7 Easy Ways to Enhance the Natural Curl of Your Hair
Tired of the flat iron? We’ve got you. If you're looking for ways to enhance the natural curl in your hair, a few simple changes to your hair routine can make all the difference. Whether you have loose waves or tight spirals, these tips can help your curls look their best and last all day.
1. Deep condition your hair.
Deep conditioning is essential for keeping your hair's natural curl pattern healthy. Use a deep conditioner once or twice a week to help hydrate, nourish and lock in moisture. Over time, this will make your curl structure much stronger and less prone to damage. It also helps your hair fall into smoother curls, avoiding frizziness and puffiness. For extra moisture, after washing and conditioning your hair you can add leave-in conditioners, oils, and serums that deliver hydration and that are specifically formulated to not weigh down your hair.
2. Use the proper shampoo and conditioner for your hair.
Not all shampoos and conditioners are created equally! Choosing a hydrating shampoo and conditioner with smoothing qualities is essential for curly hair. There are also products specifically formulated for curly hair, such as Davines’ Love Curl line, and KMS’s TameFrizz line. Both of these lines incorporate ingredients that deliver curl protecting and enhancing benefits. If you find you have trouble keeping your curls hydrated and defined, these are great options for your hair regime.
Featured line: Davines Love Curl
Davines’ Love Curl line is a great choice for wavy and curly hair. Its moisturizing and softening formulations maintain hair’s volume and shine and without compromising texture. With a wide array of options beyond shampoo and conditioners, the Love Curl line gives you the tools to create your perfect curly hair routine.
3. Avoid brushing your hair when it’s dry.
Brushing dry curly hair can cause frizz and disrupt the curl pattern. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair when it's wet. Also, don’t brush curly hair too often–curly hair doesn't need to be brushed as often as straight hair. Brushing too often can cause breakage, which curly hair is prone to, and it also disrupts the curl pattern. If it’s necessary to brush your hair when dry, use your fingers to gently reshape your curls as needed.
Adding an oil to your curls can help retain your curl's natural luster and add definition. This can be applied twice-daily: in the morning before styling and in the evening as a night treatment. Pay attention to your curl product’s instructions, but one method that usually yield’s excellent results is to apply a generous amount over wet hair. Though some people use at home oils like coconut and argan oils, focus on lighter oils that don't weigh down your curls. This way they maintain their bounce.
4. Apply oil to enhance curl definition.
Featured product: This is a Curl Building Serum from Davines
One of the most popular products at Hunt and Gather, this serum is excellent for creating defined, bouncy curls. The formula adds elasticity and shine to curls while preventing frizz, and blocking humidity (a must for the West Coast!) Like all of Davines’ products, the ingredients are carefully sourced and chosen, and the formula has no colourant or parabens. This serum works best if used on freshly washed hair. To get the most of this curl enhancing serum, distribute evenly on damp hair, then proceed with styling.
5. Sleep on a satin pillowcase.
Sleeping on a satin pillowcase has a number of benefits for your hair and scalp, and it’s particularly great for curly hair. Firstly, a satin pillowcase eases the friction on your hair as you sleep. As a result, your hair will be less frizzy, less tangled, and experience less breakage from tugging. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase also allows your hair to retain more moisture, as it's less absorbent than a standard pillowcase material such as cotton. If you’re looking for a way to take care of your hair while you sleep, try the Aria Beauty Satin Sleep Set which includes a satin pillowcase to pamper your hair. In addition to helping maintain your curls, a satin pillowcase also reduces friction with your scalp – a must for people with sensitive skin. It’s also more comfortable than sleeping on a cotton pillowcase!
6. Use a diffuser attachment.
If you need to blow-dry your hair, use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer. This will help distribute the heat more evenly and prevent your curls from becoming frizzy. Not sure how to use a diffuser? Just follow these steps:
While using the diffuser, set your hair dryer to low heat to prevent damaging your hair. High heat can cause your curls to frizz and become dry and brittle.
As you’re drying your hair, flip your head upside down and place your curls in the diffuser. Move the diffuser around your scalp, making sure to hold it close to your roots.
Continue to dry your hair in sections, moving the diffuser around to ensure all of your curls are getting evenly dried.
Once your hair is almost dry, switch the hair dryer to cool air to help set your curls. Continue to use the diffuser until your hair is completely dry.
7. Get your hair trimmed regularly.
Split and dry ends can make your curls look frizzy and unkempt. Since one of the keys of healthy looking curls is moisture, getting regular trims will get rid of any damaged or dry hair that could be affecting the overall look and shape of your curls. Getting your hair trimmed regularly keeps curls looking healthy and defined.
Looking to enhance your natural curls? Shop our dedicated Curly Hair products in Hunt & Gather’s General Store.
Featured product: KMS TameFrizz De-Frizz Oil
This lightweight, non-greasy oil that absorbs instantly into hair. It smooths the hair surface, and provides frizz and humidity control for up to 3 days. This oil is formulated for medium and coarse curly hair, but it works especially well on highly textured hair. What’s different about this oil? KMS’ formulation includes Babassu, which is known for restoring the hair’s elasticity and promoting smoother hair ends with less breakage. It’s also free from any animal-derived ingredients. This de-frizzing oil is one of the best for healthy looking and nourished curly hair. To use, simply apply a few drops to dry hair to smooth and seal the cuticle.