Anyone with hair that has curls and/or coils will already know that their hair has its own unique set of needs. Certain shampoos, conditioners and styling products work better than others on these hair types, and there’s often a highly practised routine for curls and coils to look and feel their best. Due to its unique structure, curly hair tends to be drier, more coarse and more prone to frizz than straight and wavy hair types, and requires concentrated moisture to stay soft, defined and stop from easily tangling.
Below we take a look at the unique properties of curly and coily hair, and highlight some of the ingredients that are best for these hair types, including Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Argan Oil and Jojoba Oil.
Why Curly Hair Needs Extra TLC
Dryness and Moisture Retention
Curly hair tends to be naturally drier compared to straight hair. The tight curls and twists make it challenging for the natural oils produced by the scalp to travel down the hair shaft, resulting in moisture loss. Therefore, ingredients that provide intense hydration and help retain moisture, such as shea butter and coconut oil, are crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of curly hair.
Frizz and Definition
Curly hair is more prone to frizz due to its structure. The cuticle layers of curly hair are lifted, making it easier for moisture to enter and exit the hair shaft. As a result, curly hair requires ingredients that can help smooth the hair cuticles, control frizz, and enhance curl definition. Ingredients like aloe vera and protein can help reduce frizz and provide structure to the curls, resulting in more defined and manageable hair.
Fragility and Breakage
Curly hair is generally more fragile and prone to breakage compared to straight hair. The twists and turns of the curls make the hair strands more susceptible to damage from external factors like heat styling, harsh chemicals, and even friction from brushing. Therefore, ingredients that strengthen and protect the hair, such as argan oil and jojoba oil, are important to maintain the integrity and resilience of curly hair.
Ideal Ingredients for Curly Hair
Coconut Oil
Benefits: Coconut oil is a natural emollient that helps hydrate and condition curly hair. It strengthens hair strands, reduces protein loss, and adds shine.
How it works: Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft, preventing water loss and maintaining moisture balance. It also contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties that can help improve scalp health.
Shea Butter
Benefits: Shea butter is deeply moisturizing and nourishing for curly hair. It helps improve hair elasticity, reduces frizz, and enhances curl definition.
How it works: Shea butter contains fatty acids and vitamins that provide intense hydration to the hair shaft, sealing in moisture and preventing dryness. It also forms a protective barrier that shields the hair from environmental damage.
Aloe Vera
Benefits: Aloe vera is soothing and moisturizing, making it ideal for hydrating curly hair. It helps reduce scalp irritation, promotes hair growth, and adds shine.
How it works: Aloe vera contains enzymes that repair dead skin cells on the scalp, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth. It also forms a protective layer on the hair strands, sealing in moisture and preventing frizz.
Argan Oil
Benefits: Argan oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids, making it highly nourishing for curly hair. It helps tame frizz, adds shine, and improves hair elasticity.
How it works: The high concentration of fatty acids in argan oil helps moisturize and strengthen the hair shaft. It also forms a protective coating around the hair, reducing damage from heat styling and environmental factors.
Jojoba Oil
Benefits: Jojoba oil closely resembles the natural sebum produced by the scalp, making it an excellent moisturizer for curly hair. It helps control frizz, promotes hair growth, and provides a healthy scalp.
How it works: Jojoba oil mimics the scalp’s natural oils, balancing oil production and preventing dryness. It deeply penetrates the hair follicles, strengthening and moisturizing the hair from within.
Natural Ingredients in MONDAY Haircare
Our range of Shampoo and Conditioner contains several curl-loving natural ingredients, including Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Aloe, Argan and Jojoba Oil. In addition, there’s Avocado Oil, Macadamia Oil and Cocoa Butter, all natural ingredients that have intense hydration properties. If you have curly or coily hair, we recommend giving our SMOOTH and/or MOISTURE lines a try. SMOOTH is ideal for those looking for frizz control and softness, while MOISTURE is ideal for those in need of a little extra hydration and shine.
