Not all curls are the same, and if we think of them along a continuum of strength – from soft, almost wavy locks to tight coils - we can begin to approach the appropriate hairstyles and products. Avoid flat, lifeless and unkempt hair in favour of rich wavy texture with a cool nonchalant appeal. Embrace the curl and ride the highs of texture and volume - which can be worked to yield to the style of your choosing.
Understanding Your Hair Type
Why is curly hair, curly? The texture and volume of hair are determined by the shape of the hair shaft, the part of the hair that grows beneath the scalp before emerging. People with straight hair have a round, vertically straight shaft, which allows the hair to grow without bending. In contrast, those with curly hair have a more flattened, curved shaft, resembling the shape of an 'L'. This causes the hair to twist and spiral as it grows. So, the flatter the hair shaft, the curlier the hair becomes.
Understanding is key, and once you know what is required for your hair, the easier it becomes to style. For instance, curly hair types are generally coarser compared to their straight counterparts, meaning that the individual strands of hair are thicker - needing a bit more work in both the care and styling departments.
Caring for Curly and Wavy Hair
Regardless of your hair type, the foundation of great hair is good care. Hydration is key, as coarse hair holds less water, making it more prone to frizz. Choose products that hydrate without adding unwanted volume—curly hair doesn’t need help in that department.
Not all products are designed for wavy or curly hair. Avoid shampoos that promise volumising and thickening results - curly hair needs no help when it comes to thickness. Instead - you want something that cleans and fortifies, indeed with a medley of all the good ingredients. Patrick’s salubrious SH2 Shampoo is especially designed for thick hair types, and Shear Revival's Loom Shampoo is perfect for hair that feels particularly dry. Both products hydrate the hair without resulting in unmanageable frizz and excess volume.
Choosing the right conditioner follows the same criteria - it should restore and ‘condition’ the good oils needed for a healthy and hydrated head of hair. Patrick's CD2 Conditioner naturally pairs with the brand's shampoo, offering a similar array of nutritional benefits. Also consider men-u's SLIC (Smooth Leave In Conditioner) as an alternative, which leaves curls totally manageable while it works the hair throughout the day.
Many of the rules for curly hair also apply to those with wavy hair – especially when frizz is an issue. Hydration is just as important, and over-washing can be detrimental, so shampoo less frequently. If the hair isn’t dirty, and isn’t in need of washing out styling product, co-washing (using conditioner instead of shampoo) can keep the hair hydrated without stripping it of moisture.
Try, for instance, shampooing only the roots, and applying conditioner at the ends. This technique works especially well for longer hair, though it's still achievable with shorter styles.
Frizz-Prevention
Wavy and curly hair benefit from simple changes in routine. Use a microfiber towel to prevent frizz instead of a regular towel, and switch to a satin pillowcase, which reduces breakage and friction. Satin pillowcases also keep your skin hydrated and help reduce the formation of wrinkles.
The Best Products for Wavy and Curly Hair
When choosing products for wavy and curly hair, the focus should always be on enhancing moisture, preserving curl shape, and preventing frizz. Wavy and curly hair types are inherently drier than straight hair, so using the right products is essential to keep them looking healthy and defined. For best results, creamier, lightweight stylers are preferable because they add hydration and movement without weighing the hair down. Heavier, harder products can be tricky—they can dry out the hair, making it stiff, difficult to style, and prone to frizz.
Here are the top product recommendations from the NOAH team that work exceptionally well for wavy and curly hair types:
Shear Revival Amity Texture Spray
This texture spray is fantastic for enhancing natural waves or curls without the weight of heavier products. It creates a tousled, effortless look with just enough grip to give definition, but it won’t stiffen or dry out the hair like some sea salt sprays tend to do. It's ideal for a laid-back, beachy vibe, allowing you to embrace the natural texture of your hair while keeping it hydrated and manageable.
Patrick’s M1 Matte Finish Light Hold Pomade 
This lightweight pomade is a favourite for wavy and curly hair types that need just a hint of control without sacrificing movement. M1 offers a soft, matte finish that’s perfect for a more relaxed, natural look. Its light hold keeps the curls in place without feeling sticky or heavy, and the creamy formula ensures the hair stays hydrated, reducing the risk of frizz or dryness.
Shear Revival Gray Ghost Cream Pomade 
This matte cream strikes the perfect balance between control and texture for wavy and curly hair. It provides a soft, matte finish with a medium hold, allowing curls to maintain their natural movement without feeling sticky or heavy. Gray Ghost is also versatile, working well on both damp and dry hair, making it a great option for those who like a bit of styling flexibility.
Firsthand Supply All-Purpose Pomade 
As the name suggests, this pomade is incredibly versatile. It provides a medium hold and a natural finish, suitable for both waves and curls. The creamy texture makes it easy to apply and work through the hair, allowing you to build definition and shape without stiffening your locks. The added moisture helps tame frizz, making it a great go-to for all-day hold with a flexible, natural look.
Why Creamier Products Work Best
Curly and wavy hair thrive on moisture, and creamier products deliver exactly that. These types of products ensure that your hair remains flexible, hydrated, and styled without the crunch or stiffness that can come from harder or drier formulations. Creamier products also help to preserve the hair’s natural movement, allowing the waves and curls to form and maintain their shape. They work to smooth the cuticle, lock in moisture, and reduce frizz, which is crucial for keeping wavy and curly hair looking polished yet effortless.
Harder, firmer products – like gels, waxes, or overly stiff pomades – can be tricky for curly and wavy hair. While they offer a strong hold, they often dry out the hair, making it brittle and more prone to frizz. Worse still, they can create a rigid, unnatural look, where the curls lose their bounce and flexibility.
The Best Styles for Curly Hair
You could of course embrace the curls by pursuing a minimal intervention approach. Keep it hydrated, keep it neat and balanced on the sides, and a trim here and there when needed and your curls will sing. This style has an attractive casual raffishness to it, and with the right application of product your curly hair becomes the focus of your overall look.
In contrast, an 'undercut' style, which is a short and clean haircut on the sides and back with some length retained at the top is in style at the moment. This haircut manages the overall weight of the hair and creates an impressive sense of texture, looking clean and groomed without diminishing the curl factor of your hair. An undercut controls the hair, and the shorter the top curls are, the less wavy it appears - making it look organised and sharp. A bit of bulk can be removed by the barber, through some careful thinning and texturized cutting, but keep this to a minimum - you want to look effortless, and never too laboured.
Finally, for the best of both worlds - an undercut with a serious sense of drama - try a quiff, which takes an undercut and sweeps the top and the length of the fringe back. The quiff is the perfect day-and-night hairstyle, great for wavy hair types.