Learning to identify and understand the definition of your curls is the first and most important step in controlling your hairstyle.
Once you do, it will be possible to have total control of your curls easily and consistently day after day.
Every curly head has a variety of curls within the same head of hair that is constantly changing and shifting.
Climate and weather conditions have a dramatic effect on curly hair. Even health, medications, stress, and hormones can affect your curls.
It would be proper to say that some curls are moody and have a mind of their own. So make best friends with your curls and "learn to love your curls".
Category 2: Medium Curls
Creating volume is one of the major challenges to people with loose, wavy curls. Most people need and want volume on the top of their head, and wearing it longer will give you the ability to create loose, bouncy curls. With loose, wavy curls, using the right products and tools will allow you to create great hairstyles. Roller Jaw Clamps prevent the weight of wet hair from flattening or robbing you of volume, especially in winter. Loose curls are more sensitive to climate change as indoor heating sucks out the much needed moisture in hair.
If loose, wavy hair is cut too short, your hair will look like it has wings. When it starts to grow out you will start with wings, then waves and then curls.
FINE LOOSE CURLS
Loose curls can be either thick or fine. If your hair is very fine, it should not be worn too long or it will start to look thin. People with fine hair should also avoid using heavy greasy products that contribute to flattening their hair. Fine curls get oily faster and desperately rely on humid weather conditions to have body. You must avoid harsh, strong colouring products, especially peroxide or bleach. Use caution when having any process requiring the use of harsh chemicals. Keep your scalp clean and oil free and remember to massage your scalp from time to time.
THICK LOOSE CURLS
Probably the strongest hair type within the curl category. Thick loose curls are the easiest to repair after they have been abused by harsh chemicals or hot irons. Understanding the principle of porosity (the ability of hair to absorb water) makes it easier to condition and treat your hair without adding additional weight and extending the drying time.
Loose wavy hair that is thick and coarse takes longer to dry than any other curl category. Because it is heavy, it retains moisture and heat. Learn about all of the benefits of the root brush and the bone comb to help achieve the maximum amount of volume from the root area.
Medium curl has a very firm "S" formation curl. It takes hair 2.5 twirls or bends to make a ringlet which has bounce and looks like the perfect curl. Medium curls have the right support so they maintain their bounce and the curl is consistent from roots to ends. It is very common for a medium curly head to have several curl types throughout their hair; from fine to thick and from loose to tight, all within the same head of hair. There are many different techniques to manipulate the curl formation which can produce a number of different looks. Within this category, short, funkier styles are easily attainable. Styles last longer, sometimes only needing a cut twice a year.
FINE MEDIUM CURLS
For fine medium curls, the drying process can be very aggressive and this will create a softer, bouncier look. Bending your head forward when drying will add volume and bounce.
THICK MEDIUM CURLS
For thick medium curls, there should be a lot less movement during the drying process. Too much movement will create unwanted bulky sections that require the tunnel cut as a solution to control excess volume. Too much hair around the face must be avoided here so as not to create a heavy curtain-like effect.
Tight curly hair is complicated because as it goes from wet to dry more shrinkage occurs. Although the hair looks long when wet, it will drastically shorten as it dries. This curl type must have as little movement as possible during the entire drying process. The more movement that occurs, the more frizz will be created. It takes more water than normal to properly wet these curls. This means that it takes longer to shampoo and requires a longer rinsing time to make sure that all the shampoo is properly rinsed out before conditioning. Careful consideration of conditioners is important as tight curly hair is dependent on moisture. This is the most porous hair type, so it absorbs moisture and nearly always appears dry. With proper care, this hair type may only require cutting once or twice a year. Length is very important with tight curls, and using the right products is most important to achieve proper length and overall style management.
FINE TIGHT CURLS
Fine, tight curls are very vulnerable to damage. Traditional layered cutting is forbidden on this hair type. Dry ends and tips must be constantly treated or else they will look over- processed, weak and broken. This hair type requires extra effort and control on the ends. Fine tight curls have the tendency to be flat at the root area as well. During the wet stages of styling, lots of Curl Keeper™ is required at the tips and extra lift and support are needed at the root area. Tangles are a problem with this hair type, so make sure to detangle and remove all loose hair prior to styling. Also make sure that hair dries without movement until surface dry. At this point, movement can be used to create volume rather than frizz.
THICK TIGHT CURLS
Thick tight curls require the greatest amount of time in preparation for styling as there is no blow drying involved. All of the energy and effort is about washing, conditioning and styling this hair type. It takes longer to wet this hair type and much longer for shampoo to penetrate into the hair. Similarly it takes longer to rinse out the shampoo – especially at the root area. The density can make it difficult to work down to the scalp. Often the scalp can get oily because shampoo sometimes does not make it down to the scalp. This hair type is misunderstood and sometimes over-conditioned with heavy, oily ingredients. This only makes it more difficult to control as it repels water. Styling is very difficult because of this. Without oil and silicone, Curl Keeper™ can be easily distributed from roots to ends, making sure that every hair strand is treated. This will give you totally frizz-free curls. Styling techniques can be used to help manipulate curls if desired. The finished look may take longer but this hair type may only require shampooing once a week as long as cleansing and styling are performed correctly and thoroughly. Oily products make hair dirty faster. Our water based products will leave hair cleaner for a longer period of time.
Products We Recommend For Medium Curls:
Treatment Shampoo, Slip™ Detangler, Curl Keeper™, Gel, Tweek™, Root Brush, Roller Jaw Clamps, Bone Comb
TREATMENT SHAMPOO – Helps strengthen hair and create bounce for hair with a loose wave. This shampoo also helps create elasticity in weak hair.
