How To Embrace Your Curly Hair

From fashion week runways to celebs unveiling their real hair, natural is back and we’re so here for it…Our hair is wired deeply into our identities, self-esteem, and of course our genetics but why do so many of us struggle with embracing our natural hair textures? We wish our curls away, suffering at the peril of straighteners and smoothing products in the hope of training our hair to be straight. Wearing our hair the way it comes out of our head can be a challenging prospect but with more women reclaiming their curls and the ever-growing market of specialist devices and curly-girl products at our fingertips, it’s time to embrace your natural hair this summer season. We guide you through the journey to reclaiming curly and unlocking your hot curl summer…

The curl conversation

For many women, ‘curl talk’ is tricky. Growing up with hair that goes against the grain of beauty standards has likely weighed heavy on our self-esteem, pushing us to tame our curly locks in favour of less ‘unruly’ styles. Much of this is down to the lack of representation of curly hair girls in the haircare market, media, and social trends. From claims of unprofessional curls in the corporate world to bullying at school and the common perception of natural, curly hair as unpalatable, unmanageable, and untamed, us curly girls have been put through the wringer…but it seems the tide is turning.

From hitting front covers to gaining more media coverage, we’re seeing a lot more space for curly girls in the hair world. The viral ‘Curly Girl Method’ has turned plenty of heads with over 78 million search results on Google while curl creams, conditioners, and treatments are effervescent in the drugstore. Even our favourite celebs are rocking their natural curls, embracing frizz, and sharing their curly girl journeys. Now it seems there’s nothing like flexing your hair’s natural textures and women of all backgrounds should feel empowered to embrace their heritage and ancestry and celebrate their natural hair.

“There are not many hairstylists that want to speak the curly language: it’s easier to just smooth us out. That’s why I look at my craft very differently now. Curls are dynamic, shapeshifting forms, and we are a global, mixed-race species, and natural hair is an incredible medium to be a part of. There are truly no two curls alike.”

Lorraine Massey, Founder of ‘The Curly Girl Method’

Investing in your curls

Everyone undergoes a unique journey to becoming a true curly girl but whether it be reversing years of straightening damage or finding the right products that work for you, investing in your curls is an essential part of embracing them. There’s no secret to putting your best curls forward, rather it takes time, experimenting, investment and encouragement to train your hair.

Curl training involves styling and treating your hair over and over again in the same way to promote and preserve defined curls for longer-lasting results. There are different ways you can wash, prep, and treat your hair for happy, healthy curls but the truth is, it will take some time to find what works for yours. All curls are different and while some women may need masks, oils, and creams to hydrate dryer curly hair, others may be susceptible to product build-up and grease and might need a different washing routine to keep on top of their curls. But working out what works best for you is part of the curly girl journey and means you can really get to know the curls you’ve been hiding away.

Experimenting with styles

Curly hair isn’t just about how you treat it and what routine you employ, styling it is a huge part of having the confidence to wear it and embrace it. It is the final step in the curly hair routine so does rely hugely in the preparation, but knowing what to do with your curls as the finished product can be the most difficult part. Using a diffuser attachment on a hair dryer is a great, easy way to reduce frizz, enhance your hair’s natural texture and help shape the natural curl pattern for a voluminous curly girl blow dry.

Layered cuts are also popular among the curly community to help shape your curls and add more bounce. There’s no need to shy away from curly up-do’s too! Celebs like Tyla, Zendaya, and Simone Ashley are all masterclasses in styling curly hair, sporting loose tendrils, half-up hairstyles, and brushed out looks, proving curls have no limits.

Curl care

Though every curly girl routine has its own niches and unique characteristics, there are some tips and tricks you can use to get started on embracing the curl. There’s no full-proof formula or handbook on achieving perfectly curly hair but that’s part of the beauty. The Curly Girl method involves understanding your hair’s porosity, protein, and avoiding harmful ingredients like silicones and sulfates that create waxy build-ups that prevent your hair from holding curl. Information on curly routines is abundant so here are a few simple tips you can use to get started with the basics.

Scrunching

Scrunching is the secret to defined, frizz-free curls and it’s super easy! After showering, make sure your hair is still largely wet and starting with the ends, gently squeeze a handful of hair in your palm, working upwards into the root. Repeat this in sections until your whole head of hair is scrunched up to the roots and defined curls begin to fall, your hair should make a squelching sound as you do it. You can then use a curl-activator like a cream, gel, or mousse which can add more volume and definition so your curls have a better hold and stay frizz-free.

Plop Method

After washing your hair, you should use the ‘plop’ method to begin the work of creating long-lasting curls. Flip your hair upside down and wrap a cotton t-shirt around the base of your head, tying at the front before flipping over to ‘plop’ your curls. It’s important to avoid using traditional towels as they have rough fibres that can fray delicate curls which can also occur when the curls are rubbed too.