Curls are a beautiful thing that really needs its own treatment. Curls need more care than any other hair type. Once you have discovered what suits your curls, you are the happiest lady or gentleman on earth! If you do not know, your curls are a big point of frustration.
To find out what suits your curls best, you will discover below in a few steps what you should pay attention to. Take the information in, don't rush it and you will really learn to love your curls again :)
What is my curl type?
A good start for creating a ritual for your curls is understanding and knowing your curl type. After that, you can look further into what is important for your curls and how you can deal with it, and especially what you should not do. To find out, we use the most well-known method, namely that of André Walker. André's system is arranged from type 1 to type 4. It is important to realize that you can also have a combination of curl types. Porosity and density also play an important role in choosing products that suit your curls best.
If you fall more into curl type 2 or 3, then lighter products will be enough. If you have a strong curl, or curl type 4, then you need 'heavier' products and oil to properly care for your curls.
How can I get started right away with a curl package for my curls?
Are you completely fed up with your curls and don't want to read any further but just get started right away? Do you want to get started with your curls right away, to then sit down and only then go deeper into the material while your curls have already started their journey to their natural origin? We have put together curl care packages based on curl type. These curl packages have already made many curl types happy and their curls have come back to life! Do you want to get started right away and see below which package is suitable for your curls:
Or check out these styling sets:
Does the porosity and elasticity of my curls affect which care products I should purchase?
A frequently asked question, and: this definitely has an effect on curl care! You've had tips that were absolutely fantastic for that person, and when you tried the same thing it did nothing for your curls. Or even worse, your curls became even more horrible than before. Not only is your curl type somewhat important, what is actually even more important is the porosity and elasticity of your curls. You discover whether your curls are extremely thirsty or a little bit.
The elasticity of your curls will help you discover whether your curls need protein, not at all or perhaps a little bit. We have explained how to discover this in an article. This way you can calmly work on your curls step by step so that you can ultimately make the right choices for the right care of your curls. Check ' The tip so that you know what to look for when caring for your curls ' so that you can discover what porosity and elasticity your curls have.
Are sulfates bad for my curls?
First, we will briefly explain what sulphates and parabens are. Sulfates are cleansers that remove dirt and grease from your hair and scalp. The most common sulphates are aggressive cleansers, because this is the cheapest to produce. You also have mild sulphates that are less damaging to your curls. However, it is very easy to find shampoos that are sulphate-free these days.
Sulfates dry out your curls and can irritate your scalp. In any case, it is a step in the right direction if you start avoiding sulfates so that your curls no longer dry out. Hydrating is what it is all about for a beautiful head of curls! However, it is advisable to use a shampoo with sulfates every now and then, why? So that your curls and scalp are really cleaned of product residue. Even if you do this once every two months, you do not have to throw away your current shampoo.
Want to know more about sulphates? Of course you can and we understand that. That is why we have dedicated an article to it. We would like to refer you to the article Everything you need to know about sulphates!
Are parabens bad for my curls?
Parabens are not necessarily bad for your curls. Parabens are added to curl care products as a preservative, it prevents your curl product from spoiling. However, natural preservatives are increasingly being used. These also ensure that curl products do not spoil and therefore remain good. You often have to store these products in the refrigerator, because they consist of natural ingredients. This is not always the case, but read the label and you will know whether it should be stored in the refrigerator or not. If you want to know more about parabens, we recommend that you go to the article ' Everything you need to know about parabens '.
What effect does alcohol have on my curls?
When you think of alcohol in combination with your curls, you immediately think of dry hair. And that is usually true. There are a number of exceptions! If there is alcohol in a product that is extracted from a coconut or palm, or fat, then this alcohol does not have the drying effect of alcohol that is bad for your beautiful curls. The alcohol from fat has a function as an emulsifier, which means that water and oil can mix instead of staying separate.
The good alcohol, let's say, provides hydration to your curls. And also keeps your curls hydrated. In addition, it ensures that your conditioner makes your curls feel soft and easy to comb. Not bad. There are also a number of good types of alcohol that are added as a thickener. So if you buy a product and one of the following types of alcohol is on it? Then you don't have to worry!
- Behenyl alcohol
- Cetearyl alcohol
- Stearyl alcohol
- Cetyl alcohol
- Myristyl alcohol
- Lauryl alcohol
- Benzyl alcohol
- Propylene glycol
Benzyl alcohol is added to a hair product as a preservative, but is therefore not harmful to your beautiful curls. Propylene glycol is in a hair product so that water is attracted and retained in your locks.
What effect does silicone have on my curls?
With silicones you immediately think, that's bad for my curls! It closes my hair cuticles so that the hair can no longer absorb moisture. That is often true, but there is a difference in silicones. There are two types of silicones, one water-based and one oil-based. Water-based silicones are easy to rinse out of your curls, this does not cause a nasty build-up in your locks and scalp. That is exactly what you don't want. Oil-based silicones are a completely different story, you really have to wash them out with a good shampoo with sulphates. And that is exactly what you don't want, since this makes your curls increasingly drier!
