Getting the Right Curly Hair Products

Specialty curly hair products are essential

Women in my class Finding the Right Hairstyle for You! are always asking, “What products would you recommend for my hair?” What shampoo and hair conditioner should I be using? Some years back I read hairdresser Andre Walkers’ book, Andre Talks Hair. In it, he categorizes hair types better than anyone else I have ever read. He categorizes hair types into, straight, wavy, curly and kinky and then has sub-categories in each type i.e.; fine, medium, coarse or whatever fits in the specific category. I wrote a summary of his theories in my article Hair Types. I’m going to use Andre’s categories, look for the one that best describes your hair type.

WHY CURLY HAIR IS DIFFERENT

Those of you with curly hair need to keep as much moisture as possible in your hair. Your hair is naturally drier than straight or wavy hair. This is because the oil from your scalp can’t travel down the hair shaft as easily as straight hair, because of the bends and curls to your hair. You will find it becomes oilier, faster if you blow-dry it straight or straighten with a flat-iron. Normally, if you leave your curls to air dry, you most likely only need to shampoo every three days or so. But, a daily rinse under the shower will add much-needed moisture back into your hair. Use moisturizing shampoos or shampoos formulated for dry hair.

There are two subtypes of curly hair, soft shiny loose curls and ringlets to corkscrew type curls.

Soft loose curls . . .

For those of you with soft loose curls, if you’re wearing it natural, use a moisturizing shampoo like, Kerastase Bain Elasto Curl Shampoo. Another favorite daily shampoo for you is Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo

If you have done any hair coloring or have highlighted hair or any type of chemically treated hair, Bumble and bumble Creme De Coco Shampoo will work great. Another good pick if dry, Bed Head Moisture Maniac Shampoo

Bumble and bumble Alojoba Shampoo is another favorite for normal-to-dry hair of any thickness, and won’t cause buildup.

Ringlet or corkscrew

Your hair, when healthy, is admired by all. So keep it that way by giving it the moisture it needs. A good daily shampoo, (but don’t shampoo daily) is, Kerastase Bain Elasto Curl Shampoo, or just as good, Biolage Ultra Hydrating Shampoo.

You will do your hair a big favor, and it will have a more defined curl, if you go a few days between shampooing. A rinse and massage works best on in-between days, to add moisture and rinse the hair off enough to rid it of some product and let your natural oils tame down the frizz.

If you use hair color, or have high lighted hair, or otherwise do anything to leave your hair in need of more hydration, Bumble and Bumble Creme De Coco Shampoo is a good choice

Dull and lifeless . . .

A clarifying shampoo can work wonders for all hair types, if there is residue from hair products or hair color build-up on your hair.  How do you know if there is hair care product build up on your hair? If your hair becomes dull and lifeless or feels coated and loses its shine. Everyone who uses hair colors or hair styling products can benefit from a clarifying shampoo periodically. Keep a bottle on hand for periodic use, it can work wonders! A clarifying shampoo is formulated to strip product build-up off the hair, that ordinary shampoos don’t. It will bring back shine and body to your hair! One I like is Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo, and that will work well for all hair types.

Remember your shampoo needs can change seasonally, so if you’re questioning if you should change your shampoo . . . you’re probably right. Don’t be afraid to give it a try.

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