If you’re one of many to have succumbed to the convenience of a speedy blow-out, getting your curls back in shape calls for a change in haircare. Hessah Aladwani, curl specialist and founder of Curl Boutique, gives MOJEH essential tips for protecting and nurturing curly hair during the summer.
How can you maintain healthy curls, considering factors like heat styling and sun exposure?
Never skip deep conditioning. Deep condition your hair once a week or once every two weeks, depending on your hair type and its condition. For example, someone who regularly heat styles or colours will need to treat it more frequently than others. And if you’re going to be basking in the sun, it’s necessary to use a protective style, such as a sleep bun, and to apply a good leave-in conditioner that contains silicone to keep your hair protected. I strongly believe that we should replenish from within, so always remember to drink plenty of water too!
How should hair be protected and cared for before and after contact with chlorine?
A good leave-in conditioner with non-water soluble silicone should be applied to the hair to protect it when going into the water. After pool or beach activities, the hair should be washed with a clarifying shampoo to remove chlorine, minerals and so on, followed by deep conditioning for added moisture.
What makes silicone a great ingredient for curly hair?
Despite its reputation as a taboo ingredient, I believe that silicone can do wonders for your mane. Silicone helps to provide slip and smoothness to the hair, minimising frizz. It forms a protective barrier around the hair shaft, helping to seal in moisture and protect it from high heat and humid weather.
Hessah Aladwani, Curl Boutique founder
How can we tame frizz on a daily basis?
Hair should be kept hydrated at all times, as that’s the best way to prevent curly hair from frizzing. There are different methods for different hair types, but a rule of thumb is using a leave-in conditioner and, in certain weather conditions, a climate or humidity control gel to hold everything in place. Have a spray bottle handy with a quarter leave- in conditioner and the rest water. You can use it in the morning to fix curls that may have frizzed up or come loose.
What type of heat can be applied to curly hair?
While minimising heat is essential to keep your curls bouncy and lush, there are a few measures you can take, when the need arises, to reduce damage. For example, the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray can be used prior to styling to protect your hair against heat. After washing your hair, you can use a repair mask. A favourite of mine is the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask; it works wonders on damaged hair. I would also emphasise that the type of tool used is important. Invest in the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer that comes with the diffuser attachment for drying curls or the Airwrap for heat styling. What are the best protective hairstyles for women with curly hair? Braids! Though a little underrated, a sleek pony or bun is great too. This look is very clean, and you can rock it while having a good light mask in if you need to run errands. Book now
At-Home Heroes
The haircare saviours to invest in for sublime summer tresses.
R+CO Bleu Soft Bounce Natural Texture & Curl Shampoo And Conditioner
A curl-centric product designed to offer your locks the hydration they deserve, R+Co Bleu has created the optimal hair wash duo. Formulated with banana fruit extracts, black seed oil and vegan keratin, the shampoo and conditioner work to strengthen your hair, allowing it to be manageable and frizz-free for summer days by the pool. Shop now
Fable & Mane Mahamane Leave-in Conditioner
This staple leave-in conditioner not only detangles and nourishes your hair but also protects it from UV damage. Thanks to the soothing aloe vera and amla in its ingredients list, this rich formula comes to the rescue of your dull curls, taking care of brittleness and tangly knots. Shop now
Dyson Airdrop Complete Long Diffuse
Dyson’s Airwrap, with the perfect set of diffuser extensions, has quickly become a go-to hair styling tool for women the world over. It enhances your curls and coils, and also helps you skip the air- dry time, while making sure there is no heat damage. Shop now
K18TM Leave-in Molecular Repair Mask
Before maintaining your new curly look, it’s important to remedy the damage caused by previous treatments and products. Penetrating the innermost layer of hair, this mask works to treat damaged curls at the root, reconnecting polypeptide chains and bonds that have been broken due to bleaching, chemical treatments or heat. Shop now
Curlsmith Curl-Defining Styling Souffle
Skip the crunchiness with this styling gel that will hold your curls with soft romance. This product, with a heart- swooningly subtle scent, is enriched with the goodness of Irish moss, avocado, flaxseed and rosemary. Shop now
Read Next: 14 Hair Accessories That Are The Perfect Finishing Touch
- Words by Amia Hasheel