Silicones provide a layer around your locks and that is very pleasant at certain times - for example, when you are going to style your hair with heat. This protects your beautiful curls, and you can still straighten your curls.
Which silicones are not bad and can you still use for your curls? These are all silicones with the abbreviation PEG and PPG. In addition, the following silicones are also water-soluble:
- Dimethicone Copolyol
- Lauryl Methicol Copolyol
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein or Hydroxypropyl Polysiloxane
Anything ending in cone, conol, col or xane are oil based silicones and therefore cannot be easily rinsed out and can only be removed with aggressive sulphates.
I have dry curls, what can I do about that?
Dry curls need intense care. In any case, it is important that you stop using oil-based silicones, aggressive sulfates and parabens. In addition, it is extremely important that you use good care products that best suit your curls. A number of recommendations to give your hair a boost of moisture are:
What basic tips, tricks and facts about curls are an absolute must to know?
Sometimes there are basic tips that are useful for everyone to know. This also applies to ladies and gentlemen with curls, especially curls that require extra attention. They are naturally dry, but once you have found your own curl routine, this will radiate into every part of your life. Your curls will shine every day, especially if you know what your curls need:
- Wash your curls with sulfate-free and mild shampoos
- Wash your curls every now and then with a sulphate shampoo to clean them properly (to prevent build-up)
- Do not use oil based silicones
- Pay attention to what kind of alcohol is in the products (see above)
- Curls are drier than regular hair, hydrate to the max!
- Discover your curl type
- Find a good curly hair stylist
- Use hair products specifically for your curls, they always require more care
- Only comb your hair when it is wet and not when it is dry
- Don't use a brush, but a wide-toothed comb. The fewer teeth in it, the less chance of breakage
- Sleep on a satin pillowcase
- Always put a care product in your curls after showering. Always!
- Dry your hair with a diffuser if you want to use a hair dryer
- Always use a heat protectant when blow-drying your hair!
- Always use a leave-in conditioner in addition to a conditioner
What is a good foundation to start my curl routine with?
A good curl routine is different for every curly head. We always recommend starting with a base and that is a:
Why do we recommend a base? Because this way you can see how your curls react to it. After about 2 weeks you look at your curls again and decide whether you need a leave-in conditioner or another curl product. You can start with too many products and that is not only a waste of money, it is also unclear which product does what for your hair. And why do we recommend after about 2 weeks to see what else you can do in your curl regime? Hair always needs time to get used to new care.
What exactly does a curl cream do for my curls?
Curl creams, you can't do without them if you have curls. A good curl cream can make all the difference in your curls, because they ensure that unruly frizzy curls and waves take shape again. There are of course many variations, just as there are different types of curls. That is why we have dedicated a special article to this. This way you can discover which curl creams best suit the needs of your curls and the requirements you have for them:
Which curl cream suits your curl type best?
What does deep conditioning do for my curls?
Maybe you use a hair mask sometimes, or maybe even regularly. Deep conditioning is very similar to this. Deep conditioning is a conditioner that penetrates completely into your hair and is also extra caring. If you have dry and/or damaged curls, your hair can really need this. And what is the advantage of deep conditioning for your curls? It ensures that your extremely dry and/or damaged curls become healthier, more beautiful, shinier and more shaped. It hydrates, cares for and strengthens your curls. Your extremely dry curls become manageable and easy to comb again.
A deep conditioner is a very rich and thick cream. With deep conditioning it is all about the ingredients in it and not so much whether it is stated on the packaging or not. If you know whether your hair needs protein or more hydration you know exactly what to look for. Protein makes the curl stronger and healthy and hydration is all about hydrating your curl, which is completely logical.
What exactly is the deal with oils and curls?
Oils provide nutrients to your curls and can make a huge difference. However, there is a difference in which oil and especially what that oil does for your curl. So you may have used oil regularly and the result was worthless. This does not mean that oil is not good for your curls, but probably that you have used the wrong oil for your curl. There are namely heavy oils and light oils. One oil ensures that your hair is sealed and the other oil ensures that your hair is nourished. That alone can indicate incorrect use of oil for curls and hair in general.
Research has shown that using oils rich in linoleic acid, oleic acid and palmitic acid creates a protective layer around your hair. This protective layer ensures that your curls are better protected against breakage. Think of combing your hair or clothing that your curls constantly rub against. The protective layer created by the oil around your hair also ensures that your curls are less dry. If you use an oil treatment for your curls on a regular basis, you will ultimately suffer less from split ends! Only plus points, oil for the hair. But which oil suits your curls? That is the question of course!
Before we go any further, it is important that you know that there are two types of oils, sealer oil and moisturizing oils.
- Moisturizing oils, called moisturizers
- Oils that seal your hair, called sealers.
So which oil is best for my curls?
Now that you know exactly how oil and curls work, let's move on to which oil does what. This way you can determine which oil or oils are best for your curl routine!
