How to Care for Different Types of Natural Curls and Coils

DISCOVER HOW TO CARE FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF NATURAL CURLS WITH CHRISTOPHE ROBIN

From relaxed waves to tight spirals, there’s no doubt curly hair is striking and beautiful. But not only does textured hair need a little extra TLC to look its best – a one-size-fits-all approach simply isn’t sufficient when it comes to caring for different types of natural curls.

Though varying curl types require special attention and specific ingredients to truly thrive, thanks to the launch of Christophe Robin’s new Luscious Curl range getting the best out of your curly hair doesn’t have to be high-maintenance.

Seeking the best products for curly hair? Read on to learn how to identify and nurture your specific curl pattern – without requiring knowledge of overcomplicated curl codes – and discover more about Christophe Robin’s simple new two-step rituals for different curl types.

CURLY HAIR: CHALLENGES TO LOOK OUT FOR

Not all of us are lucky enough to have been blessed with curls, waves or coils, but those who have will know that celebrating their natural hair type comes from overcoming challenges not normally faced by those with straight hair. If your hair is textured, chances are you may have experienced the following issues:

Frizz
Fragility
Dryness
Porosity (the ability to absorb and retain moisture)
Dullness or lack of shine

When hair is textured, it’s often harder for sebum to travel down the hair shaft and fully penetrate the lengths and ends. The tighter the curl pattern, the more difficult this is. The result? Cuticles remain open, crave hydration and lack nutrition.

Avoiding these challenges starts with finding the best products for curly hair, which requires an understanding of various different types of natural curls. Only then can you make an informed choice on which curly and coily hair products to reach for to empower your hair to reach its defined, bouncy potential.

HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR NATURAL CURL PATTERN

There’s an abundance of online guidance about identifying your ‘curl code’, but the truth is curl care doesn’t have to be quite so complicated. In fact, a simple approach is often best when it comes to establishing how best to care for your curly hair.

As a general guide, different types of natural curls can be grouped into two broad categories:

Wavy to curly (relaxed texture)
Very curly to coily (tighter spirals – often afro hair)

WAVY TO CURLY HAIR: ‘S-SHAPED’ CURLS:

Red haired woman with S shaped curls using Christophe Robin's curly hair range.

Wavy to curly hair has a relaxed ‘S-shaped’ pattern, which tends to be uniform from roots to ends. Dehydration, damage and heavy products can weigh it down, causing curls to straighten out of their naturally springy pattern. S-shaped curls require lightweight hydration, gentle care, curl enhancement, hold and frizz taming.

VERY CURLY TO COILY HAIR: ‘Z-SHAPED’ CURLS:

Woman with dark brown Z shaped curls using Christophe Robin's curly hair balm.

Sometimes referred to as ‘zigzag curls’, very curly to coily hair has a tight, corkscrew-like or ‘Z-shaped’ pattern that can bend at sharp angles. They are usually fine and fragile and can be unruly and susceptible to breakage if not cared for properly. Rebellious Z-shaped curls crave dedicated coily hair products that offer deep hydration for maximum softness and strength.

BEST PRODUCTS FOR CURLY HAIR | CHRISTOPHE ROBIN’S NEW LUSCIOUS CURL RITUAL

Christophe Robin's full curl collection on a dressing table next to a glass vase with pink flowers.

Now you’ve established the difference between S-shaped hair (wavy to curly) and Z-shaped hair (very curly to coily), you can more easily identify which of Christophe Robin’s natural curly hair products will best suit your specific needs.

Christophe Robin has recently launched its Luscious Curl collection, a range of targeted natural curly hair products tailor-made to enhance both S-shaped and Z-shaped curls. Nourishing botanical ingredients transform hair from unruly and frizz-prone to lustrous and shapely, for effortlessly springy, caress-worthy curls day after day.

Both transformative rituals feature two simple steps: a product to gently cleanse and a leave-in styling product to define. So whether you’re seeking a curly hair balm for thirsty coils or the best curl cream to enhance relaxed curls, there’s something to suit your needs. The only difference is the dose of nutrition provided and the richness of the textures, expertly formulated to cater to the specific needs of each curl type.

A RITUAL FOR S-SHAPED CURLS: POWERED BY CHIA SEED

Chia seed oil for hair on a wooden table in a mortar bowl next to purple flowers.

Looking to enhance relaxed waves and curls? Reach for Christophe Robin’s non-greasy natural curly hair products for S-shaped curls that call upon the power of nigella seed oil and chia seed oil for hair – rich in omega 3 and 6. Considered the best products for curly hair with an S-shaped pattern, the conditioning cleanser and curl cream duo offers a weightless finish and promises shapely, touchable texture.

