On the very last day of February, as promised, here is the third edition of Curly Hair Diaries. When it comes to curly hair, there is definitely no one-size-fits-all solution. The products you use, how you use them, and when you use them all depend on your unique curl pattern.

Below is a post from the Wella Professionals Instagram page that identifies the different curl patterns.

Instagram: @wellahair
Type 1: Straight | Type 2: Wavy | Type 3: Curly | Type 4: Coily

My hair falls into the curly category, with a curl pattern somewhere between 3B and 3C. I have bouncy spiral curls—that’s the best way I can describe it. For the most part, the loops of my curls hug my finger, though there are sections, like the hair around the nape of my neck, where the curls are more wavy.

My hair has a natural sheen but is prone to frizz, especially in humid weather, and the thickness of my strands ranges from fine to medium.

Curly Hair Routine

I’m not a hair professional or expert, but I can tell you what works for my curl pattern and hair type. My routine has evolved over the years, but the good news is that it’s only gotten better. While it might seem like a long process, it honestly takes no time at all. And even if it were time-consuming, I think a few good hair days are totally worth it.

Step One: I wash my hair no more than twice a week, using a salon brand color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Right now, I alternate between:

Purelology: Smooth Perfection Shampoo and Conditioner
Wella Professionals: INVIGO Brilliance (fine/normal) Shampoo and
Conditioner

WHERE DO I PURCHASE MY HAIR PRODUCTS?

When I was growing up, my mother would buy her products and supplies from distributors who sold exclusively to licensed professionals in the beauty industry. Now, I either purchase directly from a salon or from the beauty brand itself—no drugstores, no Amazon, no Walmart.

Random Tip: When I work out, I usually clip my hair at the crown instead of putting it in a ponytail. I find it helps extend the time between washes.

Weekly Hair Treatment: I apply a masque once a week. After shampooing, I apply the product to damp hair and cover it with a plastic cap. I usually leave it in for 20–30 minutes, then rinse it out and follow up with a bit of conditioner.

Purchased at Chatters Hair Salon a Canadian company and member of Green Circle Salons.
Purchased at Texture Hair Boutique in Ottawa’s West End also a member of Green Circles Salons.

Step Two: I gently remove excess water from my hair with an absorbent towel—without wringing or rubbing, to avoid breakage—and then let it air-dry for a bit.

Why? When your hair is wet, it’s more vulnerable to damage. As it starts to dry, the weak bonds in your hair are beginning to restore themselves.

My friend Jackie Seabrooke recommended using microfiber towels. This material is more absorbent than cotton and helps reduce frizz. Just be sure to wash them separately from cotton towels, as lint will cling during the wash cycle. Also, avoid using fabric softeners—they clog the fibers and reduce absorbency.

Step Three: I apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner (mixed with a bit of water), gently working the product through my hair from midway down the shaft to the ends. It might seem strange to apply conditioner twice, but I find that my curls hold better and are less frizzy when I do. While this approach may not work for all curl patterns and hair types, it works well for me.

I was introduced to this brand only recently and bonus it’s Canadian. AG Hair began manufacturing hair care products in Vancouver in 1989.

Step Four: Using a wide-tooth comb, I carefully remove any tangles, starting at the ends and using small strokes to comb downward. If I encounter any knots, I loosen them with my fingers. I then move up a few inches and repeat the process until my hair is completely tangle-free.

Step Five: Next is hair oil—a must-have for curly hair. I apply a quarter-sized amount of product from midway down the hair shaft to the ends. Since curly hair is naturally drier, this helps smooth the cuticle and makes my hair more manageable.

Kérastase luxury hair care products are also available at Texture Hair Boutique. A little goes a long way with this product. One container will last you quite a long time.

Step Six: The final product I use is hair cream, which helps define my curls. I apply it in the same manner as the other products.

Frizé Frizé is another Canadian brand founded by twin sisters Medjine and Mendjaly. They were inspired to create products for the curly hair community. Frizé Frizé gels, creams and masks are handcrafted, natural and non-toxic.

Don’t get it twisted it is an art.

Step Seven: This is where the finger curling and scrunching come into play. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes easier each time, but don’t be fooled—it’s an art.

To define the curls around the frame of my face and crown, I gently twist my curls using my fingers. Then, I cup my hands and scrunch the ends of my hair to help shape the curls. Once my hair is completely dry, I carefully pull apart the thicker spirals around my face to add some volume.

I always let my hair air dry. I try to wash my hair first thing in the morning or early in the evening since it takes a long time to dry. If I sleep on it—even when it’s a little damp—I’m guaranteed to have a bad hair day the next morning. If you know, you know.

Sleeping Beauty

One thing I love is my silk and satin pillowcases. Cotton fabric can remove moisture from our hair and skin. Silk and satin help retain moisture. The fabric also causes less friction which helps prevent breakage.

I wanted to find local businesses that made these, so I reached out to Paula Whitelocke hairstylist, hair educator and owner of Curly Hair Designs. Checkout the two links below for silk/satin pillowcases and hair accessories.