Curly hair is bold, beautiful, and full of personality. But we know it also comes with its own challenges, from dryness and definition to frizz and shape.
At Arena, we believe curls should be celebrated, not tamed — and we’re here to help you get the most out of your natural texture with professional insight, tailored styling, and salon-quality products designed specifically for curls.
1. Hydration is Key
Curly hair is naturally drier than straight textures because the oils from the scalp take longer to travel down the curl pattern. That means hydration isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.
💡 Try: Kevin Murphy’s Hydrate.Me range or for extra nourishment and bounce.
2. Use a Curl-Specific Cleanse Routine
Avoid sulphates, heavy silicones, and harsh shampoos that can strip moisture. Instead, choose gentle, curl-friendly cleansers that respect your hair’s natural oils.
💡 We recommend low-lather formulas or co-washing (conditioner-only washing) for some curl types — ask your Arena stylist for personalised advice.
3. Don’t Skip the Deep Conditioning
Curly hair thrives on moisture — and weekly deep conditioning treatments can make a huge difference to definition, shine, and manageability. A good treatment will help repair, strengthen and smooth the curl cuticle.
💡 Try: Kevin Murphy Young.Again Masque or Hydrate-Me Masque for a moisture boost that lasts.
4. Detangle Gently (and Only When Wet!)
Brushing curls dry = breakage and frizz. Instead, detangle in the shower using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, always with conditioner in your hair to reduce friction.
5. Apply Products to Soaking Wet Hair
To lock in moisture and enhance definition, apply your curl cream, gel, or leave-in conditioner straight out of the shower while your hair is still dripping wet.
💡 Try: Kevin Murphy Killer.Curls, Motion.Lotion, or Killer.Twirls — designed specifically for curl shaping and definition.
6. Scrunch and Diffuse — With Heat Protection
After applying product, scrunch curls upwards to encourage shape, then diffuse using a low to medium heat setting. Always use a heat protection spray before diffusing to avoid heat damage and dryness.
💡 Try: Kevin Murphy’s Heated.Defense — a weightless foam that protects against hot tools while enhancing style memory.
7. Embrace ‘Plopping’ or Microfibre Towels
Swap your cotton towel for a microfibre towel or an old T-shirt to reduce friction. You can also try plopping — wrapping curls up gently to dry while keeping them defined and frizz-free.
8. Sleep on Silk or Satin
Protect your curls overnight with a silk or satin pillowcase, or wrap your hair in a silk scarf. This helps preserve moisture and reduces frizz and flattening while you sleep.
9. Refresh Between Washes
Curls don’t need washing every day. On non-wash days, use a curl-refresh spray or re-activate product with a bit of water and leave-in conditioner to revive definition and reduce frizz.
💡 Ask us in salon for a custom cocktail of products for your perfect refresh routine.
10. Book a Personal Curl Consultation
At Arena, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all hair advice — especially not for curls. Our curl specialists can help you decode your curl type, porosity, and ideal care routine. Whether you’re embracing your natural curl for the first time or refining your routine, we’re here to guide you.
💬 Final Thoughts from the Arena Team
Curly hair is expressive, unique, and utterly beautiful — and it deserves expert care and attention. With the right techniques and salon-quality products, you can define your curl pattern, reduce frizz, and fall in love with your natural texture all over again.
Not sure where to begin? Book a curl consultation with one of our experienced stylists today.
Let us help you build a tailored routine that works — for your curls, your lifestyle, and your confidence.
