OH, curly hair—how I love and hate you. As anyone with curly hair knows, no two hair days are the same, that’s why is so important to choose curly hair products that will make your curls bounce. One day you wake up feeling like the queen of the world with a mane that can impress one and each of your crushes and the other you feel like the Lion King and the only thing it can make your day is a high ponytail or a powerful straightener.
Wearing your hair au naturel has never been cooler, right? But those of us with curly or wavy strands know that letting our kinks loose with abandon is easier said than done (yes those little hairs that grow on the top of your head and look like they have a different growing pace than the rest). To state the obvious, there’s a fine line between a little effortless static and downright frizz, I’m sure that you like me are on a journey to find the best curly hair products that can tame your wild mane without destroying its natural look.
After all, defined, gorgeous curls and healthy, hydrated strands are everything curly gals ask for!
It’s time to work with your texture helping you embrace your natural strands. Because, listen to me, why bothering to spend time battling nature when you can flaunt what your genes have given you? We took the liberty to ask curl connoisseur Ali Holmes, a few questions we knew you wanted the answer to, and this is what she has to say about taking the best care of your unique curls.
Q&A with Hairdresser Ali Holmes
Q
Are there any ingredients curly hair should avoid?
Anything astringent really…. avoid sulphates and parabens. How can you tell if your shampoo has sulphate in it? if it’s really bubbly and foamy, that means it’s high in sulphates. Always use a shampoo that foams more like a marshmallow texture.
Q
What are some of your expert tips on having curly hair under control?
Don’t over manipulate curls. Wash, towel dry, and put in place with fingers only. Throw all combs and brushes out! Overkill? If so, comb your hair through in the shower with conditioner in. That’s it. Otherwise, just rake your hair in the shower with your fingers. Every curl reacts differently to different products. Unfortunately, it’s trial and error. Oils and mousses are always the curl top picks. cocktailing a few products is great too.
Q
I have curly hair and always find myself struggling with flyaways, any trick to tame them?
With curly hair, what works one day doesn’t work the next. Weather, sleep patterns, diet all contribute to this…. Always have an oil and anti-humectant spray-on tap. And when all else fails, wet your hands with water and wipe the flyaways down….
Q
Is it true that we should wash the hair with cold water for a shinier finish?
Coldwater shuts the cuticle down tight. So if you’re prone to that halo of fuzz (the angel glow) then a burst of cold could help.
Q
Do you recommend any particular brush for curly hair, honestly I just styled it with my fingertips, is that a good practice to follow?
As mentioned above….. throw all brushes/ combs away.
Side note…. As people age (I don’t just mean ‘getting old’, this could be entering your twenties from adolescence or in your 40’s) their curls seem to drop a little or change. I see a lot of people that could benefit from a partial perm. A perm in the slack areas ( where the curls have dropped) this could also help in particularly frizzy areas of the hair to settle the fuzz.
Now onto the fun part, from styling creams to creamy shampoos to leave-in conditioners, here’s a list of the best curly hair products you and your curls should own to never use a straighter again. CF word!
The Best 8 Curly Hair Products
1. Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother
This leave-in reparative styling creme, is suitable for all hair types, but make a great deal for curly ones, as it strengthens, hydrates, protects, and fights frizz while repairing the damaged bonds within the hair.
2. Davines LOVE Curl Shampoo & Conditioner
A creamy shampoo to give elasticity to curly or wavy hair. The moisturizing formula cleanses the hair, makes it soft and light enhancing its volume, shine, and without compromising texture.
The LOVE conditioner enhances and controls wavy or curly hair. Rich in proteins and vitamins, it is formulated to make hair soft and light, giving elasticity and volume without weighing it down. This duo will create your lightest, bounciest curls ever.
3. Hair Rituel by Sisley Restructuring Nourishing Balm
A highly lipid-replenishing pre-shampoo balm to intensely care for damaged, dehydrated hair and encourage a true ‘hair transformation’. When applied once a week, the number of split ends is reduced and the lengths and tips of the hair become less prone to breakage. The hair as a whole is transformed.
4. EVO Curly Hair Range
Designed to empower and enhance every curl type. If I would have to choose 2 products from the EVO curl range, they will be the Baby got bounce, an intense rinse-out treatment that moisturizers and repairs your curls, leaving them feeling strong and hydrated while supporting your natural curl pattern. And, the Liquid Rollers, a light curl balm that enhances natural curl shape whilst moisturizing and protecting against frizz. It seals the cuticle to prevent moisture loss, reduce frizz, and provide humidity control. Read here why I’m so obsessed with these two goldies.
5. Damn Gina
Did you know hair turbans are a curly girl’s best friend? If not, listen up, it will not only look good on you but also, this pretty accessory will lock any product overnight or simply tame your main so you wake up with bouncy curls. They also make for a great at-home-self-care treat or to take it with you to the pool or the beach if you want to give your curls that extra care while being under the sun.
6. Grown Alchemist Smoothing Hair Treatment
Formulated with hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Cationic Guar and, Pro-Vitamin A, this treatment has a very light, fast-absorbing formulation, that smoothes hair, eliminating flyaways and protecting against hair surface damage resulting from heat styling; leaves hair looking natural, silky smooth, and hydrated while providing essential nutrients to the hair follicle.
7. A’kin Miracle Shine Conditioning Hair Mask Tub
We all know that curly hair needs hydration like no other. This intensive conditioning mask is enriched with Australian avocado oil, Australian jojoba oil & squalene to strengthen, repair, protect & lock in moisture for beautifully nourished, bouncy curls.
8. A’kin Lavender & Anthyllis Leave-In Conditioner
Get your curls into shape with this best-selling nourishing and strengthening leave-in conditioner, perfect for dry and damaged ends. Enriched with antioxidants, amino acids, and organic avocado oil to restore and protect your precious curls.
