Start with the right cut
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with the same style when you have curly hair, but finding a stylist who is an expert at working with this type of hair can make all the difference. “You just might be surprised by how many options you actually have,” says Nic Apaapa, owner of Nicholas Paul Hair Design in Auckland. For example, “Layering can be a challenge with curly hair, but done right, tousled curls that have unstructured layering can be amazing.” He suggests taking a picture of a style you’d love to have along with you to a stylist, and asking for their thoughts. “Consultations are offered free at most salons, so make an appointment and be honest about your own styling abilities.”
What about colour?
There’s no need to stick to one shade of block colour all over. “Curly hair tends to naturally lack shine, so highlights and colouring techniques, such as balayage [where highlights are painted on] and ombré [where hair fades to a lighter colour on the ends] are the perfect way to add light, texture and definition,” advises Nic.
Get the right products
“Curls need an even balance of moisture and protein to avoid frizz and fluff,” explains Nic. “Listen to your stylist when they suggest products for your hair type. It isn’t just a sales pitch – we want your hair to look great every day and using the right products can change your whole look.” Often people with a lot of natural wave find their hair looks its best on day two or three when it’s lost its frizz. Nic’s solution is to shampoo with Joico Curl Crème Wash Sulfate-Free Co+ Wash, $34. “It’s perfect for eliminating that freshly-washed frizz that often happens with curly hair.”
How about styling?
Ideally, leave your hair to dry naturally – with a dab of anti-frizz product added while it’s damp to help it dry into a soft, textured curl. If you have to blow-dry, Nic recommends investing in a diffuser to help eliminate frizz. “Once your blow-dry is finished, blast your hair with the cold setting. This will seal in your style and add lasting shine.”
A curl’s best friends…
1. Joico Curl Defining Contouring Foam Wax, $34. “It leaves the hair in curl formation, adds shine and moisture, but doesn’t dry hard,” says Nic.
2. Kérastase Curl Fever, $42. Spray into your hand and work through damp hair to shape and define.
3. Kevin.Murphy Killer.Curls, $70. Apply to towel-dried or damp hair, then scrunch to activate your curls.
4. Matrix Total ResultsCurl Please Super Defrizzer Gel, $21.50. Coats hair in a frizz-free film.
5. TRESemmé Sea Salt Spray, $9.29. Sprayed onto dry hair, this will help give your curls a casual, tousled style.
6. Joico Curl Crème Wash Sulfate-Free Co+ Wash, $34. Won’t give your hair that freshly-washed fluff.
7. Kevin.Murphy Texture Comb, $28. Ordinary hair brushes can turn curls to frizz, so use a comb that will neaten your hair without disrupting the texture.
8. The Remington Pro-Air Turbo, $99.99. Has ionic technology to prevent frizz, a cool-shot button and a diffuser attachment.
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