Curl Routine: A Beginner's Guide
So you've finally decided to embrace your natural hair - congratulations and welcome to the #bouclestribe!
We know it can be overwhelming when starting your curl journey, so we've put together a guide with all the information you need to get you started.
CLEANSE & CONDITION
Shampoo
Before applying your shampoo, it’s important to ensure that your hair is completely wet. A shampoo’s primary purpose is to clean your scalp, so apply a small amount directly onto your scalp and massage with your fingertips, or a scalp massager.
We recommend you shampoo your hair twice. The second time, you’ll notice a little more foam. Once the shampoo foams up, your scalp has been effectively cleansed.
*Tip: Try an apple cider vinegar rinse or a clarifying shampoo once a month, to avoid potential product build up.
Conditioner
Emulsify your conditioner well in the palm of your hands and apply onto soaking wet hair, always starting from the ends, and working your way upwards (avoid applying directly onto the roots).
If you have a detangling brush, this is the time to use it, starting from the ends and working your way upwards. Alternatively, you can detangle your hair with your fingers.
Tip 1: Rinse out your conditioner with lukewarm water to help lock in the moisture.
Tip 2: As curly hair is prone to dryness and needs a little extra love, we recommend using a deep conditioner once a week. Deep conditioners go a long way in fighting frizz and keeping your hair healthy and hydrated.
STYLING
There are lots of different ways you can apply styling products.
Here you can see some of the most common methods. Different styling techniques will give different results, that’s why we recommend you experiment until you find your favourite!
Leave-in conditioner & styling cream
Some hair types need some extra moisture even after conditioning e.g. damaged hair, very curly/ coily hair etc. If you fall into this category, use a leave-in conditioner or styling cream to keep your hair moisturised.
- After rinsing out your conditioner, take a small amount of leave-in / cream and spread it well between your palms - you’ll notice the product multiplying!
- Comb the product through your hair with your fingers, starting from the ends and working your way upwards. You can also use a brush to ensure even product distribution and then scrunch your hair to help with curl formation.
If your hair is prone to oiliness, avoid applying at the roots.
*Tip: Apply your leave-in / cream upside down or away from your scalp for more volume.
Discover our Creams and our leave-in conditioners.
Styling Gels
Styling Gels provide hold and definition and help to fight frizz. Gels can have soft, medium, or strong hold and you can always use more than 1 for extra hold!
After applying your leave-in / cream, you can scrunch out any excess water with a gentle towel before applying your gel, or immediately move on to applying your gel.
There are many different ways to apply gels which vary depending on your desired outcome. Some common application methods include:
*Tip: We always recommend you start with less product and if you feel like your hair needs more product, add more water to your hair first and see how it feels.
As gels dry, they may form a cast around your hair. This is completely normal, so don’t stress! The cast provides hold and protects from heat if you’re using a diffuser. It’s also what prevents / slows down frizz :)
Once your hair has completely dried, you can scrunch out the cast and you’ll be left with soft, natural-looking curls.
DRYING
You can either let your hair air-dry or you can use a diffuser - each method has its own pros and cons! Click here to see more!
If you choose to let your hair air dry, you can wrap it in a gentle towel or simply use one to scrunch out excess water, to speed up the drying process. Usually, conventional towels create a lot of frizz, so avoid using them before or after styling. If you don’t have a gentle towel, you can use an old cotton t-shirt :)
If you choose to diffuse your hair, here’s a great video showcasing the correct way to use a diffuser. Set your diffuser to a low heat setting and start from your roots, leaving the ends until the end. This minimises heat damage and frizz.
When your hair has completely dried, you can shake your roots for more volume & scrunch out the cast that you get from your gel.
*Tip: Want volume? Use the diffuser with your head upside down. For more definition, let your hair air dry.
BONUS:
Hair can get really messy whilst you sleep. To wake up everyday frizz-free and ensure that your wash day lasts longer, protect your hair with a hair wrap or a satin/silk pillowcase.
DID YOU KNOW?
None of our shampoos contain sulphates. Some sulphates are harsh stripping agents that strip your scalp of its natural oils. Because curly hair tends to be dry and needs as much natural moisture and oils as it can get, it's recommended to avoid using sulphates in your routine.
Sulphates are also responsible for creating foam, so sulphate-free shampoos create a little bit less foam than we’re used to with conventional shampoos. It might take some time to get used to this, so remember to shampoo twice and your hair & scalp will be thoroughly cleansed!
The conditioners we stock are free from non water-soluble silicones and drying alcohols. Non water-soluble silicones can coat the hair strands in order to block anything from entering the hair.
Instead, our conditioners contain hydrating and moisturising ingredients that are water-soluble and usually derived from plants, like coconut oil, honey and rose water.
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If you have any questions, feel free to message us on Instagram, Messenger or info@bouclesproject.com!