Curly Hair 101: Navigating the Curly Transition Phase

So you’ve taken the plunge and started a new curly hair routine to embrace your natural texture, but your results aren’t quite what you expected. If anything, your hair looks worse! What went wrong?

Most of us with curly hair have experienced the Curly Transition Phase when we first started embracing our natural curls. Here’s what you can do to make this phase smoother.

After your first curly wash, your hair might feel drier and frizzier or oilier than before. This can be disheartening and usually lasts for a few weeks. Don’t give up! Your hair has endured a lot, from heat damage due to blow drying and straightening to damage from tight hairstyles. This can’t be fixed overnight, but with time and patience, your curls will become healthy, bouncy, and defined.

Several factors contribute to this, but a major one is the adjustment to sulfate-free and silicone-free products. Sulfates and silicones, while beneficial in some ways, can be harsh on curls. Silicones condition the hair but can cause  build up. This then requires sulfates to remove them, which in turn dries out the curls. By eliminating sulfates and silicones from our products, we’ve made products that are ultimately healthier for your curls, but your hair may need time to adjust. During this transition, it may feel oilier or drier and frizzier. After a few washes, your hair will feel lighter, healthier, and bouncier.

My own hair has changed significantly in the four years since I started my curly routine in May 2020. I stopped straightening and began embracing my natural curls. It took a good few months for me to find the right routine and Only Curls products have made such a huge difference to the health of my hair.

Damage from years of straightening, bleaching, or dyeing can cause curls to lose definition. Healthy hair is crucial for defined curls, so minimizing damage is essential. Along with limiting high heat, try a deep conditioning treatment like our Deep Hydration Hair Mask. This rich, nourishing mask adds moisture and contains hydrolyzed wheat protein to strengthen the hair shaft, repair damage, prevent breakage, and add shine. Over time, using the Deep Hydration Mask will improve your curls. It might be the product your hair has been yearning for!

Experimenting with the amount of product is important, as everyone’s hair is different. Using too much or too little can affect your results.

Generally, fine hair requires less curl cream or leave-in conditioner than thick or dry hair. For fine hair, a pea-sized amount of our Hydrating Creme might be enough, while for thick or dry hair, a 50p-piece amount is recommended. Always apply the Hydrating Creme on soaking wet hair for the best frizz-free results.

We're all in love with Yasmin's gorgeous curls, but her hair wasn't as bouncy and defined for her first few curly washes. It takes time, patience, and lovely curl-friendly products like Only Curls to enhance our natural hair texture.

Many struggle with curls losing their definition throughout the day. One solution is to add more gel when your hair is about 80% dry. This technique, known as the “Smasters Method," enhances hold and definition.

Your hair might also benefit from a stronger gel, like our Mega Hold Gel. This gel creates a cast that helps prevent frizz while the hair dries. Once dry, scrunch out the gel cast to reveal soft, defined curls. For long-lasting curls with the Mega Hold Gel, check out our tutorial here.

Regular cotton towels can cause frizz. Instead, switch to a soft Microfibre Towel. The soft microfibre fabric is super absorbent so your curls will dry faster with minimal frizz, and using the towel to gently scrunch the hair will add definition too. Your curls will thank you!

Amy's lush curls are gorgeously defined, but it's been a gradual process. It didn't happen overnight! With the right products, techniques, and a little time, her curls have been restored.

Air-drying can yield great results, but using a diffuser enhances volume and definition. Fine curls can be weighed down by excess water, so removing it sooner helps. Hover the diffuser over your curls first to set the gel and reduce frizz, then gently scrunch your hair in the diffuser bowl for definition. For more tips on frizz-free diffusing, see our guide here.

Does this all sound familiar? Have you tried embracing your curls but felt disheartened? Try the tips above and see the difference. With a few small tweaks and some patience, you’ll be amazed at how bouncy and defined your curls can be!

Try our handy Starter Bundle! It contains our four core products and a Microfibre Towel for gorgeous, soft curls with minimal frizz.