Jennifer Lawrence by Collier Schorr for Interview Magazine, 2023.
Curls are a little like plants: they thrive when you tune into the seasons. As we get get closer to the official start of winter, your curls are asking for a little extra TLC. The air is getting cooler, the breeze a little brisker and, if you listen closely (or just look in the mirror), your hair will be hinting at what it needs. Think of this as your curl survival kit for the coming months: easy tweaks to keep your spirals, coils and waves hydrated and frizz-free.
Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Cooler air equals drier air. And just like your skin might start feeling a little thirstier, so do your curls. Now’s the time to swap out lighter conditioners for something richer: creamy, moisture-drenching formulas that really sink in, not just coat the outside.
If your hair’s feeling extra dry, try layering a leave-in conditioner under your usual styling products for an added moisture boost.
Product reccomendation: A rich, nourishing conditioner or a hydration-focused mask you can use once or twice a week.
Sealing is Your Best Friend
Once you've fed your curls all that lovely moisture, you want to keep it there. The sneaky autumn wind loves stealing hydration away, but a lightweight oil or a curl cream with sealing properties will help lock it in without making your hair feel heavy or greasy.
A little goes a long way, so start small; you can always add more, but you can't un-goop your curls.
Product recommendation: A sealing oil or moisture-locking curl cream.
Fight the Frizz (Before It Starts)
Autumn can have some sneaky humid days too, which means your curls might puff up without warning. Prepping your hair while it's wet is important: a frizz-fighting styler or serum can help form a protective barrier around your strands.
If the frizz has already arrived, embrace it with a loose bun, or rehydrate it with a misting spray to bring back definition.
Product recommendation: An anti-frizz gel or humidity shield designed for curls.
Define and Conquer
Cooler temps mean slower drying times which can mean wonky curl patterns if you're not careful. Now is the perfect time to really focus on curl definition techniques: raking, scrunching, finger coiling, whatever works for you.
Diffusing on a low heat (or even better, cool air) will help set your curls faster and reduce frizz.
Product recommendation: A lightweight defining gel or styling custard that won't leave your hair crunchy.
SHOP: CURL SETS:
Keep things simple with these ready-made sets, especially for curls.
