Embracing your curls has become all the rage recently and curly hair salons are on the rise. From bouncy, defined waves to voluminous ringlets, curly hair is here to stay! But if you’re a newbie to the curl revolution and don’t know how to start building your routine, don’t worry—your natural look will come to life soon enough.
Here are five tips on how to get started:
1. Evaluate Your Hair Type
The first step in developing a successful curly hair routine is to evaluate your hair type. With a simple Google search, you can find several examples of curly hair charts that range from simple waves to defined ringlets.
They go as follows:
2A-2C: Loose to Medium Waves
3A-3C: Loose to Tight Curls
4A-4C: Lightly Tight to Firmly Tight Coils
Keep in mind, rarely anyone fits into just one category. Maybe you have both 2C, 3A, and 3B curls sprinkled into your mane. But once you're able to identify your curl type, you can begin to do in-depth research on the porosity, damage, protein, moisture, and thickness it requires to thrive. There is no one-size-fits-all, and often, it's hard to identify alone—that's where a curly hair salon specialist can help.
2. Find the Right Ratio of Hold to Moisture
The key to curly success is finding the right balance between hold and moisture. You want to find products that give your curls enough support while also providing them with enough hydration. This starts with understanding exactly what it is your hair needs—and maybe visiting a curly hair salon to confirm. Here's a quick breakdown:
Drier Hair Types: Most people with coily texture have problems with dry hair; if you're in this boat, try using leave-in conditioners to keep your curls hydrated and give them the ultimate definition. And prioritize a deep conditioning treatment at least once every two weeks to prevent breakage and keep your hair moisturized.
Oily Hair Types: If your hair is prone to oiliness, you'll need products that wrap around each curl and minimize frizzy flyaways. Embrace styling creams and gels—these will give your curls definition without weighing them down with too much product or grease.
3. Don’t Overdo It
There is such a thing as overdoing it when it comes to hair products. Too much of one product can make your curls feel crunchy or greasy; too little hold and your mane won't hold its shape. To play it safe, start with a small amount—you can always add more! A good rule of thumb is to begin with the size of a quarter for each section you want to style.
The same applies to hair masks and deep conditioners. While they are important for sustaining healthy curls, be mindful of how often you use them. You don't want to overload your hair with too many heavy products—research is key. And if you're unsure, it's always best to book an appointment at your local curly hair salon to get an expert's advice.
Once you have product in your hair, it’s vital that you avoid touching your hair. The more you touch your hair, the more frizz builds up. Don’t overdo the amount of product or the amount you touch your hair.
4. Start Styling While it’s Wet
Whatever products you decide to experiment with, never apply them on dry hair. Instead, saturate your curls with water—ideally cold water as this closes the hair cuticle and prevents frizz—then you can start adding the products. Water allows for even distribution throughout your hair while providing a natural hold.
In fact, many curly hair products can only be activated by water due to their gel-like consistency. Make sure you use a lot of water to get the most out of your products and create beautiful, bouncy curls!
5. Experiment With Different Products
Building your curly hair routine is not an exact science—it takes patience and lots of trial and error. Once you’ve figured out your ideal ratio of hold to moisture, it’s time to start experimenting with different products. From curl creams and mousses to gels and leave-ins, there are a variety of options available.
And don’t forget the importance of deep conditioning treatments from a reputable curly hair salon!
Start Your Curly Hair Journey at Cualtzin Salon
No matter what type of curls you have, Cualtzin's Salon is here to help. At our salon, we believe that all hair should be celebrated and embrace the beauty of each individual’s natural texture. If you're someone who has neglected your natural texture or wasn't even aware of it until recently, a curly haircut can help you uncover it.
To start your journey to healthier, happier curls, book an appointment with us today!