I Set Out To Save My Curly Hair and Succeeded - Here is Everything I Tried

As the saying goes; ‘you want what you can’t have’ I was desperate for straight hair growing up but alas, I naturally had curly hair that despite straightening (and even burning once) nothing could stop the frizz and kinks. Skip 10 years later and I am now desperate to rescue my locks. I naturally have type 2c - 3a hair and do everything I can to make my hair as big and wild as possible. Unfortunately the result is more Hagrid chic than curly goddess.

The years of using hot styling tools and all the wrong brushes have taken its toll and most of the time my hair is a frizzy, limp mess. I enlisted the help of the hair-wizard Ryan Forsythe, Artistic Education Director and curly hair whisperer at Trevor Sorbie who gave me priceless tips and tricks that have helped bring my hair back to life;

All Starts with Wash Day:

At Trevor Sorbie, the team drum the importance of shampoo for the scalp and conditioner for the hair. Ryan emphasis that it’s important to use hydrating products that are free from sulphates so that the hair is not stripped of its the natural oils, which can potentially lead to further damage, dryness, and breakage.

When it comes to drying, Ryan was very specific; ‘For curly hair I cannot recommend enough the use of a microfibre towel, cotton can rough up the the texture of the hair. Also never rub the hair, again as the follicles are open rubbing, the hair can become frizzy and even break’.

Fighting the Frizz:

Ryan says; ‘Moisture is one of the most important things when it comes to curly hair. As the hair strands twist and spring, the hair follicles are open, allowing for the hair to bend, which can leave hair looking a bit dull and can cause frizziness and breakage. To achieve a glossy look it is important to lock moisture into the hair to achieve a glossy, healthy shine.’. Ryan explains to me the ‘LOC’ method which he recommends to his curly clientele to do at home, this method stands for Leave-in conditioner, Oil, and Cream. The idea behind this is that it is a ritual ideal for many curly hair types to help lock in moisture, keep the hair hydrated, and embody the structure of the curl; ‘Curly hair sucks everything you put into it, a leave-in conditioner is good to use when brushing the hair as the method of brushing the hair combined with the leave-in conditioner can help feed the hair the moisture it needs.’.

Style Tips & Tricks:

Here is where it gets interesting. In my experience, if I didn’t soak my hair in various gels, oils, and creams I could expect a disaster, however since using Ryan’s styling tips, my curls have not just been structured, they also look healthy and natural! Ryan explains; ‘When working oil, cream or gel into the hair, try twisting the product around sections of the hair from the root to the scalp to help define the curls. You can either air dry or use a hairdryer to dry post product. If doing the latter, it’s important to use a diffuser or even a sock over the nozzle. The hairdryer should be at a low speed and medium heat because the air blows onto the hair which can open the hair follicles, if you have a high speed on the follicles they can become fully opened which can lead to frizzy, dry hair. Don’t forget to be gentle with your hair!’.

Work it While You Sleep:

Ryan lets me into his stylist secrets on how to keep hair looking luscious, even while I sleep; ‘Cotton pillowcases can rough up the hair and suck the moisture into the fabric, a silk pillow case on the other hand won’t absorb any moisture or product. A silk bonnet can also be used to protect the style, and silk hair ties should absolutely be opted over an elastic hair band’.

Now we have expert advice, moving onto products! As with everything, all hair is different and will respond to differently to differently products but here is what I have found helpful for my curly hair type:

Only Curls Towel Turban

Everything about Only Curls is flawless but the brand’s microfibre towel raises the bar when it comes to hair wash day. This turban wrap is made from thick microfibre that speeds up drying time, reduces frizz and enhances curl definition. The easy-to-use wrap design secures hair comfortably, making it perfect for post-shower drying.

Available from Only Curls for £14.00

Adwoa Beauty Blue Tansy Reparative Conditioner

The blue tansy reparative conditioner deeply nourishes the hair to maintain moisture and prevent breakage. a blend of avocado, buriti seed, and blue tansy flower oils help to improve elasticity, increase shine and manage frizz. Most importantly, this product doesn’t contain sulfates, parabens, or silicones.

Available from Sephora for £32.00

Slip Meribella Turban

Double lined with smooth slipsilk™ inside and out so your hair can enjoy the benefits. There are lots of designs you can choose from for a chic sleep. This product was actually developed in response to requests for products designed for curly and/or thick hair - we love it when a brand listens!

Available now on sale from Slip (UK) for £56.25

Hair Syrup Scalp Superfoods

The scalp is often overlooked but it is the face of your hair. Ideal for those who suffer from damaged and dehydrated hair, the product includes a hair-tonic worthy ingredients such as chia seeds, açai berries and marshmallow to help increase health, shine and moisture to the hair from root to tip.

Available from Hair Syrup for £14.95

Boucleme Moisture Mask

Specifically designed for curly hair, the Boucleme Moisture Mask is formulated with a relaxing blend of Rose Geranium, Patchouli and Rose which is not only a treat for the hair, but also for the senses!

This deeply nourishing treatment also makes detangling a breeze while restoring moisture, definition, shine and health.

Available from Boucleme for £16.00

Denman D3 Original Curl Definer and Styler

A home and salon classic, this unique brush is specifically targeted for curly hair that is medium - long length. Not only a great de-tangler, the layout of the pins make it a great tool for achieving wet curl definition (especially if you are leaving your hair to air dry) and for blow-drying, it offers precision styling to create a smooth finish. Top tip: For ultimate curl definition, use the D3 with a twist of the hand to create spiral-like curls.

Available from Denman for £11.00