#AD I've had a bit of a love-hate relationship with my natural curls over the years. When I was really little I had corkscrew-style curls that resulted in many a teary meltdown whenever my parents tried to brush through them. This was pre-Tangle Teezer times. Then came the teenage years when straightening our hair to within an inch of its life was the in thing. It actually took several years of not using heat on my hair at all for my curls to come back. And now, I'm all about embracing my natural curls.
However, it's not as simple as waking up with perfect curls. Or allowing my hair to air dry without a little help from some key products to deal with frizz or that candy floss-ish texture that my hair so often gets. So, today I'm sharing the curly hair products that I use to keep my curls looking their best.
Pick a shampoo for curly hair
Picking a specifically designed shampoo for curly hair is key. Some are designed with particular curl patterns in mind, while others are all about hydrating thirsty curls. I'm a big fan of this Aussie Bouncy Curls Shampoo. When I don't use it, my curls definitely don't fall as nicely.
Don't forget about a really nourishing conditioner or leave-in option
I find that if I don't use some kind of conditioning product, I'm setting my curls up for failure. Without something to add hydration or nourishment back into the curls, my hair simply has a mind of its own once it dries. Every few weeks I like to go in with a leave-in conditioner. But this Kristin Ess Hair Moisture Rich Curl Conditioner is what I use every other time.
TOP TIP: Don't use a regular towel to dry off your hair. There are some great microfibre ones that are much kinder to the hair and will result in less frizz. Or, simply use a cotton t-shirt to dry off your hair as soon as you get out of the shower or bath.
Find a curl cream that works for you and your curls
I find that even after using a shampoo and conditioner designed for curly hair, I still need a bit of extra smoothing and frizz control. This is where a curl cream comes into play. I've put many curl creams to the test over the years. And this Bumble & bumble Curl Light Defining Cream, which is specifically tailored for those with fine to medium hair, is easily one of my favourites. I find that it works best when your hair is slightly damp, instead of soaking wet.
Air dry your curls if you can
No matter how I dry my hair with a hairdryer, whether that's with a diffuser or on a slow setting, it never looks great. Letting my hair dry naturally definitely gives me the best results. It may mean having a shower as soon as you get up so that your hair has all day to dry. But it's what works best for me. I always look forward to the summer months or holidays somewhere warm and sunny, as then it can dry in a fraction of the usual time.
BONUS: Spray a spritz of hair and body mist. I can't get enough of this Sol de Janeiro perfume mist. And that way, every time you flick your hair, you get a hint of a gorgeous scent.
So, those are my top tips for embracing my natural curls.
If you have naturally curly hair, have you gone through some similar struggles to me? Or if you have naturally straight hair, do you ever wish for curls? And which hair products are must-haves for you?
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