Join the Curly Hair Revolution!

Is your hair frizzy or just curly? If you are asking yourself this question, you might have curly or wavy hair and would benefit from a haircare routine that adds definition to your natural curls.

I wish someone had asked me this question before the awkward phases of my hair that I had to suffer through. It never occurred to me that I had a combination of curly/wavy hair. One of the reasons for this could have been the lack of products for curly hair back in the day in India.

As a teenager in the 90s, I remember that straight hair was the trend. It was very popular to use straighteners or chemical relaxants. Honestly, I am glad that we are transitioning towards more natural beauty standards. More people are accepting their natural state, with curly hair being one of them. So, there are more resources and products available for curly and wavy hair these days.

Coming back to my journey, my world changed when a girlfriend of mine pointed out that I might have curly hair. Of course, I was in denial until she used her products on my hair. It was magic! Suddenly, I had curls. Right there and then, I became a believer.

These are two photos of me showing you the difference in my hair before and after I started a curly hair routine. From the picture on the left, you can understand the reason why I believed that I had a combination of wavy and straight hair. The top and the mid part of my hair were flat, and the ends of my hair had these relaxed waves. The photo on the right is how my hair looks at the moment with a curly hair routine. You can see the difference for yourself.

Without a Curl Hair Routine

After Curly Hair Routine

The first step that you can take is to identify what type of curly hair you have. All of us have different textures, thickness, and porosity when it comes to hair. It is important to identify your type so that you can you can choose and follow the best haircare routine for yourself.

For example, I discovered that my hair was type 2B, with parts of my hair being wavy and the others being curly. My hair is thin, and curl creams and gels end up weighing down my hair. So, I opt for a few pumps of a curling mouse that maintains my soft curls without making my hair greasy. While this works for me, my friend has type 3 thick curly hair, and she uses a considerable amount of curl creams, gels, and leave-in conditioners to moisturize and give structure to her curls. So, the first step is to identify your hair type before purchasing your products.

If you also have thin frizzy hair like me that goes full-on Medusa mode with humidity, then here are a few simple tips to get you started.

1. Go for a cold water wash because this helps reduce the frizz.

   
   

2. Opt for cotton towels or microfiber cloths to dry your hair rather than the terry towels that we generally use. You can also use a cotton t-shirt, which is a tip I got from one of my friends. This reduces the frizz.

   
   

3. Use a shampoo and conditioner that is suitable for your hair. After trying out a few products, I am happy with True Frog's shampoo for Curls and the everyday conditioner. I have been consistently using the same product for two years. Just be aware that not all products work for everyone, and it's a bit of trial and error.

   

   True Frog Products are available on Amazon and their website

   4. Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair because this will make sure that your curls are defined. Don't brush out your hair since this makes your hair frizzy.

   
   

   5. When your hair is wet, scrunch your hair. This will help in the formation of neat curls. There are many techniques out here and pick one that you prefer.

   
   
   
   

   6. If you feel like you need more products that assist in maintain your curls, there are curl creams, gels, conditioners etc that you can slowly add to your routine rather than overwhelming your mind, hair and wallet.

   
   

   7. If you want to blow-dry your hair instead of air drying, opt for a diffuser.

   
   

The final tip that I want to impart is to visit a hair dresser who is comfortable with cutting and handling curly and wavy hair. They will recommend hairstyles that are suitable for curly or wavy hair. I hope this was helpful and I wish you the best of luck on your haircare journey. Viva la curls! Join in on the revolution to celebrate your curls!