HOW TO GET YOUR CURLS BACK

So you’re ready to transform your hair and get those bouncy curls back that you spent years straightening and damaging, but where to start? There is so much information out there that it can be a bit overwhelming. I’ve been there, tried that, felt the frustration and so finally i’m putting together a beginner’s guide to getting your curls back! I hope it’s helpful :)

Before we start, let me just take you down memory lane here and show you where I started my journey – We all have to start somewhere 🙂

I don’t really think there is a one size fits all when it comes your hair, so i’m going to share what worked for me and hopefully it can help you too but do bare in mind that we all have such different needs and hair types – not to mention how deep into this you want to get. When I started my journey, I decided I was going to try and follow the Curly Girl Method – If you don’t know what this is, check out my post here. I researched quite a bit but honestly still didn’t have too much knowledge on what I was actually doing and was sort of winging it and following other hair influencers on Instagram and Youtube. As time went on, I started figuring out more and more what my hair liked and didn’t like. I think this is the hardest part because unfortunately it takes time, experimenting and a LOT of bad hair days! But once you figure it out, it’s so worth it.

1. Following the Curly Girl Method

This is a personal decision as to whether you decide to follow these guidelines or not – I will say that it’s quite a commitment and definitely a big adjustment in the beginning. I started by following this method and I’m really grateful for it as I think my transformation is largely due to this, however I have seen some amazing transformations from people who haven’t followed the CGM and still got amazing results just by figuring out what worked for THEIR hair and giving it moisture and love. As my hair has improved, I’ve slowly started relaxing on quite a few of the ‘rules’ and don’t really follow this method anymore. Although I still maintain a lot of the principles and general guidelines – I’m not as strict on the product side of things anymore.

2. Get a Good Chop

I hate getting my hair cut – I like having long hair and I feel like i’ve been growing my hair my whole life. I’m so strict with my hairdresser to take as little as possible off as necessary. BUT when I started my journey, I got a big chop! Probably around 10cm which is huge for me! I’m so glad that I did this – my hair sort of instantly bounced up and had a better curl to it already. Chopping off the dead ends and years of damage from straightening will stop your curls from being weighed down. I’ve got much better with trimming my hair regularly now as well. What’s the point in having long hair if your ends are all dead anyway.

3. You Don’t Need Fancy Products

I think a lot of people make the mistake of thinking that the expensive, salon quality products are the best for your hair and will make all the difference. Well let me tell you, I’ve tried and tested so many products and a lot of the expensive ones aren’t all that they’re hyped up to be (of course there are the exceptions). Depending if you’re following the CGM or not, your products will vary. Even if you decide to not go the CGM route, I would still suggest keeping your products as natural as possible. I always try to choose products that don’t have sulfates, silicones, parabens and harsh alcohols. I personally only use cruelty free brands as well and generally these brands use more natural ingredients already. There are so many products out there and you don’t need a million different ones – Start with one or two and focus more on getting moisture into your hair and giving it extra love. I think I used the same 2 products for the first 3 months of my journey – a leave-in conditioner and a gel.

I’ve listed some starting product options below:

(Disclaimer: These are products that work for my hair type – 3b/c and may not work for you. I will also only ever recommend brands that are cruelty free so there are lots of other options available).

• Giovannni Cosmetics Leave-In Conditioner (R200) available at Beau2You / Faithful to Nature

• Giovannni Cosmetics L.A Hold Styling Gel (R230) available at Beau2You

• Make a DIY Flaxseed Gel – See how here

• Maui Moisture – Shampoo, Conditioner and Curl Milk (Prices vary) available at Dischem Stores

• As I Am Leave-in Conditioner available at Clicks / Dischem

• Shea Moisture – Shampoo, Conditioner and Curl Milk (Prices vary) available at Clicks / Dischem(Disclaimer: These are products that work for my hair type – 3b/c and may not work for you. I will also only ever recommend brands that are cruelty free so there are lots of other options available).

• Giovannni Cosmetics Leave-In Conditioner (R200) available at Beau2You / Faithful to Nature

• Giovannni Cosmetics L.A Hold Styling Gel (R230) available at Beau2You

• Make a DIY Flaxseed Gel – See how here

• Maui Moisture – Shampoo, Conditioner and Curl Milk (Prices vary) available at Dischem Stores

• As I Am Leave-in Conditioner available at Clicks / Dischem

• Shea Moisture – Shampoo, Conditioner and Curl Milk (Prices vary) available at Clicks / Dischem

Local brands to support:

(Disclaimer: I haven’t tried all of these brands but I like to support local companies).

• Intrinsicurly Me Curl Creme (R140)

• Hey Gorgeous (R95 – R180)

• Suki Suki Hair Oil (R250)

• Curl Chemistry (R65 – R130)Local brands to support:

4. Stop Straightening your Hair

I mean it makes sense – you’re trying to heal your hair and get it into it’s best condition and heat definitely wont help that. It’s hard in the beginning when your hair is transitioning but it’s worth it and the less you straighten, the quicker your hair will heal. Now that my hair is in a better condition, I am able to straighten it on occasion if I want to but I prefer rocking my curls these days so it’s a very rare occasion 🙂 If you are using a diffuser to dry your hair – make sure the setting is as cool as possible in the beginning.

5. Get a Silk/Satin Pillowcase

This is great for your skin too so it’s a win win! Not to mention it feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud! A silk or satin pillowcase will help protect your curls from knotting and getting frizzy while you sleep. Less friction while you toss and turn 🙂

6. Deep Condition

Curly hair is naturally dry and needs extra moisture – regular deep conditioning makes all the difference and gives your hair that extra bit of love. If you’re able to get yourself a deep conditioning cap – do it! The extra heat really helps the treatment to penetrate the cuticle. You can also just pop a shower cap over your hair and then wrap your head in a towel for a cheaper option 🙂

7. Be Patient

Lastly, Be patient. It really is a journey and it takes time. I only started noticing a bit of a difference after about 6 months of commitment. About a year ago I thought my hair was the best it would ever be and then I compare it to how it looks now and it’s changed even more. Your hair is so adaptable and if you love it, it will give you love in return. Don’t stress over it, do your thing and it will happen over time. Your hair does not define you and you are beautiful regardless of your hair condition!

I hope some of these tips are helpful! If you’d like to see another blog post all about products, let me know in the comments below. So much information that I think it needs it’s own post completely.

S x