As curly hairdressers, we've heard countless stories from clients struggling to find the right products or techniques for their curly hair. It can be overwhelming to navigate the world of curly hair care, but with these 5 tips, every curly-haired person can have beautiful and healthy curls.

Tip #1: Know Your Curl Pattern

The first step in achieving beautiful curls is to understand your curl pattern. Curl patterns range from wavy to coily, and each requires a different level of care. You can determine your curl pattern by examining your hair when it's naturally dry without products, Take a look at at our curl pattern chart to see where you sit. Knowing your curl pattern will help you select the right products and styling techniques for your hair.

Tip #3: Moisture or protein products are Key

It's important to know what your hair needs, you can do this by conducting a wet stretch test. This test involves taking a small section (10 strands) of hair and stretching it while wet. If the hair stretches without breaking and returns to its normal state, it's in good balanced condition. If the hair stretches and breaks, it's damaged and requires protein. If the hair barely stretches at all it needs moisture. This will help you in selecting the correct hair care.

Tip#2: Conduct a Wet Stretch Test

Natural curly hair that is not damaged by chemical or environmental damage is naturally drier than straight hair, it takes longer for our natural oils to travel down the hair shaft which makes moisture essential. Make sure to use products that provide hydration to your curls, such as leave-in conditioners, oils, and creams. Key ingredients are honey, aloe and B5. Look for products that say 'moisturising' or 'moisture rich'. For curly hair that has been damaged you may find you require protein to help replace what has been lost. 85% of hair is made from a protein called keratin, as this is lost you may find your curls do not form and it may become straighter and become straw-like. Key ingredients are hydrolysed (wheat, oat, soy) protein, avocado oil and vitamin E. Look for products that say 'nourishing' or 'repair'. We recommend incorporating a deep conditioning treatment into your hair care routine.

Tip #4: Embrace Your Natural Hair Texture

One of the biggest mistakes curly-haired people make is trying to straighten their hair. Embrace your natural hair texture and work with it, not against it. Resist using straighteners, it will be harder and harder to return the curl after each use. Use a diffuser when blow-drying your hair and select styling products suited to your personal hair texture . This will help enhance your natural curls and reduce frizz.

Tip #5: Use Products Specifically for Curly Hair

Using the right products for your hair is crucial. Look for products specifically designed for curly hair, finding the correct products make caring for curly hair a lot easier. Avoid products with the following ingredients: • Sulfates • Parabens • Silicones • Drying alcohols And of course animal-friendly curl defining creams, and gels will enhance your curls and help prevent frizz.

Following these 5 tips can help every curly person achieve beautiful and healthy curls. You can always book in for curly hair tuition if you feel that one-to-one help with curl care and styling would be beneficial to you. ...Jen x