It’s a thing–people with curly hair are often stressed about maintaining it because, let’s be honest, it’s not easy. Yes, it does exude charm, have you seen Timotheé Chalamet and Siddhant Chaturvedi? But it also demands proper care and maintenance, unlike any other hair type–you have to deal with unruly, frizzy and unmanageable hair. While you want to style them like an A-lister star, it ends up looking like you haven’t showered for a couple of days.  

The issue gets amplified if you’re a guy who’s low maintenance and does not necessarily have a hair stylist on SOS. However, keeping curly locks in control and from looking lifeless is not as daunting as it may seem. Here are easy tips to maintain unruly curly hair with the best products available in the market 

Understand Curly Hair 

Those with wavy or curly hair would understand that their hair is drier than other hair types. It is because curly hair is more porous which impacts its ability to absorb and hold moisture. The result is drier, frizzier hair. The issue amplifies as we go across the curl spectrum which means curlier the hair, drier it will be. In simple words, it means that coily, tightly curly hair is drier than the soft wavy hair type. 

Curls are divided into different categories–wavy hair which is the lightest curl and more like wave; then loose curls, springy ringlets, tighter corkscrews, and finally coily hair which is rounder and springier. While this may read like too much information, curly hair has more distinction under each of these categories, namely a, b and c or more like 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c and so on. The higher the number and subsequent letter, tighter the curl. For example, 2a is softer curl than 3b and 3c is lighter than 4c. Wavy hair sits in like an S shape and curly hair is more defined, retains more bounce, and gets tighter once they dry.  

Care Tips for Curly Hair 

When it comes to maintaining and styling curly hair, make sure you have a strong foundation before incorporating any products in your routine. No product is going to perform on your hair if your hair isn’t in its best form. So, before investing in any haircare products, make sure to follow these tips: 
 

Opt for the Right Haircut 

 Your haircut will decide the kind of styling you’ll need. With wavy hair, maintain some length while getting rid of the bulk so that the hair has some scope to move. It makes the hair look healthy. With curly hair, it’s important to figure out what kind of cut you want, short or long? Short hair tends to sit to sit so if you’re looking for a more controlled look, you might want to retain some length. In any case, make sure you consider factors like how much time, effort and money you can spend on styling and what your lifestyle is like (if you go to the gym or swimming) before opting for a cut. Make sure you take as many reference images as possible to the hairdresser and discuss your head shape and profile with him before the cut. 

Comb your Hair When it’s Wet 

Unlike any other hair type, curly hair is best managed when combed wet. Combing dry curly hair makes it drier, frizzier and prone to breakage. Whereas combing wet curly hair is easier to detangle without impacting the curl pattern.  

Use a Diffuser, if possible 

If you are into styling and blow drying your hair, attach a diffuser to your dryer before doing so. It may seem like an extra step, but it saves your hair from getting drier. Using a dryer on hair makes it more prone to breakage while making it dry and frizzy and if you do so with naturally dry hair type like curly hair, the impact is double as compared to any other hair type. Just add a diffuser for better management. A diffuser increases the surface and prevents damage to one specific spot and there’s no concentrated jet of air. 

Best Products for Curly Hair 

Bare Anatomy Curl Defining Shampoo 

With coconut and castor oil, it’s the most hydrating shampoo for those with curly hair. It deep cleanses the scalp without stripping off its natural oil and keeps the hair manageable.  

BBlunt Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner 

The products promise gentle cleansing without making the hair dry and also lends shine to it. It also helps manage the damage caused to the hair and while keeping it nourished and manageable. 

Milkshake Curl Passion Defining Gel 

It is a lightweight gel that creates definition without feeling sticky. Delivers flexible hold for defined, radiant curls with natural movement. The gel also protects hair against humidity and seals the cuticles while banishing frizz, for supple, defined curls. 

Cadiveu Bye Bye Frizz Leave-In Serum 

It keeps hair tamed and shining.The camellia oil in the recipe nourishes the hair fiber deeply, seals the cuticles, and maximises the natural shine of the hair. 

Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream

Especially formulated for curly hair, this curl cream is a rich leave-in conditioner that fights frizz, hydrates and detangles hair. Your curls will be more defined after each use.