Curly or frizzy hair: what are the differences?

What is the difference in shape between the two?

You should know that hair is classified into 4 distinct categories, from the straightest to the most frizzy. Curly and curly hair belong to the same category, category number 3, but not to the same subcategory. This is where the differences between the two lie.

• Curly hair

A curly hair will naturally take the form of a fairly large spring like a spiral. The curls are generally more numerous around the face and in the nape while the roots are rather stiff. Softer than curly hair and generally finer, curly hair can even look smooth when you step out of the shower. Moreover, they are easier to straighten or style than curly hair.

• Curly hair

Curly hair, on the other hand, is generally thicker, stiffer and therefore sometimes more brittle. They also form springs but these are very tight, like corkscrews . Curly hair is considered difficult to style or straighten. Their shape prevents sebum, the natural oil produced by the scalp, from flowing normally along the scale of the hair, which naturally makes them drier. Thus, curly hair can look very dry and bulky when not properly hydrated. The smoothing step without suitable products can be complicated.

• The difference lies in the size and flexibility of the springs formed by the hair.

What are the different needs of the two hair types?

Hair has hydration, nutrient or care needs that are directly related to its shape and therefore to its type. Indeed, depending on its type, the hair can be brittle, dry or difficult to style. Understanding these needs allows you to know your ideal hair routine.

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What care for curly hair?

When healthy, curls are soft and silky. Unfortunately, these curls tend to tangle easily and become brittle when they lack moisture. If we do not take care of it regularly, the hair adopts a dry and messy appearance. It is then all the more difficult to style them.

Curly hair therefore requires special care and needs a medium level of hydration. For beautiful, well-defined curls, it will then be necessary to favor moisturizers or light nourishing oils. In order to discipline your lengths, avoid frizz and strengthen your hair, moisturizing serums adapted to your curly hair exist.

Curly hair is often thought of as difficult to manage, but with the right products and styling techniques, it can be as easy to style as any other hair type. Prefer a comb with large teeth or simply detangle them with your fingers.

What care for curly hair?

Like curly hair, curly hair lacks moisture. But this lack of hydration is greater for curly hair since their shape prevents sebum from flowing to the ends. As a result, the ends are often dry and dehydrated, which has the effect of breaking your curls.

Thus, regular hydration can fight in depth against capillary dryness. Your hair is then supple and light. The hydration is done from the wash thanks to the use of a shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner. We choose a nourishing mask to apply once a week or a moisturizing day cream. These products will also have the effect of protecting your hair against external aggressions.

Since the sebum does not flow properly, you may quickly have oily hair at the roots while your ends remain dry. So, when applying your moisturizers, focus on the ends without touching the roots, at the risk of weighing down and greasing them.

To facilitate styling, use a conditioner suitable for curly hair and turn to a styling cream.

• Discover our solutions against greasy hair. 

What is the difference with wavy hair or frizzy hair?

Wavy and frizzy hair are two other hair types with different needs. Curly hair will be classified as type 2 hair while frizzy hair will be considered type 4 according to André Walker's classification .

• wavy hair

Located between straight hair and curly hair, wavy hair has a very flexible S shape. Very often, they require less hydration than curly or frizzy hair since the sebum can easily flow to the ends. However, they are often fragile and tend to get damaged. To strengthen your wavy hair, apply a nourishing mask once a week. As with curly hair, use a wide-toothed comb for styling or use curling mousse to enhance your waves.

• frizzy hair

If your hair is in a very tight S or Z shape, it's probably called frizzy hair. Frizzy hair only greases very little, so you will not be subject to the phenomenon of greasy hair. This allows you to space out the shampoos.

This type of hair requires regular maintenance to strengthen the hair fiber, which is often dry and brittle. Daily hydration and sometimes several times a day with a natural daily spray can be essential. We prefer ultra-nourishing shampoos, moisturizing masks and oil baths to leave on all night. Do not hesitate to make an oil bath to leave on all night to deeply moisturize your hair.