Curly hair comes in all shapes and sizes, and it's a fun, unique journey to discover what type of curls you have. In this guide, we'll dive into the fascinating realm of curly hair and explore the different types, their characteristics, and how to care for them to help you get the most gorgeous curls possible.

Before we delve into making the most of your curly hair it’s important to outline the different types of curls.

This is important as there are quite a few different types of curls, and each needs to be treated and cared for in their own individual ways to leave you with the best, healthiest curls possible.

When it comes to making your curls the best they can be it’s vital you choose the right products:

Pick the best shampoo for curly hair

The best type of shampoo for curly hair is one that is sulphate-free, hydrating, and designed to enhance and maintain your natural curls. Here are some key considerations when selecting a shampoo for curly hair.

Sulphate-free shampoo

Sulphates are harsh detergents often found in many shampoos. They can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Look for sulphate-free shampoos to maintain the moisture balance in your curly hair.

Moisturising ingredients

Curly hair is notoriously dry so opt for shampoos that are packed full of moisturising ingredients such as glycerin, and natural oils (like avocado, jojoba and argan). These ingredients will help to give your hair the much-needed hydration and nourishment your curls will crave.

Our curl-specific shampoo Pre:Curl Cleanser is a rich, creamy, low-lather, low-friction cleanser for thirsty curls. It will gently cleanse and moisturise textured hair, removing dirt and build-up without stripping essential moisture or natural oils.

Alternatively, you could try our award-winning Re:Nourish Shampoo. Providing total nourishment from root to tip, this shampoo enriches & hydrates whilst being kind on coloured hair thanks to Colour Protect Complex and is an amazing organic and naturally moisturising shampoo. 

Clarifying shampoo for periodic use

If you use a lot of styling products, or feel like your hair gets a lot of build-up consider using a clarifying shampoo occasionally to detox and remove product build-up. A pre-shampoo, follow up with your usual shampoo and conditioner, or deep conditioner for an extra boost.

Our award-winning Purify:ACV Cleanse has been designed to detoxify the hair and scalp, washing away product build-up without stripping colour or natural oils. It acts as a pre-shampoo meaning you can still use one of our everyday use shampoos afterwards!

Avoid overwashing

As curly hair tends to be drier, overwashing can lead to further dryness and frizz. Try to extend the time between washes and use conditioner or co-washing in between if necessary.

The frequency at which you should wash your curly hair can vary depending on several factors, including your hair type, lifestyle, and personal preferences. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some general guidelines to help you determine how often to wash your curly hair:

Type 2 (Wavy Hair): Wavy hair often doesn't need frequent washing. You can typically wash it every 2-3 days or even less frequently, depending on your scalp's natural oil production.

Type 3 (Curly Hair): Curly hair may benefit from a slightly more frequent washing schedule, typically every 1-2. However, some people with Type 3 hair can go longer between washes.

Type 4 (Coily/Kinky Hair): Type 4 hair, which includes tight coils and kinks, tends to be the driest. Washing every 7-10 days or even less often is common to retain moisture.

Consider your curl type

Different types of curly hair have varying needs. For example, tighter curls may benefit from more hydrating and creamy shampoos, while looser curls might prefer lighter formulas.

Remember that what works best for your curly hair can vary depending on your specific hair type, concerns, and personal preferences. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect shampoo for your curls. Consulting with a hairstylist who specializes in curly hair can also be helpful in finding the right products for your unique needs.

Conditioner for curly hair

The best type of conditioner to use for curly hair is a moisturising and hydrating conditioner that is specifically formulated to address the unique needs of curly hair. Look for conditioners with the following characteristics:

Sulphate-free conditioner

Choose a conditioner that is sulphate-free. Sulphates can strip your hair of natural oils and lead to dryness, which is particularly detrimental to curly hair.

Hydrating ingredients

Similar to what we discussed with choosing the right shampoo, the same goes for conditioners with similar ingredients such as natural oils like avocado, jojoba and argan as well as natural seed oils.

Pre:Curl Conditioner has been specifically formulated for curly hair. A rich, luxuriously creamy sulphate-free curl conditioner it is suitable for all types of curls. An ultra-moisturising formula, it will nourish thirsty curls without weighing hair down, making curls easier to detangle, and free from frizz with enhanced definition and shine. Available individually or as a duo with the cleanser. 

The multi-award winning Re:Nourish Conditioner from FFOR is another good option for keeping your curls hydrated and nourished to have them looking their best!

As is Re:Plenish Conditioning Mask which is a great option for a deep condition when your hair needs that extra boost of moisture, sealing in split ends and protecting hair from frizz, leaving your locks smooth and soft.

