My relationship with my natural hair texture has been a tumultuous one. Even though my parents had curly hair and Afro hair, I had a habit of brushing my hair every chance I got, leading me to believe that my hair wasn’t as good as it could be. So I started reaching for curling irons as soon as they became mainstream in the ’90s, heating my hair to within an inch of its lifespan with my trusty Babyliss Convertible Styler (as you may remember). This had removable plates so you could switch out the hair (crimping and straightening it the way you wanted it). Then, around age 14, I decided I wanted curls no matter what, but rather than embark on a journey to discovering my natural texture, I decided I needed a perm instead. I think you can imagine how that turned out.
Fast forward 15 years and I’m now a lot less naive about my hair type. After washing, my short, new hair is definitely on the wavy/curly spectrum, but years of heat and chemical damage have definitely taken a toll on my hair all over, and my curl pattern is at its best. It’s a long way off. Therefore, my mission is to revive my hair armed with products that embrace my natural texture, without going against it, and hopefully achieve the natural, healthy hair of my dreams.
(Image credit: Jazria Harris)
For advice on the best way to go about it, I turned to curly hair expert Michelle Scott Lynch, founder and CEO of Boucreme. “Curly hair textures are generally categorized into three main types: wavy, curly, or coiled,” she said. he said to me. “Those who experience frizz in general should be aware that they may have hidden waves or curls. It is also very common for someone to have multiple curl patterns. For example: Hair on the top of your head may be tighter or looser than on the nape or sides. Environmental factors, hair damage, and even genetics can also cause hormonal changes. In addition to affecting hair texture, aging and environmental damage such as sunlight and humidity can also cause temporary changes in curl structure.
Is it possible to revive the curl pattern?
“It is possible to revive curls at home, but results will depend on the degree of hair damage,” she said. “Regular deep conditioning treatments, proper hydration, and avoiding heat styling can help restore definition, but if there is damage (such as from chemical treatments), treatment or trimming of damaged ends can help restore definition. I might need to go to the salon.”
If, like me, you want to revive your curls at home, Michelle has some tips. First of all, “hydration” is the key, followed by “regular deep conditioning” and “avoiding hot styling.” Finally, she recommends using a “styling gel or cream that enhances curl definition.” So I took her advice and stocked up on my favorite curly hair products, including the best shampoos for curly hair. I use it to restore my hair to its best condition. Keep scrolling to see the edits. When you see me I’ll be in my curly hair era…
Buy the best products to revive your curl pattern
1. Sashajuan Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner
Sashajuan Moisturizing Shampoo
Sashajuan Moisturizing Conditioner
This shampoo and conditioner combination is a longtime favorite of mine because it nourishes my hair without weighing it down. These include argan oil, a moisturizing oil packed with vitamin E, and the brand’s patented Ocean Silk Technology. When I use these two faithfully, I always notice that my hair is much smoother and shinier.
2. Beau crème intensive moisturizing treatment
Beau crème intensive moisturizing treatment
This is Michelle’s hero product. A pre-shampoo to use before cleansing to lock in moisture in your hair. Enriched with a rich blend of oils including marula, camellia, and sea buckthorn oils, which work together to deeply nourish wavy and curly hair, improving hair definition and overall hair health. Masu.
3. Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set
Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set
Michelle advises ditching heat tools if you want to improve your natural curl pattern, but I’m still in the middle stages and find it difficult to leave my hair natural. So, I’ve been using this heatless curling set almost every night and I’m seriously impressed with the results. My hair looks freshly styled the moment I wake up and the curls last all day without any heat damage.
4. Curl mousse that increases volume only for curls
Curl only Volume curl mousse
Michelle advises using a curl cream or gel to enhance curl definition, but since my curls are mostly on the loose end of the spectrum, I find that foam mousse is the best option. got it. This product from Only Curls provides definition and hold without weighing down your hair, and doesn’t have the crunchy feel of cream formulas.
5. Oribe Gold Last Dry Heat Countermeasure Spray
Oribe Gold Last Dry Heat Prevention Spray
We know we need to get rid of all the heat, but sometimes laziness gets the better of us and we reach for the dryer brush. At times like this, I remind myself that it is important to protect to avoid further damage to the curl pattern. So always apply a generous amount of Oribe heat protection spray. It’s a dry spray so it won’t weigh your hair down, but it also contains coconut water to protect and hydrate your hair up to 230 degrees.
6. Kérastase Curl Manifesto Refresh Absolute Spray
Kérastase Curl Manifesto Refresh Absolute Spray
Instead of using tongs for my second and third day hair, this refreshing spray has become my go-to. It contains coconut oil, ceramides, and manuka honey, which makes my wavy/curly hair combination more defined and less frizz-free. I like to spray it all over and then gently scrunch it upwards to keep the hair in shape.
7. Naughty Little Savior Microfiber Towel
Naughty Little Savior Microfiber Towel
I’ve been using microfiber wraps instead of regular cotton towels for years, and I think this is a great replacement, no matter your hair type. It’s an easy solution that will help prevent hair breakage, give you smoother hair, and reduce drying time, completely changing the look and feel of your hair.
