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 not a one size fits all solution. The products you use in your hair, how you use them and when you use them – all depend on your 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 in the curly category. My curl pattern is a toss-up between 3B and 3C. I have bouncy spiral curls – that is the best way I know how to describe it. For the most part, the loops of my curl hug my finger. There are sections – like the hair around the nape of my neck – where my curls have more of a wave.

My hair has sheen but is prone to frizz especially when it is humid and my strand thickness is 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 has gotten better. Also, this might seem like a long process, but honestly it takes no time at all.

And even if it was time consuming – I think a few good hair days are worth it.

STEP ONE: I wash my hair twice a week at most. I use 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/supplies from distributors that sold to Licensed Professionals in the beauty industry. Now I buy either from a salon or directly from the beauty brand. No drugstores. No Amazon. No Walmart.

RANDOM TIP: When I workout, I usually clip my hair at the crown rather than putting it in a ponytail. I find it helps stretch out my washes.

WEEKLY HAIR TREATMENT: I do a masque once a week. After my shampoo, I apply the product to damp hair and then cover it with a plastic cap. I usually leave it in for 20-30 minutes, rinse it out and apply 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 the excess water from my hair with an absorbent towel – I don’t wring or rub my hair with the towel in order to avoid breakage. Then let it dry for a little bit.

Why?

When your hair is wet it is vulnerable to damage. As it begins to dry, the weak bonds are restoring themselves.

My friend Jackie Seabrooke recommended using Microfiber towels. This material is more absorbent than cotton and helps to reduce frizziness. Just make sure to wash them separate from cotton towels because the lint will cling to them during the cycle. Also avoid using fabric softeners – it clogs the material’s fiber.

STEP THREE: I apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner (mixing it with a bit of water) gently working the product through my hair – starting midway through the hair shaft all the way to the ends. I know it seems weird that I apply conditioner twice but I find my curls hold better and are less frizzy when I do. It might not work for all curly patterns and hair types but it works 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 – using small strokes, combing downwards. If there are any knots – I loosen them with my fingers. I then move up a few inches and repeat the process until I have completely tangle-free hair.

STEP FIVE: Next hair oil – a must have for curly hair. I apply a quarter-sized amount of the product starting midway through the hair shaft all the way to the ends. Curly hair is naturally drier – this will make the cuticle smoother and make your 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 to help 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 comes in. Once you get the hang of it – it gets easier each time. But don’t get it twisted it is an art.

To help 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 gently scrunch my hair on the ends, to help shape the curls. Once my hair is completely dry, I carefully pull apart the thicker spirals around the frame of 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. It takes a long time to dry and if I sleep on it – even when it is a little bit damp – I am 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 hair stylist, hair educator and owner of Curly Hair Designs. Checkout the two links below for silk/satin pillowcases and hair accessories.