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All my life, I have had curly hair. Not luscious, full-bodied and thick, but rather fine, wispy, flossy ringlets. Each and every curl has a mind of it’s own and NONE of the curls are talking to each other.
So after many futile attempts to control my curls (including a perm, would you believe), I’ve realised that curly hair is the pear shape of the hair world. Once you accept your hair and it’s ‘individuality’, you need to embrace it. Enhance it. Maybe even enjoy it. Just remember a few simple guidelines…
Find a good hairdresser.”¨A good haircut is your foundation and will determine how your hair will behave. Trust your hairdresser like you trust your doctor. A regular, long term hairdresser will get the chance to become familiar with your hair and how it can change – my hair is a completely different animal in the humid summer as opposed to the windy winter! Be open to suggestions and don’t be scared to try new styles or products.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.”¨Light, leave-in moisturising products are essential. Don’t wash your hair too often as shampoo often strips your hair of natural oils. If it’s looking a bit frazzled, run a light conditioner through, or tame it with a bit of finishing cream or gloss.
Keep the hairdryer away from your hair.
…Along with the hair straightener, hot rollers and curling wand. There’s just no point – the curls won’t like it and they will let you know (helloooo frizz).
After washing your hair, Pat your hair dry and gently squeeze out the water – don’t rub your hair dry. It’s a small thing, but it does make a BIG difference. Then with a light leave-in moisturiser, scrunch your hair while it’s damp or twist sections around your fingers. Then let it dry naturally, preferably in a still environment (I’m not joking – any wind or breeze will frizz you right up again).
Sun protection.
Curly hair turns into straw in the sun. Wear a hat (great for hiding humidity-induced frizz as well) and even use the time in the to apply an intensive conditioning treatment onto your hair. Let the heat from the sun work its magic under your hat, revealed with a quick rinse in a cool shower afterwards.
It all takes time, and is not easy to incorporate into a busy lifestyle. Your relationship with your curls is a partnership with ups and downs. But there are ways and means of making lemonade out of this particular lemon, and you CAN have shiny, happy, healthy curls with a minimum of fuss.
Just remember – if you’re good to your curls, they will be good to you.
