2023 Curly Must-Haves

Behind the chair I get asked by new and returning clients, “What are the MOST important tools every curly-haired person should have?” 

Well, I have compiled a simplified list of the top tools that everyone needs  in their hair arsenal. From your wash day essentials to protecting those coils, curls, waves and s’waves throughout the night.

Wash Day Essentials:

1. Felicia Leatherwood Brush

   • Why Felicia? The Felicia Leatherwood’s Detangling Brush is by far my FAVORITE go-to brush for detangling and styling natural hair of ALL textures. This brush was created by a Natural Hair Expert with natural hair in mind. The flexible back allows the comb to smoothly glide through the hair, preventing hard pulling or the breaking of strands. This is the one and only brush I truly can use on everyone.

2. Diffuser

   • The diffuser, whether it’s the Dyson or just an attachment, has been quite the underrated tool. Whether you go on Youtube or TikTok to explore your curly hair inquiries, everyone seems to have a different opinion about it. However, diffusing your hair after styling will help you achieve longevity out of your hairstyle. When you air dry you are allowing your hair to be in a compromised state (your hair is in a weaker state when wet) for a prolonged period of time. We want to set our style right then and there for the best outcome. If your goals are to maintain curl definition, create volume, or set your style without frizz - The diffuser is going to help get you there! Don’t forget the heat protectant! 

   • If you struggle with volume at the roots, curl clips will become a game changer for you. My go-to is to strategically place extra large two prong curl clips at the roots of my wet hair (after product has been applied, before diffusing).

3. Microfiber towel

   • Unlike traditional cotton towels, Microfiber towels allow you to squeeze excess water out of your hair without leaving you frizzy and risking friction damage.

4. Continuous Mist Spray Bottle

   • Most curly hair is THIRSTY and I thank my spray bottle for all the work it puts in so that I don’t have to squeeze the trigger of a regular spray bottle one million times. This item isn’t a make or break item but I do love how easy it makes saturating my curls. I linked the exact water bottle I use in the salon. (Try not to continuously drop it because now mine is headless… LOL)

     Life Hack: During the warm months add Rose water to your spray bottle. I could go on about the benefits but honestly… it just smells so darn wonderful. You can also make a multitude of delicious drinks utilizing rose water (food grade rose water, you can find it at your local Middle Eastern market). Shoutout to Elisa @ Evergreen for putting me ON!

5. Quality Hair Products

   • This seems like a no brainer, right? I think we all have been through the phase of having a cabinet filled to the brim with different products. While I do love to experiment with new products I like to keep a consistent top 4 for my weekly routine. Partnering with your local curly hairstylist will enable you with the knowledge to create a routine perfect for you.

Overnight Curl Preserving Essentials

Now that we have gone over the wash day essentials, let’s talk about preserving those curls overnight.

1. Silk (or Satin) Pillowcase

• Sleeping on a silk pillowcase, instead of a material like cotton, will allow your hair to glide across the surface, saving you from friction damage, tangles and breakage that can be attributed to less forgiving materials. This is my favorite way of protecting my curls at night. It’s simple and allows me to wake up, pick out my curls, and bounce!

  2. Silk or Satin Scrunchies & Bonnet

• Whether you’re a fan of the Pineapple Method or prefer to secure your curls in a bonnet, both can be very useful. I highly suggest opting for silk or satin scrunchies in replacement of any other traditional hair ties. This also helps to not create such intense dents in the hair when you are pulling it back.

I bet you’re thinking to yourself, “Yeah, yeah but what’s the MOST important thing on this list?”

The most important tool in your arsenal will always be partnering with a curly hair specialist to provide maintenance haircuts and create a customized routine for you and your goals, products and all. 

You can research all day long on YouTube University or follow random videos on TikTok but what separates the ever growing random routines you’ll find online from an actual specialist is that we devote our entire days to working on multiple different heads of hair. We’ve paid for the education, we’ve done the trial and error so that you no longer have to. Consulting a professional will be your fastest way to a routine you know will work for you. 

The optimal schedule for a haircut is every 3-4 months depending on style, length & long term hair goals.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my first of many articles to come! My hopes are to make this a bi-weekly occurrence and eventually turn these topics into videos! If you have any suggestions or topics you want to be covered, please do not hesitate to reach out.