Let's Talk About Curls (Because They Deserve Better)

By Daisy Gass, Level 5 Stylist at Hyde Salon

I've been doing hair for over a decade, and I have to say, curly hair clients often come in with the most heartbreaking stories. They've been told their hair is "difficult" or "unmanageable." They've had stylists who tried to fight their natural texture instead of working with it. Some have even been turned away because a stylist "didn't do curly hair."

That makes me so frustrated because curls are absolutely gorgeous when they're treated right. The problem isn't your hair, it's that a lot of people in our industry just weren't trained to understand curl patterns and what they need.

The cut makes or breaks everything

I can't tell you how many times I've had someone sit in my chair and say, "My hair looks completely different every time I wash it." Nine times out of ten, it's because they got a cut that wasn't made for curls.

Here's what usually happens: the stylist cuts the hair wet and straight, not accounting for how much curls shrink up when they dry. Or they give you layers that look great on straight hair but create this weird uneven shape on curls. I've seen people with beautiful 3c curls end up with cuts that make them look like they stuck their finger in an electrical socket.

I always cut curls when they're in their natural state, either completely dry or just barely damp so I can see exactly how they're going to fall. It takes longer, but your curls will thank you for it. Every curl has its own personality, and I need to see that personality before I start cutting.

The moisture situation is real

Okay, so this is going to sound obvious, but curly hair is thirsty. Like, constantly. The shape of the curl literally makes it harder for your scalp's natural oils to travel down the hair shaft, so the ends are always going to be drier than the roots.

I've tried every curly hair product line out there over the years, and honestly? Kerastase and Oribe are worth the investment. Not because they're expensive, but because they actually understand curl chemistry. The Kerastase Curl Manifesto line specifically is incredible, it gives you moisture without that heavy, crunchy feeling.

But here's the thing that surprises people: you probably don't need as much product as you think. I see clients come in with buildup because they're using way too much trying to get their curls to behave. Start with less than you think you need and add more if necessary.

Stop fighting the frizz

I'm going to let you in on a secret: a little bit of frizz is normal and actually kind of beautiful. This whole "frizz-free" obsession has gotten out of hand. Perfect, Instagram-smooth curls aren't realistic for most of us living in the real world with humidity and weather and, you know, life.

That said, there are definitely things that make frizz worse. Terrycloth towels are the enemy, they rough up your hair cuticle and create more frizz. I tell all my curly clients to get some cheap cotton t-shirts from Target and use those instead. Game changer.

Also, please stop brushing your curls when they're dry. I know it seems logical, but you're just breaking up the curl pattern and creating frizz. Detangle with conditioner in the shower, scrunch out excess water, add your products, and then don't touch it until it's completely dry.

When to get professional help

Look, I do treatments because they work, not because I'm trying to upsell you. If your curls feel chronically dry, brittle, or damaged, a good deep treatment can reset things. We do these Fusio-Dose treatments that are basically like a vitamin shot for your hair, they can target whatever specific issue you're dealing with.

But honestly? Good at-home care is way more important than occasional salon treatments. I'd rather you spend money on quality shampoo and conditioner that you use twice a week than come in for a treatment once a month and use drugstore products the rest of the time.

The things nobody tells you

Sleep on a silk pillowcase or get a silk bonnet. I know it sounds high-maintenance, but cotton pillowcases create friction that messes up your curl pattern overnight. You'll wake up looking like you already styled your hair instead of having to start over every morning.

Also, trim regularly. I know it's scary when you're trying to grow your hair out, but split ends travel up the hair shaft and make everything look scraggly. Every 10-12 weeks, just take off the damaged bits. Your curls will look so much healthier.

Here's what I wish every curly-haired person knew

Your hair isn't difficult, it just needs someone who understands it. I've had clients cry in my chair after their first proper curly cut because they finally felt beautiful with their natural texture. That shouldn't be rare.

Find a stylist who gets excited about working with your curls, not someone who treats them like a problem to solve. Ask to see photos of their curly work. Make sure they cut your hair in its natural state. And please, please don't let anyone talk you into relaxing or chemically straightening your hair just because they don't know how to work with it.

Your curls are not the problem. The wrong approach is the problem.

Ready to love your curls?

If you're in the Chapin area and tired of fighting with your hair, come see us. I promise we'll figure out what your curls need to look and feel their best. No judgment, no trying to make your hair into something it's not, just helping you work with what you've got.

Because honestly? When curls are done right, there's nothing more beautiful.