Tips on how to embrace curly hair
THERE’S finally some good news for those who spend half their life struggling to control a mass of curly hair... It’s officially back in fashion — and the more natural the better.
Curls were out in force at the AW16 shows — from beachy waves to tight ringlets, volume and texture were king — in complete contrast to the sleek, poker straight SS16 look.
It’s catching on in Hollywood too, with Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks stepping out at the recent opening of Vivienne Westwood’s Paris store with her flame-red locks tumbling to her shoulders in loose ringlets spirals.
It’s about time, says Michele Scott-Lynch, the curly founder of haircare brand Boucleme ( www.boucleme.co.uk ).
“When I was growing up, curly hair was largely ignored by the beauty industry. There was no advice on caring for curls, no curly role models and absolutely zero effective products on the market.
"Hairdressers would encourage you to straighten it, so you couldn’t even rely on them for tips,” she says.
“The internet and social media changed all this: it became a mine of information as curly girls started sharing their daily routines and favourite products, and this strong global curly community just grew and grew.”
TOP TIPS FOR NATURAL CURLS
Ready to banish your straighteners and let your barnet bounce free?
Here are Michele Scott-Lynch’s top tips on embracing your natural curls...
The most important thing is to understand that frizz is a sign your hair lacks moisture — with proper hydration, frizz will transform into a wave/curl. A little bit of frizz is also your friend, as it helps give volume and shape to your curls.
Weekly deep conditioning helps boost moisture levels and if curls are dry, try leaving your conditioner in, rather than washing out. This, plus using a non-foaming (paraben and sulphate-free) hair cleanser, can be a game-changer.
At night, protect curls by tying them up in a loosely on top of your head. If your hair isn’t long enough, try using a hair net.
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase helps prevent frizz due to friction (it’s also great for a line-free face in the morning!).
Find a hairdresser who specialises in curls; they’ll have a greater understanding of the best products to use and how to dry/style your hair.
Curly hair is best cut dry, when you can see where the curls sit naturally. When wet, curly hair stretches and it’s harder to work out the natural spring factor.
If a hairdresser mentions razoring your hair to lose bulk, run a mile.
Fortunately, there are more and more curly hairstylists popping up.
TOP CURLY HAIR PRODUCTS
Made from natural ingredients from a biodynamic eco farm in Italy, OWAY’s Curly Potion helps nourish hair to give the perfect mix of support, bounce and definition to curls.
A pea-sized amount detangles and defines, while also naturally moisturising, strengthening and providing an intense anti-frizz action, leaving hair soft, shiny and gorgeous.
Made with all natural active ingredients — no parabens or sulphates — the Boucleme three-step cleanse, condition and define system moisturises hair without the feeling of sticky residue.
The cleanser’s non-lathering and, for those with very dry hair, it’s recommended you leave the conditioner on, before lightly drying hair with a T-shirt or the Boucleme Curl Towel and then popping on the gel.
Once dry, simply scrunch for beautiful, shiny ringlets.
Smooth Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream through damp hair for curl definition.
It’s quite a heavy cream — so a small amount’s all you need and make sure you spread liberally — but ideal for thick, wiry locks that need taming, and the effects can last at least a couple of days.
Mark Leeson, Goldwell Kerasilk global creative ambassador, says: “Curly hair naturally lacks moisture, so it’s important to prep using a good quality conditioning product to help moisten the hair and scalp and smooth cuticles, making hair much more manageable.
"The Kerasilk Intense Smoothing Mask is the curly hair hero product; it smooths for long-lasting manageability and control and gives a beautiful, glossy shine.”
Towel drying can add to the frizz, warns stylist Phil Smith, who has a Be Gorgeous Curly Locks range.
“Instead, tilt your head forward and using a T-shirt, gently squeeze to remove any excess water.”
Or invest in this Aquis Towel, which uses Aquitex fibres to wick water away, meaning fewer breakages and less frizz.
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