Curling your hair naturally

Curly hair is characterised by its natural, defined curls, varying in size from small, tight waves to larger, fuller curls. Unlike straight or wavy hair, curly hair has a distinct spiral texture. Curly hair tends to be drier, requiring specific care to maintain moisture and curl definition. Hairdresser Franco Lazzaro explains that curly hair, not to be confused with frizzy or wavy hair, has a curl 1 cm from the root to the tip. The curl goes down the length of the hair. The ends are also curly.

Frizzy, curly or wavy hair: what are the differences?

Curly hair is characterised by defined curls, which can be tighter or fuller, forming a spiral texture. It can vary from slightly wavy to very curly. Frizzy hair, on the other hand, has extremely tight or frizzy curls, forming a dense and often dry texture, requiring specific care. Wavy hair has soft, natural waves, rather than tight curls. This variety of hair textures results from differences in the structure of the hair follicles and requires specific care and styling methods to maintain optimal health and appearance.

Using natural products means greater respect for the hair fibre. However, Franco Lazzaro does not advise his customers with curly hair to use solid shampoos, which dry out the hair. When it comes to choosing hair care products, look for those that sheath the hair.

Where can I find natural products for curly hair?

Yangu oil

This oil, with its dry feel and balancing properties, is perfect for combination to oily skin products. It's also an ideal ingredient for nourishing and disciplining curly and afro hair.

Discover yangu oil

Hyaluronic acid and linseed beautiful curls gel

A combination of hyaluronic acid, linseed, chia seeds and organic aloe vera, this curly hair gel defines and sets curls while providing shine and hair protection. Its light, non-greasy texture, with no cardboard effect, tames frizz and makes styling easier, leaving curls looking sublimely bouncy.

Discover curl-defining hyaluronic acid and linseed gel

Organic Baobab Leaf Powder Extract

Called lalo powder in Wolof, this organic baobab leaf powder from Zimbabwe is highly valued in cosmetics for its hair moisturising and improving properties. Rich in mucilage, lalo powder forms a viscous, slippery paste on contact with water, making hair easier to detangle and helping to enhance curls.

Discover Organic Baobab Leaf Powder Extract

The hair that has the most difficulty curling is hair that is not treated properly and is simply not curly. Curly hair is naturally curly. However, for it to look good with a defined curl, products suitable for curly hair need to be applied.

Franco Lazzaro, a hairdresser based in Paris, warns us: "It's impossible to naturally create a curl in hair that's straight or even wavy. You can accentuate the impression of a curl in wavy hair, but it won't last". To curl straight or wavy hair, certain products are needed to modify the hair structure and reconstruct it in a different form. For hair to curl naturally, the hair structure must already be curled.

Is it possible to curl your hair at home?

Before considering curling your hair at home, it's important to look at the condition of your hair and its structure. Next, Franco Lazzaro recommends shampooing twice using suitable products, then applying a mask. On wet hair, using a styling lotion or cream could also be an excellent idea. The hair can then be wrapped in a towel after careful styling. The hair should then be left to dry naturally without the use of heat. "All this can be done comfortably at home using the best products available for curly hair," says the creative hairstylist/visagist/colourist.

The weaving technique for curly hair

The weaving technique is based on making a big braid or lots of little braids in wet hair and then letting it dry naturally. The braids will give the semblance of a curl. People with naturally curly hair will get a real, long-lasting result. Others will have to be satisfied with a temporary result.

When styling clients with curly hair, Franco Lazzaro advises cutting straight across the base to create volume and help support the nature of the hair. It's also important never to straighten curly hair. If you thin out curly hair, you lose the curl and make it frizzy. The best way to cut curly hair is dry.

To protect your hair while you sleep, make sure you detangle it before bed. Then, applying oil can be a good solution. Hair can be twisted in the direction of the individual hairs and then styled into a bun for those with shoulder-length hair. For those with shorter hair, simply brush the hair and put a little water on it the next day without washing it. Applyingg oil or balm can also be an excellent idea.

Curly hair: how to avoid tangles and frizz?

To avoid tangles and frizz, in the evening, before going to bed, the hair should be brushed with a boar bristle brush. The ends should be aerated with a boar bristle brush, but not necessarily the rest of the hair. You should only brush through the mid-lengths with your fingers. If you detangle your hair well before going to bed, knots will be virtually non-existent. It should be noted, however, that certain hair diseases can lead to the appearance of tangles.

Franco Lazzaro gives us his advice on how to achieve curly hair:

1. Respect the rule of 2 shampoos 3 times a week: the first shampoo clarifies the scalp, the second treats the scalp. Above all, it brings out what we produce naturally: keratin.

2. A mask to close the hair scales: the two shampoos will have opened the hair scales, which the mask will then close. The specialist's tip is to wring out your hair in the direction of the individual hairs before applying the mask. The mask should then be applied starting from the ends. The mask should be applied once a week and left on for 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Effective detangling: the hair should be detangled starting from the ends to avoid breaking the hair.

4. Applying an oil or balm: oil or balms can be applied to the hair daily, between washes, to redefine curls and nourish them at the same time.

Gipsy graduated from ESJ Paris. After 10 years in the general and women's specialist press, she chose to specialise in health and well-being. Now a certified Yin Yoga teacher, she skillfully combines her passion for writing with her love of yoga. Her goal goes far beyond simply informing the reader. She is passionate about helping readers embrace simple, practical habits that support their well-being while encouraging a more mindful approach to the world around them. Each article invites readers to adopt a healthier, more balanced, and fulfilling lifestyle.

Photo credit: Photo by Noémie Roussel on Unsplash