Wavy, wavy-curly, curly, super-curly – no matter where you’re on the curly guy spectrum, learning how to sport bouncy, luscious curls can open the doorway to endless good hair days! However, we also know that taking care of curly hair can be confusing or overwhelming. Unlike sleek straight hair, curly hair can differ in texture and shape. In fact, there are different classifications of curly hair. Before we explore how to maintain curly hair for guys (or anyone, really), let’s understand the types of curly and wavy hair that are most common with Indian/South Asian curly hair.
The Different Types of Curly Hair
Type 2: Wavy
2A - Loose Waves
If you have 2A hair type, the strands might look straight but not quite – they’ll have the slightest wavy texture. When the hair is damp, it may look straighter because of the water weight. However, when it’s dry, you will notice a faint ‘S’ shape. This kind of hair is the easiest to maintain.
2B - Soft Waves
This type of wavy hair has a bit more definition than 2A and is also more likely to have added volume and texture. Though this type of hair doesn’t need a precise hair care routine, it can be prone to coarseness and breakage due to humidity.
2C - Defined Waves
This type of hair is also referred to as ‘curly-wavy’ hair. Though the waves are a lot more defined, the hair doesn’t coil around the finger like a full curl. This kind of shape can be found on hair that’s relatively thicker. It also can be easily prone to frizziness and greasy roots.
Type 3: Curly
3A - Loose Ringlets
This hair type lies in the perfect in-between spot of curly and wavy hair. Loose curly hair has a natural volume and gives dimension to braided/textured hairstyles. However, the downside is the roughness it can be prone to.
3B - Spiral Curls
As the name suggests, spiral curls are a bit more defined. It may have a few strands that may be a bit more coiled. This type of curly hair can be easily prone to dryness and static damage.
3C - Corkscrews
This is the curliest hair type with strands that look like tightly wound corkscrews. They have more springiness and volume. This type of hair is often luscious and thick. However, it’s also the most susceptible to breakage and dehydration.
The Best Tips For Curly Hair Maintenance
Pre-Wash Hair Treatments
Nourishing hair oil massages and pre-wash hair masks can do wonders for your hair especially if you want healthy, bouncy curls. Hair oils improve blood circulation in the scalp, promoting healthy growth. A pre-wash hair mask deeply penetrates the shafts of the curls to moisturise them.
Nykaa Man recommends:
Use Sulphate-free Shampoos
Wavy, curly, or coily hair, all of them tend to be on the dry and rough side. This is due to the natural rough texture and lack of hydration. That’s why we recommend sulphate-free shampoos that cleanse the hair without overly stripping it of natural oils.
Nykaa Man recommends:
Keep The Conditioner On A Little Longer
Usually, a conditioner is kept on for 1-2 minutes. If you have curly hair that’s more unruly and rough, consider keeping the conditioner for a few minutes longer. This will make sure that the curls stay soft, smooth and protected from humidity, frizz and breakage.
Nykaa Man recommends:
Make Tangle Brush Your BFF
This one comes with a caveat – do not brush your hair when it’s dry! This will lead to frayed and undefined curls. Instead, use a tangle brush in the shower. Make sure to have a good amount of conditioner in the hair. Then gently detangle the curls and distribute the product evenly.
Nykaa Man recommends:
Ditch the Towel & Say Hi to Microfibre
When the fibres of a regular bath towel come in contact with your curls, they increase friction. This leads to high porosity, brittleness and breakage. Go for a microfibre hair towel (or an old t-shirt) to absorb the excess water. This material is gentler on the hair which means no static damage or frizz!
Nykaa Man recommends:
Post Hair Wash Curl Maintenance
Just like how you would use body lotion to restore softness, it’s important to do the same for your freshly washed curls for lasting softness and curl definition. Hair serums have a thinner consistency making it perfect for people with Type 2 wavy hair as they will hydrate and smoothen the hair without weighing it down. A leave-in conditioner would be ideal for those with Type 3 curly hair as it retains more moisture and locks in hydration for a longer time.
Nykaa Man recommends:
More Curly Guy Routine Tips
Wet or Dry, Do Not Overstyle/Play With Your Hair
Damp hair increases in elasticity and becomes easily prone to breakage. Allow your hair sufficient time to dry before choosing a hairstyle that you can easily follow. Whether it’s a nervous tic or habit, avoid playing with your hair as much as you can.
Wash Your Curls With Cold Water
We understand the comfort of a warm (or steaming hot) shower but that may not always be the best for your waves or curls. However, we’re not asking you to start cold-showering, either. Balance it out by rinsing your hair with cold water at the end of your shower for a few minutes. This will close the frayed cuticles of the curly strands and make them shinier and smoother.
Follow a Scrunching Routine
Scrunching is another damp-hair hack for defined curls. It’s a simple method that requires a little bit of patience. While your hair is damp with a conditioner/hair mask still on, gently take small clumps of hair in your fists. If you have longer hair, push the hair upwards as you do the scrunching motion. This will help you maintain the natural shape of the curls.
Learning how to maintain wavy hair and thick curls can appear to be a chore but rest assured, once you learn the perfect tips, it will be the best thing you can do for your curls. Here’s to discovering the perfect ‘curly guy routine’!
