The holiday season is upon us, and while your outfits and makeup may be in the spotlight, don’t forget the importance of healthy, shiny curls to complete your look. For those looking for some inspiration, here are 10 ideas inspired by Janhvi Kapoor, who has been spotted several times with her wavy curly hair. Curly hair often requires special care and attention, especially during the festive period when environmental factors such as humidity and pollution can cause it to become frizzy, dry, and limp. But believe it or not, now might be the perfect time to learn and experiment with natural, bouncy curls with flair.
To help you achieve your best curls, we speak to Simran Sainani, founder and CEO of Curl Care.
1. Pre-wash treatment: Oil your curls: To deeply nourish your curls and protect them from dryness, start with a pre-wash oil treatment. Sainani recommends using oils like coconut, argan, and jojoba to moisturize your hair and reduce frizz. “Apply liberally to scalp and hair and leave on for 30 minutes to an hour before washing,” she advises. This treatment locks in moisture and prevents your curls from drying out during shampooing.
2. Choose a sulfate-free shampoo: Curly hair tends to dry out faster, so it’s important to avoid shampoos that contain sulfates. “Sulfates strip your curls of their natural oils, leaving your curls dry and brittle,” explains Sainani. Instead, she suggests using a sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo to cleanse your scalp without upsetting your hair’s moisture balance. This will soften your curls and keep them moisturized.
3. Deep conditioning for extra hydration: Regular deep conditioning is very important, especially during the festive period when pollution and styling can damage your hair. “Deep conditioning once or twice a week with ingredients like shea butter or aloe vera will help nourish and repair your curls,” says Sainani. This not only adds shine, but also helps to highlight the curls and make them look vibrant.
4. Gently detangle: Curly hair tangles easily, but detangling should be done with care. “Make sure to detangle when your hair is wet and soaked with conditioner,” says Sainani. To prevent hair breakage, use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to blend from the ends upwards. This method reduces stress on your hair and keeps your curls intact.
5. Use a leave-in conditioner: For long-lasting moisture, especially during festivals, Simran recommends applying a leave-in conditioner after showering. “If you don’t rinse it off, it will trap moisture and strengthen your curl pattern,” she says. Look for products with glycerin and natural oils that will moisturize your curls without weighing them down.
6. Define your curls with a curl cream: To achieve soft, defined curls, Sainani recommends using a curl-defining cream that’s appropriate for your curl type. “Work the cream into damp hair, starting at the ends, to promote definition and volume,” she says. Squeeze out excess water using a microfiber towel to reduce frizz and flyaways.
7. Diffuse to add volume: Want to add more volume to your curls? Sainani suggests using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer. “The diffuser distributes heat evenly and adds bounce while maintaining the curl pattern,” she explains. For best results, use on low temperature settings to avoid damage.
8. Protect your curls overnight: To maintain your curls overnight, Sainani suggests using a silk or satin pillowcase or tying your hair in a loose bun. “These materials reduce friction and prevent frizz, giving you refreshed curls when you wake up in the morning,” she says.
9. Refresh with a curl revitalizer: After a few days of celebratory events, your curls can lose their definition. Sainani suggests keeping a curl recovery spray on hand. “Look for products with moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera to instantly revive your curls,” she recommends.
10. Stay hydrated and healthy: Finally, Simran points out the importance of overall health for great curls. “Your curls are a reflection of your health, so drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet,” she advises. Proper hydration and nutrition will keep your curls nourished and bouncy throughout the holiday season.