SLIP™ DETANGER – Instantly detangles wet hair, removing all loose hair and untying knots without ever adding weight.
CURL KEEPER™ – Drench your wet hair with Curl Keeper™ from roots to ends, so that when you squeeze your hair, it drips and makes a "squish" sound. "Squish vigorously" all over. The more you squish and scrunch your curls, the deeper the "S" formation will be on the curl. To avoid frizz, allow your hair to dry as much as possible on its own. The Curl Keeper™ will duplicate the same frizz control as when your hair was wet and allow your "new" curl formation to return.
GEL – Gel has a non sticky formula that gives extra hold and support throughout the day. Apply Gel to wet hair while you continue to squish during the preparation stage. You will never have the look or feel of heavy buildup in your hair.
TWEEK™ – Tweek™ completely eliminates flyaway hair and will allow your style to last for several days. Apply Tweek™ to dry hair to create and maintain volume, bounce and shine. This product is a perfect fit for broken hairstyles and flat spots.
ROOT BRUSH – Repetitive brushing from the root area upwards will immediately redirect the hair growth. The tail makes it easy to create workable sections and gives you volume.
ROLLER JAW CLAMP – These clamps will provide a full looking, bouncy style that solves the unwanted flat hairstyles. The Roller Jaw Clamps allow curls to stay in their natural formation without squishing them down. The claws support large sections of hair without destroying curl formation. They are very easy to use and are extremely durable.
BONE COMB – Created from material that is hard and smooth, and when hand carved and polished makes beautiful combs. They are inherently anti-static and heat resistant. They would last a hairdresser a lifetime, and are a prized possession.
Treatment Shampoo OR Silk Shampoo, Conditioner, Curl Keeper™, Slip™ Detangler, Silk Leave-In Conditioner, Tweek™, Bone Comb
SHAMPOO - Both Treatment Shampoo and Silk Shampoo are perfectly pH balanced for fine and coarse medium curls. They are gentle enough for everyday use, even on colour treated hair. For coarse medium hair, use Silk Shampoo as it adds additional moisture to keep hair soft. For fine medium curls that tend to be weaker, use Treatment Shampoo as it strengthens hair and improves elasticity which allows curls to retain their bounce.
CONDITIONER – After shampooing, use Conditioner as it provides protection and moisturizes without weighing down or causing buildup in your hair. For extra moisture on severely dry hair, Pure Silk Protein can occasionally be used as a treatment.
SLIP™ DETANGLER – This leave-in detangling conditioner will remove all tangles and knots, and any loose hair. Spray generously on wet hair and leave for 20-30 seconds before combing through hair from roots to ends.
CURL KEEPER™ – Distribute Curl Keeper™ on wet hair from roots to ends, allowing the water to distribute Curl Keeper™ evenly. Make sure to use a lot of product as it does not contain silicone and your hair will never be greasy or have product buildup.
SILK LEAVE-IN CONDTIONER – This product smoothes and softens the rough, dry hair cuticles that are always the first to frizz. Using Silk Leave-in Conditioner will ensure that your hair looks and feels soft. Apply this product to dry, wiry curls while hair is still wet.
BONE COMB – At this point, use the bone comb to evenly distribute product by combing through from roots to ends. Let your hair dry naturally, but you can use a diffuser to speed up the drying process if desired.
TWEEK™ – Tweek™ completely eliminates fly-away hair and will keep your style looking great for several days. Apply Tweek™ to dry hair to create and maintain volume, bounce and shine. Tweek™ is the perfect fix for flat spots or broken hair styles.
Silk Shampoo, Pure Silk Protein, Silk Leave In Conditioner, Curl Keeper™, Slip™ Detangler, Tweek™, Root Brush, Bone Comb and EXTENZZ™
SILK SHAMPOO – This will add moisture, cleanse the hair and will never strip away essential neural oils. It is pH Balanced to be used regularly and is gentle enough for coloured hair.
PURE SILK PROTEIN – This conditioner will soften the roughest, driest hair as a rinse out product. It will never leave a film or feel waxy. It provides all of the protein that your curls will ever need and for tight curly hair it is perfect for regular use. Leave Pure Silk Protein in your hair for at least three minutes before rinsing out.
SILK LEAVE-IN CONDTIONER – While your hair is still very wet, apply a generous amount of Silk Leave-in Conditioner. This will soften any rough, dry, wiry hair cuticles.
CURL KEEPER™ – Then apply the same amount of Curl Keeper™ to still wet hair and comb through with the bone comb. Thorough combing with the bone comb will help to define controlled ringlet formation.
SLIP™ DETANGER - Slip™ has the strength to adjust the pH levels of your hair without leaving any weight. For fine tight curls, Slip™ is a must as it conditions without over- moisturizing.
TWEEK™ – Apply Tweek™ to dry hair. It will eliminate flyaway hair, create shine and calm bulkiness. This product is perfect for flat spots or broken hair styles.
ROOT BRUSH – Repetitive brushing from the root area upwards will immediately redirect the hair growth. The tail makes it easy to create workable sections and gives you volume.
BONE COMB – Created from material that is hard and smooth, and when carved and polished makes beautiful combs. They are inherently anti-static and heat resistant. They would last a hairdresser a lifetime, and are a prized possession.
EXTENZZ™ – With extra effort of stretching and manipulating your curls while wet with EXTENZZ™ will result in looser and more controlled curls.