Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on Davines. Minor edits have been done by Tousled Online Magazine editors.
This is a complete curly hair guide – from shampoo to styling. So, here are Davines products to take care of wavy, curly, coily, and textured hair. Find out which are the most suitable for your curl type or for the expected result: would you like to define curls or encourage volume? It’s up to you.
Shampoo for curly or wavy hair
Step 1: Shampooing
To give its best, curly hair should be shampooed no more than twice a week. Better to use lukewarm water and apply shampoo on roots, not on lengths and ends to avoid removing hydration.
It is advisable to always use curl shampoos that cleanse the skin and scalp gently, such as LOVE CURL shampoo enriched with Noto almond extract.
An alternative – particularly suitable for very curly hair – is the so-called co-wash, i.e. a wash using a conditioner that has cleansing power, lighter than traditional shampoo. You can use for example LOVE CURL Cleansing Cream, which is enriched with Noto almond, like all the products of the LOVE CURL family.
Those who have greasy scalp or feel the need to eliminate the build-up of styling products can use SOLU Shampoo with the extract of buckwheat from a Slow Food Presidium that ensures deep cleansing.
Conditioner and mask for wavy or curly hair
Step 2 – Moisturization And Nourishment
Curly hair tends to be dry, especially on lengths and ends, because the greasiness of the scalp cannot spread evenly along the hair shaft. Furthermore, curls are not combed when dry, therefore the greasiness is not spread using the brush.
This is why it is fundamental to protect curl hydration by using a conditioner every time you shampoo the hair, for example, LOVE CURL conditioner enriched with Almond extract. Furthermore, it is advisable to apply a mask every three shampoos to boost nourishment: you can continue the routine with LOVE CURL mask.
Apply the conditioner or mask evenly on lengths using a wooden wide-tooth comb that does not create a static charge in the hair: remember that this is going to be the last time you comb your curls before the next shampoo.
Cream or foam to create curly or wavy hair.
Step 3: How To Create Waves And Curls
The third step in this routine consists in creating waves enhancing the hair's natural movement. Start removing excess water: the right way of towel drying is called plopping and consists in putting the head down, gently wrapping the hair with a microfibre cloth or a cotton t-shirt you no longer use, and patting the hair upwards without rubbing it. Do not use a traditional sponge towel because it absorbs too much water and favors the frizzy effect. To achieve the wavy effect, it is essential for the hair to be still fairly wet when applying the cream or foam.
If you apply a cream, such as Davines’ best seller Curl Building Serum or LOVE CURL cream, distribute it with the praying hands technique. Put a knob of product on the palms, rub, then take a strand of hair and hold it between your hands, distribute the product evenly by pulling it through the lengths down to the ends.
If you prefer foam, such as the curl moisturizing mousse or the volume-boosting mousse, apply it with raking movements: spray the product on the palms, rub slightly, then distribute through the curls using your fingers as rakes to obtain an even result.
After using a cream or a foam, you should create curls with a scrunching movement, i.e. hold the hair in your hands starting from the ends, then crumple it between your fingers squeezing towards the root. You will hear the typical sound of water and product penetrating the hair fiber, and your hair, still wet, will show more defined curls. Repeat several times.
Gel or oil for styling wavy or curly hair
Step 4 – Defining Or Fixing Curls
The last step is to further limit frizz by defining the curls and fixing them when necessary.
It is important to say that when you talk of curls, it is good to “lock” the curl so that it does not break down, and keeps its natural elasticity. The products to be used at this stage can be an oil – such as oil non oil – for a defined result with no frizz, but very natural. Or a gel – like medium hold gel – that ensures stronger fixing.
How to dry wavy or curly hair
Step 5: Drying
After applying products, ideally, hair should be left to dry naturally to avoid the stress caused by heat. However, it’s not always possible because of outside temperatures or the time available. In these cases, a diffuser should be used, never a styling nozzle that directs the jet of hot air too strongly and risks disrupting the curl.
Start drying from the curled root keeping the diffuser at least 10cm away from the scalp. Then proceed with the lengths cupping the strands onto the diffuser starting from the ends and making sure that the air jet does not make the hair fly around, exposing it to the risk of frizz. Try drying the hair with the head down so that the roots get volume, and keep a medium-low temperature not to damage the hair fiber.
How to refresh or revitalize curls
Step 6: Refresh
The last step is not mandatory but it can benefit people with flat roots, with curls that tend to loosen up, or those who prefer reducing shampoos because of dry or sensitive scalp.
The so-called "refresh" consists in spraying water on the hair to make it moist and reworkable, and adding then a light leave-on product.
People with roots and curls that tend to flatten can lift them by spraying LOVE CURL revitalizer. Last but not least: those who want a disheveled look in the days following the shampoo can create a beachy texture with Sea Salt Spray.
