Curls come in all shapes and sizes. Some curls are cascading and loose, while others are tight and bouncy. Curly hair ranges from loose 3A curls to tight 4C curls, and each requires its own routine. No matter what type of curl you have, the curl pattern is determined by the slope of the follicle bulb; the greater the slope, the smaller and more compact the curls will be.
When it comes to caring for curly hair, celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims says that type 3 hair curls form curls that resemble the letter “S,” while type 4 curls resemble a jagged “Z.” It states that it is more coiled. exterior. From there, hair is classified into either A, B, or C subdivisions based on its shape and curl diameter. Similar to wide curls, B is centered and C is tight and consists of small curls and ringlets. Most people with textured hair have several curl patterns throughout their hair that can be mixed together due to factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, environmental factors, heat damage, and the way hair follicles are distributed on the scalp. Together they create an overall look.
The range of curl patterns is wide, and understanding what your curls need to look perfectly defined and shiny can be a daunting task, especially in the hydration and product department. . Here, with the help of top experts, we share everything you need to know for healthy, moisturized, bouncy curls.
Hair straightening 101
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Before embarking on the path of proper curly hair care, you need to know what type of curly hair you have. According to renowned global educator and celebrity hairstylist Vernon Francois, the best way to determine your hair type is by looking at the pattern of your hair in its most natural state after it has been washed and air-dried. and to examine the texture. If your curls are tighter than waves, but not like a coiled corkscrew, you have type 3. Very tight and short curls are type 4. “Other factors to consider when assessing hair type are curl pattern, hair porosity and thickness, and scalp moisture,” he says.
No matter how curly your hair is, one thing is for sure: how you handle your hair has a lot to do with its different textures. “Frequently manipulating hair on the front with heat styling or products can alter the integrity of the curls,” explains Sims. “It doesn’t necessarily mean the hair is unhealthy, but it can cause different curl patterns throughout the hair and in different parts.”
Another rule to follow for textured curly hair is to make sure your hair is well hydrated. In curly hair types 3 and 4, natural oils get stuck at the top of the curls and don’t make it all the way to the middle and ends, leaving the hair brittle and dry due to lack of moisture.
Hairstylist Leisa Carrillo says people often experience big, beneficial changes in their hydration levels with targeted treatments in the salon. “Understanding your hair’s porosity (how it absorbs and retains moisture) is important for choosing the right products and developing proper hair care habits. Curls are more defined and bouncy. Curls are more likely to form and hold their shape.
Sims says different hair types require different levels of moisture. “Due to the curly nature of 3C and 4C hair types, these hair types require lots of water and hydration to keep their curls healthy. Deep moisturizing and hydrating treatments are essential to prevent hair breakage while improving appearance.” To maintain hair integrity while maintaining proper moisture levels and curl patterns, heat and color treatments are essential. He says you should avoid over-processing your hair and always use products that moisturize your hair and keep your curls moisturized. Regular protein treatments such as Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein Strong Treatment can also help.
step by step curly hair routine
All hair types need a well-thought-out routine to keep their hair healthy, shiny, and with defined curls. Here, experts provide a step-by-step guide to the different ways you can care for your curls.
Pretreatment
Ulta
Before shampooing your hair, Carillo says to use a pre-shampoo treatment like Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment. This will help strengthen dry and brittle hair from the inside out. “When applying the treatment, use your fingers to detangle your hair.”
shampoo
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Curly hair has a harder time transferring natural oils from the scalp to the hair shaft, making it dry and more prone to damage. To avoid drying your hair when cleansing type 3 curls, always use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo suitable for curly hair to protect the integrity of your curls without stripping them of moisture. says Francois. There are many shampoos that are best for curly hair. One product to try is Vernon Francois Curl Shampoo.
Option: Co-cleaning
Perfect by Gabrielle Union
During regular shampooing, co-washing is also an option. This includes washing your scalp and hair with a cleansing conditioner. This is beneficial for type 4 hair as it prevents dryness and frizz. Sims loves Gabrielle Union’s Flawless Hydrating Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner. “Brazilian Bakri Butter and Moringa Oil nourish and protect your hair while gently removing dirt and build-up.”
