How to manage curly hair

1. Ditch the sulphates

One curly hair myth is that you shouldn't use shampoo to wash your hair. This is because most shampoos contain foaming agents called sulphates. These are harsh chemicals that strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, dull and more likely to frizz. But it’s still important to cleanse your curls properly to remove any buildup of products, dirt or excess oils. For some curl types, a no-poo, low-poo or co-washing method works better than shampoo

2. Don't brush your hair before washing

Brushing your hair before you wash it can cause breakage, which is why some curlies swear off the brush completely. But if your tresses get tangled easily and you still need to run something through them to work out the knots, do it in the shower instead. Lather up your hands with conditioner, then gently detangle your strands with your fingers. Starting from the ends and moving up will minimise breakage. You can also use a wide tooth comb or a tangle teezer, but always be as gentle as possible.

3. Water is your best friend

It’s not enough to just condition your curls – you need to help your curls hold onto as much moisture as possible by applying our moisture-boosting products while your hair is still soaking wet. That means drizzling water onto your hair as you apply the conditioner and applying the cream and gel straight after rinsing out the conditioner. This will lock in moisture and encourage more definition.

Top tip: If you have low porosity hair, you can sprinkle some water on top of the cream to make sure it won’t just sit on top of your hair. Not sure what your hair porosity is? Read this blog post to find out!

4. And if you can, make it cold water

We all love a steamy hot shower at the end of a long day. But washing your hair with hot water can actually dry out your curls. This is because hot water causes the cuticles of your strands to lift up, allowing moisture to escape. Cold (or lukewarm) water works in the opposite way – it seals your cuticles which helps your hair to retain moisture, strength and a smooth shine. Plus, cold water has been proven to boost your immune system and your mood – and we’re all for that!

5. Keep up the conditioning

Conditioning is one of the most important rules for curly hair, which tends to be dry by nature. The spiralled structure of the strands forces the cuticle open, making it easier for moisture to escape. That's why you should use a conditioner that's free from silicones (these coat the strands and make it harder for moisture to penetrate) and full of moisture-boosting ingredients. Damaged hair will need extra nourishment, which means using a regular deep-conditioning treatment to rehydrate, repair and restore your curls.

6. Follow up with your favourite oil

Some curl types and textures – like tight and kinky curls – need even more moisture than the average curl. This is when you can follow up the creams and gels with a nourishing natural oil to seal in moisture for longer. We love baobab oil for its ability to easily absorb into the strands and penetrate deep into the hair follicles to nourish, moisturise and soften. Coconut oil is another wonder oil with deep-conditioning and shine-boosting properties.

7. Avoid using rough towels to dry your hair

Curls are fragile things that need handling with care, otherwise they can fall into fits of disobedient frizz. Your usual terry cloth bathroom towel is too rough to use on your fragile curls. Rubbing them dry can weaken the cuticles and break the hair fibre, leading to frizz, split ends and breakage. Instead, try using an old cotton T-shirt or a microfibre towel to gently blot your hair dry.

8. Don’t touch your curls while they are drying

Once you've washed and styled your curls, it's best to leave them alone until they're completely dry. Touching curly hair in the drying phase will only cause it to frizz, so hands off! After applying cream or gel, don’t separate your curls at all to keep them as defined as possible. Leave them to air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat. If you find the top of your hair tends to dry a bit flat, slide clips in at the roots to give volume.

9. Keep your curls in shape while you sleep

We’ve all been there. You wash your hair thoroughly, style it with all the right products, let it dry naturally in beautiful defined curls and head to bed… Only to wake up the next morning to find kinks in all the wrong places. To keep your curls in place and preserve the definition, sleep with your hair in a loose ‘pineapple’ on top of your head. You can also use a silk scarf or pillowcase to minimise friction and prevent your curls from breaking overnight.