How to deal with curly hair

Thick, curly hair can be tricky to style thanks to the natural texture. “Forcing it to be something it isn’t never ends well, you’ve got to maximise what you’ve got,” says celebrity hairstylist Renya Xydis. Here, we reveal how to embrace your hair type by making the most of your (curly) crowning glory.

The best way to cut curly hair

Low-maintenance curls start with the correct chop. To prevent them from looking too dense, ask your hairdresser to take the weight out of your lengths while keeping movement at the ends. For example, “if you want a soft, face-framing look, ask for layers that start no higher than the chin or collarbone so curls have enough weight to hang down,” says celebrity stylist Renya Xydis. As the style is about looking effortless, it’s also best to avoid cuts that require too much blow-drying, such as fringes, angular crops and short styles.

How to style straight hair

“Don’t touch a straightener,” insists Xydis. This look is all about embracing your natural curl and bounce rather than ironing it all out. As curls tend to be coarser and more prone to dryness than other hair types, they need maximum moisture. To get the look, begin by washing with a rich shampoo and conditioner, and then distributing a curl-enhancing product through damp strands using a wide-toothed comb. Invest in a diffuser for your hairdryer – an essential tool for creating perfect curls – and gently place small sections of your hair inside the diffuser while you blast, leaving them to dry. To finish, smooth a few drops of oil through your lengths to keep them shiny and frizz-free.

Tool kit:

Paul Mitchell Curls Spring Loaded Detangling Shampoo, Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask, Aveda Be Curly Curl Controller

Main image credit: Getty