sulfate free hair styling products

CURLY HAIR ROUTINE FOR BEGINNERS 

Curly hair is beautiful and unique, but it can also be challenging to manage. If you’re new to embracing your curls, don’t worry! This beginner’s guide will walk you through a simple yet effective routine to help you achieve defined, bouncy, and frizz-free curls. Let’s embark on this curly hair journey together!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHAMPOO

The “right” shampoo is one that’s gentle and designed to enhance your curls. With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming, but starting with a sulfate-free shampoo is a great choice—these are increasingly common as more brands release sulfate-free ranges.

Most products will be clearly labeled as sulfate-free, but if you’re unsure, you can easily check. Just search for the shampoo’s ingredients online, then copy and paste them into CURLSBOT, a tool that instantly tells you if it’s Curly Girl-approved. I keep CURLSBOT saved on my phone—it’s a lifesaver at any stage of the curly journey!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONDITIONER

The “right” conditioner for curly hair means opting for a silicone-free formula. If you’re used to products with silicones, going silicone-free may feel like a big change, but it’s an important step in a curl-friendly routine.

Many commercial conditioners contain silicones, so it’s worth checking labels. Silicone-free conditioners don’t need to be expensive—they simply avoid silicones that can build up on your hair, causing greasiness, weighing curls down, and reducing bounce.

A T-SHIRT FOR DRYING

That’s right—a simple t-shirt is perfect for drying curly hair! Unlike a regular towel, a t-shirt is much softer and won’t roughen the hair cuticle.

You can use it as you would a towel, or you can try “plopping.” To plop, gently lower your hair forward into the t-shirt, then wrap and secure it around your head. Leave it on for 10-40 minutes to absorb moisture while helping curls form into defined clumps.

Alternatively, there’s “micro-plopping,” where you scrunch each curl individually with the t-shirt to remove excess water. Whether plopping or micro-plopping, a t-shirt is gentler than a towel, though a microfiber towel is also a good option for curly hair.

CHOOSING A STYLING PRODUCT – GEL, MOUSSE, OR CREAM

When starting a curly hair routine, it’s common to use a gel, mousse, or cream. Some people even layer all three! For beginners, starting with one product is ideal; you can experiment and build up your routine as you get to know what works for your curls.

It’s a good idea to check product ingredients, avoiding “nasties” like drying alcohols (e.g., Alcohol Denat) and silicones. This extra step helps keep curls healthy and bouncy.

Apply styling products on soaking wet hair to lock in moisture and minimize frizz. Scrunch the product up to the roots, aiming to shape your curls while wet and keep that definition as they dry.

GEL

Gel is great for setting curls in a “cast” as it dries, holding the shape until you’re ready to scrunch out the crunch, leaving soft, defined curls. A favorite gel for many is the Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly.

CREAM

Creams reduce frizz and add moisture, giving a softer look and more volume, though they typically don’t define curls as much as gel.

MOUSSE

A lightweight mousse helps define curls and add volume, especially at the roots. It should be light and non-sticky, so curls feel soft once dry. Each product offers unique benefits—try one and see how your curls respond!

A DIFFUSER

While air-drying is a solid option, many people find that a diffuser becomes an essential tool for styling curls. Air-drying can take a long time, especially since curly hair tends to dry in clumps and retains more moisture with the products you’re using.

Using a diffuser can speed up drying while encouraging curl formation by lifting and holding curl clumps closer to the scalp. For best results, use a low heat setting to reduce potential heat damage.

Avoid using a regular dryer without a diffuser, as it can disrupt curl clumps. If you don’t have a diffuser attachment, it’s actually better to air-dry. And as you transition into a new curl routine, try to minimize the use of heated tools like curling wands—your curls will thank you!

A DEEP CONDITIONER

Deep conditioning is key to keeping curls hydrated and healthy. Aim to deep condition at least every two weeks, or even weekly if your hair needs the extra moisture. A quality deep conditioner helps rehydrate naturally dry curls, while also softening and detangling them.

