As in all things, our lives are happier when we embrace what we do have rather than regretting what we don’t. When well taken care of, curls can be absolutely beautiful. They do, of course, also come in many different textures and forms, so there is no one-size fits all solution for taking care of them. They key is to work out your curl pattern and texture and take it from there, always making sure your hair is well hydrated. As curly girls and boys know, tumbling ringlets do require more attention thanks to the fact that each bend means that lipid production is uneven, thus resulting in less shine if not attended to.
Here are the products we love for restoring glory to beautiful curls.
Maui Moisture
Curl Quench Coconut Oil Conditioner, £8.99
Curly hair has a greater tendency to dry out than straight hair. Maui Mositure’s conditioner contains aloe vera, coconut water, coconut oil, papaya fruit extract and plumeria extract to keep those curls bouncy and shiny. Buy it.
Moroccanoil
Curl Control Mousse, £15.85
Controlling and shaping your curls is the name of the game; stiff, crunchy hair is not. Moroccanoil’s mousse, which is paraben free, is lightweight, whipping ringlets and curls into shape, with just the right amount of definition. Buy it.
Curlsmith
Vivid Tones Vibrancy Shampoo, £22
If you want to load up on everything curl defining and strengthening products, the award-winning Curlsmith is a one-stop shop, from shampoo to tools to accessories – and even temporary colour. You can buy in jumbo or travel sizes, and you can even check in for advice on all the big curly questions you may have been longing to ask your whole life. We like the Vivid Tones Vibrancy Shampoo – or ‘low-poo’ as they call it – which contains gentler ingredients than ordinary shampoo and thus won’t strip away natural oils. Buy it.
Davines
Loves Curl Cream, £24.50
Used on damp or dry hair, this leave-in serum is brilliant not only for defining but also detangling locks, the latter – as those with curls know – a particular hazard. Use with a wide-tooth comb and feel the hydrating benefits of almond from Sicily, B-vitamins, vitamin E, unsaturated fatty acids, magnesium, iron and potassium. Ideal for boosting elasticity. Buy it.
Holy Curls
Moisturising Shampoo, £21
Containing baobab oil, coconut oil, cupuaçu butter and yucca plant extract, everything in Holy Curl’s shampoo recipe is derived from plants and cruelty-free. It promotes shine and leaves hair moist and hydrated, as well as soft – all while smelling of sweet orange, davana, lime, bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, mandarin orange and ginger oils. Buy it.
Aveda
Be Curly Curl Enhancer, £24.50
Aveda’s vegan and cruelty-free formula is perfect for anyone who wants to boost their curls and reduce frizz. Made with a blend of aloe and wheat protein, it ‘expands in the hair when wet and retracts when the hair is dry so that curls stay well defined, with moisture locked in all day.’ Buy it.
Bread Beauty Supply
Hair Oil, £22
This silicone-free formula is infused with the Kakadu plum, which has a higher concentration of vitamin C than any other fruit, helping to maintain collagen and elastin levels in the scalp. Use it as a pre-wash conditioning treatment or in-between washes to boost hair health and shine. Buy it.
Afrochenchix
Sheen Spray, £15.96
This hydrating spray is perfect for Afro locks, the sheen spray is infused with aloe vera and grapeseed oil to revive frizzy or Afro hair without ever weighing it down. Buy it.
Drunk Elephant
Cocomino Glossing Shampoo, £24
Get the gloss with this cruelty-free haircare formula, which is infused with soothing amino acids to strengthen locks. It protects from heat, hydrates and leaves hair more manageable. What’s not to love? Buy it.
THOM
Scalp Serum, £46
Getting your curls to grow the way you want them to starts with paying attention to scalp health. This multi award-winner offers a three-in-one scalp treatment, cleansing, nourishing and promoting growth. Containing pea peptide to stimulate growth; apple stem cell technology to reduce inflammation; pomegranate enzyme to exfoliate the scalp; boreal algae to detoxify and regenerate; and a botanical blend to retain moisture, it really does have all the bases covered. Buy it.
By Nancy Alsop
August 2023
