How to care for and style curly hair, according to a curly hair expert

“While we need to wash our hair often due to the hot weather or having products in the hair, shampooing less often allows the natural oils to give curls shine and a less dry look. Use a volumising shampoo if your curls are looking flat.”

Try: Sukin Organic Volumising Shampoo, $21.90-$36

Credit: Sukin

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Fresh from sulphates, silicones, parabens and more, Sukin’s organic formula boosts hair volume with rice protein as pineapple, mango and papaya extracts nourish the scalp. It is available in 500nl or one-litre iterations and has a signature scent of mandarin, tangerine, vanillin and lavender.

“You must condition your hair every time you shampoo, especially if your hair has been chemically treated. Apply the conditioner to the ends and rinse out thoroughly after. Also, it is also the best time to detangle your hair either with a detangler, fork comb or your fingers.”

Try: Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner, $47

Credit: Briogeo

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Briogeo’s hair conditioner employs a cocktail of nourishing ingredients to hydrate and moisturise curly hair. These include rice amino acids to combat frizz, tomato fruit ferment and Mollis leaf extract to seal the cuticle and shea butter and sweet almond oils to soften.

“Be sure to use heat protection serums before blow drying and applying any styling products. Those with very curly hair should use the diffuser attachment to dry AND style instead of blast drying.”

Try: Oribe Curl Shaping Mousse, $60.48

Credit: Oribe

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A laundry list of natural extracts ranging from watermelon, lychee and edelweiss flower to wheat protein and amino acids helps to moisturise, combat oxidative stress, protect against thermal damage and ward off humidity and frizz. The mousse texture also makes it easy to apply, spread evenly and create defined curls.

“After diffusing, styling is necessary if you want your curls to look defined. And that’s where a hair styling product comes in. Once you’re done styling, DO NOT MEDDLE WITH YOUR HAIR. This means no brushing and only scrunching or twirling. People meddle with their hair after it has been styled and later wonder why their curls look frizzy even with products.”

Try: Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray Styling & Finishing Spray, $43

Credit: Living Proof

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Offering a medium-hold great for daily use, Living Proof’s hairstyle uses its proprietary Flexible Web technology of firm and flexible polymers to provide style longevity that remains brushable and touchable. It is also free of silicones, parabens and phthalates.

“Trim your hair every four months on average. Use a hair mask once a week. Because of all the hair products, it is best to do a cleansing scalp treatment after your haircut or at least once every two months.”

Try: Ouai Detox Shampoo, $55

Credit: Ouai

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Fortified with apple cider vinegar, Ouai’s clarifying shampoo touts to get rid of any haircare residue, hard water, dirt and sebum build-up. It is also free of SLS/SLES, paraben and phthalates.

This article was originally published in Singapore Women's Weekly.