Whether the hair is coily or wavy, the most common goal for those with curly hair is to have beautiful frizz-free curls. From proper cleansing routines to trying different hair care products- the quest for defined curls can be long. With this being said, there are a few ways to better the odds.
Many things can play a factor in curl definition. The following will provide a few tips and tricks on how to get defined curls. Keep in mind that each head of hair is different! From DNA to external factors, no two heads of hair are identical. Therefore, results may vary. However, there are a few ways to help your curly tresses to reach their full potential.
Know Your Curl Type
To begin, it would be wise to know your curl type. The three main categories are wavy, curly, and coily. Each of these hair types comes in three sub categories depending on how tight the curls are. For more information on how to discover your curl type, you can refer to our in-depth guide here.
Frequency of Wash Days
Luckily for those with curls, they are able to go a longer amount of time in-between washes when compared to those with pin straight hair. Depending on the curl type, some can wash their hair once every two to three days while others wash every seven days. Some with coily hair can even afford to go 30 days between washes.
It seems like an argument can be made for each type of wash schedule and that everyone has a different theory about what washing schedule is best! Therefore, how do you know which one applies to your hair? Well, knowing how often to wash your hair may take some trial and error.
It also depends on your lifestyle and the type of products that you are using on your hair and scalp. For example, if you exercise regularly, use a lot of styling products, or spend most of your time outdoors, you would need to wash your hair more often. Alternatively, if you’ve had chemical treatments done, you may want to put more time in between washes. For curly hair, it is recommended to sparingly wash the hair to help your locks retain more moisture.
Healthy Scalp, Healthy Curls
Regardless of how frequently or infrequently you decide to wash your hair, it is important to maintain proper scalp care. If not, an accumulation of oils, dirt and fungus may grow, causing much discomfort.
In turn, there will be an increase in the amount of dandruff on the scalp. Hence, the temptation to itch or scratch. Too much itching will inflame the scalp and the hair will not be free to grow as healthy. This goes to show, the frequency of wash days affects more than simply the look of the hair!
Remember, healthy hair also starts with a healthy scalp! We are fortunate to be living in an age with so many products available to us; finding a shampoo and conditioner dedicated to promoting a healthy scalp is not hard to find.
Tame and Reduce Frizz
Another critical part of getting defined curls, is to get any existing frizz under control. Fly-aways, which are usually the result of broken or damaged hair, can quickly make an otherwise healthy head of hair look unkempt.
Those with straight hair often tend to avoid anti-frizz products due to the chances of it causing the hair to look oily. However, those with curly hair have a bit more leeway when it comes to using Anti-frizz Amazonian Hair Oil. Curly hair will absorb the treatment quickly and efficiently, allowing each strand to reap the benefits in no time at all.
While OSKA PURE Smoothing Anti-frizz Shampoo and Conditioner are our best-selling products for frizzy hair, you might also be interested in trying other lines of products depending on your needs.
OSKA PURE is proud to only use gentle and plant derived surfactants in their entire hair care line. All our shampoos are sulfate-free and mild to the scalp resulting in shinier, smoother, and healthier hair. You can freely choose the Colour Preserving Set if you want to protect your dyed curl. Or, you can try our Intense Repair Set to restore and strengthen your dry locks.
Tips for Washing and Styling Curls
Now that you have a better idea of when to wash your hair, here are a few tips to keep in mind while you wash your hair:
- Use lukewarm water: Everyone knows how relaxing a steamy, hot shower can be at the end of a long day. But, it is the same hot water that can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it to be dry and brittle. Rather than using hot water, opt for lukewarm water instead and finish it off with a bit of cold water. It may sound strange, but several hairstylists swear by this method. (Plus, it feels incredibly invigorating!)
- Apply Anti Frizz Smoothing Shampoo. Put product into hands and then hair: Don’t pour the shampoo and/or conditioner directly onto the wet strands. Pour about a tablespoon worth of product into the palm of your hand and then work it into the hair.
- Focus On The Scalp: Shampoo should be applied to hair with the objective of it reaching your scalp first, so concentrate on that area. Massage the product into the roots in a back and forth direction (circular motions create knots). You may use a scalp massager if desired at this stage- it helps lift dead skin cells away and it feels amazing. It’s a 2-in-1!
- What About The Ends?: When it comes to the lengths of your hair, they should be getting enough product coverage just from the previous steps. Don’t be tempted to douse the ends of your hair with a lot of product. This will simply weigh hair down.
- Use Conditioner: Apply the Smoothing Anti-frizz Conditioner from mid-length to ends and leave it to be absorbed for a few minutes. If possible, use a conditioner from the same line as the shampoo. Most brands create their products to be used harmoniously together for a reason!
- Detangling Your Curls While Conditioning in the Shower: For effective detangling and to avoid losing strands, use either a wet brush or a wide-tooth comb. Depending on your hair texture, another option is to simply use your fingers. Always start from the ends and gradually work your way up to the root.
- Gently remove excess water by blotting it with a towel. Cotton, microfiber, bamboo and hemp are all good materials for hair towels. Don’t over dry it as your curls will still need to be wet for the next step.
- To get outstanding definition and tame frizz, always apply the product while your curls are wet. Wet curls help distribute products easier throughout your strands resulting in the most defined hair of your dreams.
- Now, you may:
- Apply OSKA PURE Weightless Anti-Frizz Amazonian Hair Oil from mid-lengths to ends. Then, allow hair to air dry and curl naturally. And/Or,
- Apply OSKA PURE Curl Defining Cream with Flexible Hold* on damp hair from roots to ends, using fingers to create a wave pattern.
- If you have soft wavy hair, applying OSKA PURE Styling Cream with Anti Frizz & Anti Breakage Properties will also give you a soft & touchable hold while hydrating your strands.
If you wish to blow-dry the hair, use a diffuser to disperse the heat and minimize frizz-causing friction while adding volume and curl definition.
*The OSKA PURE Multi-tasking Curl Defining Cream can also be refreshed with water to restyle your curls in between wash days.
Enjoy Defined Curls
All that is left to do now, is to enjoy the beautifully defined curls you are left with. If this is the beginning of truly taking care of your curly hair, you probably already see a difference in your hair after following these simple steps. However, give yourself and your hair some grace! Remember to be patient and to allow your hair to have ample amount of time to heal. You’ll be amazed by bouncy curls in no time.
If you have questions concerning any of the OSKA PURE products mentioned in this article, please visit our official website where you can leave us a message. While there, be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our products and informative articles on haircare. We can also be reached via email at [email protected]