Best Products for Curly Hair: Your Guide to Perfect Curls

COMPLETE GUIDE: FROM SHAMPOO TO STYLING

From loose waves to defined curls, curly hair needs proper care.

Let's be real — curly hair is a gift, but it can also be a bit of a challenge. Frizz, dryness, and those unpredictable curl patterns can leave us reaching for the nearest straightening iron. What's the key to unlocking your curls' full potential and embracing those gorgeous spirals? It's simple - all you need to do is use the right products for your curl type (with a little know-how).

That's where Davines comes in. As a professional haircare brand dedicated to sustainable beauty, Davines offers a curated collection of products specially designed to nourish, define, and enhance every curl type. Let us help you find the best curly hair care products to achieve your dream curls.

We'll break down everything you need to know about caring for curly hair, from understanding your curl type to mastering a foolproof routine. We'll delve into recommend products for different hair types, share expert tips, and answer all your burning questions.

Ready to fall in love with your curls all over again? Let's dive in!

Understanding Your Curl Type

First of all, it's crucial to understand your unique curl type.

Knowing your curls is the key to a successful curly hair routine. It means you'll choose products that cater to your curls' unique texture and moisture needs. If you want healthier, more defined curls, keep reading to find your curl type.

The Curly Hair Spectrum

Curly hair isn't a one-size-fits-all category. It exists on a spectrum, ranging from loose waves to tight coils. The most common curls fall into one of these categories, each with subcategories that describe the specific curl pattern:

Type 2: Wavy Hair

2A:Soft, loose waves with a fine texture and minimal curl.
2B: More defined waves with a slight S-shape, prone to frizz.
2C: Thick, coarse waves that form distinct S-shapes.

Type 3: Curly Hair

3A: Large, loose curls with a definite S-shape and a lot of body.
3B: Tighter curls with a circumference similar to a marker.
3C: Tight corkscrew curls that are dense and voluminous.

Type 4: Coily Hair

4A: Soft, tightly coiled curls that have a visible S-pattern.
4B: Z-shaped curls with a less defined pattern, often forming sharp angles.
4C: Tightly coiled curls with a very fine texture and minimal definition.

How do I find my curly hair type?

The easiest way to determine your curl type is when your hair is wet and free of products. Observe the shape of your strands and compare them to the descriptions above. If you're unsure, speak to an expert stylist at your nearest Davines salon today or visit our dedicated curl-type guide.

Pre-Wash Pampering: The Secret to Hydrated Curls

Before you even think about shampoo, give your curls some extra TLC with a pre-wash treatment. This often-overlooked step is a game-changer for hydration and manageability, especially for thirsty curls prone to frizz!

Pre-wash treatments, also known as "pre-pooing," create a protective barrier on your hair strands. This barrier helps to:

Lock in moisture: Prevents your shampoo from stripping away your hair's natural oils, leaving curls soft and supple.
Detangle with ease: Makes combing through your curls a breeze, reducing breakage and damage.
Minimise frizz: Helps to smooth the hair cuticle, resulting in smoother, more defined curls.
Boost shine: Leaves your curls looking healthy and glossy.

Think of it like a warm-up for your hair before the main workout. It primes your curls for the rest of your routine, ensuring they're hydrated, nourished, and ready to shine.

Davines Pre-Wash Heroes

Davines offers a luxurious range of pre-wash treatments that can address specific curl needs:

This multi-tasking oil is a cult favourite for a reason. Its lightweight formula adds shine, softness, and manageability without weighing curls down.

It's perfect for all curl types and can also be used as a leave-in conditioner or styling aid.

If your curls are feeling parched and lacklustre, this rich mask is your saviour.

Packed with nourishing ingredients, it deeply hydrates and revitalises dry, damaged curls, restoring their natural bounce and vibrancy.

This creamy mask is specifically formulated for curly hair. It detangles, hydrates, and defines curls, leaving them soft, manageable, and full of life.

How to Pre-Shampoo Like a Pro

Incorporating a pre-wash treatment into your routine is simple:

Apply: On dry hair, apply your chosen Davines pre-wash treatment from roots to tips, focusing on the ends.
Massage: Gently massage the product into your scalp and hair, ensuring even distribution.
Leave in: Leave the treatment on for 15-30 minutes, or even overnight for a deeper treatment.
Rinse & Shampoo: Rinse out the pre-wash treatment and follow with your usual shampoo and conditioning routine.

