I get asked a lot of questions about hair. Which is awesome, because it’s something I’m obviously pretty passionate about. But there’s been one category of question that’s been on my radar to reeeeally spill the tea on for a while now.
Do I have curly hair? Because TikTok seems to think so…
If you were under the impression that if you had curly hair you’d know it, you are not alone! Maybe you’ve always struggled with your hair’s texture – frizz, undefined waves or kinks? Maybe your hair is super wavy or ringlet-y when you jump out of the shower, but just dries frizzy or boofy?
I’m here to let you in on a little industry secret… those “effortless” looking defined bouncy curls you’ve been coveting are no accident! They take a whole lotta effort. And don’t expect your hairdresser to know either. I’ve got customers that have spent years and years trying to find a stylist who “gets” their hair, only to be finally informed by an app invented to share lip-syncing videos that the reason they’ve been struggling, is because they had no idea their hair was actually curly.
And look, I’m not even going to pretend to know how the oh-so-spooky TikTok algorithm works, but chances are, if you’re being constantly fed content on how to embrace your curls, then yes, there’s a good chance you might have curly hair (the algorithm always knows)!
So, this guide is for you. Whether you're a curly hair newbie or just looking to improve your hair care routine, these tips will help you get the most out of your curls.
Invest in a good hair care routine
Get the basics right first! A hair care routine that is tailored to your specific hair type will ensure that your curls look their best.
Say goodbye to sulphates: Sulphates can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and frizzy – a huuuge no-no for curly girls. Instead, look for sulphate-free shampoos that are specifically designed for curly hair. Invest in a nourishing conditioner, and a leave-in mask.
Use the right products
Curly hair requires different products than straight hair, so be sure to use ones that are designed to enhance your curls. Experiment with different products, like oils, gels, creams and mousses, to find what works best for your hair.
Be careful with the brush
Avoid combing or brushing when your hair is dry. When your hair is dry, it's more prone to breakage, so it's best to avoid combing or brushing it. Instead, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair while it's wet and conditioning.
Ditch the towel
Using a towel on curly hair can actually do more harm than good. Towels are made from rough and absorbent materials that can disrupt the shape of your curls, leading to frizz, breakage and reduced definition.
So, what's the solution? It's simple: ditch the towel and switch to amicrofibre turban instead. Microfibre is soft and gentle on your hair, reducing the risk of frizz and damage. Plus, they're way more sustainable and eco-friendly than constantly using towels.
Take a break from the heat
Heat styling can be damaging to your curls, causing frizz and reducing definition. Instead, opt for air-drying or using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to gently dry your hair while maintaining its shape.
Sleep with silk
Sleeping on asilk pillowcase can help prevent frizz and protect your curls while you sleep. Choose a high-quality pillowcase, and enjoy the benefits of smooth, healthy, and defined curls every morning.
Embrace your curls
Finally, the most important thing is to embrace your curls and celebrate your natural texture. Ditch the straightener, don't try to change your curls to fit a certain standard, but instead, embrace them for what they are. Remember that your curls are unique to you and that's what makes them so special.
Don't be afraid to try new styles and embrace different shapes and sizes of curls. TikTok is a great place to find inspiration and tips for new styles, so be bold and try something new!