94% agree the ritual improved the shape of their curls
93% agree the ritual helped to tame their curls, helped control hair frizz and didn’t leave their curls feeling crunchy
92% agree the ritual left their curls looking and feeling bouncy and natural

* Self-assessment test after 2 weeks on 120 women

STEP 1: CLEANSE WAVY TO CURLY HAIR

Formulated with chia seed oil for hair, the Luscious Curl Conditioning Cleanser is a luxurious foaming cleanser that gently detangles as it infuses wavy to curly hair with weightless moisture from root to tip, deeply conditioning and instantly reviving curls so they are soft, bouncy and beautifully defined.

Simply use it like a shampoo – no additional conditioner needed! Apply onto damp hair, lathering it in from root to tip to gently cleanse. Leave for 2 minutes, then comb through the lengths to detangle and rinse thoroughly.

STEP 2: DEFINE WAVY TO CURLY HAIR

Also formulated with chia seed oil for hair, the Luscious Curl Defining Cream is a leave-in styling essential that controls frizz, boosts manageability and adds supple definition without crunchiness. The best curl cream for S-shaped hair enhances the shape and texture of waves and relaxed curls so they appear smooth, shiny and instantly more defined.

Rub the cream between palms and apply to damp hair, working it in from root to tip and along the hair line. Blow-dry using a diffuser or air-dry. Considered the best curl cream for relaxed curls, it can also be applied to dry hair as a touch-up to enhance bounciness throughout the day.

A RITUAL FOR Z-SHAPED CURLS: POWERED BY KOKUM BUTTER

Illustration of Kokum butter seed because it's an ingredient in Christophe Robin's curl range.

Seeking coily hair products to tame Z-shaped curls into bouncy submission? You’ll love Christophe Robin’s kokum butter-enriched curly hair balm and butter duo, which delivers thirst-quenching, crunch-free definition in two simple steps. Traditionally used in Ayurveda, velvety kokum butter deeply nourishes and replenishes dry hair. Rich, enveloping textures prevent dryness and damage without making hair feel heavy or oily.

97% agree the coily hair products left their hair less frizzy and feeling replenished with hydration
94% agree the ritual left their curls looking more defined and the hair feeling more manageable, nourished, soft and conditioned
93% agree the coily hair products tamed and improved the shape of their curls, leaving their hair feeling silky, smoother and looking and feeling bouncy curly hair balm

* Self-assessment test after 2 weeks on 60 women

STEP 1: CLEANSE VERY CURLY TO COILY HAIR

Gently cleanse and condition your very curly to coily hair with the Luscious Curl Cleansing Balm with Kokum Butter, a low-foaming alternative to shampoo and conditioner that envelops hair in decadent moisture. The formula transforms into a milky lather as it washes, detangling and conditioning so that even the driest, most brittle curls feel nourished and defined with a manageable, shiny finish.

To use, simply lather the cleansing curly hair balm into damp hair, working it from root to tip. Comb through the lengths of your hair to detangle before rinsing thoroughly.

STEP 2: DEFINE VERY CURLY TO COILY HAIR

Boost your Z-shaped curls and control frizz with the Luscious Curl Defining Butter with Kokum Butter, a richly-textured leave-in mask that defines very curly to coily hair. One of the best coily hair products for hair with a Z-shaped texture, the deeply nutritive mask glides through dry, brittle lengths to replenish even the most rebellious of curls. Curls feel stronger, bouncier and intensely conditioned with frizz control for a smooth finish.

Rub the butter between palms and apply it evenly onto damp hair from root to tip. Blow-dry using a diffuser or air-dry. It can also be applied to dry hair as a touch-up to boost bounce throughout the day.

CURL CARE TIPS AND TRICKS

Four products from the luscious curl regimen for two different types of natural curls.

You’re now familiar with different types of natural curls and the most effective natural curly hair products. But what next? As well as knowing about the best products for curly hair, take the time to familiarise yourself with these tips and tricks to get the best out of your textured hair day after day.

COLD WATER RINSES

Take the time to rinse hair with cold water for a few seconds after washing to seal the cuticles and help prevent frizz.

BRUSH GENTLY

Take care when brushing curly hair – especially when it’s wet and more prone to breakage. A wide toothed comb is considered a much safer option.

AVOID EXCESSIVE HEAT STYLING

If you insist on using heat, proceed with caution. Excessive heat styling can compromise the natural texture of your curls, so take care to limit use, opt for a moderate setting and always use a heat protection spray.

OVERNIGHT PROTECTION

Consider investing in a silk pillowcase to help reduce friction while sleeping, which interrupt your natural curl pattern.

Hollie Minshull

Writer and expert

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