By adding this extra step to your routine, you'll be amazed at the difference it makes to the health and appearance of your curls. Your hair will thank you!

Shampoo for curly hair

Curly hair should be shampooed no more than twice a week to look its best. It’s better to use lukewarm water and apply shampoo to roots instead of lengths and ends. This avoids stripping strands of hydration.

What’s the best shampoo for curly hair?

With so many options, how do you pick the best shampoo for your curly hair? Consider these factors:

Curl type: Different curl types have different needs. Wavy hair might prefer a lightweight shampoo, while coily hair might benefit from a more nourishing formula.
Scalp condition:If you have a sensitive or dry scalp, look for a shampoo with soothing ingredients.
Hair concerns: Do you struggle with frizz, dryness, or damage? Choose a shampoo that addresses your specific concerns.

Remember:The best shampoo for curly hair is the one that leaves your curls feeling clean, hydrated, and defined.

Our Curly Hair Shampoo Recommendations

Conditioners for curly hair

Conditioner is like a tall drink of water for your curls – it quenches their thirst, detangles knots, and leaves them feeling soft and supple.

Curly hair tends to be dry, especially on lengths and ends. This is because the oils from the scalp do not spread evenly along the hair shaft like they would with straighter hair.

Plus, curls are not combed when dry, so greasiness isn’t spread with a brush. That’s why it’s so important to protect curl hydration using a conditioner every time you shampoo hair,

To get the most out of your conditioner, start by gently pushing out any excess water from your hair after shampooing. Next, apply it generously to your mid-lengths and ends using a wide-tooth wooden comb. Then, allow it to soak in for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

What's the best conditioner for curly hair?

With so many options, how do you pick the best conditioner for your curly hair? Consider these factors:

Curl type: Wavy hair might prefer a lighter conditioner, while coily hair might benefit from a richer, more hydrating formula.
Hair porosity: Low porosity hair needs a lightweight conditioner that won't weigh it down, while high porosity hair needs a thicker, more moisturising conditioner.
Hair concerns: If you struggle with frizz or dryness, look for a conditioner with ingredients like Noto Almond and B Vitamins.

Remember: The best conditioner for curly hair is the one that leaves your curls feeling soft, hydrated, and manageable.

Our Top Conditioners for Curly Hair

Intense hydration: Deeply nourishes and moisturises dry hair.
Softness and protection: Leaves hair feeling incredibly soft and protected from environmental stressors.
Cartucciaru melon extract: Features Cartucciaru melon extract, known for its antioxidant and moisturising properties.

MOMO Conditioner is a powerhouse of hydration, perfect for those with particularly thirsty curls. Its lightweight formula ensures your curls stay bouncy and full of life.

Styling Products for Curly Hair

Styling products are the finishing touch for your curly hair routine, allowing you to sculpt, define, and enhance your natural curl pattern. Davines offers a range of curly styling products that cater to different curl types and styling preferences, helping you achieve your desired look.

How do I choose the right curly hair styling products for my curl type?

The best styling product for your curly hair depends on your desired style, curl type, and hair thickness. Here are some general guidelines:

Wavy hair: Lightweight mousses or creams that provide soft hold and definition.
Curly hair: Serums or gels that offer medium hold and enhance your natural curl pattern.
Coily hair: Thicker creams or gels that provide strong hold and frizz control.
Fine hair:Avoid heavy products that can weigh down your curls.
Thick hair: Look for products that offer strong hold and moisture to keep your curls defined and frizz-free.

Using Curly Styling Products to Create Waves and Curls

Remove Excess Water: Start by removing excess water using the plopping technique: putting the head down, gently wrapping the hair with a microfibre cloth or a cotton t-shirt and patting the hair upwards without rubbing it.
Don’t Use a Traditional Towel:A traditional towel absorbs too much water and can cause additional frizz. Instead, use a dedicated microfibre curly hair towel. An old cotton t-shirt is a great alternative that’s usually readily available.

To achieve the wavy effect, it is essential for hair to be still fairly wet when applying the cream or foam.

