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Let's be honest. As a curly hair girlie who also happens to run a curl product store, you'd think my styling routine would be elaborate and ever-changing. And yet… I style my curls  so rarely  these days that when someone asks me for my top picks, I genuinely have to stop and think about it. But here's the thing. The products that  have  earned a permanent spot in my routine? They're earning it hard. These are the ones I keep reaching for, the ones that actually do what they say, and the ones I'd genuinely recommend to anyone with curls. So here are my current top five faves. Umberto Giannini Scalp Restore Scrub If you've ever dealt with an itchy, oily scalp in summer, hi, same. Then you already know how desperately you need a good  scalp scrub  in your life. This one from Umberto Giannini has been a game changer for me. It tackles oily dandruff without stripping my curls, and that satisfying scalp reset feeling afterwards? Chef's kiss. If your scalp has been feeling neglected, start here.   Shop Umberto Giannini at This Little Curl Umberto Giannini Scalp Restore Shampoo Paired with the scrub, this  shampoo  keeps things in check between deeper cleansing days. It's gentle enough not to wreck my curl pattern but effective enough that I'm not spending the week with a scalp I'd rather not think about. Great for anyone with a  sensitive or reactive scalp  and particularly those of us who find summer turns things a bit extra.   Shop Umberto Giannini at This Little Curl Umberto Giannini Scalp Restore Conditioner The full trio is a yes from me. The  conditioner  rounds out the routine beautifully. It hydrates without weighing the curls down, and knowing my whole cleanse is working together for my scalp health makes a real difference. If scalp issues have been holding your  curl journey  back, this range is absolutely worth trying.   Shop Umberto Giannini at This Little Curl Innersense I Create Volume On the days I  do  style, I want products that actually work. Innersense I Create Volume delivers every single time. It gives my curls that bounce and lift without the crunch, and it plays so well with other products. If you have  finer curls  or just want a bit more oomph, this one is for you. Clean ingredients, beautiful results. What's not to love?   Shop Innersense at This Little Curl Ecoslay Orange Marmalade Gel And then there's this little gem. The Ecoslay Orange Marmalade Gel has become my go-to for definition and hold that doesn't leave my curls feeling stiff or sticky. It smells incredible (obviously), and it works  with  my curl pattern rather than fighting it. If you haven't tried Ecoslay yet, this is the one to start with. And if you're a  gel lover , you already know how important finding the right one is!   Shop Ecoslay at This Little Curl These five products might not seem like much, but they've genuinely earned their place in my routine. And that's saying something from someone who could easily rotate through every single thing in the store! Have you tried any of these? I'd love to know what you think. Drop a comment or find us over on  Instagram . And if you're on the hunt for your own curl faves, head to the  shop . There's something for every  curl type  and every routine.

Summer can be tough on curly hair. Heat, humidity, sun exposure, salt water and chlorine all pull moisture from curls, leaving them dry, frizzy, or harder to manage. If your curls feel different in summer, that’s completely normal. Curly hair is highly responsive to its environment. The key to healthy summer curls is moisture, protection, and the right styling routine. Below is a practical, curl-friendly guide to caring for curly hair during summer so your curls stay hydrated, defined, and resilient. Why Summer Is Hard on Curly Hair Curly hair has a naturally open cuticle structure, which means it loses moisture more easily than straight hair. During summer, curls are exposed to: UV damage from the sun Salt water that dehydrates the hair shaft Chlorine that strips natural oils Humidity that causes frizz and loss of definition Without the right routine, curls can quickly feel dry, brittle, or unmanageable. 1. Use a Gentle Cleanser and Nourishing Conditioner In summer, curls often need washing more frequently. The goal is to cleanse the scalp without stripping moisture from the hair. Choose gentle cleansers and rich conditioners that support hydration and slip. Avoid harsh shampoos that leave hair feeling squeaky clean, as this usually leads to dryness and frizz. You can explore curl-friendly cleansers and conditioners here: https://www.thislittlecurl.com/collections/cleansers-conditioners Pro tip: Detangle your curls in the shower with conditioner in your hair. This reduces breakage and helps curls clump better once styled. 2. Add Leave-In Moisture to Prevent Summer Dryness Hydration doesn’t stop once you rinse out your conditioner. Leave-in conditioners and curl refreshers help maintain moisture throughout the day, especially when curls are exposed to sun and heat. These products are ideal for refreshing curls between wash days and restoring softness without buildup. Find leave-in conditioners and hydrating products here: https://www.thislittlecurl.com/collections/leave-in-conditioners Apply leave-ins to damp hair to lock in moisture and reduce frizz before styling. 