THE BEST STYLING ROUTINE FOR YOUR CURLS
Recognizing and balancing proteins and moisture in hair care feels new, complex and above all confusing. To solve this confusion, we are of course here for you. In addition, our motto is that it gets exhausting and uncomfortable before the results are visible. That means for you: learn, observe & try.
FIND THE PERFECT BALANCE
Maybe you've already figured out what your curls need. However, if you are new to the world of curling products, you might feel a little overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the right products.
After all, we all have one goal: voluminous, shiny and defined curls.
(Honestly, we haven't figured out the secret to getting all three traits at the same time. Of course, once we find out, you'll be the first to know - I promise!). But so that your curls have at least 2 out of 3 of these characteristics and you don't have to try your way through the palette, we'll break down the basics for you so that you finally know what your approximate routine could look like.
Depending on the curl structure, our hair grows differently from the roots, which are surrounded by so-called hair follicles. These are an important determinant of our hair texture. When they are round, the hair grows straight from the roots of the hair. The more oval the follicles are, the curlier the hair is.
With straight hair, the naturally produced oils can easily moisturize the hair shaft of the curls. So we all know the "rule of thumb" that says curly hair needs more moisture as it tends to be drier.
WHY DO I NEED A BALANCE OF MOISTURE AND PROTEIN?
In curl care products, proteins ensure bounce, definition and protect the curls from hair breakage. On the other hand, moisture provides shine and protects the hair from drying out. To achieve a balance of shine, definition and bounce, our curls need a balanced routine that includes protein and moisture. This routine varies depending on the porosity and elasticity.
As you know, the body needs certain nutrients to function well (we need vitamins and protein for everyday energy and enough water to keep us from becoming dehydrated). It's similar with hair - it needs a good balance of both components, protein and moisture.
Our tip: Your diet has an influence on your well-being, as well as on your hair growth, your scalp and the shine of your hair. So it's important that the meals you eat have a healthy balance of protein (e.g. chickpeas, lentils, oatmeal, quinoa, flaxseed, chia seeds etc) and healthy fats and carbohydrates.
Attention: Proteins that you know from your diet are not identical to the proteins in your curling products.
WHAT ARE PROTEINS AND HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE THEM IN A PRODUCT?
Proteins are composed of amino acids and differ in hair care products from proteins that we know from our diet. They are called hydrolyzed proteins in the curling products, meaning they are broken down into smaller molecules so they have a greater impact on the hair. In this way, they can penetrate the hair more easily, strengthen it and protect it from rapid moisture loss (e.g. in the case of highly porous hair).
While hydrolyzed silk proteins, amino acids and keratin are among the "lighter" proteins, proteins such as hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed oat protein, hydrolyzed rice protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, hydrolyzed quinoa protein and others are the stronger and more intense proteins. Extracts (except oil extracts) also contain proteins, but their effect can vary depending on the need.
You can best recognize the proportion or “concentration” of the proteins by the list in the ingredients. If the proteins are in the first 5-6 positions, the product is rich in proteins. If the proteins can only be found in the last rows or positions, the protein content is rather low.
Products containing protein also promise in their descriptions that they repair, strengthen, build up and nourish the hair etc. (repairing, strengthening, restructuring, enhancing, nourishing etc.).
HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE MOISTURIZING PRODUCTS?
On the other hand, products that moisturize your hair are often labeled with the appropriate terms such as "moisturizing" or that the product makes the hair "supple" and "soft" again, gives shine or avoids frizz. (Softening, Moisturizing, Hydrating, Deep Conditioning, Anti Frizz).
The ingredients in the products could be the following:
Oils (coconut oil, castor oil, olive oil and much more), vegetable butter (shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter and much more), aloe vera, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, squalane (from olives), propylene glycol, butylene glycol, sorbitol, sodium PCA, glycerin , Behentrimonium Chloride, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Amodimethicone, Cetrimonium Bromide and many more.
WHAT COULD A ROUTINE LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
You can use the elasticity/porosity to find out how much moisture or protein your hair needs.
Where can the proteins be incorporated into your routine now?
Given that you have such a routine, you can try it to see if your curling results are effective.
Our tip: When styling, start with less product and work in more if you find yourself wanting more intense results. It is better to detect a lack of protein or moisture than an excess.
HOW CAN YOU COMPENSATE FOR A PROTEIN SURPLUS?
You can tell that your hair has gotten too much protein by the fact that it is strawy and frizzy and thus becomes brittle. You can feel sticky and heavy, and crave a balance with moisture.
Before you counteract it with more product, it is advisable to wash and reset the hair with a clarifying shampoo so that there is a balanced condition again.
It is best to work with a moisturizing mask here and give your hair a break until the next wash day by styling it only with your favorite leave-in, preferably without proteins or with light proteins.
On the next washing day you should definitely pay attention to which products you use. For example, you can skip 1 of 3 protein products and use fewer products for now to see how your curls react.
HOW CAN YOU COMPENSATE FOR EXCESS MOISTURE?
You can tell if there is excess moisture if your curls lack definition, are fluffy and soft and have too much volume. The curls don't hold and hang down limp.
Water is also moisture, so you should not continue to work with water.
Try to remove some moisture from your hair with a microfiber towel or blow-dry it with a diffuser so that the moisture can dissipate a bit.
If you want, you can carefully follow up with a protein-based product. Again, you should start with little product and pay attention to the reaction of your hair.
With these basics in mind, you can surely put together a routine that will leave you and your curls happy. The important thing is that you pay attention and pay attention to what your hair needs, rather than following a one-size-fits-all solution. We also advise that you be patient with your hair and accept changes that come over time and don't put pressure on yourself.
Your hair is beautiful the way it is. When you see it, the world will see it too.
Which routine suits you best?
What have you learned from your experiences?
Share it with us and the community in the comments!
[This information in this post is just to help illustrate, as everyone has unique needs.]