How to strengthen naturally curly hair at home

Now, more than ever, we’re seeing curly-haired women ditching the daily hair straightening regime and embracing their glorious tresses. But, all hair types need special treatment - and natural curls are no different - having get-up-and-go curly hair can take a fair amount of TLC and maintenance. Thankfully, brands are answering the call for more effective curl treatment products in a big way, and we couldn’t be happier about it. We chatted to professional hairstylist, Craig Moses about how to strengthen naturally curly hair at home, DIY style. 

“Girls with curls are some of my favourite clients to work with because curly hair is so versatile,” Craig says. “In my experience, curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, so it needs to be treated with products that add lots of moisture, especially before and after heat styling. The major difference is the shape of the hair shaft. Straight hair has a circular follicle, whereas curly hair has a more oval-shaped follicle. This has implications in terms of the thickness of the hair and the type of curl.”

Top natural ingredients for curl care

Shea butter

Shea butter is known as a skin and hair superfood. It’s made from the seeds of the fruit of the Shea (Karite) tree and is rich in vitamins A, E and F. It’s got a gorgeous, buttery texture and is often used in beauty products across a range of categories to smooth and moisturise. 

“I can’t emphasise this enough – shea butter is the crème de la crème of natural ingredients when it comes to caring for naturally curly hair. I love it in conditioners and especially hair masks. It’s perfect for a quick moisture boost,” says Craig. 

Honey

Honey is an organic humectant, which is a substance that is known for its moisture attraction and retention properties. As a haircare ingredient, it’s a big winner. “Honey is one of my natural go-tos when it comes to beauty in general,” Craig says. “And as a haircare ingredient, it can work wonders.”

Curly hair is more prone to breakage than other hair types because it gets tangled easily. It’s also prone to the number one enemy of curls everywhere – frizz. But with a few easy-to-use products, you can make sure that your curls are healthy-looking and strong. Here are Craig’s tips on how to do it.

Invest in a good hair mask

“Between visits to your salon, use a hair mask to treat hair and revitalise it from root to tip. If you can, sleep with a hair mask in for maximum absorption.”

Invest in a good PH-balanced shampoo and conditioner

“Ask your stylist to recommend a PH-balanced shampoo and conditioner that will be able to treat your particular hair type and cleanse your hair without stripping it of too much natural sebum.”

Oils are a great frizz-control solution

“Oils are your secret weapon when it comes to controlling frizz. And it doesn’t take a lot of product to make a difference. Work an oil into your hair and scrunch it upwards for added moisture and shine.”

Detangle those tresses

“I always recommend a detangling spray before combing curly hair through with a detangling comb. Prepping your hair before detangling will reduce breakage and add a touch of moisture. Sometimes a comb is not even necessary. Spritz on the detangler and then finger-comb your hair before scrunching upward to retain your curl.”
 

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