Curly hair deserves special attention, care, and love. The key to gorgeous, defined, and healthy curls is using the right products that enhance, hydrate, and maintain your hair's natural beauty. If you’re looking for top-tier curl care essentials, you’re in the right place!
Why is curly hair curly?
Curly hair gets its unique shape due to a combination of genetics, the shape of the hair follicle, and the way proteins within the hair strand form. Here's a breakdown of the key factors that contribute to why curly hair is curly:
Hair Follicle Shape
The shape of the hair follicle—the tiny tube-like structure from which hair grows—plays a crucial role in determining hair texture. Hair follicles come in various shapes:
Round follicles produce straight hair.
Oval or asymmetrical follicles produce wavy or curly hair.
Flat or elliptical follicles produce very curly or coily hair.
The more oval or elliptical the follicle, the curlier the hair. This is because the hair strand grows curved or twisted instead of straight.
Genetics
Your genes primarily determine your hair texture. Genes inherited from both parents dictate whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair. Hair texture can even vary among family members due to the complex combination of genetic factors. Scientists believe multiple genes influence curliness, making hair texture an interesting trait with various degrees of variation.
Disulfide Bonds
Curly hair is shaped by the internal structure of the hair strand, specifically how proteins called keratin (the primary protein in hair) form bonds. These bonds are called disulphide bonds, which link sulphur atoms within the keratin molecules. The number and placement of these bonds affect the curl pattern:
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Straight hair has fewer disulphide bonds, and they are more evenly distributed.
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Curly and coily hair have more disulphide bonds, which cause the strand to bend and curl.
In curly hair, these bonds are more abundant, and they form in different areas within the strand, creating the twists and coils that define curly hair types.
Asymmetric Distribution of Keratin
In addition to disulphide bonds, the distribution of keratin itself within the hair strand affects curliness. In straight hair, keratin is distributed more symmetrically around the hair shaft, leading to a more uniform structure. In curly hair, the keratin distribution is asymmetric, which causes the hair to bend or curl.
The Cuticle Layer
The cuticle is the hair strand's outer layer, consisting of overlapping cells that resemble scales. In curly hair, the cuticle layer is more prone to lifting because of the irregular shape of the hair strand. Curly hair can often appear drier and frizzier than straight hair, as moisture escapes more easily.
Moisture and Curl Pattern
Curly hair tends to be drier because the natural oils from the scalp have more difficulty travelling down the twisted hair shaft. This lack of moisture accentuates curliness and makes the hair more frizzier. Curly hair requires products that provide deep hydration to keep the curls defined and healthy.
Curl Type and Hair Growth
Curly hair types can vary widely based on the curl pattern:
Type 2 (Wavy Hair) has loose, soft waves.
Type 3 (Curly Hair) has defined ringlets.
Type 4 (Coily Hair) has tight coils or kinks.
Each curl type grows differently from the scalp. For example, coily hair often grows in a zigzag pattern, creating more shrinkage than other hair types.
Recommended Products from SSS Hair
At SSS Hair, we offer a range of products designed to maintain a balanced hair care routine.
Bondi Boost Curls & Cheer Curl Defining Trio
Designed to embrace and enhance natural curls, the Bondi Boost Curls & Cheer Curl Defining Trio is a game-changer for anyone with curly hair. This trio includes:
Curl Boss Shampoo (500ml): Cleanses without stripping natural oils, leaving your curls hydrated.
Curl Boss Conditioner (500ml): Nourishes deeply, locking in moisture without weighing down your curls.
Curl Boss Styling Cream (250ml): Defines your curls, leaving them soft, bouncy, and frizz-free.
The styling cream works wonders by adding a perfect finish, ensuring your curls remain touchably soft and beautifully defined. Packaged in a chic cosmetic bag with a wide-tooth comb, this set ensures you have everything needed to embrace and celebrate your curls with confidence. Plus, it’s cruelty-free, vegan, and free from parabens, sulphates, and silicones—so your curls get only the best!
Oribe Curl Gelee for Shine & Definition
A must-have for those with type 3 (curly) and type 4 (coily) hair. This silky gel defines and manages curls without the dreaded crunch. It offers medium hold, leaving your curls smooth, shiny, and ultra-defined. It also detangles and nourishes to prevent breakage while ensuring your curls look their best.
To use: Smooth the gel through damp curls and style as desired—whether diffusing or air-drying; this product gives you shiny, manageable curls every time.
Olaplex No.10 Bond Shaper Curl Defining Gel
A powerhouse in curl care. This gel works wonders for wavy and curly hair, offering flexible hold without crunch. Powered by patented Olaplex Bond Building Technology, it repairs and strengthens the natural structure of your curls while providing frizz control for up to 72 hours. The Curl Retention Compound helps lock in curl shape and definition, resulting in healthier, more defined curls with a high-shine finish.
How to use: Apply to clean, damp hair, scrunch upward, and allow your curls to air dry or diffuse. Once dry, gently scrunch to release the cast, revealing soft, frizz-free curls.
Kerasilk Curl Balm
A versatile product that delivers moisture, bounce, and long-lasting curl control? Look no further than the Kerasilk Curl Balm. Infused with Biomimetic Silk and Carnauba Wax, this vegan formula helps to enhance and define your curls without weighing them down. Whether you leave it in for a few minutes or use it as a leave-in treatment, this balm ensures your curls stay frizz-free and full of life for up to 72 hours.
R+Co Cassette Curl
For those who believe that great curls start in the shower, the R+Co Cassette Curl Shampoo is for you. This curl-enhancing shampoo gently cleanses while maintaining your curls’ shape and taming frizz. It’s formulated with a blend of rice-derived protein, aloe leaf, and red algae extract to lock in moisture, strengthen your hair, and provide profound conditioning benefits. The result? Gorgeous, defined curls that are healthy and shiny.
Tips for Perfect Curl Care
Hydration is key: Always look for products that provide deep moisture, as curly hair tends to be drier.
Frizz control: Frizz can be challenging with curls, so ensure your products focus on reducing frizz and enhancing smoothness.
Style with care: Avoid excessive heat, and when blow-drying, always use a diffuser to keep your curl pattern intact.
Conclusion
These products provide everything you need to embrace and enhance your natural curls. Whether you're looking for hydration, frizz control, or long-lasting definition, there’s a product here. Celebrate your curls, and let them shine with confidence!