Maintaining dreamy curl definition in the summer months is most certainly an art and a science.

Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to maintain healthy luscious curl definition during seasons of hotter temperatures and increased humidity.

The general consensus is that due to the structural features inherent in curly hair - particularly the natural bends and kinks that give curly hair its shape, it’s not possible for styling results to be long lasting, more specifically last beyond Day 1 or 2 after wash day in climates with high humidity such as the UAE. Humidity simply is in an environment where water vapour is present in the air and textured hair draws on it to meet its natural need for moisture.

There is a saying we often hear in the curly hair community - “Frizz is a curl waiting to happen”, a phrase coined by Lorraine Massey, Founder of the Curly Girl Method. We believe this is a great form of encouragement to newbies starting out on their curly hair journey. However, it’s also important to understand that scientifically speaking frizz can be managed and minimised. (Note: we didn’t say completely eliminated!)

In managing frizz it’s important to consider three key things:

• Current state and health of your hair - for best results your hair must be clean, hydrated and free of product build up. 

• The number of products used when styling 

• Lastly, but most important the key ingredients included in your products.

We will provide you with our expert tips backed by science, including frequency of use and correct application to ensure your curly hair products deliver moisture, definition and frizz control. 

We emphasise this time and time again - ingredients matter, we do not recommend products based on marketing claims or gimmicks. We evaluate product formulations, extensively research and test before providing any product recommendations particularly when building a personalised regimen via our E consultation service .

Product ingredients are a key building blocking in achieving the results you desire. In this case minimising frizz and longer lasting curl definition.

Think of product ingredients as a secret weapon. When managing frizz it’s crucial to look for products that contain Polyquats such as:

• Polyquaternium-69

• Polyquaternium-7

• Polyquaternium-10

• Polyquaternium-11

Alternative ingredients include Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium.

How are these ingredients helpful?

They are cationic in nature which basically means positively charged. Therefore, naturally compatible with our hair that is negatively charged in its raw, clean state. 

Polyquaternium-69 as an example, acts as a water-repellent by providing a hydrophobic layer on the hair’s surface. This enables it to prevent moisture absorption from the air, a natural cause of humidity, which is often seen with popular humectants and emollients.

It’s true value lies in its ability to retain amazing curl definition, even when hair is exposed to high humidity for extremely long periods of time.

An example of how high up this is in the ingredients list in Jessicurl's Spirialicious Styling Gel.

Remember as a general rule of thumb, the first 5 ingredients in any cosmetic product makes up the bulk of the product formulation as they will contain a higher concentration.

 

Why does it matter? 

Scientifically speaking, cationic ingredients neutralise the negative charges on hair strands that cause hair to become static aka frizzy, dry or tangled.

What products to use?

We have specifically curated a selection of your summer hero products which contain frizz taming ingredients which you can rely on here

If you prefer soft, flexible definition and hold these should be your go to stylers, or base stylers if you have normal to thick hair density:

Curl cream

Cachos combing crème (now Rios Curls)

• This is our best-selling curl cream which can serves as a one and done product - a leave in and styler, particularly if you have fine hair density. We recommend you avoid overloading your strands.

• This cream has a wonderful consistency and provides enough slip that it simply melts into the hair strands regardless of hair porosity. Ensure you emulsify your styling products to ensure effective distribution along your strands.

Curl serum

Treluxe Reflex Curl Styling Serum 

• This gem of a product doesn’t receive the attention it deserves! It has a lightweight slippery consistency to glide through every curve and bend of your curl pattern to deliver hydrated, bouncy and defined curls.

• If not used as the main styler it can be used as the last step in your styling routine to break the gel cast or scrunch out the crunch (SOTC)

For greater definition with a medium hold opt for one of these styler options:

Curl Lotion

Jessicurl Confident Coils Styling Solution

• A curl enhancer in lotion form that defines the tightest of coils and kinks, consider this your styler option for curl definition, elongation and medium hold. However, a powerhouse of a styler when paired with Jessicurl’s Spiralicious Styling Gel! This is a concentrated product so start with a little and gradually build for greater definition.

Curl Gels

Breahni Light Styling Gel

• Your option for a soft to medium hold and defined, elongated curls. The perfect gel option for curls with fine to medium density and looser curl patterns – wavy and loose curls.

Jessicurl Spiralicious Styling Gel 

• If want extra strong hold and definition, this is your perfect one and done styler, be sure to ensure your strands are soaking wet and primed with a leave in conditioner before applying.

Curl Mousse

Mielle Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Mousse

• A curly girl’s dream for soft, lightweight and bouncy curls with the added benefit of frizz control.

How to use?

Consider using curly hair products with these ingredients in your summer styling routine, either as the first styler or final styler before drying and you’ll enjoy extra days of frizz free styling! When refreshing curls, we highly recommend you first spray your hair with water, this helps with reactivation of existing products and go in with a small amount of your styler which contains polyquats for each section.

Frequency of use?

No more than every 4 days whilst ensuring you incorporate a clarifying wash day into your hair regime at least every 3-4 weeks to avoid significant build up. A clarifying wash can be a clarifying shampoo such as Inahsi Soothing Mint Clarifying Shampoo  or a Hair Detox such as Innersense Detox Mask 

If you’re unsure of what products are right for you, please feel free to reach out to our team of curl experts who will provide you with everything you need based on your unique curl pattern, density, porosity and hair concern/s.

Contact us    

Whatsapp: +971 (0) 58 565 1076

Email: info@emersonhairandbeauty.com

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