Curly Hair 101: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Gorgeous Curls

If you're reading this, you probably have curly hair.

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.

Different types of curly hair

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.

Type 2: Waves for Days

Type 2 hair falls somewhere between straight and curly. It's wavy and comes in three subcategories:

2A: These are gentle, loose S-shaped waves. They're the closest to straight hair, but you can still enjoy some texture.

2B: Think beachy waves. They have more defined, pronounced S-shaped patterns and some frizz.

2C: These waves border on curls, with tighter S-shaped patterns. They can get quite frizzy, so moisture is your friend.

Type 3: Curls Galore

Type 3 hair is all about curls. They're categorized into three subtypes:

3A: These are big, loose curls. They have a springy, well-defined pattern and can be prone to frizz.

3B: 3B curls are tighter and more voluminous. They form corkscrew-like spirals, making for a gorgeous, lively look.

3C: This is where you'll find tight, coily curls. They might seem like they have a mind of their own, but they're stunning in their own right.

Type 4: Coils and Kinks

Type 4 hair is all about those stunning coils and kinks. It can be further broken down into two subcategories:

4A: These curls are tightly coiled and have a distinct "S" pattern. They're soft and springy but can be prone to dryness.

4B: 4B curls form more of a "Z" pattern with sharp angles. They're compact and can have a cottony, fluffy appearance.

4C: The curl pattern is made up of super-tight zigzags that are densely packed, meaning lots of shrinkage! Curls are less defined than the other curl types, but it's not represented by one single texture: Hair can range from ultra fine to super coarse.

Caring for your curls

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

Shampoo

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:

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 sunflower, orange peel, or cinnamon bark). These ingredients will help to give your hair the much-needed hydration and nourishment your curls will crave.

Our award-winning Re:Nourish Shampoo is the perfect organic and naturally moisturising shampoo.

Clarifying Shampoo for Periodic Use:

Consider using a clarifying shampoo occasionally to remove product build-up. Follow up with a deep conditioner after using a clarifying shampoo.

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

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

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

Simillar to what we discussed with choosing the right shampoo, the same goes for conditioner with similar ingredients such as natural oils such as Brazil nut oil and seed oils.

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

Also available with the Re:Nourish Shampoo &Conditioner Duo Set.

Our Re:PlenishConditioning Mask deeply conditions hair from end to end, boosting hydration, sealing in split ends and protecting hair from frizz, leaving your locks smooth and soft.

Styling products & how to style curly hair

Getting the right styling products are what will really accentuate your curls!

Pre: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:CurlSpray.

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!

Pre:Curl Crème

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.

We’d recommend using Pre:Curl Spray and then our Pre:Curl Crème. 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 FFOR 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 onto dry or damp hair to fix it into place for the perfect finishing touch!

Caring for your curls between washes

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 Spray

Fill a spray bottle with water and a small amount of leave-in conditioner. Between washes, mist your hair with this mixture and scrunch your curls to revive them.

3. Use Pre:Curl Crème

Using Pre:CurlCrème between washes will help revive your curls. Combining with re-freshing 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 Buildup

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

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 Glycerine, Niacinamide and Panthenol to moisturise and condition!

Conclusion

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!