Using Hair Curling Cream: Put a dollop of product on the palms, rub, then take a strand of hair and hold it between your hands, distribute the product evenly by pulling it through the lengths down to the ends.
Using Hair Curling Foam: Apply it with raking movements. Spray the product on the palms, rub it slightly and then distribute it through the curls using your fingers as rakes to obtain an even result.

Our Top Curly Hair Styling Products

Taming Frizz with Curly Hair Gel and Oil

The last step is to tame frizz further by defining the curls and fixing them when necessary. Although we talk of “fixing” or “holding”, we do not want to “glue” and freeze the curl. We’re aiming for a natural and bouncy finish.

Oils can be used at this stage – such as This is an Oil Non Oil – for a defined result with no frizz. Or a gel – like This is a Medium Hold Modelling Gel – that ensures a stronger hold. Finally, a faster-acting formula– like This Is A Curl Gel Oil – ensures definition, limits frizz and has a light fixing.

Our Top Oils and Gels for Curly Hair

Advanced Curl Care Tips

Taking your curly hair routine to the next level involves more than just the right products. It's about incorporating specific techniques and habits that promote overall curl health, definition, and longevity.

Drying Curly Hair: Air Dry or Diffuse?

The way you dry your curls can significantly impact their appearance and health. Here are two popular methods:

Air drying: This is the gentlest option for your curls, as it minimises heat damage. However, it can take longer for your hair to dry completely.
Diffusing: Using a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer can help to speed up drying time while still minimising frizz. Use a low heat setting and hold the diffuser close to your roots to encourage volume.

Whichever method you choose, remember to be gentle with your curls.

Avoid rubbing them with a towel, as this can cause frizz. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water with a microfibre towel or an old cotton t-shirt.

How to Dry Curly Hair

Ideally, hair should be left to dry naturally to avoid the stress caused by heat. However, we know it’s not always possible because of outside temperatures or time available.

We highly recommend using a hair dryer with a diffuser. Avoid using a styling nozzle that directs the jet of hot air too strongly and risks disrupting the curl.

Start drying from the curl root keeping the diffuser at least 10cm/3 inches away from the scalp.
Proceed with lengths cupping the strands onto the diffuser starting from the ends and making sure that the air jet does not make the hair fly around, exposing it to the risk of frizz.
Dry with your head down so roots get volume.
Keep a medium-low temperature to prevent damage to the hair fibre.

Heat Protection: Shield Your Curls from Damage

If you do use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant beforehand. This will help to minimise damage and keep your curls looking their best.

We recommend the MELU Hair Shield, this lightweight heat protectant shields hair from heat up to 220°C while providing anti-frizz and anti-humidity benefits. It's also vegan and cruelty-free.

Sleep Routine: Protect Your Curls Overnight

The way you sleep can also affect your curls. Tossing and turning can create friction, leading to frizz and breakage. Here are some tips for protecting your curls overnight:

Silk pillowcase: Silk or satin pillowcases create less friction than cotton, helping to prevent frizz and breakage.
Pineapple ponytail: Gather your curls into a loose ponytail on top of your head to minimise friction and maintain definition.
Hair bonnet: A satin or silk bonnet will help to keep your curls contained and protected while you sleep.

Revitalising Curls Between Washes

This is only recommended if you have flat roots, curls that tend to loosen up or prefer reducing the number of washes due to a dry or sensitive scalp.

A "refresh" consists of spraying water on the hair to make it moist and re-workable. Then, add a light leave-on product.

People with roots and curls that tend to flatten can lift them by misting some revitaliser. For curls that tend to dry out and break, add moisturise and definition with another application of curl gel oil. You can also create a casual, tousled look with sea salt spray.

Our Top Curly Hair Revitalisers

Make the Most of Your Curls with Davines

Your curls are unique, beautiful and worthy of celebration. With the right care and best curly hair products, you can unlock their full potential and achieve the healthy, defined and radiant curls you've always dreamed of.

Whether you're a curl novice or a styling pro, we hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and inspiration to elevate your curly hair routine.

Ready to embark on your journey to perfect curls? Explore Davines' curated collection of curly hair products and discover the transformative power of natural, sustainable beauty.

Your curls deserve the best!

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