All curls are not created equal, which means there is no universal care regimen that works for every type of curl.
The key to healthy, happy curls is to understand your personal Curl Pattern, Hair Texture and Curl Condition and select products and a treatment routine based on your specific needs. Keep in mind that you have 3 or 4 different curl patterns and multiple textures on one head of hair.
Many people have more than one curl pattern. Take a minute to examine the different sections of your hair and decide which category best fits your curls.
Soft, less defined waves approximately 2” wide. Hair becomes curlier with length.
Shop Wavy
When looking at your hair, it's important not to confuse texture with volume and density.
Curly hair is often fine and quite delicate no matter how voluminous or tightly spiraled.
Mostly found on people with “Tight” or “Kinky” curls.
Slightly thicker than Fine texture, Medium texture is usually found on people with “Loose”, “Curly” and “Tight” curls.
These strands are thicker in diameter and are typically found on the straighter hair of Asian and Native Americans. Mostly found on hair with “Loose” curls.
Frizz is created when the environment robs the inner hydrating, conditioning layer of the hair of moisture and nutrients. The hair shaft is then virtually weightless, allowing tiny baby hairs to float away from the cuticle, creating a fuzzy halo effect.
Shop FrizzyA dry curly mane acts unmanageable - strands don't relax and fall into healthy curl patterns. Dry (dehydrated) hair is a result of harsh cleansers, heat styling and environmental forces like the wind and sun.
Shop DryExtremely damaged curly hair behaves lifelessly regardless of any styling methods that are used. It is prone to breakage and is generally lacking nutrients. This level of damage is rare and is generally caused by repeated permanent coloring, chemical straightening and excessive product buildup.
Shop DamagedThere are many terms used to describe, treat and style specific hair conditions. It's important to understand the subtle differences.
Washing curly hair rinses away dirt and the oil secreted
from the pores of the scalp allowing the root of the hair to breathe. Generally it isn't necessary to shampoo daily. Your curl pattern should dictate how often you should shampoo.
Lack of shampooing curly hair of all types can cause dryness and dehydration to the root of the hair. On days when you do not shampoo, rinse hair with warm water and detangle with a leave-in conditioner. If you need a quick fix, use a refreshing lightweight spray conditioner like Botanical Boost to revive curls.
When washing hair, never bunch or scrub your hair.
Use your fingertips to rub your scalp and run your fingers downward to clean and detangle.
Beyond anything else, the key to healthy, beautiful curly hair is moisture.
If curls are malnourished, or underfed, your hair will not appear fully healthy and buoyant, but potentially frizz up and dry out under daily wear and environmental stresses. Basic conditioning in the shower after shampooing will help detangle curls without causing damage to your curls. It also adds protection for curly hair against heating tools, sun damage, and product build-up.
With all conditioners, be sure to start application 2" from the scalp.
Apply product to the hair, not just scalp.
Leave 25% of the conditioner on ends of your hair for extra protection and detangling.
Daily conditioning is often confused with nourishing treatments. While daily (or instant) conditioners lay the foundation for smooth styling they do not provide lasting benefits to the health of curly hair. A leave-in conditioner adds moisture and vitamins to wet or dry curls and works as an on the spot de-frizzer.
To truly condition curly hair you also need to use a deep conditioning treatment on a regular basis - see the Deep Treatment section for more information.
For detailed information on Ouidad's Rake & Shake styling method, click here.
Curly hair should never be brushed. On wet hair a brush may tear or stretch fragile strands and on dry hair it will separate and diffuse the curls, thus creating frizz.
Avoid over-handling curly hair. If you touch curls as they dry you will disturb their natural pattern and create unwanted volume and frizz.
Shop Styling ProductsPlease Note: The tips and recommendations made by Ouidad.com are meant as a general usage guide for our products. Your regimen will be unique to your hair's condition. Please call Customer Service at: 1-800-677-HAIR (4247) Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm EST for assistance if you have any questions about using our products.
