How to Get Your Curls Back: The Only Curls Guide to Reviving Your Natural Curl Pattern

Have you ever wondered if your frizzy hair might actually be wavy or curly? Or perhaps you’ve tried a curl routine, but it just hasn’t worked out? If you’re struggling with limp or undefined curls, you're not alone. Many people with curls notice changes in their hair, whether from heat damage, chemical treatments, or simply due to a lack of proper care. The good news is that your natural curls can be restored!

How can you revive your hair and have the gorgeous curls you've always dreamed of? Follow our simple guide and your curls will soon bounce back to life.

Curly hair broadly falls under 3 main categories: Type 2 waves, Type 3 curls, and Type 4 coils. Understanding your curl type helps you create a personalised curl routine for the best results.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the 3 main curl types:

• Type 2 (Wavy): Loose, S-shaped waves that can lose shape easily.
• Type 3 (Curly): Springy, defined curls that range from loose loops to tight ringlets.
• Type 4 (Coily): Tightly coiled, dense curls prone to dryness.

You can find more information on curl types here.

Over time, hair accumulates build-up from styling products, oils, and environmental factors, which can weigh curls down and lead to limp and lifeless hair. Detoxing your hair removes impurities, helping restore balance and bounce to your curls. 

Try these simple methods to detox and restore your curls:

• Clarify once a month: Use a clarifying shampoo to remove build-up. Be cautious not to overuse it, as frequent clarifying can strip natural oils from your hair, causing dryness.
• Try an apple cider vinegar rinse: Gently brush out your curls, then dip your hair into a bowl of warm water mixed with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Massage into your hair and scalp, rinse, and follow with our Curl Conditioner or Deep Hydration Hair Mask to replenish moisture.

Using products that are kind on curls is essential for restoring and enhancing your natural curl pattern. Only Curls products are free from sulfates and silicones, as well as other harsh ingredients which can dry out your curls and lead to build-up. We only use the best curl-friendly ingredients to help your curls thrive.

It's also key to use the right tools when embracing your curls. Regular cotton towels can be quite rough, which creates frizz and tangles - a real nightmare for curls. Try our soft Microfibre Towel instead. It's gentle on curls and prevents frizz, plus microfibre is super absorbent, so it cuts down on drying time too!

Our tried-and-tested Curly Method is a great starting point for your curly journey, and our Starter Bundle has everything you need for hydrated and defined curls.

Moisture is key for reviving natural curls. Deep conditioning treatments are designed to penetrate the hair shaft, providing intense hydration that improves elasticity and defines curls, as well as reducing damage.

Our nourishing Deep Hydration Hair Mask is perfect for this. It also contains protein to reduce damage and restore bounce. Check out our best tips on how to make the most of our Deep Hydration Mask:

• Apply the mask once a week to nourish and strengthen your curls.
• Gently detangle your hair after applying the mask to reduce breakage.
• Use heat for added absorption - apply our hair mask and cover your hair with a shower cap to increase absorption. Leave the hair mask on for 20 minutes so it can work its magic!

Heat styling is one of the main culprits behind damaged curls. Heat tools like blow-dryers, straighteners, and curling irons weaken curl formation, leading to frizz and loss of definition. To get your natural curls back, it's essential to take a break from high heat styling. By doing this, you’ll notice more bounce and curl definition over time, as well as reduced frizz.

Alternatives to Heat Styling:

• Diffusing: A diffuser gently disperses low heat over your hair to protect your curls and prevent damage. Diffusing also creates lovely definition and volume. For more peace of mind, use our Heat Protect Spray before diffusing to shield your curls. Check out our best diffusing tips here.
• Plopping: Use our soft Microfibre Towel to gently dry your curls. Plopping is a great technique to try as it enhances your curl definition and reduces frizz. Learn more about plopping your curls here.

If heat or chemical damage has left you with split ends, it may be time for a trim. Trimming damaged ends helps promote healthy hair growth and allows your curls to regain their natural shape. Regular trims are key for keeping your curls healthy.

You could also try a specialist curl cut to give your curls more shape and definition. We love working with so many curly salons across the UK! Find your nearest OC Salon Stockist here.

The key to any curly journey is patience. We all put our hair through a lot, especially if we’ve been straightening it for years. It takes time for your curls to fully recover. Try to be patient and consistent with your routine. With time, you’ll start to notice healthier, more defined curls that last.

Your curls may also go through a transition phase at the start. We have everything you need to manage the Curly Transition Phase here.

Sticking with a curly routine is so worth the effort. You'll wonder why you ever picked up the straighteners! Check out the amazing before/afters of some of our lovely customers who decided to embrace their curls and used Only Curls products to help them on their journey. With a little time and patience, your curls will be just as bouncy, hydrated, and defined.

We have everything you need to get started on your curly journey! Try our handy Starter Bundle which contains our Cleanser, Conditioner, Hydrating Creme and Enhancing Gel, plus our really soft Microfibre Towel to protect your curls. The products work together to enhance curl health and definition, while preventing frizz. After using our gentle, curl-friendly products, you’ll see such a difference with your hair.

If you need any help along the way, our Curl Care Team are here to answer all your curly queries so you can fall in love with your natural curls. Please get in touch with us at hello@onlycurls.com We’d love to hear from you!