Curly Hair Consultation: Expert Tips and Techniques

If you’re a fan of our blog posts (and of course you are!), then you know how important a consultation is—we certainly highlight it in every post. Textured hair is now firmly on the education list, and rightly so. Did you know that 6 out of 10 clients have textured hair? However, understanding the unique characteristics of curly hair and customizing services to meet clients’ needs can feel outside some stylists’ comfort zones. So, grab a coffee and read on for some pro tips to help you master curly hair consultations.

What Is a Curly Hair Consultation?

Curly hair requires a different approach compared to straight or wavy hair due to its unique structure. Curly hair tends to be more prone to dryness and frizz, and it can vary significantly in texture and pattern from person to person. Therefore, a detailed consultation where you assess and discuss the client’s curly hair type, health, and styling preferences is key! It’s also crucial to examine the hair when it’s dry and in its natural texture to observe how those stunning curls fall and how the client typically wears their hair. This collaborative process helps develop a personalized plan that includes haircuts, color, treatments, and styling techniques specifically tailored to your client’s needs.

Why Curl Consultations Are Essential

Let’s take a look at some tips, tests, and questions that will help you during your curly consultation.

Customization

Curly hair varies widely in texture, density, and curl pattern, so learning how to identify and treat all curly hair types will give you the confidence to tailor your services and get the best outcome. Personalized techniques help you achieve the client’s desired results while bringing out the best from their hair.

Client Satisfaction

Understanding the client’s expectations and lifestyle leads to a more satisfactory outcome and reduces the risk of misunderstandings and dissatisfaction.

Prevention of Damage

Curly hair can be more prone to dryness, frizz, and breakage.  Conducting the appropriate hair tests and understanding hair porosity during the consultation will help you choose the right products and techniques to avoid damage.

Understanding Curly Hair Texture

Understanding curl patterns is essential for properly caring for and styling curly hair. Curl patterns, which range from loose waves to tight coils, determine the hair’s texture, behavior, and needs. By identifying and working with a client’s unique curl type, you can choose the most effective products and techniques to enhance natural curls, promote definition, and maintain overall hair health. Knowing the curl pattern is the first step in creating customized, beautiful, and long-lasting results for curly-haired clients. That said, let’s take a look at the different curl patterns: 

• Type 1: Straight hair with no curl.
• Type 2: Wavy hair with an ‘S’ shape.
• Type 3: Curly hair with defined curls (loose to tight).
• Type 4: Coily hair with very tight curls or a zigzag pattern.

Curl Porosity

It’s also important to understand the different levels of porosity, which are low, normal, and high.

• Low Porosity: Cuticles are tightly bound, making it hard for moisture to penetrate. Use lighter, water-based products.
• Normal Porosity: Hair absorbs and retains moisture well. Regular weekly treatments are usually effective to keep the hair soft and bouncy.
• High Porosity: Cuticles are raised, causing quick moisture absorption but also rapid loss. Use heavier products to seal in moisture.

Density and Thickness

Next, let’s talk about hair density and thickness and the difference between the two.

• Density refers to the number of hair strands per square inch. It affects hair volume and how products are applied.
• Thickness refers to the width of individual hair strands. It influences the choice of products and cutting techniques.

Learn more about the difference between hydrating and nourishing hair.

Assessing Client Needs and Expectations

Effective communication is crucial, so it is important to have a consultation and ask about your client’s previous hair care routine, styling preferences, and any issues with current products. You can also show clients images of different styles and curl types to help them articulate their desired look (or ask your clients to bring in their own hair inspiration pictures).

Top Tips for Your Curly Consultation

Client Lifestyle

• Maintenance Time: Determine how much time the client can dedicate to hair care and adjust recommendations accordingly.
• Activity Level: Consider daily activities such as workouts or swimming, which may influence product choices and styling techniques.

Managing Expectations

• Realistic Outcomes: Be sure clients understand what can be achieved based on their hair type and condition.
• Education: Explain how factors like humidity and product buildup can affect their curls and how to manage these issues.

Analyze Scalp Health

• Check for dryness, oiliness, dandruff, or inflammation. This can impact overall hair health and product selection. Our Moisturizing RE/START Hydration scalp lotion helps to balance, soothe and protect the scalp.

Check Hair Elasticity

• Elasticity Test: Gently pull a strand of hair. Healthy hair will stretch and return to its original length. Lack of elasticity may indicate damage.
• Implications: Low elasticity may require protein treatments to restore strength.

Assess Damage

• Visual Inspection: Look for split ends, breakage, and uneven texture.

Product Selection

Using too many products can make styling curly hair challenging, and recommending the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated our top picks just for you! You can’t go wrong with our RE/START CURLS range, designed for wavy, curly, and coily hair. This range offers a simple yet effective solution with six innovative products for customized, highly sensory routines. Mix and match products tailored to your client’s textured hair needs to offer personalized treatments and exceptional results. The RE/START Curls Range is also: 

• Curly Girl Method Compliant
• Sulfate-Free **
• Silicone-Free **
• Color Safe
• Vegan Formulas
• Has skincare-Inspired Textures
• Highly Sensorial Formulas
• Dermatologically Tested

*Formulated without adding sulfates. 

**Formulated without adding silicones.

Curly Hair Care

Opt for sulfate-free formulas to avoid stripping natural oils. For low porosity hair, use lighter moisturizers; for high porosity hair, use heavier creams.

Choose products that enhance curl definition and minimize frizz. Consider curl creams, gels, and mousses specifically formulated for the client’s curl type. To really simplify the styling routine, we recommend UniqOne™ Curls Leave-In Treatment. This innovative product has 10 real curly benefits that the hair needs all in this one product!

Styling and Maintenance Tips for Curls

Cutting Techniques

Use specialized cutting techniques that work with the natural curl pattern to enhance curl shape and manageability. Consider cutting curls while dry so you can immediately view the natural fall and shape of the hair. This technique is particularly useful for maintaining curl shape and reducing shrinkage.

Daily Maintenance

Recommend heat-free styling methods such as diffusing or air-drying to prevent heat damage. Encourage clients to consider protective styles that reduce daily manipulation and protect hair ends, such as braids, wraps, and twists.

Detangling Curls

Use rehydrating sprays like our REVLON PROFESSIONAL EQUAVE™ CURLS DEFINITION INSTANT DETANGLING CONDITIONER to boost curls. This Curly Girl Method compliant formula detangles and nourishes the hair, controls frizz and helps to define all curl types. Also advise clients to use satin or silk pillowcases to minimize friction and prevent frizz.

Client Education

Encourage clients to schedule follow-up appointments to assess progress, adjust their care plan, and address any new concerns. Also, provide clients with information on how to maintain their curls, including tips for trending colors, seasonal changes, and new products.

We hope you enjoyed all these tips! Now you’re a curly hair consultation pro! Get inspired by even more tips and tricks by visiting our 24/7 educational platform, #AlwaysOn (for clients only, so click the link to become one) for more exclusive content! You can also check out our Revlon Pro Color World Mobile App for professional color tools. Need supplies? Visit Revlon ProShop for all your hair care needs.