IS CURLY HAIR THE NEW BEARD?

If you work in banking, law or any other establishment who are still backward enough that they insist on you being clean shaven and have an army short back and sides haircut - this post is probably not for you.

Is curly hair the new beard trend? It's a fair question. The beard trend seems to have been around forever and although it is not likely to die anytime soon, it is time for change. 

Curly hair on men is making a comeback. We are going wild for waves, whether it’s the tousled tresses of Harry Styles, the corkscrew curls of Game of Thrones Kit Harington or the bedhead of Orlando Bloom, never before has it been cooler to be curly.

Poldark star, Aidan Turner can probably take full credit for the curl revival thanks to his portrayal of the British Army officer and with a further five series commissioned we think it is fair to say curly hair is set to be the new beard.

So how to seduce, rather than repulse, with your mop top? Hair pro and Aidan Turner’s go-to-guy, Oscar Alexander, gives his top tips on keeping those curls under control.

“Most guys with curly hair have always cut it short as they just don’t know what to do with it but with the right products and a bit of know-how it can look amazing. I’m a huge fan of JOICO, the world-renowned hair care range, which has just launched a new, seven product, Curl Range to make the most of all curl and hair types. Don’t try to fight your curls, embrace them!”

— Oscar Alexander

Here are his tips and product recommendations:

Get the right cut

Curly hair needs cut properly so get yourself a good hairdresser who understands and respects the natural shape and formation of your particular curl. Explain the look you are hoping for and listen to the stylist if they say your wave isn’t going that way. 

Keep it clean

No need to wash every day as this will dry out the curly hair texture as well as make the hair get greasy quicker. JOICO CURL CRÈME WASH (300ml RRP£13.95) is a sulphate-free co and wash, this is the new way to cleanse hair, using a moisturising emulsion opposed to a drying shampoo. Once a week cleanse hair thoroughly of product with O&M Original Detox Shampoo (350ml RRP £23).

Gently does it 

Roughly towel-drying hair can only lead to damage. Curly hair is more fragile than other hair types so gently squeezing hair with a towel or a linen muslin post shower is better for it.

Keep hydrated 

As curly hair is a much more dry hair type than other hair types, JOICO CURL CORRECTING MILK (150ml RRP £12.95) or O&M Know Knott Conditioning Detangler (250ml RRP £19) will nourish and balance the hair. A light spritz on damp hair and gently combed through will help keep hair frizz free.

Bin the brush

Combing through damp hair is fine but taking a brush anywhere near curly hair is a no-go. JOICO CURL CONTROLLING ANTI-FRIZZ STYLER (100ml RRP £12.95) is the best way to tame erratic curls. A tiny amount eased through damp hair from the ends up gives curls definition and hold. O&M Style Guru Styling Cream (150ml £18) is rich in amino acids and vitamins A, C and E which will help keep locks looking luxe.

Get in style

Try Osmo Shaper Maker (100ml £8.45) or O&M K-GRAVEL Texture Clay (100g £19) to give curls shape, texture and hold.

Stay bouncy

Even with the best cut and products, hair can drop and need a pick-me-up. JOICO CURL REFRESHED REANIMATING MIST (150ml RRP £12.95) restores curls between washes and reactivates styling products to keep your curls looking fresher, longer. Osmo Curl Spray (250ml £9.10) is also a great product to revitalise curls without stickiness.

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