The best and easiest hairstyles for curly hair – products and styling advice

Anyone with curly, coily, or wavy hair will say the same thing: their hair might elicit plenty of compliments, but it can be a real struggle to maintain. The wrong kind of hair product, extreme weather conditions, or an experimental hairstyle can all leave it looking frizzy and flat, which is fine if that’s the look you’re going for, but not if you want to boost your curl pattern to its full potential.

The twists and turns of a curly hair strand (created by the oval-shaped follicle it grows out of) leave its protective cuticle more exposed, which means the hair fiber is more vulnerable to damage and dehydration. And the more fragile a curl is, the less likely it is to behave. In short, the key to any successful hairstyle – from knotless braids to up-dos – is starting with a strong curl that can be manipulated without losing its curl pattern completely. And how do you strengthen a curl? By replenishing it with hair care that contains a very specific set of nourishing ingredients…

Before you start: Give your curls the right kind of protein

When it comes to the differences between curly and straight hair, it doesn’t stop at an oval-shaped follicle and raised cuticle layer. Nexxus scientists have also discovered a difference in the types of protein that make up the hair fiber, and formulated the new Nexxus Curl Define range to replenish them specifically. The range’s unique PROTEINFUSION blend contains silk protein and marula oil to bring your curl pattern back to life. Why silk protein? Because it’s rich in glycine and serine amino acids (curly hair contains two to six times more of these than straight hair). Once your curl definition is strengthened and moisture restored, you’ll find your hair is far more malleable for the hairstyles recommended below:

Hairstyle 1: Sky-high pony

This look requires curls that are soft enough to be teased up towards the crown using your fingers, but with enough curl definition at the ends for a bouncy, volume-packed ponytail. Use a snag-free hairband and try washing your hair a day or two before, using the Curl Define Pre-Wash Detangler Treatment first to nix any tangles that may get in the way of your teasing.

Hairstyle 2: Voluminous side part

While most up-dos require a certain amount of next-day dirt, hair worn down requires maximum volume at the root, so this is a good option on hair-wash day. The Sulfate-Free Curl Define Shampoo cleanses the scalp of any product build-up without using any harsh, hair-stripping sulfates. Create a sharp part using the end of a tail comb, brushing a tiny amount of gel through the hair on either side of the line to add structure and keep everything in place.

Hairstyle 3: Pinned-back waves

Tease the hair back against your scalp, securing it above the ears with bobby pins. Then loosen and separate the curl pattern at the ends using a paddle brush or wide-toothed comb. Hairpins can cause friction damage to the delicate hair cuticle but prepping your hair with the strengthening Curl Define range will help to minimize breakage.

Hairstyle 4: Braided beauty

There are so many different types of braids to choose from, depending on the look you want to achieve. Some can be done by the person wearing it, while others are more complex and may require a salon visit or help from a friend. They’re also the go-to protective hairstyle for people with Afro hair, and applying the Curl Define Leave-In Conditioner first will maximize its shielding effects. Scalp oils have a harder time making their way along curly hair strands, so the conditioner’s marula oil and silk protein will make all the difference in boosting this repairing, moisture-restoring ritual.