Life is sometimes breezy… most of the time it’s confusing… and occasionally it just makes sense!

When things make sense I can smile. I LOVE logical processes and routines.

What’s one of life’s greatest enigmas?

CURLY HAIR! Oh the routines and way-out things blogs ask you to do. What the?!

My goal in this is to help you make sense of your curly hair and to challenge you to think outside of what you’ve been told.

Just because someone said, “Don’t do it!”, it doesn’t always mean that you shouldn’t.

Yep that’s right, it’s time to be cheeky!

1. Shampoo is a must for curly hair

The common myth for curls is to avoid shampoo. There is a better way to explain this: avoid shampoos that have sulfites in them, like sodium lauryl sulfate.

2. Applying conditioner alone doesn’t hydrate your hair

Let’s take a step back. Let me ask you something: Have you ever had frizzy hair straight after it dries from being conditioned? I see your hands, ALL your hands!

3. Brushes aren’t all bad for curls!

I know this is a wild thought for some of you, but hear me out! First and foremost, we don’t encourage dry-brushing, unless you want to do it pre-wash.

4. There’s no need to wash your hair everyday!

Each morning, if you’re waking up having to tame your curls by full water immersion, there is another way!

5. Gel isn’t from the 90’s

Try not to imagine a punk rocker repping a 15cm high mohawk. But instead picture bouncy, defined curls that are shimmering in the sunlight! That’s what a gel will bring to your curls!

6. Oils are safe to use! But make sure you’re picky about which one…

So when you mix water and oil in a jar do they actually mix???? NOPE
And here lies the dilemma…. So what hydrates your hair? Water and Conditioner! Oil will not solve your frizzy hair dramas.

7. Rain won’t ruin your Curly hair

OHHHH the weather!!! It is something that can ruin many things, But rest easy when you see those grey clouds coming across the sky.

8. Frizz isn’t that bad sometimes…

Do you love volume? Well then, Frizz is something you may need to adjust your mindset on! Many curls make light work (re bouncy hair).

9. You don’t have curls because you ate your crusts!

So what does make hair curly? The follicle (the organ that grows your hair) of curly hair forms and oval shape verses a perfect circle on straight hair. The flatter the oval is the curlier the strand of hair will be once it has grown!

10. Natural does look good on you!

The best thing you can wear is your own look! Seeing people’s confidence grow in their hair (pun intended!), Its the most rewarding feeling ever!

1. Shampoo is a must for curly hair!

The common myth for curls is to avoid shampoo. There is a better way to explain this: avoid shampoos that have sulphites in them, like sodium lauryl sulphate. Sulphates just so happen to be the key ingredient in most shampoos. They are also the key ingredient in detergent! Ah, scary! Over 95 percent of all commercial shampoos on the market use this ingredient in their formula.

So, what does SLS do to your hair?

SLS is a potent de-greaser. It binds to the dirt and grease on both your hair and scalp. After you rinse your hair, the grime is drawn down the drain by the SLS. However, even once the SLS is rinsed, the residue from the SLS can remain on the hair and scalp. It is an effective cleanser that’s too harsh for most curls. “Without enough conditioning agents, it can lift the hair’s cuticles,” leaving hair dry and frizzy.

Now you have some facts, here is the happy news. At LOHY. we know that shampoo is needed in your routine to keep your hair and scalp clean. If your foundation isn’t clean and cleansed, how can you get the same result every time?

I know my skin needs to be a clean and hydrated surface to get a long-lasting finish on my makeup. The same applies to your hair. So, when you’re in the shower, grab our sulfate-free shampoo for curly hair and allow it to gently cleanse and prepare your hair for the life it should be living.

2. Applying conditioner alone doesn’t hydrate your hair.

Let’s take a step back. Let me ask you something: Have you ever had frizzy hair straight after it dries from being conditioned? I see your hands, ALL your hands!

This topic is my jam!

There are 3 parts that make up the hair:

Medulla
It is the innermost layer of the hair shaft, commonly known as the vein of the strand. This nearly invisible layer is not important. In a lot of hair types it is even missing.

Cortex
It is the sponge-like layer in the middle of your hair. It is responsible for holding all the hydration in the hair. It is also where all the melanin sits, or to be more straight-forward, the colour pigment. It is made up of keratin and is where a lot of your hair’s strength comes from.

Cuticle
This is the scale-like outer layer of your hair. It is the shield that protects your cortex. It’s also the trap door that lets hydration in… or out! Find a strand of hair around your hairline and run your fingers down the strand, roots to ends.

What do you feel?

Is it smooth?

Is it lumpy?

Is it wirey?

Do the same from the back of your hair. It’s common for you to have varied texture across your head and it’s definitely not abnormal to have up to 4 different curl types throughout your hair.

Hair needs more than a slip, slop, slap of conditioner on the cuticle. Curls screams for more than a topical treatment. This is where the cortex takes the lead role in healthy curls!

Focus your time, not just on detangling, but pause a little once your conditioner is applied and focus on working that hydration into the spongy cortex.

Otherwise, you’ll have a frizzy drama queen demanding your time again.

3. Brushes aren’t all bad for curls!

I know this is a wild thought for some of you, but hear me out! First and foremost, we don’t encourage dry-brushing, unless you want to do it pre-wash. Let me explain, but first a question: How many strands of hair do you behold? Ok, maybe an easier question: How many fingers do you have?

Those two numbers are worlds apart! So, imagine wanting every strand of hair to meet conditioner and all you use is your fingers, or a wide tooth comb! DUN-DUN-DUUUUN… It’s not going to work.

Brushes are used to disperse products and ensure an even application throughout the hair. Applying products, and then distributing them with a flexi brush is going to take your look from hit and miss, to YES every time!

My biggest tip in all of this is not to grab your brush UNLESS your hair is drenched with water and dripping wet! Which, in-turn delivers effortless curls, every time! If your hair is prone to dreadlocking, always finger detangle first to work out the knots, then grab the brush to distribute the product roots to ends.

Also be very fussy about what brush you use. Make sure it has flex and isn’t going to over stretch your hair, creating damage that you can’t repair.

4. There’s no need to wash your hair everyday!

Skimping-out on anything will give you underwhelming results. The same applies to your curls. Each morning, if you’re waking up having to tame your curls by full water immersion, there is another way!

If your goal is to get multiple days out of your wash, then you may need to give your curls a little more time on the first date.

Taking time to set your curls on wash day is essential to getting a long week’s wear.

Strip back to basics and analyse your wash day. Give yourself an extra 20min on wash day.

Spend some time on your wash day to create a really great set to your curls.

Here are some simple tips:

//If definition is your biggest goal, allow more time for styling.

//If Frizz is something you hate, spend a little more time working on hydrating when the conditioner is in! And don’t fully rinse it all out!

//If Volume is the goal, then you’ll need to hang your hair upside down during styling and drying to defy gravity!