Textured Hair Care Tips from @4allcurlkind & @tkloveshair

Pro Texture Tips by Martina (@4allcurlkind): 

Breaking Down Texture Types:  

• What are Curl Types: Curl types are the varying shapes and patterns of Wavy to Coily hair textures. The “Curl Typing Chart” has become a popular guide for referencing the types of curl varieties that exist
• How to Identify Curl Types: The best way that curl types can be identified is Wavy, Curly, and Coily, and the Curl Typing Chart breaks down these curl types even further by identifying the loosest variety (Type A) to the tightest (Type C)
• In addition, textured hair, like straight hair, can be identified by density that is Fine, Medium, or Dense. This is another way to help identify the variations of curl types
• How Curl Typing Can Be Harmful or Misleading: Although the Curl Typing Chart has been popularized as a way to identify curl types, it can be harmful or misleading in the following ways:
• Multiple Curl Patterns: Often, guests can have more than 1 curl type throughout their hair, which is why the curl typing chart does not adequately represent every hair type
• Classification of Curl Types: Since the curl typing chart ranks hair types from 1-4 (loosest to tightest), it suggests that type 4 or coily hair, is least desirable because it is lowest on the scale, while type 1 hair is more desirable because it is highest on the scale. This can be harmful because rather than simply highlighting the variations of curls that exist, it ranks them on a scaling system
• Click Here to Learn More About Curl Typing: https://jmp.sh/hN9wrC 

Now that we have the basics, let’s get into some of our Oligo Professionnel favourite product to use on curls.  

Martina’s (@4allcurlkind) Favourite Oligo Product Cocktails 
The following product pairings can be finished with air drying, diffusing, or can be dried under a hooded dryer: 

Wavy Curl Types (“Maximum Curl Definition”):  

• Calura Curl Balm + Calura Amplifying Mousse: Apply Curl Balm in sections, then scrunch Amplifying Mousse into the hair to create more curl & give more hold. 

Curly (“Fullness & Volume”): 

• Blacklight Volumizing Styling Balm + Blacklight Volumizing Fiber Mousse: Apply Volumizing Styling Balm all over in sections, then apply Volumizing Fiber Mousse all over & scrunch into the hair upside down for more volume.  

Coily (“Defined & Bouncy”):  

• Volumizing Styling Balm + Calura Curl Balm: Apply Volumizing Styling Balm working it into the hair in small sections then work in Curl Balm in small sections.
• Volumizing Shine Spray is great for any texture for added volume after styling & on refresh days. 

Pro Texture Tips by TK (@tkloveshair): 

Oils, Moisture, & Winter Care: 

The Importance of Water & the Misconception of Raw Oils: 

• Oils do not moisturize the hair, their purpose is to aid with sealing in moisture. Therefore, the #1 moisturizer that curls need is water. Oils are not exactly harmful, but should be used in moderation, or for their benefits, i.e their anti-inflammatory properties, promoting growth for thinning regions, etc..
• When excess oils are used it can lead to build up, and cause dryness. Therefore, it is ideal to limit the amount of oils used in the hair.
• Overall, water based natural hair care products are ideal for keeping curls & coils hydrated. The other great benefit is that many natural hair care products also contain essential oils, which the hair can benefit from without the direct use of oils.

Scalp Care: 

• Dry hair and scalp is a common challenge for curls, especially tighter curls, so using scalp oils in moderation can remedy this. If your scalp requires the benefits of oils, then TK recommends using an oil directly on the scalp as needed. For example, rosemary oil aids against inflammation, and castor oil helps boost growth. In addition, avocado oil stimulates blood flow and helps to unclog blocked follicles (Scalp oils can also be great for loc’d hair to help boost shine and nourish the scalp).
• Causes for Flakey or Dry Scalp:
• Styles That Are Too Tight: protective styles are a great way to maintain tighter textures, however, making sure that these styles are not done too tight can prevent breakage and dry scalp
• Want to Learn More About Protective Styles? Click Here: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CO0zMq4lw0i/?igshid=NTdlMDg3MTY= 
• Silicone Based Products:
• Silicone based products can contribute to build up in the hair because they block the cuticle from absorbing & retaining moisture, so it is beneficial to use products with natural ingredients. 

Common Causes for *Dehydrated Curls 

• Lack of Trims: Ideally, textured hair types should be trimmed every 3-6 months depending on the rate of growth. Fast-average growing hair should be trimmed every 3-4 months, and slow growing hair should be trimmed every 4-6 months. Since the ends of the hair experience the most wear and tear, trims promote length and moisture retention by keeping the ends of the hair healthy.
• Product Build Up: Excessive build up caused by oils (as mentioned above) or product, can contribute to dehydration. When product build up occurs, it blocks the cuticle layer, and the hair cannot easily receive moisture. To limit product build up it is ideal to use a clarifying shampoo at least once per month. 

Winter Hair Care Tips 

• Protective Styling: These styles are a great way to promote moisture retention and hair protection during the winter. Learn more here: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CO0zMq4lw0i/?igshid=NTdlMDg3MTY= 
• Satin Protection: Satin and silk fabrics are great to use to prevent moisture loss, and can be used for hair protection at night (satin pillow cases, bonnets, and scarves). Satin lined hats and hoodies are also great to use during the winter to protect the hair during the day
• Regular Moisture Boosting Treatments (SMART by Blacklight):  Treating your curls at least once per month during the winter is another great way to promote moisture and strength. A staple to use is the “Smart Bond Builder and Repair Treatment by Blacklight”
• Boosting Humidity: With the lack of humidity in the air during the winter season, finding other ways to boost humidity is extremely beneficial to textured hair:
• Humidifier: Keep a humidifier in your home or do a steam treatment once per month to help boost humidity 
• Increase Water Consumption: Drink more water! It’s not only great for the hair, it’s also necessary for overall health
• Humectant Ingredients: Use products that contain humectant ingredients like Honey & Glycerin. 
• What Is a Humectant: Humectants are ingredients that absorb moisture from the air. This is beneficial during the winter months to help boost hydration.
  

We hope this blog has inspired you to continue to learn about curl types, textures and maintenance! Feel free to contact us directly on our Instagram Pages @4allcurlkind (Martina) and @tkloveshair (TK) 

Lots of love,  

Your curl experts