Having textured hair can be confusing. With so many different hair types, it can be hard to work out which methods and routines work best for you.
To help you narrow down what your hair needs, I’ve written this guide with the needs of Mediterranean hair in mind. This guide is not exclusively for Mediterranean girls, but the tips do revolve around Mediterranean hair.
What is Mediterranean hair?
In general, Mediterranean hair is:
- thick & dense
- dry & easily frizzes
- grows fast
- inconsistent curl patterns
- generally spiral shaped curls
Example of inconsistent curls: some strands curl right at the roots, while others curl a few centimetres down from the roots. Some curls are spiralled all the way through, others stretch towards the tips and aren’t as tight. Overall – lot’s of curl inconsistency!
What if you’re not Mediterranean but still want some help?
If the points above sound like you, then read on! You can definitely benefit from this article.
If the points above doesn’t sound like you, then check out the rest of our blog for lots more tips more targeted towards you 🙂
The struggle of having Mediterranean curls…
The BIGGEST struggle is keeping those thirsty strands hydrated! Lack of hydration = frizz and knots. But, our hair is already extremely thick and heavy, so the last thing we want is thick product weighing it down even more.
This is a struggle because most curly hair products that provide a burst of moisture happen to have a very thick and heavy consistency.
My hair 1.5 yrs ago in March 2021! So much shorter compared to now!
From juicy & defined to greasy & weighed down: why my favourite product stopped working
Back when my hair was shorter (see picture above), my curls had fallen in love with a certain styling product. I loved the results this product gave me. The definition it left me with lasted for 6 days. In fact, as the week went on, my curls actually looked even better!
Very slowly, I noticed my results changed. I went through a couple months where I was very unhappy with my hair. The change was gradual. I changed how I applied the product, the amount I applied, the method used, etc, but nothing worked! My curls consistently became weighed down, stretched out and painfully greasy.
I worked out that it was due to my product. Although it once worked wonders for my hair, as my curls grew and changed, the product no longer worked for me.
Moral of the story: try to find products that are lightweight but moisturising at the same time. My hair was weighed down and greasy because the styling product I used was thick and heavy. While my hair was short, I could get away with it. Within only a couple months of hair growth, I could no longer get away with using thick, heavy products.
I know, it’s almost impossible to find products with thin formulas that still manage to provide just as much moisture as a thicker product would. Don’t worry, after extensive research and experimentation, I found some rare gems that miraculously moisturise curls using thin formulas that don’t weigh them down.
My hair now in September 2022. Partially due to genetics, partially due to my curl diet.
The key
Styling products that have thin, lightweight consistencies are your best friends. The issue with this is that many lightweight products won’t moisturise curls as well as us Med girls need them to.
The ultimate key is to find curly hair products that have thin, lightweight consistencies but still are able to deeply penetrate the strand and moisturise it from the inside out.
Suggest read: Fake Conditioning VS Real Conditioning
The rare gems
Time for the part of the article you’ve been waiting for! Now that you know the key to taking care of your curls, here are some game changing products that can help you achieve your goals:
Flora & Curl Rose Water & Honey Leave-in Detangler – this leave in conditioner is a gift from God. It hydrates curls so well, leaving them juicy and defined. Its formula is so thin and lightweight. It doesn’t weigh down curls at all, but manages to thoroughly hydrate them.
Flora & Curl Sweet Hibiscus Curl Defining Gel – you get the best of it all: lasting hold, extra definition and even volume. This formula is an absolute miracle! It adds definition without weighing hair down.
Flora & Curl Sweet Hibiscus Curl Activating Lotion – another iconic Flora & Curl product! This lotion softens curls and helps the strands to seal in moisture. It leaves curls soft, shiny and plump.
Pictured: Flora & Curl Sweet Hibiscus Curl Activating Lotion
Alikay Naturals Moisture Rich Hair Parfait – this is an interesting product because the texture is solid. You have to scrape some out with your finger and then melt it between your palms. Rub your palms together to melt it. It turns into a texture of a parfait! Light and airy, this formula melts into curls with ease.
Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner – yes, another leave in conditioner absolutely is necessary on this list! This formula comes in liquid form and in a spray bottle. Just one spritz of this liquid gold will transform the driest curl. Elevate your hair a few days post wash day with this iconic mid week curl rejuvenator!
If you are buying one item…
If you are to buy one item from this list, it has to be either Flora & Curl Rose Water & Honey Leave-in Detangler or Flora & Curl Sweet Hibiscus Curl Defining Gel. These products both work well on their own (but even better together!) and will leave you with results you’ll love.
Please note: this article is only discussing styling products. If you would like a detailed walkthrough of my entire routine, check out this article: My Curly Hair Routine
I could talk about curls for an eternity! Want to chat more? Feel free to send me a DM anytime on luxemodaau or curlylifeau. Wishing you all the best on your hair care journey! 💕💕💕
– Sarah xx
