Over the last few years we’ve seen our whole way of life change. One thing we see often in the salon is that people are more geared towards casual, wash and wear styles rather than a super high-maintenance glam cut. Because it appears more natural and “unfinished,” we are seeing a whole lot of curls and we are here for it!
Curls vary in complexity with styling, but one thing is for sure: they are beautiful! Curls can be loose, messy waves or can be tight coils and they give a pop and personality to your hairstyle. However, one thing every curly-topped friend has noted: curls can be a process and have to be managed.
We’re going to break down what products to use and how to best care for your curls for gorgeous hair all year long.
Products
When learning to wear and take care of my curls, the most noticeable difference for me was adding a new line of products to my routine. Although it can seem like wearing your hair naturally is effortless, it does take some work to get smooth and bouncy spirals without frizz or making them fall limp. Creating a balance between volume and definition comes from having the perfect combination of products. When choosing my shampoo and conditioner, it’s important to seek out moisturizing properties because curly hair has a unique structure which tends to be drier due to its shape and porosity, making it harder for natural oils to move from the scalp to the ends. The Shu Uemura Urban Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner is a great option to add moisture to your hair without weighing it down.
To help add definition to my curls, my next step is a leave-in cream or serum. Smooth and yet light in texture, we recommend Shu Uemura’s Essence Absolue Oil-in-Cream. This step is needed to help with taming frizz and adding additional hydration to the hair. After the moisture is added to soften and hydrate curls, I follow with a gel or mousse like Shu Uemura’s Kaze Wave which helps lock in moisture and hold the shape by creating a cast. These two products should be applied to wet hair, and can even be done in the shower with a wide tooth comb after washing and conditioning. Because the early 00’s crunchy hair is (thankfully!) a thing of the past, using both the cream and the mousse will allow the hair to set with a soft cast rather than a firm layer.
It is important to include a gentle clarifying shampoo in your hair routine at least once a month, such as the Cleansers by Shu Uemura. Clarifying shampoos are used to remove buildup from hair products, minerals from hard water, and environmental residue, all of which will hinder the smoothness and vibrancy of your curls. Monthly or bi-weekly treatments and hair masks are incredibly beneficial for curly hair because they deeply nourish and repair the hair shaft, to which curly hair is particularly susceptible. Curly hair tends to be more porous, meaning it can easily lose moisture and become dry and brittle. Treatments, whether in-salon or at-home, provide a boost of strength by temporarily patching damaged areas of the hair cuticle and improving hair elasticity with necessary hydration. All of this will allow curls to move and hold onto natural shape and higher definition.
Care
Curly hair is especially prone to breakage and damage. Therefore, alongside with using the right products, physical care and maintenance is important. When drying your hair after the shower, prevent breakage by using a soft microfiber towel. This you can get at Amazon.com or even in-store at a store like Target.
Heat can also be rough on all hair types, but can ruin the shape and texture of curly hair. So, it’s a must to use a diffuser on your hair dryer when drying your hair. The diffuser creates a wider airflow with less targeted heat, and is able to encircle the curls rather than just blowing. You can start with hovering around your hair standing straight up and then finishing head down and lifting the dryer to “scrunch” and to add volume.
Regular trims are important for curly hair in order to prevent split ends, maintain shape and definition and for healthy growth. Curly hair is more prone to split ends so even simple dustings every 8-10 weeks will help prevent natural damage from moving up the hair shaft. A regular trim also helps to maintain the hair shape, preventing it from becoming weighted down. Finding a stylist who is experienced with curly hair can ensure that haircuts will enhance your curls. (This is something we specialize in at Davis Feliz Salon).
Never underestimate the little things like sleep. You want to protect your hair while you sleep to ensure your curls are not damaged by rubbing and tangling. This can be done in a few ways. Most simply, a satin or silk bonnet is a great option to keep hair neat and organized throughout the night. If that doesn’t work for you, another great option is simply a silk pillowcase. This will create less friction than a traditional cotton or fabrics with any sort of threaded texture. Either way, sleeping can be just like teasing your hair and a smooth surface for your hair will add a layer of protection.
If you have curly hair and are interested in a consult for better hair care or a hair service, please give us a call at 203-861-6700 or book online and we would be happy to help you out!
See you soon!