And, when deciding on the best curly hair products like shampoos, leave-in-conditioners, and styling gels and masks, pay attention to what your hair needs and responds to – is it dehydrated and needs moisture, or damaged and needs keratin and proteins, or both. Keep an eye on ingredients like sulphates. They do a mega job of deep-cleaning, but the trade-off is that they can be super stripping and, if your hair doesn’t get very oily or greasy, it could be more cleansing action than your delicate curls need.
As for tips, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Writer, Shei Mamona, recommends brushing your hair while still in the shower or bath to gently detangle it. “For looser curls split your hair into around four sections, or for tighter curls, maybe six,” she advises. “I like to braid those sections while I apply conditioner as it helps to soak it all up. And to insulate it, I’d recommend a shower cap or cling film.” Another of her top tips? Do it while you’re in the bath, that way you can sit back and relax while your hair marinates in hydration and conditioning galore.
When using hot tools Shei says: “I’ve started using the Pattern Beauty Heat Protectant Spray and haven’t got back since. It’s sort of oil based so it leaves a nice sheen as well and bonus, it smells really good.”
Post-wash, apply your products lightest to heaviest (for instance, leave-in-conditioner, then oil) while your hair is still damp so the moisture is sealed in while it dries. Plus the mix of products can offer different benefits (e.g. softening vs strengthening), so it’s good to experiment to find a combo that works for you.