This post is in partnership with SEEN
Caring for curly hair can seem daunting, but it starts with understanding the science of your scalp and strands. When you know why your hair is the way it is, you can reach for the best products for your specific needs, both for your hair and your skin.
What makes hair curly?
Have you ever wondered why some people’s strands are stick-straight, while others’ are wavy or coiled?
“It all comes down to genetics, which dictates the shape and angle of your hair follicles,” says Dr. Iris Rubin, Harvard-trained dermatologist and creator of SEEN hair care. “In those with curly hair, the follicles are shaped like ovals, and the flatter the oval, the curlier the hair.” (On the flip side, round follicles produce straight hairs.)
Follicles that tunnel into the scalp at an angle contribute to curliness as well, and the greater the curve, the tighter the curl.
Follicles that curve into the scalp are responsible for another common attribute of curly hair: dryness.
“Follicles with this shape prevent the scalp’s natural oils (technically called sebum) from coating the entire length of the strand, causing dryness,” Dr. Rubin explains.
Dry hair is more prone to frizz — the most hated #curlyhairproblem of them all.
Choosing curly hair products
“The number one priority when caring for and styling curly hair is giving it the moisture it needs,” Dr. Rubin says. That happens with water. “Fighting frizz is likely a close second, but this is where you need to take a closer look at your products’ ingredient lists.”
Many products that are designed to smooth strands and coax curls into place are formulated with pore-clogging oils, certain waxes and polymers, and other sneaky ingredients that may clog the pores on your scalp as well as other skin it touches.
Silicones are often shunned in curly hair care as they can block the strands from absorbing moisture. While silicone itself doesn’t clog pores on your skin, some research shows silicones may lead to clogged pores when combined with other ingredients as they can trap them on the skin.
Developed by dermatologist Dr. Rubin, SEEN is made with all types of hair and skin in mind, and each product has a fragrance-free counterpart. We know that scalp health is essential to hair health, so the brand’s non-comedogenic (i.e. non-pore-clogging), non-irritating shampoos and conditioners are formulated to meet the hydration needs of curly hair without sulfates and silicones and without leaving a heavy or greasy feel. The Deeper Conditioner is especially beneficial for extra-dry hair that needs additional moisture.
Now that we know why curly hair is drier and have properly cleansed and hydrated it, it’s time to lock that moisture in and lock frizz out.
SEEN’s silicone-free Curly Creme is designed to enhance curl definition and minimize frizz while providing protection against heat styling, hair-damaging UV rays, and pollution.
While Curly Creme is ideal for medium to thick hair, those with finer strands can reap the same benefits from SEEN’s Blow-Out Creme. Don’t let the name stop you from trying it on your curls, and if you still like to straighten sometimes, this product can pull double-duty. Both the Curly Creme and the Blow-Out Creme can be used for air-drying.
For even more protection against frizz and breakage, cocktail your SEEN styling cream of choice with a few drops of Magic Serum. It’s made with hemisqualane, the sugar-derived ingredient that SEEN calls “nature’s answer to silicone.”
From its dermatological roots to its fragrance-free options, Dr. Rubin created SEEN with sensitive skin in mind. In fact, all of SEEN’s fragrance-free hair care products have received the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which means that people with sensitive skin can enjoy happy, healthy skin and beautiful hair without worry. “When developing these formulas, it was important to replace common skin-irritating ingredients and allergens with skin-friendly alternatives,” Dr. Rubin says, “without sacrificing any of the smoothing, softening, shine-enhancing results.”