A curl spray

Behind every great curl is a perfect curl primer! For long-lasting, effortlessly defined, frizz-free curls look no further than FFØR Pre:Curl Spray

Infused with organically derived orange and cinnamon, it helps to detangle, separate, and add definition to all curls before styling for a naturally bouncy finish without weighing the hair down.

Using our Pre:Curl Spray is so easy, simply spray onto damp hair, dry and style as normal!

A curl cream

For hair that is a little drier, and needs extra moisturisation, a curl cream is the perfect styling tool to reduce frizz, and help achieve frizz-free, defined curls with a boost of moisture.

Our organic vegan-friendly curling cream will create frizz-free, defined curls giving them a naturally bouncy finish without being weighed down. Enriched with coconut, marula and baobab oils which help condition the hair and glycerine which adds moisture, our Pre:Curl Crème is the perfect curling cream for a natural, nourished curl.

For best results, apply to wet hair by gently raking through curls with a wide tooth comb. Can also be used on dried curls for extra moisturisation.

A curl gel

A lightweight curl gel will help provide flexible hold and enhanced definition for all types of curls and coils and shouldn't leave any stickiness, flaking or crunch. Look for one that is sulphate-free and silicone-free so that it is absorbed fast without any build-up.

Pre:Curl Gel is a lightweight formula which promotes healthy, shiny hair. With aloe vera juice and rice seed protein it improves volume, shine, and manageability whilst hydrating, conditioning and protecting from humidity, it leaves your curls frizz-free and gloriously defined.

We’d recommend mixing Pre:Curl gel into Pre:Curl Crème when using both together following Pre:Curl Spray if you are using it. Sometimes the spray is enough e.g. for type 2 curls, but when dealing with extra dry curls, Pre:Curl Crème becomes a lifesaver!

Fixing your curls in place

For a frizz-free, flawless finish look no further than Full:Proof Finish fixing mist!

Enriched with organic orange and cinnamon, hair is locked into place for a long-lasting, natural hold without any sticky residue weighing the hair.

One of the best things about this fixing mist is that it actually moisturises as well thanks to panthenol, glycerin and organic cinnamon bark oil, giving a much-welcome change to using your typical hair spray!

Spray a fine mist onto dry or damp hair from arm's length to fix it into place for the perfect finishing touch!

Caring for your curls between washes is essential to maintain their health and appearance. Here are some tips on how to care for your curls between:

1. Use a silk or satin pillowcase

Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can reduce friction and prevent your curls from becoming frizzy or matted while you sleep.

2. Refresh your curls with a conditioning spray

Between washes, mist your hair with a leave-in conditioner and scrunch your curls to revive them.

3. Use Pre:Curl Crème

Using Pre:Curl Crème between washes will help revive your curls. Combining with refreshing with a water spray, adding this crème and redefining the curls with fingers after hair has been dampened will instantly make them look more defined!

4. Consider co-washing

Co-washing involves using conditioner to cleanse your hair without using shampoo. It can help maintain moisture and refresh your curls. Apply conditioner, massage your scalp, and rinse thoroughly.

5. Plop or pineapple your hair

Before bedtime, you can plop your hair by wrapping it in a t-shirt or microfiber towel to maintain your curl pattern. Alternatively, pineapple your hair by gathering it at the crown of your head and securing it loosely with a scrunchie to prevent tangling.

6. Avoid over-touching your hair

Excessive touching, brushing, or combing can disrupt your curl pattern and lead to frizz. Try to touch your hair as little as possible.

7. Use a silk or satin hair wrap or bonnet

To keep your curls protected while you sleep, you can use a silk or satin hair wrap or bonnet. This will help maintain your curls and reduce frizz.

8. Limit product build-up

While you may use styling products to enhance your curls, avoid overusing them to prevent product build-up. Use a clarifying shampoo occasionally to remove any excess build-up.

9. Schedule regular trims

To keep your curls looking fresh and prevent split ends, schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks. Cutting your curls will give them an extra spring and bounce and prevent any split ends. On that note, if you do suffer from split ends, check out our split end balm Unbroken:Ends enriched with glycerin, niacinamide and panthenol to moisturise and condition!

So, whether you're a wavy wonder, a curly queen, or a kinky-coiled champion, embrace your natural texture.

Your curls are as unique as you are, and understanding your curl type is the first step in your curly hair journey.

Experiment with different products, styles, and techniques to discover what works best for you. Remember, curly hair is versatile, and with the right care, it can be your most fabulous accessory. Enjoy your curly adventure!