For years, we’ve been told that sleek, straight hair is the epitome of beauty. We’ve spent countless hours, and probably a small fortune, trying to “tame” our natural waves, coils and kinks.
But what if we told you it’s time to break free from the heat, embrace your true texture and unlock a confidence you never knew you had? At Bouclème, we’re here to be your ultimate cheerleaders, helping you fall head over heels in love with your natural curls.
The truth is, those sizzling straighteners are doing more than just smoothing your strands – they’re slowly but surely damaging your hair, stripping it of its natural vitality and bounce. And honestly, isn’t it time we all started celebrating the unique beauty that makes us, us?
In this blog, we’re going to show you how to ditch the straighteners and how to curl your hair naturally. It’s time to embark on a transformative journey towards healthier, happier, natural curls.
Why heat styling is hurting your hair
When was the last time you stopped and thought about what heat styling, especially with straighteners, does to your precious curls? Well, let’s deal with the science first: imagine your hair strands as delicate, spiralling fibres. When you apply extreme heat, you’re essentially zapping the moisture right out of them. This leads to a host of issues:
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Dryness and brittleness: heat strips away natural oils, leaving your hair parched and prone to breakage.
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Split ends: the high temperatures literally fry the ends of your hair, causing them to split and fray.
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Loss of curl pattern: consistent heat can permanently alter your natural curl pattern, making your curls limp, lifeless and undefined.
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Dullness: healthy hair has a natural shine. Heat-damaged hair often appears dull and lacklustre.
The trouble is, this then becomes a vicious cycle: you straighten to “improve” your hair’s appearance, but in reality, you’re causing even more damage, which then makes you want to straighten it even more. Even if you’re just straightening your hair for special occasions, once every six months or so, it can still cause heat damage. But here’s the good news: you have the power to break free! And we’re going to show you how.
Shifting your mindset: unlearning everything you thought you knew about your curls
Embracing your natural curls is a profound act of self-love. For many of us, it means unlearning years of societal beauty standards that often pushed us towards conformity. Think about it: how many times have you either believed (or perhaps have even been told) your hair is “messy” or “unprofessional” because it’s curly? It’s time to flip that script.
Your curls are not a flaw; they’re a stunning feature that needs to be celebrated. They are a testament to your unique heritage, your individuality and your undeniable beauty. Building curl confidence starts from within. We’re all for showing off every twist, turn and coil, understanding that your hair is an extension of who you are. This journey is about freedom – the freedom to be authentically you, without apology.
How to detox and repair: nourishing your hair back to health
Hopefully, you’re seriously considering ditching the straighteners – hurrah, welcome to the tribe! Your curls are already thanking you. Now, it’s time for a little detox and repair. Think of it as a reset button for your curls. Just like your body thrives on nutritious food, your curls crave nourishing, hydrating products.
This phase is all about replenishing the moisture and nutrients that heat styling has stolen. We recommend a gentle approach, focusing on products specifically designed to restore and protect curly hair.
Look for ingredients that hydrate and nourish deeply, like sea buckthorn, argan oil and aloe vera.
Our products are…
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… at least 92% plant-based and biodegradable.
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… free from silicones, sulphates, PEGs, parabens, mineral oils, petroleum and phthalates.
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… scented by 100% nature’s own, perfumer-blended essential oils.
How to curl my hair naturally in six steps
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Go for a chop (optional but recommended)
For truly severe heat damage, sometimes the kindest thing you can do for your curls is a reset trim or even a big chop. This means cutting off the most damaged, straightened ends. While it might feel daunting, it allows new, healthy curl growth to flourish without the weight of damaged hair dragging it down. Even a regular trim to remove split ends will make a huge difference.
Understanding what your curl type is will also help you determine what sort of cut to go for. We recommend you take our quiz to establish whether your hair is wavy, curly or coily.
Sometimes, a big chop isn’t always an option. We get it. In this case, it’s crucial to give what’s known as the line of demarcation extra attention and care to prevent damage.
When transitioning from chemically relaxed or heat-straightened hair back to your natural curls or waves, there is a point where your new, natural growth meets the previously straightened sections of your hair. This area is particularly vulnerable to breakage because of the stark difference in texture and the weakened state of the straightened hair.
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Choose chemical-free
Traditional shampoos often contain harsh sulphates that strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to more dryness, especially for curls. During your detox, switch to our gentle Hydrating Hair Cleanser. This cleanses effectively without depleting essential moisture, respecting your curl’s natural balance.
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Deep condition twice a week
This is where the magic truly happens. Deep conditioning treatments are like a concentrated dose of hydration and nourishment for parched strands. Aim for at least once a week, or even twice if your hair is severely damaged. Our Intensive Moisture Treatment is a game changer. For enhanced penetration, consider covering your hair with a shower cap and applying gentle heat (like from a warm towel or even just your body heat) for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
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Introduce leave-in hydration
After washing and conditioning, a good leave-in conditioner is crucial. This creates a protective barrier, locks in moisture and keeps your curls hydrated between washes. It’s especially vital during the detox phase to prevent further dryness. We can’t live without the ever-popular and natural Curl Cream: smells divine and leaves your curls soft and bouncy.
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Learn how to style your curls
Embracing your natural curls isn’t just about what products you use; it’s also about how you care for them. Experiment with techniques like squish to condish, finger coiling or praying hands to encourage curl formation and definition. Finding the right styling technique that works for your hair is crucial. Naturally, steer clear of high heat and embrace air drying or a diffuser on a low heat setting to protect your delicate curl pattern.
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Be patient and consistent
Remember, hair repairing and detoxing your hair doesn’t happen overnight, especially if it’s been subjected to years of heat damage. It’s a gradual process. Stick to your new routine diligently. With consistent care and the right products, your curls will slowly but surely regain their strength, elasticity and vibrant definition.
You might experience what we call a “transition phase”, where your hair is trying to revert to its natural state. It can be a little unpredictable at first, with some parts of your hair acting differently than others. Don’t despair! We’ve even got a dedicated blog post on what to expect during a transition period, offering tips and encouragement to help you navigate this exciting time. Remember, every good thing takes time, and your hair is no exception.
Our Routine Kits are a brilliant place to start and if you sign up for our emails, we’ll guide you through your journey with advice and insights.
Real transformations: stories of curl confidence
Don’t just take our word for it! The power of embracing natural curls can be genuinely empowering and liberating. We’ve seen countless incredible transformations from women who have bravely ditched the straighteners and fallen head over heels for their natural texture.
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“Two years ago, I discovered my waves! My whole life I didn’t realise I had curly waves but thanks to the Bouclème products, my wavy curls came alive.” – Sheila
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I’ve been on my curly journey for about eight months now. I can honestly say that out of all the products I have tried, Bouclème are the only product that actually work and make my curls look amazing.” – Carla
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“I love my wavy hair now! Thanks to Bouclème my hair looks naturally good, feels naturally good and smells naturally beautiful.” – Fiona
These stories are a testament to the fact that embracing your natural hair isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about a profound shift in how you see and feel about yourself.
Your curl journey: more than just a trend
Embracing your natural curls isn’t a fleeting trend; it’s a commitment, a journey and a beautiful declaration of self-acceptance. We’re the original British brand dedicated to curls, and we’re fiercely passionate about normalising curls of all kinds.
Ready to embark on your curl journey? We’ve made it easy for you to get started. Our Routine Kits are designed to provide everything you need for different curl types and concerns. Or shop the whole Bouclème styling range to find your perfect match. And for those who love to learn, dive into our comprehensive Back to Basics series for tutorials on all curl types.