These treatments often contain nourishing oils and butters. Simply apply after shampooing and let it sit for around 30 minutes before rinsing out.

Another option is a “pre-poo” treatment, where you apply an oil or conditioning treatment like Olaplex to dry hair before shampooing. Leave it on overnight or for a few hours to give your curls a deep boost before you wash.

FINAL TIP

Keep track of your washday routine to fine-tune your curly hair care and see what works best for you. Here’s what to note down:

  • Which cleansing and conditioning products you used, including any deep conditioners
  • Did you plop or micro-plop?
  • Which styling products you applied, and in what order
  • Did you apply them with your hair hanging forward or back?
  • Did you scrunch the products in?
  • Did you diffuse until your hair was 100% dry or just 80%?

Also, take photos of your results! They’ll be invaluable when you’re figuring out what works best for your curls. I still jot down small changes I make to my routine, as even minor adjustments can lead to major differences in results.

I created a tracker for myself to keep track of my washdays, and I’m sharing it here because I’ve found it super helpful!

CONCLUSION

Congratulations, you’ve taken the first step towards embracing your natural curls! Remember, consistency is key. As you continue to experiment with your routine, you’ll discover what works best for your unique hair type.

Don’t be afraid to seek advice from other curly-haired individuals or consult with a hairstylist who specializes in curly hair. By following these basic steps and tailoring them to your specific needs, you’ll be well on your way to achieving healthy, beautiful, and bouncy curls.

15 BLONDE HAIR COLORS TO EXPERIMENT WITH THIS SEASON

Blonde hair remains timeless, with a variety of shades to complement every skin tone and personality. Whether you’re considering a subtle shift or a bold transformation, our list of blonde hues will help you find your ideal shade. From the deep richness of honey blonde to the striking clarity of platinum, explore a stunning range of blonde tones that can elevate your look.

Each blonde shade has its own allure, from the warm glow of caramel blonde to the icy brilliance of cooler tones. To keep your blonde looking vibrant and healthy, use sulfate- and paraben-free shampoos and conditioners. Maintain your color between salon visits with color-correcting products as advised by your stylist.

Blonde hair is not just a color but a bold statement. Techniques like balayage and ombre allow for a blend of shades, creating a personalized look. Browse our gallery of inspiring blonde color ideas to find the perfect shade that aligns with your style this season.

SHOULDER-LENGTH WAVY LOB WITH VANILLA BLONDE BABYLIGHTS

A shoulder-length wavy lob with vanilla blonde babylights achieves a naturally sun-kissed look, featuring soft, loose curls that add volume and texture. The mix of cool ash and creamy vanilla blonde creates a contemporary, radiant style ideal for a fresh and effortless appearance.

CREAMY BLONDE BALAYAGE WITH SOFT WAVES

This long, wavy hairstyle showcases a creamy blonde balayage with a smooth blend of light and medium blonde tones. Soft curls starting at mid-length add volume and sophistication, while darker roots offer a natural, multidimensional effect for a stylish, contemporary look.

BEACHY WAVES WITH COOL BLONDE BALAYAGE

This medium-length hairstyle boasts loose, beachy waves in cool blonde shades with darker roots. Subtle layering enhances volume and texture, creating a naturally dimensional appearance. The cool blonde balayage provides a smooth blend, perfect for a youthful, effortless look suitable for casual or everyday wear.

SHOULDER-LENGTH WAVY CUT

This shoulder-length wavy cut showcases a muted brown-blonde hue with cool undertones. Loose waves provide volume and texture, while subtle brown layers blend effortlessly to create a sun-kissed effect. The slightly off-center part adds to the chic, natural look, perfect for low-maintenance blonde hair with depth and dimension.

