Natural Curly Hair Facts

There are a wide range of myths in existence about natural curls.  Listed below are some natural curly hair facts which debunk many of the curl myths out there.

Natural Curly Hair Fact #1- Multiple Curl Textures

It's rare for people with naturally curly hair to have the exact same type of curls (loose curls, medium, tightly curled, kinky curls) growing consistently throughout their head.

(Image by Sunnie Brook Jones - Paul Mitchell National Educator - Hair Assistants:  Jo Jo Chavez and Tawny Lopez. Makeup: Daven Mayeda for the Powder Group

Wardrobe: Sarah Elllis and Photography: Kim Grisco - All Rights Reserved).

The average person with natural curls have an average of 2-4 different types of curls growing on their heads.   Some curly haired people have more and some less.

Although there tends to be a predominant curl pattern, different curl types are usually intermingled throughout the primary pattern.  The curliest sections of the hair tends to occur on or near the crown.

Natural Curly Hair Fact #2- Wavy Hair Is More Prevalent Than Curly

Wavy hair is more predominant than curly.  34 percent of women have wavy hair; 11 percent curly.

(Image by Sunnie Brook Jones - Paul Mitchell National Educator - Hair Assistants:  Jo Jo Chavez and Tawny Lopez. Makeup: Daven Mayeda for the Powder Group

Wardrobe: Sarah Elllis and Photography: Kim Grisco - All Rights Reserved).

Many people with wavy hair (like me) will also have curl textures intermingled throughout their tresses.  My own hair has natural curls along the nape of my neck and through the back of my head.

Natural Curly Hair Fact #3 - Women Wish For More Curls

At various times in their life, 40 percent of women wish their hair had more curls and texture.

Natural Curly Hair Fact #4 - Reasons For Lack Of Shine For Curly Hair

Natural curly hair is rarely able to achieve the same level of dazzling shine as bone straight tresses because light can become trapped inside the spirals of the curls or along ruffled curly cuticles.

(Image - Hair by Paul Mitchell Artistic Director Stephanie Kocielski - Paul Mitchell - All Rights Reserved).

To enhance the potential to build shine into curls first apply a curl defining styling mousse or spray to help align the individual strands within each ringlet or curl pattern.

When curls are formed into defined curl patterns and are manageable, they are more likely to reflect light and ultimately shimmer.

Natural Curly Hair Fact #5 - Development Of Frizz In Natural Curls

Natural curly hair is more prone to developing chronic frizz and unmanageability.  Curly hair can range from being baby soft and very fine to extremely coarse.  When curly hair is coarse, this means it's dry and requires moisture to eliminate and/or prevent frizz.

(Image - Hair by Paul Mitchell Artistic Director Stephanie Kocielski - Paul Mitchell - All Rights Reserved).

Naturally curly hair can be revived throughout the day by utilizing a leave-in conditioner after each shampoo to help lock in and replenish moisture.

Natural Curly Hair Fact #6 - Not All Curls Respond The Same To Products For Curls

Not all naturally curly hair responds equally well to hair care products designed for curls.  The reason?  Some natural curls patterns require more moisture than others.

Some natural curls work best with mousse products while others require heavier creams and gels.

Every product line designed for natural curls needs to be evaluated on an individual basis by each different curl type before adopting.

Natural Curly Hair Fact #7 - Curls Form S or Z Patterns

Curly hair can be shaped in either an "S" pattern or a "Z" pattern.   Curls which form the "S" pattern can have a range of defined curl shapes.  "Z" pattern curls tend to have less of a defined curl pattern with hair appearing to form sharp angles.   The "S" shaped curls are able to retain more moisture than those with the "Z" shapes.

Natural Curly Hair Fact #8 - Not All Curls Are Easy To Blow Dry Straight

Some types of natural curls can be blown dry easily.  Other curly hair types may be more challenging.  Natural curly hair which is kinky or very tightly curled with densely packed strands may require special products and more patience to blow the hair straight.

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