Curly hair - how to get beautiful, defined curls

Curly hair is beautiful and unique, but it can also be tricky to maintain. Curls need extra moisture, the right products, and gentle care to look their best. With the right knowledge and routines, you can enhance your natural curls and make them shine.

Why is curly hair different?

Curly hair has a different structure than straight hair. The hair shaft is oval or flat instead of round, which makes it naturally bend and form curls. This structure also makes it harder for the hair's natural oils to spread along the hair shaft, which often leads to dryness.

Common challenges with curly hair

• Dryness - Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair
• Frizz - Humidity in the air can cause hair to become frizzy
• Frizzy hair - Curls get tangled more easily
• Uneven curls - Different curl types in the same hair can make the curls feel uneven
• Lack of definition - Curls that don't hold their shape

Different types of lids

Curly hair is often divided into different categories according to a system developed by hairstylist Andre Walker. The system ranges from type 1 (straight hair) to type 4 (very tight curly hair), with subcategories A, B, and C describing the tightness of the curls. Knowing your curl type will help you choose the right products and hair routines.

Type 1: Straight hair

Hair that is neither curly nor wavy at all is called type 1.

Type 2: Wavy hair

Wavy hair has an S-shaped structure and lies somewhere between straight and curly hair.

• 2A (Slightly Wavy) – Fine, loose waves that easily flatten. The hair has a slight S-shape and is often quite thin. Needs products that add volume without weighing it down.
• 2B (Medium Wavy) – More pronounced S-shaped waves starting at the ears. Hair has more texture and can be a little frizzy. Needs moisture and light hold.
• 2C (Strongly Wavy) – Clear, defined waves that start at the scalp. Hair is thicker and can be frizzy. Needs extra moisture and products that define the waves.

Type 3: Curly hair

Curly hair has distinct curls that form spirals or ringlets.

• 3A (Large Curls) – Large, loose curls with shine. The curls are about the size of a marker. The hair often has natural volume and shine but can become frizzy in humid weather.
• 3B (Medium Curls) – Tighter curls, about the size of a thick pencil. The curls are more spiral-shaped and the hair has more volume. Needs a lot of moisture to avoid frizz.
• 3C (Small, Tight Curls) – Tight, spiral curls about the size of a pencil. Hair has a lot of volume and can be frizzy. Needs intense hydration and products that define the curls.

Type 4: Afro hair

Type 4 has very tight curls or zigzag patterns and is the most fragile hair type.

• 4A (Tight Spirals) – Tight spiral curls. The hair has a distinct curl structure but can be fragile. Needs lots of moisture and gentle treatment.
• 4B (Zigzag Pattern) – Hair has a zigzag or Z-shaped pattern instead of spirals. Less curl definition and lots of volume. Needs intense hydration and protection.
• 4C (Very Dense) – Very dense hair with minimal curl definition. Hair shrinks a lot when it dries (up to 75%). Requires maximum moisture, gentle handling and protective styling.

10 tips for more beautiful curls

1. Choose the right shampoo and conditioner

Use products specifically formulated for curly hair. Avoid sulfates, which can dry out your hair. Our shampoo and conditioner bars for curly hair are rich in moisture and help define curls without weighing them down. Foams shampoo and conditioner bars are free of sulfates and silicones.

2. Don't wash too often

Curly hair needs its natural oils. Wash it a maximum of 2-3 times a week.

2. Massage the scalp

Massage your scalp when you wash your hair and pay attention to your scalp health. Your scalp should never feel tight, which means it's too dry. It should also not be oily or flaky.

4. Squeeze hair dry - never rub

Rubbing creates frizz and ruins curls. Instead, gently squeeze your hair dry with a towel or use a T-shirt, which is gentler on your hair.

5. Never brush dry curly hair (but wavy hair is fine)

Only brush your hair when it is wet and has conditioner in it. Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to gently detangle the tangles. If you have wavy hair, the advice may be different as some wavy hair distributes oils when brushed and feels good to be brushed even when dry.

6. Apply products to wet hair

Leave-in products and curling gel work best when hair is still wet. Apply by scrunching the product upwards into the hair to shape the curls.

7. Air dry or use a diffuser

For best results, let hair air dry. If you're in a hurry, use a diffuser on low heat. Avoid touching your hair while it's drying.

8. Sleep with your hair protected

Sleep on a satin pillowcase. This reduces friction and keeps your curls intact overnight.

9. Use gentle hair ties

Use a silk or satin hair tie. This will reduce friction and keep your curls intact overnight.

10. Mow regularly

Trim dry ends every 8-12 weeks. Find a hairdresser who specializes in curly hair and can cut dry to see how your curls fall naturally.

Curly Girl Method (CGM)

The Curly Girl Method is a popular method for caring for curly hair. The basic principles are:

• No sulfates – use mild, sulfate-free shampoos
• No silicones – they build up on the hair and require sulfates to wash out
• No alcohols – dries out the hair
• Lots of moisture – generously with conditioner and leave-in products
• Gentle handling – no brushing, rubbing or heating tools

Our products for curly hair

We have developed products specifically for curly hair with natural ingredients that provide moisture, definition and shine.

Package wavy

Satin pillowcase

Satin hair tie

Embrace your natural curls

Curly hair is beautiful and unique. With the right care and products, you can enhance your natural curls and make them shine. Our products are formulated with natural ingredients that give curly hair the moisture and care it needs. We have collected everything from shampoos to hair ties that are adapted for curly hair.