3. Define Curls to Manage Humidity and Frizz Humidity is one of the biggest challenges for curly hair in summer. Using curl definers, gels, or custards helps seal moisture into the hair and maintain curl structure, even in humid conditions. The right styler provides hold while still allowing curls to move naturally. Browse curl stylers and definers here: https://www.thislittlecurl.com/collections/stylers For best results: Apply stylers to soaking-wet or very damp hair Scrunch gently Allow hair to air-dry or diffuse on low heat Avoid touching curls while they dry, as this can increase frizz. 4. Deep Condition Weekly to Repair Summer Damage Sun exposure, salt, and chlorine weaken the hair cuticle over time. Deep conditioning treatments help restore hydration, elasticity, and strength. If your curls feel rough, dull, or are tangling more easily, it’s a sign they need extra care. You’ll find deep conditioners and treatments here: https://www.thislittlecurl.com/collections/deep-conditioners Using a deep conditioner once a week can dramatically improve curl softness and manageability during summer. 5. Protect Curly Hair While You Sleep Nighttime care is often overlooked, but it plays a big role in summer curl health. Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture from hair, leading to dryness and frizz. Satin or silk-lined accessories help retain moisture and preserve curl definition overnight. Explore curl-friendly accessories here: https://www.thislittlecurl.com/collections/accessories This simple switch can reduce frizz, tangles, and morning styling time. A Simple Summer Curly Hair Routine If you want a low-stress approach to summer curl care, focus on these basics: Gentle cleanse and condition Leave-in hydration Curl definition for humidity control Weekly deep conditioning Nighttime protection Consistency matters more than complexity. Healthy Summer Curls Start With the Right Support Curly hair doesn’t need to be controlled in summer. It needs moisture, protection, and products that work with its natural texture. The range at This Little Curl is designed specifically for curls, coils, and waves, making it easy to build a summer routine that supports healthy, hydrated curls all season long. Listen to your curls. Adjust when needed. And let them do what they do best.

One of the most common questions we get asked — and see everywhere  in curly hair forums — is: “Can I colour or lighten my curly hair at a regular salon?”“Should I bring my own Curly Hair products , or can they use theirs?” Here’s the real answer, from someone in the hair industry who colours her curls regularly and  still has healthy, defined hair: Yes, you can colour your curls — and keep them healthy.  But there’s a smart way to do it. My Colour Routine as a Curly-Haired Professional I previously coloured my hair every 6 to 10 weeks, usually with a full head of foils, toner, and Olaplex . And nope, my stylist didn't use Curly Girl Method (CGM)-approved washing or styling products — and that’s okay! Would my curls be healthier if I skipped colouring and stayed 100% CGM? Probably. But I loved  my blonde, and guess what? My hair is still strong, shiny, and defined. How to Prep Curly Hair Before Colouring Want to protect your curls during and after your salon visit? Follow these prep tips to keep your hair strong, defined, and frizz-free: 1. Choose a salon that uses Olaplex or similar Olaplex protects your hair's internal bonds during bleaching or colouring. Ask if they include Olaplex No.1  in their colour mix and apply No.2  afterward. 🛒 Get your own Olaplex No.3 here  for pre- and post-colour care. 2. Prep your curls at home with Olaplex No.3 Use Olaplex No.3  one or two times the week before your appointment. I like to do a deep treatment the day before — it makes a huge difference. 3. Detangle with care Wash your hair, apply your treatment, then gently detangle your curls while wet. Let them dry smooth and knot-free — this saves time and breakage during your salon appointment. 4. Communicate with your stylist Let them know you’ve already detangled and kindly ask if they can avoid brushing it out again. It’s a small step that helps protect your curl pattern. They'll likely still need to run a comb of some description through it, especially with foils - so be prepared for that too. 5. Be gentle with towel drying Stylists are often taught to roughly towel dry — ask them to gently press  or squeeze  the water out instead. Less friction = less frizz. 6. Ask to leave Olaplex No.2 in your hair If you’re not getting a cut, ask if you can leave the Olaplex No.2  treatment in your hair as you head home. It continues to strengthen and repair long after you leave the salon. Some stylist might be ok with this, others prefer to fully dry your hair to see the colour properly. What to Use After Colouring Your Curls Healthy coloured curls need TLC. Here’s what I use and recommend: ✔ Weekly Olaplex No.3 Keeps your hair’s internal bonds strong after chemical processing. ✔ Salon-quality shampoo & conditioner They’re worth every cent. Curly hair — especially coloured curls — thrive on moisture and balanced pH. Skip the supermarket stuff. ✔ Protein treatments A light dose of protein helps repair damage from bleach or dye. I love EverEscents Remedy Protein Treatment  — it's CGM-friendly and works wonders post-colour. Respect Your Stylist Your stylist may not be trained in curly techniques — and that’s okay. A kind and respectful approach goes a long way. You might even inspire them to learn more about curly hair (and become your future curl expert!). And most importantly! Don’t give up your favourite colour just to follow the CG Method perfectly. If you’re ready to embrace your greys or natural tone — amazing! But if you love  your colour? Keep it. You can absolutely have beautiful, healthy, defined curls and  a colour you love.