Errol Douglas, has finally been crowned International Hairdresser of the year 2021, long overdue and very much deserved. He is also the Pro Hair Expert & Textured Hair Specialist for one of our favourite hair brands, Living Proof. Leaving your hair to dry naturally and embracing your curls has become more popular, why use all that heat on your hair just to stay home, but some of us struggle with how to keep curly hair looking shiny and not frizzy. Errol gives his expert tips on how to look after and nourish your glorious curls.
Curls are so different from person to person, it’s important you treat your individual curls by investing in the right products for your specific curl pattern (whether that’s a wave, a curl or a tighter curl).
With clients I see in the salon, frizz and dryness are the top two concerns. Curly hair has a completely different molecular structure to straight hair, the amino acid and lipid distribution are totally different which leaves curly hair feeling dry, fragile and more easily broken.
It doesn’t grow as evenly as straight hair and needs to be treated with extra care. The cuticle also lifts at every bend, so the lipid distribution is irregular which means less shine and less hydration. Without a strong lipid barrier, hair is less able to defend itself from external stress. Using products specifically designed for curly hair will address concerns unique to curls. The patented Healthy Curl Complex in the Living Proof Curl Collection gives curls strength leaving them 3 x stronger, this helps minimise breakage and encourages stronger, healthier, glossier curls.
I would recommend using products that give your hair hold rather than being too conditioning such as the Living Proof Curl Enhancer and the Defining Gel, these will help create volume and hold in the hair. Medium to thick curls often need help to enhance the curl definition and give them a glossy finish.
Clients are becoming more aware of the damaging effects of silicone on their hair. Despite the illusion of smoothness, it causes build up and is hard to remove. It also attracts dust and dirt to the hair which is actually more visible on curly hair than it is on straight hair. All Living Proof products are free from silicones. The Moisturising Shine Oil is particularly interesting as it’s lightweight and nourishing yet leaves the hair feeling hydrated and looking glossy all without the use of silicone.
Detangling the hair is a challenge I see my clients with curly hair regularly facing. Textured hair can get quite knotty, especially overnight with the friction against a pillow. Using a silk hair turban can help minimise this friction so can be helpful. The curl range focuses on detangling, in fact the shampoo starts to detangle hair from the shower, while the stylers focus on conditioning and caring for curls. We call the stylers ‘conditioning stylers’ as they act like a leave in conditioner while delivering the benefits of a styler. They’re designed to simplify your regime and give you an easier wash day.
The key is to minimise friction when washing curly hair. When hair is wet, cuticles are more vulnerable, more fragile, so the more friction there is, the more damage you may cause which leads to dryness so use gentle motions when washing, don’t be too vigorous, and try to avoid causing the hair to tangle. A good tip for those with really fragile hair is to apply the Moisturising Shine Oil to the hair first and leave for 5 minutes before washing out with the Curl Shampoo. It helps to ease the friction and detangle.
For more info on Errol Douglas visit his site