Jojoba Oil ( sealer oil ) is a light oil. Jojoba oil is similar to the natural oil that your scalp and body produce. We also know it as sebum. Jojoba oil has an anti-inflammatory effect and it also has antibacterial properties. Jojoba oil is a strong restorative conditioner for your curls, because it ensures that excessive sebum is slowed down (greasy hair) and at the same time it ensures that a dry scalp is soothed. It also hydrates your curls. Jojoba oil is ideal to use if you dye your curls, because it ensures that your hair color is retained longer.
Argan oil ( sealer oil ) is a very well-known and widely used oil for the hair. It is ideal for preventing frizzy curls. The fatty acids in argan oil also protect your hair. This way you can limit the damage while washing and styling your curls. Weakened hair benefits greatly from argan oil, because it improves the resilience and shine of the hair. It also strengthens your hair ends.
Coconut oil ( moisturizer ) is a very popular oil that almost everyone seems to use on their hair. This is of course not without reason, coconut oil is one of the few oils that can penetrate the hair shaft. This protects your hair from the inside out. Coconut oil can be a great addition, but it is important to see how your curls react to it. Some women get stiff hair from this. Women sometimes even get flakes in their hair. In that case, you can mix coconut oil with sunflower oil.
Sunflower oil ( moisturizer ) is an oil that everyone has in their home. This oil can also penetrate your hair shaft, but it does not protect your hair from the inside like coconut oil does. Sunflower oil is very suitable for frizzy curls.
Monoi Oil ( moisturizer ) is an oil that is ideal against frizzy curls, brittle hair and also the prevention of split ends. Monoi Oil is a restorative, moisturizing oil that is ideal for very dry and damaged curls. It has the same properties as coconut oil.
Avocado oil ( sealer oil ) is ideal for nourishing your curls and restoring them. It is extremely suitable for medium to high porosity curls. Dry hair and dyed curls really benefit from avocado oil. Avocado oil provides your curls with vitamins and fatty acids. It nourishes your scalp and also slows down (when used correctly) hair loss. The most important thing for high porosity hair is that the oil strengthens your hair, increases the vitality of your curls and that your hair regains its shine. The hair ends are also protected.
Castor oil ( sealer oil ) is better known as castor oil, or perhaps you know it as ricinus oil. Castor oil is often used to stimulate hair growth, not only on the scalp. It is also often used as a natural eyelash serum or for eyebrow growth. Castor oil is thick and rough, it seals your hair. Not recommended for low porosity hair.
Sweet Almond Oil ( sealer oil ) is extremely suitable for average and very porous hair. If you suffer from an itchy and dry scalp, sweet almond oil is ideal to use for relief. Almond oil stimulates the blood circulation of your (head) skin and contains magnesium. Use of magnesium plays a major role in hair loss. Sweet almond oil restores the hair ends, protects them and prevents moisture loss. Your hair becomes soft, shiny and elastic.
Olive oil ( sealer oil ) is in everyone's home and is an ideal oil to use for your curls. Olive oil contains vitamin E and squalene. Olive oil provides your scalp with natural protection. It contains more squalene than argan oil, and is therefore great to use if your scalp needs extra attention. Olive oil makes your curls supple without making them greasy. Olive oil is ideal for dry or porous hair. Olive oil ensures that your curls are less frizzy and static. It nourishes coarse and damaged curls and makes your hair strands supple, soft and shiny again.
How can I easily and, above all, practically add oil to my curl regimen?
A question with a simple answer. The easiest way is to add a few drops to your shampoo. An easy way to give your hair extra care and your hair feels less dry after washing with a shampoo.
You can also add a few drops to a deep conditioning treatment, which we discussed above.
What is also done, but in practice it is a bit less practical, a hot oil treatment. Mix different oils and heat them up and give your hair a boost.
Is the Curly Girl Method also suitable for my curls?
The Curly Hair Method was developed for natural curls. Lorraine Massey is the founder of this method. Of course, there are different types of curls, but the basis of this method is applicable to all curls. You use a sulfate-free shampoo or no shampoo for your curls. You use this mainly for your scalp. The conditioner you use is free of silicones and mineral oils. You dry your curls by squeezing - 'scrunching' - with a cotton t-shirt, microfiber cloth or pillowcase. With this method, regular gel is used because it is light and therefore your curls do not sag. The gel is of course free of sulfates, silicones, parabens and alcohol.
If you want to know everything about the Curly Girl Method, our team would like to refer you to the very comprehensive article The Curly Girl Method: from A to Z .
Does Haarspullen.nl also have products that are Curly Girl Method proof?
We certainly do, and this is constantly being updated. The page The Curly Girl Method: from A to Z lists all the hair products that we currently have in our range that are Curly Girl proof. This article is constantly being updated so that you are always up to date about our webshop and the Curly Girl Method.
Where can I ask my question about curls?
After all the information and research, are you still not sure what your curls need? Or are you hesitating between two curl creams? Get help from our team! Ask your question via [email protected] or call us during office hours. We know how annoying it is if you don't have the right care for your curls, it is better to make the right choice well-informed than to order something that is a huge disappointment!
