The Astyled Blog

Detangling the Mess: Proper Curly Haircare Information from Curl Specialists

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

CURL CONFUSION

 

Rachel and I have the same curl pattern!

Yip, we have the same tight, u-shape wavy curl pattern that spirals towards the ends. * (see pic below)

But, if we were to use each other routine and products, neither of us would be happy with the outcome.

And here’s why…

BUT FIRST, SOME HAIR KNOWLEDGE…

There are a number of different factors that determines the way our hair looks, feels and behaves.

One major factor is our hair type, which is the natural physical properties or characteristics of our hair, such as its texture (or strand size), its porosity, its density to name a few.

Another major factor is the ‘health’ of our hair. This is an assessment of the physical condition of our hair from what is optimal.  Some of the things that are looked at, is the strength of the hair, its elasticity, how intact the cuticle layer is, how intact the ends are (i.e. is it splitting, or knotted), its hydration levels etc.

Then there are external/lifestyle factors, such as the climate you live in (whether tropical, dry or temperate), the environment you’re constantly exposed to (indoor with AC vs outdoor in the hot sun), where you work (e.g. hospital – high exposure to bacteria, virus etc.) and what you do (do you swim often, do you work out).

These factors, along with one’s personal goals, are what we use to provide tailored haircare routines and product recommendations.

NOW BACK TO EXPLAINING WHY

Our hair type varies across a number of different properties – for instance, Rachel’s hair is low porosity while mine is medium porosity.

The condition of our hair also differs – for instance, Rachel has excellent elasticity throughout her head, whereas I have an area at the front with very low elasticity due to tension damage.

As does our lifestyle – I work out almost every single morning.

Additionally, so does our individual goal – Rachel lives for volume, whereas I want definition and longevity.

Since these factors differ, naturally our routines and product choices would also differ. But guess what; out of alllll of the factors that we considered, the way that our hair looks (i.e. our curl pattern) was never a factor!

And, that my Curlfriends, is why even though Rachel and I share the same curl pattern, we wouldn't use each other's products or routine. It's also why we don’t use your curl pattern to recommend routines or products. It’s also one of the reasons why, you telling us that you are 3C, 4A, etc. over the phone or internet cannot help us help you. Furthermore, it's also the reason why so many of you, following the routine and products from your favourite Influencer, are still struggling!

Well that and misdiagnosis. But that’s another story for another day!


*(Based on the Curl Chart, this would be a 3C curl pattern)

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