And Just Like That, I Learnt How to Style My Heat-Damaged Curls Like Carrie Bradshaw
I'm Adore Beauty's resident beauty newbie. Before working at Adore, I was travelling the world for 4 months with just one tiny tube of Jurlique moisturiser. I washed my face with warm water and used olive oil as a deep conditioning treatment. Oh, how things have changed!
For the past few months, I’ve been trying to follow different versions of the curly girl method… with very little success.
Curly girl hair routines work for a lot of people. I am not one of them, unfortunately.
My natural curls have been damaged by years of heat styling, and the end result is a lot of frizz and not enough curl definition.
Hence, I went looking for a curly hair care routine that could help me rediscover my natural texture.
But I feel like I've watched every YouTube curly hair routine, tried many a curly hair routine and given every curly hair shower routine a crack.
So, I started researching other ways to embrace my curls, without sticking to the notoriously strict 'curly girl method' (which shuns heat styling).
I came across an interview with Mandy Lyons, the hair stylist behind actress Sarah Jessica Parker's infamous Carrie Bradshaw curls on Sex and the City.
Eager to learn about her haircare routine for curly hair, I was shocked to read Lyons used five different curling tongs to create Carrie’s famous curls.
I couldn’t believe it!
Carrie’s hair looked so naturally curly in Sex And The City, with just the right amount of frizz and volume.
I couldn’t help but wonder… would I be able to do the same for my heat-damaged curls?
The answer is yes!
After many attempts and different products for curly hair, I finally nailed the Carrie curls.
Looking for a good hair routine for curly hair?
Here’s my step-by-step guide to embracing your curls with a wavy to curly hair routine - this would be a great men curly hair routine, too.
Step 1. Shampoo For Curly Hair.
The curly girl method suggests avoiding traditional shampoos that strip the hair of moisture.
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Strengthening and Reparative Hair Shampoo is one of my favourite sulfate-free shampoos that doesn’t strip the hair.
Sure, it's not a traditional shampoo for curly hair, but it is great for repairing heat-damaged hair, and adding strength and moisture.
Step 2. Hair Mask For Curly Hair.
Next, I use a hair mask after shampooing.
Again, it's not a curly hair mask per se, but Kerasilk Smoothing Mask 200ml is sulfate-free and is great for frizz.
Curly hair needs as much moisture as possible, and this one delivers, but won’t weigh down the hair.
Then after rinsing the mask out, I use the Davroe CURLiCUE Rapid Dry Hair Wrap to help draw out excess moisture.
This step is optional, but hair towels help to reduce frizz. They also are convenient for watching TV in!
Step 3. The Best Curl Cream I've Tried.
I’ve been testing out a few different curl creams and Christophe Robin Luscious Curl Defining Cream with Chia Seed Oil 150ml is a winner.
It’s a two-in-one treatment, a combination of a leave-in conditioner and styling cream for curly hair.
It’s got a weightless feel and won’t leave any oily residue on the hair. This product will condition, style, work against frizz, add shine and help to define curls.
I work this product through my hair from root to tip, using a scrunching motion. You can also use it the next day as a touch up on dry hair.
Step 4. How to Blow Dry Curly Hair.
After working in the beauty industry for 3.5 years, I can’t believe I’ve only just got my very own blow dryer.
I used the GHD Helios Hair Dryer In Black with the GHD Helios Diffuser Nozzle attachment , and they’re game-changers for my curly hair.
After applying the curl cream, I diffuse my hair upside down until it’s dry.
If your curls are looking nicely-defined and not too frizzy, you can actually finish up here.
But I like to add extra definition with a curling tong a la Carrie Bradshaw.
Step 5. Define Curls With A Tong.
Once my curls are dry, I use a curling wand to give my natural curls more definition where they need it.
I alternate curling towards the face and curling away from the face to get a natural undone look.
You can watch this YouTube video on my curling technique to see exactly how I do it.
I love the GHD Creative Curl Wand Hair Curling Wand because it has a tapered barrel, which helps to add different textures.
But since I created this content, the new GHD Thin Wand 14mm Hair Curling Wand has launched and I feel like it would work perfectly for adding extra definition to the curls and coils!
Step 6. Add Volume With A Styling Powder.
The final step is to add volume with a texture powder or spray.
I used the evo haze styling powder pump 50ml which is a lightweight volumising powder with a matte finish.
A volumising powder or spray will really help to get that Carrie Bradshaw volume.
While I wish the curly girl method worked for me, I can't achieve the natural yet smooth curl look I'm after with just a curl cream and diffuser.
I’m not quite ready to give up my hot tools, and this curly hair routine means I can have a hot curl summer (and winter and spring etc.) without sacrificing my straightener.
And just like that, here is the end result!
Keen to try my curly hair routine? Great news!
You can now try a few of my favourite curly hair products AND save some coin at the same time.
For a limited time, you can buy the Curly Hair Bundle and get 15% off, which is a saving of $36!
The pack is valued at $185.95 and includes the key products you need to achieve this curly look.
Want to read more about routines and products for curly or frizzy hair? Check out these Beauty IQ articles below:
