Understand the Specific Properties of Curly Hair
Curly hair is beautiful, versatile, and unique—but it also requires a different care approach than straight hair. Understanding how curls work can help you keep them healthier and make them shine with more definition, bounce, and shine.
1. Natural Drought
The spiral structure of curls makes it harder for the natural sebum (hair oil) from your scalp to reach the ends. The result? Curls feel dry more quickly, especially at the ends.
Solution: Hydrating products without drying ingredients like sulfates or alcohol denat. are essential. Think of nourishing creams, leave-ins, and oils that seal in moisture.
2. Vulnerability to Damage
The twisted structure makes curly hair more susceptible to friction and breakage. Each twist in the hair strand creates a weak point where the hair is more likely to split.
Solution: Use soft towels (microfiber or cotton), comb with a wide-toothed comb or your fingers, and protect your curls at night with a satin pillowcase or hair bonnet.
3. Shrinkage and Length Difference
Curls often appear shorter than they actually are – this is called "shrinkage." Depending on your curl type, hair can appear up to 70% shorter.
Solution: Accept shrinkage as a sign of healthy, bouncy curls. If you want to reveal a bit more length, use stretching techniques like twist-outs, banding, or blow-drying with a diffuser on low heat.
4. Sensitive to weather conditions
Humid air can make curls frizzy, while dry air makes them lifeless.
Solution:
- In summer: Use a light sealer (e.g. oil-based) to lock in moisture and reduce frizz.
- In winter: add an extra layer of leave-in or cream to protect against dehydration.
5. Wide Variety in Hair Structures – and What Suits Them
No two curls are the same. Within a single head, you can even have different curl types, from loose waves to tight coils. But three key characteristics determine how your curls react to products: porosity , hair thickness , and density .
Porosity – How well your hair absorbs and retains moisture
- Low porosity: Scales are closed, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. Choose light, fluid products like leave-in sprays, thin gels, or watery moisturizers. Heat can help with deep conditioning.
- Medium porosity: Products absorb well and last a long time. You can choose a mix of light creams, gels, and oils without quickly developing buildup.
- High porosity: Scales are open, allowing moisture to enter and escape quickly. Use rich, buttery creams, leave-ins, and sealing oils or butters.
Hair thickness – The diameter of your individual hair
- Fine hair: Avoid heavy products that flatten your hair. Choose light creams, gels, and oils.
- Medium hair: Can tolerate a wide range of products; alternating works well.
- Thick hair: Often needs more nourishment. Rich butters, creamy leave-ins, and thicker gels provide better control and definition.
Density – How many hairs you have per square centimeter
- Low Density: Use lightweight stylers and volumizing sprays, and avoid over-dosing.
- Medium density: A balanced amount of product gives both volume and definition.
- High density: Often needs more product and strong hold to tame frizz and maintain definition.
💡 Tip: Want to know which products are best for your curls? First, understand your hair type and adjust your routine accordingly. This way, you'll get the most out of your natural texture.