Achieve bounce and tame naturally curly or wavy hair with a little TLC. Hydrated curls are happy curls, and happy curls are more defined and frizz-free.

First, why do curly and wavy hair types tend to be on the dry side? There are a few reasons for this, starting at the root, or in the follicle, more precisely. 

Hair follicle shape determines whether hair is straight or curly – circular-shaped follicles produce straight hair and asymmetrical oval shapes produce curly hair. The more “flattened” the oval shape, the curlier the hair type. This oval shape affects the way natural oils from the scalp are received by the strands. Additionally, oils from the scalp have a more challenging time moving down the hair shaft due to the resulting coiled shape. And as the coiled shape bends, cuticles can become raised which allows precious internal moisture to escape.

The good news is (and there’s lots of good news!) there are loads of curl-loving products that can help replenish moisture.

Let’s chat about how to keep those curls and waves hydrated!

Shampoo and Conditioner

Reach for sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to cleanse and condition curls without stripping natural oils. These options from Ouidad contain natural butters and ceramides to smooth and seal the cuticle to keep that nourishing hydration locked in.

Ones to try:

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Conditioner

Hair Masks

Treat curls to a rich, nourishing mask about once per week or as needed. Allow time to let the mask penetrate your strands with moisture. 

One to try:

CURLSMITH Double Cream Deep Quencher

Intense deep conditioning treatment that nourishes and moisturizes even the driest hair types.

Keratin Treatments

Hair is mostly made up of keratin, a protein that forms its structure and gives strength. Balance is key; hair in need of a protein boost can feel limp, weak, and prone to frizz and breakage. Too much protein can make hair brittle and feel extra dry. Curls and colour-processed hair tend to require extra protein to replenish and fortify. Add a keratin treatment into your routine to give your hair that much needed boost. 

One to try: 

Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask

Formulated with revolutionary Alpha Keratin 60ku^®, this treatment is the ultimate in keratin care.

Shop keratin treatments here

To learn more about keratin, click here

Serums

Due to their shape and drier condition, curls tend to be prone to frizz. Frizz occurs when dry hair takes in the surrounding moisture, causing strands to swell. Primers and Serums work on the surface of strands to help seal and lock hydration in, while blocking moisture and humidity out. If frizz really gets you down, check out this article on "Hair Serums: Why You Need Them And How to Use" for more tips and tricks.

One to try:

DESIGNME Gloss.Me Serum

This mixture of oils and proteins delivers protection and shine while taming unruly hair.

Leave-In Conditioners

Moisturizing leave-ins help provide all-day hydration. They can also help detangle wet curls and keep frizz under control. 

One to try:

OUIDAD Moisture Lock™ Leave-In Conditioner

Moisturizing arnica and prickly pear blended with green tea and Vitamin B5, restore and hydrate to set the foundation for your curly style.

To shop all leave-in conditioners, click here

Hair Oils Hair oils penetrate strands to deliver hydration deep into the core. Oils can also help smooth flyaways, define curls and give them shine. Hair oils are so versatile! You can use them prior to styling to hydrate hair or use them to finish your style to give that definition and shine. You can even use throughout the day to tame frizz and flyaways. Hair oils are truly a multi-tasking must-have! One to try: Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Curl Treatment This lightweight oil won't add weight to your curls. Blended with oil from the mongongo nut, coconut, American palm seed oil and broccoli seed oil, this is a mixture that cares for all curl types.

To shop all hair oils and serums, click here