One of your most important roles as a hairstylist is guiding clients to embrace and care for their natural hair texture. This is even more crucial for curly-haired clients since curls require special care and a tailored routine to look their best.
In this comprehensive guide, we’re sharing ways to help your clients create curly hair care regimens that work for them. We touch on everything from investing in professional hair care products to specific techniques for managing different types of curls. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Curly Hair
Before we explore product recommendations and styling tips, it’s essential to understand curly hair’s unique qualities. Curly hair is drier and more prone to damage than straight hair due to its structure. The bends and twists in curly strands make it harder for natural oils to travel from the root to the ends, leading to dryness and potential breakage.
Additionally, curly hair has various patterns and textures, ranging from loose waves to tight coils. Recognizing these differences is crucial in developing an effective hair care routine. Let’s break down the main types of curls:
- Wavy (Type 2): Ranges from loose, barely-there waves to more defined S-shaped patterns.
- Curly (Type 3): Forms springy ringlets or corkscrews.
- Coily (Type 4): Tightly coiled strands that form small, dense curls or zigzag patterns.
Within each of these main categories, subcategories (A, B and C) further define the curl pattern. Understanding your client’s curl type will help you recommend suitable products and techniques.
Building the Foundation: Cleansing and Conditioning
The cornerstone of any good curly hair routine is proper cleansing and conditioning. Many curly-haired individuals benefit from a “co-washing” approach, which involves using a cleansing conditioner instead of traditional shampoo. This method helps retain moisture and natural oils to combat dryness and frizz.
Recommend sulfate-free shampoo or cleansing conditioner formulated for curly hair that won’t strip the hair of its natural oils. DevaCurl curly hair care products are a great option! Their No-Poo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser is an excellent choice for clients with tighter curl patterns.
For conditioning, emphasize the importance of deep hydration. Curly hair thrives on moisture, so suggest leave-in conditioners and regular deep conditioning treatments. DevaCurl One Condition Original cream conditioner is an excellent option for daily use, while their Heaven in Hair deep conditioner works wonders as a weekly treatment.
Finding the Right Styling Products
The world of curly hair styling products can be overwhelming, but it’s where the magic happens. Here’s a breakdown of essential styling products and how your clients can incorporate them into their curly hair routine for stunning, frizz-free locks:
- Leave-in Conditioner: This should be the first step in any curly styling routine. It provides extra moisture and helps detangle the hair. Plus, a good leave-in conditioner helps fight frizz before it starts.
- Curl Cream: This product helps define curls and provides hold without crunchiness. A lighter cream like DevaCurl’s SuperCream works well for looser curl patterns.
- Gel: A gel is essential for maximum hold and frizz control, especially in humid climates. DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel is popular among curly-haired clients because it locks in curls without making hair stiff or crunchy.
- Oil: A few drops of hair oil can help seal in moisture and add shine. This is particularly beneficial for coarser, drier curl types.
Encourage your clients to experiment with different product combinations to find what works best for their specific curl type and desired style.
Styling Techniques
Product application technique is as important as the products themselves. Here are some essential techniques to teach your curly-haired clients:
Applying Products to Soaking Wet Hair
Applying styling products to wet hair helps distribute them evenly and encourages curl clumping.
Squish to Condish
This technique involves squishing conditioner into the hair while it’s saturated with water, helping to hydrate and define curls.
Praying Hands Method
Smoothing products over the hair with flat hands reduces frizz and encourages curl definition.
Plopping
This drying technique involves wrapping wet, product-laden hair in a microfiber towel or t-shirt to encourage curl formation and reduce frizz.
Diffusing
A diffuser attachment on a hair dryer can help dry curls without disrupting their natural pattern. Encourage clients to diffuse on low heat and low speed for best results.
Nighttime Care and Maintenance
Preserving curls overnight is a common concern for many curly-haired individuals. Recommend these strategies to your clients:
Pineappling
Gathering hair loosely at the top of the head helps maintain curl shape and reduces frizz.
Satin or Silk Pillowcases
Replacing cotton pillowcases with satin or silk can reduce friction and help retain moisture.
Bonnets or Scarves
For those with shorter hair or very tight curls, a satin bonnet or scarf can protect the hair during sleep.
Trimming and Coloring Curly Hair
Regular trims are vital for maintaining healthy curls and preventing split ends. When cutting curly hair, always cut it dry and in its natural state to accurately see the curl pattern.
When it comes to coloring curly hair, emphasize the importance of using gentle, moisturizing color treatments. Highlighting techniques like balayage can be particularly flattering on curly hair, as they enhance curls’ dimension and showcase their natural beauty. Make sure your clients are aware of the benefits of having their hair colored professionally versus coloring at home using drugstore products.
Troubleshooting Common Curly Hair Issues
Even with a solid routine in place, curly-haired clients may encounter some common issues. Here’s how to address them:
Frizz
Frizz usually results from a lack of moisture or improper styling. Recommend intensive hydration through deep conditioning treatments and leave-in products.
Lack of Definition
Lack of definition can stem from using too-heavy products or insufficient hold. Suggest experimenting with product combinations suited to hair type and porosity. Recommend techniques like scrunching or using a Denman brush.
