The Down Low on:
Curly Hair
Let your natural texture do it’s thing, with our guide to the best products and styling techniques to make curly hair sing.
One of the most frequently asked questions in all of our salons is ‘how do I look after my curls’? So we thought we’d let you into our expert tips and tricks, complete with the best curly hair products you should be using to enhance your curl pattern. If you’ve ever wondered how to tame your texture, reduce frizz, or define your curls further then bookmark this best practice guide to refer back to if you ever need it.
We asked our highly knowledgeable salon stylists to talk us through the intricacies of curly hair care. From how using the right shampoo, conditioner, cream, mousse and oil can revitalise your curls, to delving into styling and drying techniques that can make a significant difference to the look and feel of your curls..
So, get ready to line up the best products for your curly hair, then master the expert-led easy techniques to advocate for your curlsnd truly become the master of your hair. Whatever the length, type, or texture, we’re here to support you every step of the way and help you make curly hair your best feature.
The Best Curly Hair Products
First things first, get your regime sorted. Curls need hydration, so start with a 2-3 product line up that has all the moisture boost you need. These are the top picks from our Larry King Hair Salon experts.
1. Best For: DEFINING CURLS
Product: Redken Hydrating Curl Cream (£26 - 150ml)
Pro Tip: Apply to wet hair at the roots and body to add volume to provide intense hydration, frizz control, and enhanced curl definition.
2. Best For: VOLUME
Product: Larry King Hair Volumizing Hair Mist (£35 - 100ml)
Pro Tip: Apply to wet hair on the roots, body and ends to leave hair feeling soft while adding volume to the root and body.
3. Best For: SHINE
Product: Spoilt for Choice hair oil, (£35 - 30ml, and, £55 - 100ml)
Pro Tip: Can be applied to both wet and dry hair and as a finishing oil for added shine, or, you can use it as a strengthening and nourishing hair and scalp remedy/mask
4. Best For: STRUCTURE
Product: My Nanna’s Mousse (£15 - 50ml/£22 - 150ml)
Pro Tip: Apply to wet hair to help with a more full and plump appearance when drying.
5. Best For: TAMING FRIZZ AND FLYAWAYS
Product: Purology Smooth Perfection Smoothing Serum
Pro Tip: To be used as a finishing serum to provide frizz and flyaways control and heat protection for normal to thick, frizzy hair.
Curly Hair Hacks
1. Don’t overwash your curls!
Curly hair tends to be drier, so we recommend that you wash it 2-3 times a week. Refresh your curls in between washes with water and use a mousse, cream or leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture and add definition.
2. Apply your products to wet hair.
Use your curl creams, gels and mousses on wet hair where it’s more flexible and helps to define the curl and prevent frizz. Adding moisture helps the hair cuticles to stay open and allows the product to stick better and provides additional benefits such as hydration, hold and definition.
3. Get regular trims
Book in for a trim every 6-12 weeks for curly hair. This will help keep curls looking healthy because it gets rid of damaged ends which are drier which does not benefit the curl. It prevents breakages and stops split ends travelling further up the hair shaft.
4. Hydration is key
Curls need moisture, so use sulphate-free shampoos with healthy moisturising ingredients like shea butter. Also add a rich conditioner to your routine to keep your curls hydrated.
5. Avoid Knots
Curly hair tangles much more easily than straight, and trying to work out knots can cause damage and roughen the hair cuticles. Use a detangling leave in product and comb through two inches at a time working from the ends up.
Drying And Styling Your Curls
Prepping with curly hair product is key!
Once you have washed your hair try to work quickly while it is soaking wet. Apply your styling product into your palms as well as your fingertips and distribute through using upwards scrunching motions. For longer curls, divide into sections and use one pump for each section.
Now that your hair is perfectly prepped for the drying process, the next part is fairly simple, but you have some curl choices to make.
AIR DRYING
Here at Larry King, we are all about letting your natural curl texture do its thing and we want to help you embrace and love your natural curl pattern. Using a mousse or styling cream will allow it to form well structured, better defined curls when you leave it to air dry, this is the simplest method.
WRAPPING
If you want more definition, you can use a silk hair wrap, as this helps to form smoother, boosted curls as you sleep. Simply twist your hair into ringlets around your fingers and tuck your wet or dry curls into the hair wrap. Silk helps to retain moisture better than cotton which can also create friction, leading to roughened cuticles, frizz and even breakage. Silk also helps to kill microorganisms that can affect your scalp and hair health, whilst aiding the distribution of natural oils evenly along the hair shaft, to nourish the hair.
DIFFUSE
We always use the 'Dyson Supersonic' in salon because it is the best tool for the job. The directional airflow, allows for precision styling and control, with smart thermal controls to avoid heat damage. Choose THE Wave+Curl diffuser attachment, then set your Dyson to a medium heat with a low speed setting. Our top tip for diffusing is to section off your hair and start from the top, down. We also recommend tilting your head to the side to dry each section rather than upside down, this is because when you flick your head back, you can lose some volume. With each section of your hair that you are drying, we recommend holding the diffuser to the hair for roughly 30 seconds.
STYLE
Finish off with a satin, styling cream or pomade to maintain any unwanted frizz and flyaways. This helps to define curls, lend shine and add texture to your voluminous curls. Apply your product to the back of your hand and evenly distribute through your hair.
And that’s it!
It's true that everyone’s hair is as unique as they are, but choosing the best curly hair products for your curl routine will be a game changer for nurturing and enhancing your natural texture, and truly transforming your look.
Get the look
You can book in for curly cut and blow dry at any of our salons by clicking the button below.
