A New Curl Routine

Now we've established which ingredients are bad for curls, it's time to find out how to change your hair routine to help look after your curls.

You will need:

1. Sulphate-free shampoo

2. Conditioner

3. Leave-in conditioner (can use 2 above or a thicker alternative)

4. Styler (gel/curl cream similar) if required

(2-4 must be silicone-free as discussed)

Wash

Please note - on the FIRST WASH ONLY of your new routine you will need to use your normal sulphate shampoo to clean out any previously built-up silicones in your hair. This is the last time you will use a sulphate shampoo but it is needed to give you a fresh, clean start. The next time you wash use your new sparkly sulphate-free shampoo.

As sulphates are responsible for the bubbles and suds you normally see in a shampoo, it's worth pointing out that sulphate-free shampoos often don't lather up. This puts some people off them as they think they're not doing their job but you just need to change the way you use them. 

Give your scalp a good scrub all over with your fingertips. This will loosen any dirt which will rinse away with the shampoo. Don't worry if your shampoo doesn't lather at all, it cleans your hair just as well.

Condition

Now you have clean hair it's time to put back some moisture. Using your silicone-free conditioner massage a good palm-full into your hair. When you first start this routine you may find your hair is still frizzy so you will need to use a lot of conditioner. As it starts to retain moisture the amount you need to decrease.

Use your fingers to smooth the conditioner through your hair, making sure it is all covered. You naturally shed around 100 hairs each day so it this point you will probably collect dead hair in your fingers. Don't be alarmed if it seems a lot, it's normal. Keep smoothing through until all the loose hairs are collected. Leave on your hair while you finish the rest of your shower. 

Rinse off most of the conditioner. At this point you may leave some in, or you can add back a small amount after you've rinsed.