Dryness
Help your clients combat dryness with regular deep conditioning treatments. Recommend weekly or bi-weekly sessions based on hair needs. Suggest using a humidifier at home to maintain ambient moisture.
Product Buildup
Product buildup can lead to dull hair and scalp issues. Suggest the occasional use of a clarifying shampoo. Typically, using a clarifying shampoo every two to four weeks is sufficient, but this may vary depending on how much product a client uses. Caution against overuse and recommend following with deep conditioning. Educate on proper product application to minimize buildup in the first place.
Customizing Routines for Different Curl Types
While the basics of curly hair care apply across the board, different curl types may require slight adjustments to their routines. For example, learning how to take care of wavy hair is different from caring for tight coils.
Type 2: Waves
Wavy hair (Type 2) is often prone to frizz and can be weighed down easily. Recommend lighter products and emphasize the importance of boosting root volume.
Type 3: Curls
Springy type 3 curls benefit from more moisture, and defining products are essential for showing off those bouncy, curly locks.
Type 4: Coils
Coily hair requires maximum moisture and TLC. It often benefits from heavier, more emollient products. The DevaCurl Melt Into Moisture Mask is an excellent deep treatment that’s perfect for nourishing coily hair.
Educating Clients on Hair Porosity
Understanding hair porosity is essential for selecting the right products and techniques. Porosity refers to hair’s ability to soak up and retain moisture. There are three main types:
- Low Porosity: In low-porosity hair, the cuticles are sealed tightly, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate hair shafts. These clients benefit from lighter products and may need to apply heat when deep conditioning to help open the cuticle.
- Medium Porosity: This hair type absorbs moisture well and doesn’t require special techniques. It’s the easiest to maintain. Curly clients with medium-porosity hair are the lucky ones!
- High Porosity: The cuticles are very open, allowing moisture to enter easily but also escape quickly. These clients benefit from heavier products and techniques that seal in moisture, like the LOC (Leave-in, Oil, Cream) method.
Teach your clients to determine their hair porosity (the float test is a simple method) and adjust their routines accordingly.
The Importance of Scalp Care
A healthy scalp provides a foundation for gorgeous, healthy curls, so encourage your clients to pay attention to their scalp health as part of their curly hair routine.
Regular exfoliation is vital. Suggest a gentle scalp scrub or exfoliating shampoo to remove buildup, prevent clogged follicles and promote healthy hair growth.
Scalp massage is another beneficial practice to recommend. It feels great, helps distribute natural oils and promotes blood circulation, fostering healthier hair growth. For clients experiencing a dry, itchy scalp, recommend products with soothing ingredients like tea tree oil or aloe vera to balance moisture levels and alleviate discomfort. Emphasize that a balanced, well-cared-for scalp leads to stronger, more beautiful curls.
Embracing Natural Texture
One of the most important aspects of helping clients build a curly hair routine is encouraging them to embrace their natural texture. Many people with curly hair have spent years trying to change or “tame” their curls. As their stylist, you have the power to help them see the beauty in their natural texture.
Educate your clients on the unique characteristics of their curl type and how to enhance its natural pattern rather than fighting against it. Show them pictures of people with similar curl types rocking their natural texture for inspiration.
The Role of Diet and Lifestyle
Remind your clients that healthy hair starts from within. A balanced diet rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins can significantly impact hair health. Encourage them to stay hydrated and consider supplements like biotin or omega-3 fatty acids. Suggest scheduling an appointment with their physician or a dermatologist if they have concerns about their hair’s health.
Stress management is also crucial for hair health, as high stress levels can impact hair growth and health. Suggest stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation as part of their overall personal care routine. Their hair and their body will thank you!
Building a Product Arsenal
While it’s tempting to recommend a whole line of products, it’s important to help your clients build a realistic and manageable routine. Start with the basics — a good cleanser, conditioner, leave-in and styling product — and then suggest additional products as needed.
Encourage clients to keep a hair journal to track which products and techniques work best for them. This can be particularly helpful as they navigate seasonal changes or hormonal fluctuations that might impact their curl pattern.
The Importance of Patience
The most crucial advice you can give your curly-haired clients is to be patient. Finding the perfect curly hair routine takes time and experimentation. It isn’t something that happens overnight, unfortunately. Encourage your clients to give new products and techniques a fair trial period before deciding if they work or not.
Remind them that their curls may go through a transition period if they’re switching from heat styling or chemical treatments to embracing their natural texture. This period can last several months, during which their curls may not look their best. Assure them that their curls will eventually reach their full potential with consistent care and the right routine, and encourage them to trust the process.
Conclusion
Helping your clients build an effective curly hair routine is about more than just recommending products. It’s about educating them on their hair type, teaching them proper techniques and giving them the confidence to embrace their natural texture.
Remember — there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to curly hair care. What works for one client may not work for another, even if they have similar curl patterns. The key is being patient, staying informed about the latest curly hair care innovations and being willing to adjust recommendations as needed.
By providing your curly-haired clients with the knowledge and tools they need to care for their curls, you’re helping them achieve better hair days and empowering them to embrace and celebrate their natural beauty. And that, ultimately, is the most rewarding part of being a hair care professional.
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