ROOTY LONG BOB

This contemporary Rooty Long Bob features a shoulder-length cut with tousled, textured waves. The hairstyle blends platinum blonde with darker, ashy brown roots, creating a bold contrast. The smooth transition from dark roots to platinum tips adds depth and dimension, providing a chic, low-maintenance look that’s ideal for natural root growth.

BUTTER BLONDE LAYERED BOB

This sleek, medium-length bob showcases a rich butter blonde hue that exudes warmth. The layered cut provides volume and dimension, beautifully framing the face. A side-swept fringe adds a touch of sophistication, making this hairstyle an elegant and contemporary choice for those desiring a polished look with graceful movement.

ROSEWOOD BLONDE WAVY LAYERS

This contemporary hairstyle features long, flowing waves that extend past the shoulders, boosting natural volume and movement. The rosewood blonde shade—a blend of golden blonde and warm rose tones—adds depth and dimension with skillfully blended highlights and lowlights. It’s a chic, trendy option for those looking for a modern twist on blonde.

STRAIGHT LAYERED CUT

This straight, long blonde hairstyle showcases multi-dimensional color with bright highlights toward the ends and slightly darker roots. Layers begin around the shoulders, blending down to enhance movement. The sleek, smooth finish highlights the hair’s brightness and shine, making it perfect for displaying the varied tones of blonde.

SHOULDER-LENGTH WAVY BOB

This shoulder-length bob features loose, bouncy waves that impart volume and movement. The caramel blonde balayage, with darker roots and golden blonde ends, offers a seamless and trendy appearance. Ideal for a chic yet natural style, this youthful cut highlights the richness of the caramel tones, making it perfect for contemporary blondes.

BLONDE OMBRE WITH BEACHY WAVES

This long, wavy hairstyle offers a voluminous, tousled look with a striking blonde ombre. Darker roots gradually transition into lighter honey-blonde tones, adding depth and dimension. Face-framing layers accentuate facial features, while the soft waves deliver a beachy texture, ideal for a contemporary, sun-kissed look.

BLUNT TEXTURED BOB

This chic shoulder-length bob features a blunt cut with textured ends, styled in soft, loose waves for extra volume. The beige balayage seamlessly blends blonde tones over a light brown base, producing a sun-kissed effect. Perfect for fine to medium hair, this style provides dimension and a low-maintenance, natural brightness.

MEDIUM BLONDE BALAYAGE WITH SOFT WAVES

This medium-length hairstyle features soft, flowing waves that highlight the depth of a warm blonde balayage. Beginning with natural medium brown roots, the color transitions smoothly to rich golden blonde with sun-kissed tips. Ideal for adding volume and a radiant glow, this look is perfect for versatile, effortless styling.

GOLDEN BLONDE BALAYAGE LOB

This shoulder-length lob features soft waves that boost volume and movement, showcasing the multidimensional golden blonde balayage. The darker brunette base transitions seamlessly into sun-kissed blonde shades, providing a natural yet polished appearance. Perfect for a trendy, low-maintenance style, this hairstyle is ideal for anyone looking for a warm, blonde transformation.

ANGLED SHOULDER-LENGTH BOB

This shoulder-length, straight bob features a subtle angle, with finely layered hair that’s shorter in the back. The multidimensional pearl blonde color, combining light blonde, platinum, and ash tones, creates a luminous, shimmering effect. This chic, polished style is ideal for a modern and sophisticated look.

ANGLED BOB WITH BUTTERY BLONDE HIGHLIGHTS

This stylish angled bob boasts a smooth, straight texture that tapers gently toward the chin, with subtly undercut ends for a sleek finish. The rich buttery blonde shade, enriched with warm golden undertones and delicate highlights, adds depth and radiance, making it perfect for a contemporary twist on the classic bob.

CONCLUSION

Blondes have a field day with hair color experimentation! From classic shades to daring trends, there’s a blonde hue for every personality and style. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your locks or make a bold statement, these 15 blonde hair colors will help you find your perfect match. So, don’t be afraid to embrace your inner blonde and try something new this season.