hair, helping it become healthier, more defined, and bouncier.
Usually those with wavy hair need lighter products with a strong hold to maintain definition. Try styling with our Hydrating Curl Creme and Mega Hold Gel to see how it can enhance your waves! If you prefer a looser beachy wave, opt for products with a light to medium hold like our Enhancing Gel or Volumising Curl Mousse.
Frizz often gets a bad name, and many products aim to minimize or tame frizz. If you prefer smooth curls with little to no frizz, these products are great to try! Damaged hair is usually more prone to frizz, which may be why frizz has a bad reputation. If you’re struggling with frizz caused by damage, using a protein-rich hair mask like our Deep Hydration Hair Mask is really beneficial.
Frizz is also a natural part of curly hair, and you can make frizz work to your advantage. Curly hair has texture and movement, which is totally different from straight hair, and frizz is a part of this. We can all learn to embrace a little frizz and create more voluminous curls.
All of us with curly hair know the horrors of brushing our hair dry! Instead of neatening the curls as many expect, it actually makes the hair bigger. Plus, it can be painful if the brush gets stuck in the tangles!
Curls tend to be more fragile, and brushing them dry can cause breakage and damage. Curly hair is so different from straight hair and needs to be treated differently. The best time to detangle curly hair is when it's wet in the shower after applying a conditioner or hair mask. The conditioner protects the hair and smooths any knots or tangles, so a comb or brush can easily glide through the hair. This minimises damage and ensures the hair is easily detangled and pain-free.
For more stubborn knots and tangles, check out our OC x Denman D3 Brush, designed with smooth nylon bristles to gently glide through the hair.
A curly routine can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be, just like any hair routine. If you don’t have a lot of time, try our Quick and Easy Method, where you apply most of the products while still in the shower, then scrunch in the gel for hold afterward. It’s just one more product when you’re out of the shower - simple! Check out our quick and easy curly hair routine here.
Protecting your hair while you sleep is crucial for preventing tangles. Using a silk or satin pillowcase or wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf can reduce friction, helping to keep your hair smooth and tangle-free.
Swap your cotton pillowcase for a silk or satin one, or wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf before bed. This simple change can make a big difference in the morning.
As curls bounce up, some might think it doesn’t need to be trimmed as often as straight hair. However, curly hair is more fragile and is prone to breakage. To maintain healthy hair, regular trims are great to keep your curls in tip-top condition! You’ll know it’s time for a trim if you’re seeing split ends, loss of shape/definition, or if your hair is thinner at the ends.
Getting a haircut when you have curly hair might be a little off-putting if you’ve had a bad experience. Some hairstylists might not be trained how to cut curls properly or lack experience with curly hair. We have many fabulous Salon Stockists across the UK and you can find your nearest one here. Your curls will be in good hands!
What other curly myths have you heard that you’d like debunked? We’d love to hear from you!
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