Condition—always!
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Sims recommends always conditioning freshly washed hair to enhance hydration and prevent breakage. Curly hair types can’t skimp on conditioner. Conditioner helps replenish necessary moisture and nourish your hair. For type 3 curls, Carillo recommends using a deep conditioning treatment instead of regular conditioner to keep them moisturized and manageable. A great option is the Pureology Hydrate Soft Softening Treatment. If you have curly hair, steam the treatment or leave it on for a long time to lock in moisture.
Leave-in conditioners are also an option for dry hair. “Leave-in conditioners and oil-based detanglers can help prevent dryness and frizz and keep your curls looking fresh,” says Sims. Additionally, both add slip to your hair.
weekly hair treatment
sephora
Treat your hair once a week. According to Francois, this not only moisturizes and strengthens curly hair, but also has the effect of repairing hair bonds. For example, you can also add nourishing and preventive measures like Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehabilitation Hair Salve. Protein treatments can help strengthen hair structure, especially for highly porous curls, he added.
Air dry or diffuse strands
Oai
Rather than wrapping your hair in a towel or using a towel to scrub excess water from your hair, gently blot your hair with a microfiber towel. Next, dry your hair (without applying a towel or fabric to your hair). This will help prevent frizz and reduce hair breakage. If you must use a hairdryer, use a diffuser and a heat styling product like Ouai Heat Protectant Spray and always use low heat.
style
Jesse’s
Francois says to always follow the LOC method when it comes to styling products. This is “applied in the following order: liquid, oil, then cream to help lock in moisture.” This is especially beneficial for highly porous hair. After applying a liquid leave-in conditioner, adding a hair oil that hydrates your hair can help prevent hair breakage. Next comes curl creams like Miss Jessie’s Multi-Cultural Hair Lotion. This is a classic styling product that helps moisturize your hair while adding definition and structure to your curls. 4C hair types are best suited for thicker creams with ingredients like shea butter and hair-friendly oils. However, type 4 curls can be forced into shape, so it’s important to have a styling product that holds them well. You can also use gels made for curly hair. Finally, once your hair is moisturized, use your fingers to twist the hair to further shape the curls.
6 Additional Tips and Tricks
Beyond the basics, experts agree that these ‘don’ts’ and ‘curly hair tips’ are essential to keeping your hair healthy and bouncy.
1. Invest in a satin pillowcase
“Curly hair types are delicate and prone to damage if not carefully cared for,” says Sims. “That’s why we recommend sleeping with a satin pillowcase, or a satin bonnet or scarf. This will help prevent your curls from drying out and clumping together overnight.” Prevents friction that causes friction.
2. Wear your hair in a protective style
Loose braids and buns are stylish and great for freeing your hair from over-styling or over-manipulation, says Sims. Very tight hairstyles that pull your hair unnecessarily can create tension in your hair that can lead to hair breakage or, in extreme cases, temporary hair loss.
3. Stick to detangling brushes and combs
Using a hairbrush with fine bristles can stretch your curl pattern and make it frizzy. Instead, Francois recommends using a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to detangle your hair.
4. Get your hair trimmed regularly
Curly hair types quickly become brittle and break. “Regular trimming is important to prevent split ends and hair breakage,” Francois says. Aim to get a big haircut at least twice a year and trim as needed.
5. Avoid waxes and mineral-based products
Heavy hair products, such as those containing wax or minerals, can weigh down your curls and cause buildup, Francois says.
6. Spot treat your curls as needed.
If your curls are different in different areas, it’s okay to take care of yourself and use different products for each area. For example, if your bangs are drier than the back of your head, you can use leave-in conditioner just on that area. Or, if you want more control over the top layer of your curls and less control over the bottom layer, apply a small amount of gel only to the areas that will benefit you the most.
