Over the weekend, i had the pleasure of attending the Curly Hair Festival at the ILEC Conference Centre in London. I had previously attended a number of the Natural Hair Week events in London so I was excited to see what the founder of the iconic event Vinna Best had in store following the recent rebranding from Natural Hair Week to Curly Treats Festival rebranding.

After years of attending hair events, i’m always astounded by the number of natural haired lovelies that attend and in this, i’m sure that they were not disappointed by the offering in this instance. Throughout the day guests were treated to hair and health workshops, demos and interactive discussions, a fashion show in celebration of Black Girl Magic and of course some of you favourite brands such as Cantu beauty, Creame of nature, Mixed chicks and Softn’ Free were in attendance as alongside some amazing independent brands. Popular influencers such as MahoganyCurls, Lekoia Lee and the girls from Curlcuture were also on deck taking part in workshops, discussions and meet and greets. I especially loved the fact that men were catered to with a dedicated afro men’s hub which offered free shape-ups, beard maintenance and skin care advice for the man in your life. For mini curlies, there was an empowHER lunch and a children’s corner which provided fun interactive activities and storytelling.

Not everyone is born with thick, voluminous hair.

Incorporating decades of hair care philosophy with ethically sourced (and gorgeous smelling!) ingredients has helped create an inclusive and award-winning product line for SheaMoisture. The brand mantra that ‘the best ingredients come from nature’ is proven with each of the nourishing masks, sprays, shampoos and conditioners.

You will not find any nasties commonly found in many other hair care solutions in SheaMoisture, the brand stays clear of: Parabens, Sulphates, Phthalates, Paraffin, Formnaldehyde, Mineral Oil, Petroleum, DEA, artificial colour or synthetic fragrance and SheaMoisture never test on animals.

Diane C.Bailey, celebrity stylist and SheaMoisture brand ambassador shares exclusive tips on the curl wrenching mistakes many of us are making, creating curls for specific hair-type, insider tips and much more, ensuring that we have the low-down when it comes to curl world.

From styling Beyoncè to creating trend-setting looks for the runway, Diane’s expertise and passion allows all SheaMoisture customers to expertly pick the right products for their individual hair types.

Mistakes People With Curls Make

Diane explains the most popular mistakes that she sees often are that: “Many of my clients with curly hair or type 3 hair types want frizz-free curl definition. For full head curly girls, I recommend “less is more” – use products with a light touch. Many curly girls use heavy oily products to smooth the cuticle to reduce frizz, weighing down the hair. Light hydrating oils with anti–frizz benefits are the best solution. For voluminous curls minus the weight, I use SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Texture Spray and the Coconut & Hibiscus Hold Curl Enhancing Smoothie.”

SheaMoisture, Coconut &Hibiscus Hold Curl Enhancing Smoothie £10.99, Boots

Red Carpet Tip

“A lightweight mousse and light hydrating spray are ideal for type 3a to redefine fine to medium “S” shape wavy/curls on either wet or dry hair. I use the moisture mist on the red carpet as style refresher, to bring out shine and bust frizz.”

SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Texture Spray, £10.99, Boots

Frizz Free Curls

Hair type 3c has a tighter curl pattern with more density and a coarser feel. To create frizz-free curls Diane recommends these three top tips:

“Use the “LOC” method with your favourite leave-in, oil and cream, selecting products that work for your hair’s texture, thickness, porosity, etc. This works well to nourish, moisturize and reduce frizz, while creating lasting styles. On freshly shampooed damp hair, moisturize hair with a small amount your favorite leave-in. I use SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Grow Leave-in Conditioner, applying it sparingly to hair, avoiding the roots. To define curls follow with your favourite styling cream. My go-to is Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. Finger coil to define and set curls. Finish with several drops of oil to seal in moisturize and bring out shine. Apply lightly throughout hair.”

SheaMoisture, Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strenghten & Grow Leave-in conditioner £10.99, Boots

SheaMoisture, Coconut & Hibiscus Hold Curl Enhancing Smoothie £10.99, Boots

How To Define Your Style

Applying a product such as SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Extra Moisture Detangler helps to smooth dry, damaged hair and restore body. Diane recommends to “run the detangler through wet hair to achieve the best look and apply large pin curls. Begin to curl hair from the ends, working your way up to the roots, once you have curled one section secure in place with bobby pins. Blow dry hair with a diffuser which will set curls. Once dry, finger comb and style.

Learn How To Blend Textures

“To blend multiple textures, section damp hair, sparingly apply styling cream and braid hair section. Blow dry with a diffuser or let hair air dry, take down braids, carefully separate and apply a lightweight oil or serum to add shine and minimize frizz.”

SheaMoisture, Raw Shea Butter Extra Moisture Detangler £10.99, Boots

Creating Perfect Curls

Trying to tame and perfect curls can be tricky, Diane advises that you should:

“Avoid heavy oily products that just lacquer. Find products that hydrate, without leaving a flaking, heavy, sticky finish.”

Prep work is essential too – “If you have a special event, shampoo your hair several days before. Curl memory takes a few days to find its moisture and curl balance.”

Remember to keep with what works for your hair type and your budget. Diane says: “Quiet your inner product junkie. If it works for your strands and supports your hair’s health, stick with it.”

Coily kinky afro, who does not love a good looking Afro? Your afro can be the envy of all but keeping it looking stunning takes some work. Here is some helpful tips to keep your afro or natural curls in check.

Moisture

This is the number one tip as natural hair tend to lack moisture, so to avoid dry dull looking hair. Invest in a good moisturising condition.

DIY hair therapy

Keeping your hair well moisturised can be as simple as mixing your own hot oil treatment. For an overnight treatment mix olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter, melt them all together in the microwave and then massage onto your scalp, then seal your hair, with a shower cap and cover with your head scarf. Wash it out the next morning for moisturised and smooth, frizz-free curls.

Drying your hair:

Squeeze-dry your hair with a t-shirt or microfiber towel as this will decrease frizz. Then detangle with your fingers as this will help keep your hair texture without interrupting your curl pattern.

Bed time

Use a silk pillowcase or silk scarf to avoid frizz and keep your curls in place

Image Credit Katya Koliban