Keeping Your Curls Hydrated

We all have our own hair care routines, our own favoured products, and our own go-to styles. But with brands across the sector constantly releasing new products which make a plethora of promises, and which mainly serve to target specific hair types in smaller and smaller categories with every new release, finding the right products and routines for you can be challenging (and expensive).

This blog post is targeted at those with curly hair, sharing our tips and tricks for not only managing and taming your hair but also keeping it hydrated with the right tools and products.

First to the important question though – is hydration a different concept for those with curly hair compared with straight hair?

The importance of hydrating curly hair

Curly hair is, by design, naturally drier than straight hair and so can easily become more prone to breakages and split ends without the proper care and attention. Because it contains fewer lipids (compounds which are naturally present in all hair and which contribute towards its hydration), curly hair requires more in the way of specific and defined moisturisation – which not only hydrates but also strengthens the hair and gives it the coveted shine without increasing the chance of damage.

All you need to know about hydrating curly hair

Keep reading for our advice on keeping curly hair hydrated, which includes tips on how to care for your curls overnight, how to avoid the dreaded “bed head”, and how to maximise your use of products without spending a fortune.

1. Less is sometimes more

While using hydrating products is key to protecting and nourishing curly hair, too much of even the best products can quickly cause what’s called hydral fatigue – actually increasing the risk of breakage and damage by weakening the structure of the hair.

Because of this, it’s important to get the right balance of using products without overdoing it.

2. Curl type and intensity affects product use

This may feel like a curveball after all the advice we have shared thus far, but the reality is that not all curly hair is the same and there is not a one-size-fits-all product that you can or should be using. Beyond simply identifying your curly hair, it’s important to understand the intensity of your curls and what type of curls they are – for example, lightly wavy hair is different from ringlet coils, with the latter requiring more in the way of definitive hydration to keep those curls manageable.

3. Try a curl oil as part of your routine

Once your hair has been washed and dried, adding a small amount of curly hair oil before styling can help to tame your hair and can make it easier to work with and maintain. If you’re having a night in, adding some curl oil to your hair before bed can also help to add an extra boost of moisture – especially on those days where you can leave the oil to work its magic without following application up with intense styling.

4. Tie it up or braid it at night

One of our biggest tips for those with curly hair is to reconsider your night time approach to haircare – specifically what you do with your hair. Braiding your hair or tying it into a loose bun can help to maintain the stability of your curls as well as helping you to avoid the bedhead that we have all experienced at least once or twice.

5. Take a hot shower without washing your hair

Hot showers aren’t just good for washing your hair – taking a hot shower but keeping your hair out of the water can actually help to infuse some added moisture to your hair through the steam which collects in your bath or shower room. To maximise the benefits of this, shake your hair out in the room after your shower, and lightly run your fingers through it to distribute any moisture droplets through your curls.

Managing and protecting your curly hair

If you have naturally curly hair then you are one of the lucky ones – as evidenced by the many hundreds of curling tongs and products out there, used by those who want to replicate your natural look. Protecting your hair’s strength, structure, and aesthetic look is a core part of what drives the haircare industry – but the importance of finding the right product for you cannot be stressed enough.

For advice and support in selecting the best products for your hair, visit us at Boilerhouse or get in touch via our website.