Which mask should be used for curly hair?

Curly hair exhibits a unique form of undulation, particularly in a helix shape, a few centimetres from the root. Soft and loose, these resemble small spirals that fall onto the nape of the neck. This distinctive structure hinders the proper migration of sebum from the root to the tip of the hair. It is for this reason that curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair. Moreover, curly hair is more fragile and prone to breakage because at each curl, the keratin scales lift.

Curly hair tends to be dry, coarse, brittle, and the curls often lack definition.

Acting as a true hair bandage, the mask provides the essential elements for the proper definition of curly hair. Indeed, this treatment is concentrated with rich active ingredients, particularly hydrating and/or nourishing, which help to soften the hair fibre, restore the cuticles while giving the curls bounce and hold.

They are to be appliedsolely to the lengths and tips, to avoid weighing down the roots. Generally, they are applied to damp hair, after shampooing, on aweekly basis. The duration of application varies depending on the product.

Several ingredients should be prioritised to restore radiance, shine, and definition to curly hair. We recommend favouring natural ingredients to care for the hair without damaging it. Opt for a mask containing one or more of the following compounds.

• Nourishing natural fatty substances

  Rich in fatty acids, these compounds help to compensate for the lack of sebum typical of curly hair as well asimproving curl definition. Among the most effective, we can mention theavocado oil, of coconut, ofargan, of pequi, ofaçaí, of castor, of jojoba or even the butters of shea and of mango.

• Restorative and lipid-replenishing active ingredients

  Some active ingredients have the ability to integrate into the lipid cement of the hair fibre, thereby restoring the cohesion of the cuticle. The flaws, also known as "scales", are filled in, the cuticle is smoothed, and the cortex is better protected. The squalane and the biomimetic ceramides are, for example, two active ingredients that act in this way and are classified as lipid-replenishing.

• Hydrating active ingredients

  Typically, it is sugar-derived molecules that provide the most hydration to hair. For instance, we can mention the aloe vera gel which is particularly rich in polysaccharides (mannose-6-phosphate, aloeverose, acemannan). These long-chain sugar molecules contain hydroxyl groups (-OH) that create a hydrophilic environment. The gel thus retains water molecules, limiting their natural evaporation from the hair fibre. Thehyaluronic acid is also an interesting compound to find in hair masks intended for dry and curly hair. This glycosaminoglycan has a significant water retention power and limits the dehydration of hair fibres.