Every week, we put out a call for your redhead questions. This gives you a chance to get advice or input from our team of redheads. From beauty and fashion to lifestyle, redheads are in a unique boat, and we want to help make this community a place where you can turn to for all your redhead needs.
This week, we’re answering a question from Instagram that reads: “What are the best products for naturally curly red hair?” Did you know curly or wavy hair is actually super common amongst redheads? The prevalence of wavy or curly hair among redheads can be attributed to genetics. The gene responsible for red hair, MC1R, is also associated with variations in hair texture. Certain genetic factors may predispose individuals with red hair to have wavy or curly hair patterns. Additionally, red hair often has a different texture and thickness compared to other hair colors, which can contribute to its tendency to form waves or curls. This is we love helping our curly-haired redheads on their hair journey! Wondering what the essentials are and how to work with curly-haired products in your redhead hair routine for better, more beautiful curls?
Let’s start with the basics:
In-shower essentials
Most of your curly hair journey is going to take place in the shower and immediately afterward. You’ll want a nice hydrating shampoo and conditioner. One of our current favorites is the Kristin Ess Hair Curl Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Curly Hair Bounce + Shine, and of course the H2BAR Finally Glossy® Shampoo for some much-needed shine.
When applying your shampoo, it’s great to use a scalp massager to really get the roots. We recommend the Kitsch Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush or the HEETA Scalp Massager Scalp Scrubber. After you’ve conditioned, it’s a good to detangle your red hair. We love the Tangle Teezer The Naturally Curly Ultimate Detangling Brush for redheads.
Post-shower essentials
Once you get out of the shower, it’s time to use products to shape those curls! It’s best to apply these products when your hair is really wet, so you get proper distribution and keep that hydration. Try using a mister bottle to keep your curly locks nice and wet during the process.
Apply a leave-in conditioner like the DevaCurl Leave-In Decadence® Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner to help hydrate the hair. The way you shape and add hold to your curls is entirely up to you, but we find that a curl cream, a mousse, and a gel make a pretty good trifecta for shape, volume, and hold. We recommend, OUAI Curl Cream, SheaMoisture Curl Mousse Coconut and Hibiscus and Kinky Curly Curl Custard Gel! If you want extra shape to your curls you can help define them with a Denman Curly Hair Brush.
Once you’ve applied your products and shaped your curls, it’s time to get rid of some of that moisture. Plop your hair in a the H2BAR Soft Microfiber Hair Towel and let it sit for anywhere from 10-45 minutes, depending on your preferences. If you prefer, you can use the towel to scrunch your hair and remove excess water only. Finish with an air dry, or use your diffuser blowdryer for quick drying time and reduced frizz.
Soft Microfiber Hair Towel for Redheads
Day-to-day tips and refresh essentials
Sometimes you need to refresh your curls before your next wash day, and a great way to do that is with a mister bottle. Getting your curls wet allows you to add more products into the hair without weighing down the curls too much. Damp hair is best. You can reuse your curl cream, or leave-in conditioner, or use a curl amplifier like the Tigi Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier and reshape some of the curls that have fallen flat.
Because redhead curls can be quite dry, this is a great time to apply a hair oil like the Olaplex Oil. You can also use a dry shampoo like Living Proof Dry Shampoo, or Amika Perk Up to help extend the life of your hair and reduce oils at the roots. This can also add volume back into your curls.
Last, but not least, it’s super important to keep your curls protected from damage, breakage, and frizz while you sleep. That’s why we love using a silk or satin pillowcase and/or a silk or satin hair bonnet. This will keep your hair nice and sleek and frizz-free!
Want your redhead question answered? Find us @howtobearedhead on Instagram and Facebook and look for the Ask a Redhead question box.
Rock it like a Redhead!
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