Thick, curly hair requires a lot of TLC to stay healthy and tame frizz. Thankfully, there are salon treatments specifically designed for curls.
Many curl experts recommend shampoos and conditioners that are free of sulfates, parabens, and alcohol. Tighter curl patterns benefit from heavier products, like creams and gels, to shape and control shrinkage and volume. Reach out to Hairicc for expert assistance.
A keratin treatment is like the relaxer of the hair world, helping straighten and smooth strands. It’s a chemical process, though, so doing your research is key before making the decision to try it. Generally, most people who get a keratin treatment are looking to have their curly hair look more sleek and straight than it naturally does.
While most keratin treatments are designed to straighten and smooth hair, there are some that are specifically made for curly hair that can reduce frizz, boost shine, enhance definition, and add more bounce and volume. One of the best known is the Brazilian Blowout. This keratin treatment creates a protective seal over the cuticle, which helps to prevent moisture, humidity, and color fading. It can also help to reduce the amount of shampooing you need to do and can make your curls appear more voluminous.
You can find a keratin treatment at most beauty supply stores, but it’s important to read the label carefully and do a patch test before using it on your entire head of hair. Some at-home keratin treatments can be formulated with formaldehyde, which is a harmful substance that could cause serious skin and scalp problems. Look for words such as “formaldehyde” on the ingredients list, and be sure to consult your stylist about getting a professional in-salon keratin treatment instead.
If you’re looking to go a step further, you can also try a keratin-infused leave-in product at home. Look for products containing active ingredients such as awapuhi extract, ginger, and vitamin E to deliver a hydrating boost while still smoothing the hair cuticle and reducing frizz and humidity. One great option is Paul Mitchell’s Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Intensive Treatment, which can be used as a rinse-out conditioner and works to reduce frizz, improve manageability, and enhance definition while strengthening your curls.
Curl Enhancers
Curl enhancers help define your curl pattern and give your hair a more polished, cascading look. They are also a great way to control frizz and add shine to your locks. Curl enhancing products are designed to be applied to both dry and damp hair, and should provide a medium to high level of hold. Some products also contain glycerin and silicone, which can provide extra moisture to your curls, helping to keep them soft and shiny.
Unlike straight hair, curls require more moisture to stay healthy and defined. They can often dry out and lose their definition quickly, making them hard to manage and style. Curl enhancers are designed to help moisturize and add shine to your curls, preventing them from becoming dry, frizzy, and brittle. You can find a wide variety of curl enhancers available in the beauty and personal care aisles, but it is important to choose one that suits your unique needs.
Many of the best curl enhancers are formulated with proteins to strengthen and moisturize your hair. However, some people have a reaction to protein that can cause their hair to become stiff and unmanageable. If you have a reaction to protein, it is important to avoid these types of treatments.
A good curl enhancer will contain ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, and argan oil to add shine and moisture to your hair. It should also contain other nourishing and beneficial ingredients, such as aloe leaf juice, jojoba oil, and glycerin. If you have a sensitive scalp, this product is also available in a fragrance-free formula.
When applying a curl enhancer, it is important to use it on damp hair and distribute it evenly with your fingers or a detangling brush. You should then scrunch your hair or finger coil it to encourage curl definition. You can also use a blow dryer or diffuser to finish your hairstyle.
It is also important to protect your curls at night by using a protective styling method. This can be as simple as tying your hair up in a loose pineapple or wearing a silk scarf to bed. You should also switch out your pillowcase for a satin or silk one, as these will prevent friction and static from causing your curls to get flat and tangled.
Hair Extensions
Whether you have short strands that need lengthening or long locks that need volumizing, hair extensions can be a great solution. These semi-permanent extensions are typically made of human or synthetic hair and come in a variety of colors, lengths and textures. They are designed to blend seamlessly into your natural hair, resulting in a gorgeous, full-bodied look. The type of extension that works best for your curls depends on your stylist’s experience and expertise.
To ensure that your extensions are undetectable, it is important that they match your hair texture exactly. A good stylist will know how to do this, but it is also important to consider your lifestyle and budget when selecting the right extensions.
Hair extensions can be a bit pricey, especially when you get them professionally installed. There are also many different types of extensions, including clip-ins and weaves.
If you choose to go with extensions, it is important that your stylist has extensive experience working with a wide range of styles. It is also best to avoid extensions that are extremely shiny as they may cause damage to your natural hair and can make it appear unnatural.
Tape-in extensions, which are aligned with your roots and glued to your hair, are a relatively low-maintenance option that is easy to use. However, they can leave a sticky residue if not properly removed. Weaves are a more permanent option that involves having a long weft of hair sewn to the layers of your natural hair and can last up to eight weeks. Weaves require more maintenance than other types of extensions and can put too much strain on fine or damaged hair.
For the most natural looking and longest lasting extensions, you can get a beaded row extension or a silk wrap. The former is a non-damaging, heatless process that uses beads of your own hair to secure the extensions, while the latter requires no heat at all and is made from silk or synthetic fibers.
When choosing an extension, make sure it is of high quality and has been dyed to match your natural hair color. Beware of extensions that are too thick or heavy, as they will pull on your natural hair and will be difficult to style and maintain.
Haircuts
A choppy or overly layered cut that smothers your curls can leave them looking flat and lifeless. That’s why it’s important to find a stylist who is familiar with curly hair cutting techniques, and understands how to enhance your curls.
Curly haircuts are typically done on dry hair (as opposed to wet) so your stylist can see your hair’s natural texture and shape. This allows them to shape and layer your hair in a way that maximizes bounce, movement, and volume. Whether you have naturally curly hair or are transitioning to a more curly look, this technique is an essential part of getting the best possible results from your tresses.
Haircuts are a powerful styling tool for any hair type, but they’re especially effective for curly hair because they help create a more flattering shape. Unlike straight hair, which tends to appear full and thicker when cut properly, curly hair has a tendency to appear flat or voluminous at the roots, while a well-cut curl will help define your curls and create a more balanced shape.
Ideally, your curls should be shaped into an angled bob, which will frame your face and exude sophistication. A great example of this is the Mona cut, which uses precise shaping and layering to achieve unique silhouettes and moving shapes that complement your face and personal style. A cut like this will also minimize frizz and shrinkage by addressing uneven lengths and textures.
Another popular haircut for curly hair is the Cado cut, which uses a series of strategic layers to add body and volume to your locks. This cutting method is designed to work with all curl patterns, and can be customized to your specific needs. Whether you have loose ringlets, tight zig-zag curls, or anything in between, the Cado cut can help highlight your natural shape and maximize definition while providing a fuller appearance.
If you’re not quite ready for a radically new look, ask your stylist to create a foundation cut or A-line lob with long layers that will give your curls a boost of volume while maintaining their natural shape and structure. This will make your hair appear lighter and brighter, while minimizing tangles and keeping your strands moisturized and healthy.