Guys who have a curly hair type are no doubt aware of their curls.
If you have this hair type, you were probably ruthlessly teased in grade school for its out-of-control poufiness.
It wasn’t your fault. At the time, you didn’t know how to take care of curly hair.
But look who’s laughing now?
You have all that thick, enviable hair that other guys would kill for.
You’ve been blessed with thick, curly hair.
Unfortunately, you also have the monumental task of caring for it.
First things first: Get yourself an amazing leave-in conditioner for men.
Your thirsty strands will thank you for it.
Style your curls by applying a nourishing hair cream to wet strands.
And for the love of curly hair, don’t allow your hair to air dry naturally.
According to a 2011 study published in the Annals of Dermatology, allowing hair to dry naturally results in more hair damage compared to blowing drying at a safe distance on a low-heat setting (see claim: “…using a hair dryer at a distance of 15 cm with continuous motion causes less damage than drying hair naturally.”)
Blow dry your hair on a low heat setting and hold it at least six inches away from your hair.
It may take forever to dry, but your hair will look like a million bucks.
“Curly hair is curly because the follicle that it grows from under the scalp is not straight,” says celebrity hairdresser and trichologist Guy Parsons. Typically, curly hair is more coarse in natural texture, and the coarser the hair, the less water it holds and therefore the dryer it is.
“It also absorbs light rather than reflects it, so it doesn’t tend to look as ‘shiny’ as straighter hair would,” says Parsons. “The other downside is that it can become frizzy in humid weather, which is why it’s important to use products that create a protective shield around it.”
A lot of guys with natural curls find caring for curly hair overwhelming, neglecting it to the point of comedy 1980s scouser (“it’s certainly not the easiest hair type to manage,” admits Parsons).
You have three options: fight it by keeping it cropped (which is how Justin Timberlake tackles his notoriously curly mop-top), remove the curls with a relaxing treatment, or and this is by far the easiest and most authentic option you can just make the most of what nature has given you. After all, it’s not as if there aren’t plenty of poster boys for curly hair: think James Franco, Adrian Grenier, and Carlos Valderrama. Okay, so maybe not Valderrama, but you get the idea.
“To maintain and define curly hair, ask your barber for a flat, layered cut to create a full, curly finish,” advises Morgan. “You don’t want too much thinning or texturizing to take place.” A curly undercut (short at the back and sides, long and curly on top) always looks good, as does a curly quiff and hair grown to jaw-length a la Aiden Turner in Poldark.
Whatever style you choose, make sure you get it cut or shaped when dry. Curly hair is more relaxed when wet, springing back a little when dry, so having it cut this way guarantees the style and length you want.
“Product choice is crucial for curly hair,” says Morgan, who recommends a moisturizing shampoo to prevent natural curls from becoming dry and frizzy alongside a styling product like Moroccan Oil Moulding Cream. “It can be applied to wet hair and, as it’s incredibly moisturizing, is perfect for curly hair,” he says. “It will help to define the curls and give a good hold.”
When you’re in a knot, pick up the right tool, too. Hair can be kept tangle-free by using a brush designed specifically for thick and curly hair; these have flexible teeth that gently detangle and smooth down the hair’s cuticles while minimizing damage. Equally, drying hair with a hairdryer featuring a diffuser will help protect the hair and define curls without making them frizzy.
“For a more relaxed curly look, just towel dry the hair and use a standard hair dryer nozzle or funnel to help straighten the hair for a more relaxed curl,” says Morgan. “Or if you want rid of them, straighteners could give you a new look for the day.”
Just remember that using heat on curls along with alcohol-based sprays and mousses can make already desert-dry hair even drier, so don’t forget to reverse the effects with a moisture-rich, non-volumizing shampoo and occasional deep conditioner.