BEAUTY: From straight to curly

White overalls

I said I’d update you on using the Paul Mitchell’s curl products.

Here’s the routine I use on my (just re-done) chemically straightened hair.  I’m no expert or hairdresser – just sharing what I do and what works for me…


1.  Shampoo the hair.  I started with the Spring Loaded Detangling Shampoo.   I try to avoid sulfates in shampoos so it was a plus that this is sulfate free too.  Tip: Stay away from any that have SLS sulphates as they are known to be the most drying on hair.

Paul Mitchell curl confession

2.  Do not rush the shampoo bit.  Tip: I usually shampoo twice.  The second time gets the hair ‘squeaky’ clean on rinsing which I don’t feel on the first. I think it helps get rid of product build up better as well.

African American Curly Hair

3.  After the basic conditioner. Use the Paul Mitchell Full Circle Leave-in Treatment.  For me this is where I see a difference either way in the finish of the hair – the leave ins.

Paul Mitchell Full Circle Leave In Treatment

4.  Section hair and apply the leave-in. Tip: I concentrate on twisting it from mid to ends which is the driest part – especially with me having permanent colour.

Untitled

5. Finish with Twirl Around Crunch-Free Curl Definer.  I used less than shown below, scrunching it mostly into the ends.  Tip:  I avoid using too much of any leave in products so that it doesn’t feel or look weighed down – a quarter is usually enough (that’s about a one pound coin to us Brits).

Paul Mitchell Twirl Around Crunch-Free Curl Definer

6.  Air dry the hair for a few hours.  When going curly I avoid heat and let the hair dry naturally.  After a few hours it turns to this.  Tip: If you have chemically relaxed hair like mine, avoiding heat when you can is huge which is why I don’t use diffusers.  Plus with permanent color – even more reason to avoid heat. Going curly means a break from dryers.

Curly hair

7.  From straight to curly with no heat!  I just had my hair chemically straightened last week which leaves it thin and limp which I hate. Big natural looking curls is an alternative I like switching back and forth between to give volume and to play with two completely different looks : -)

Zara blazer

Tuxedo Blazer: Zara. White dungarees: Vintage Levis (similars on sale). T-shirt: Tea & Sympathy in the west village.  Leopard wallet used as clutch: Random NY shop.  Similars by Clare V  or DVF! Shoes: Chuck Taylors

So there you have it.  My straight to curly routine in a nutshell but this time with the Paul Mitchell products I told you I was going to try.

You can pick them up at any Paul Mitchell salon and leave your own #curlconfession on the Paul Mitchell Truth About Curls facebook page.

Would be interesting to read if anyone with hair like mine gives these a try.

ps. A curl confession truth for you:  I use distilled water from a bottle for the last hair rinse. Best tip I got once to counteract the hard water I live with.  It makes the hair dry softer.

pps. Check out my usual hair care routine (here).

Want to know why I cut my hair? Read (this post)!!

35 comments

  1. Mlle W says:

    total hair-crush when it’s curly!

  2. Mandy says:

    Love your posts from a fellow Brit!!!. I have a shower water filter attachment (with vitamin c) which is fantastic. I will have a look at the leave in products if I can find them in the U.K.

    • Karen says:

      Oh the filter sounds good. I’ve been wanting a filter for so long now and really need it.

  3. FJ says:

    God bless you for this. I have been looking to get my hair curly.

    • Karen says:

      Oh good! definitely try. Once my hair is wet at naturally reverts to curling so a little product just encourages that

  4. BESOS LYNN says:

    I have a similar curl pattern to yours, but I don’t chemically straighten my hair. I would be interested in trying this product, your hair looks supper moisturized.
    Besos,lynn

    • Karen says:

      Yes a lot of girls do and don’t have chemically straightened hair and this I’ve noticed works for both (at least for me). Give it a go and let me know if it worked?

  5. ambde says:

    Very nice.

  6. Blackn Olive says:

    I was actually considering using Paul Mitchell products however I don’t know the effects on Natural hair. I def would like to try now. Love it and the outfit as well!

    blackandolives.blogspot.com

  7. Jessica says:

    Love the curls! Don’t you live in NYC?? We don’t have hard water here 🙂

    • Karen says:

      There is definitely hard water in the part of NY where I live : ( My skin alone confirms it. The distilled water makes a massive difference : )

  8. Aspyn J. says:

    i wish i had hair as awesome as you 🙁

    butimnotajournalist.blogspot.com

    • Karen says:

      I’m sure your hair is great Aspyn. I have a crap load of bad hair days that just don’t get posted on the blog so keep that in mind ; )

  9. derbyandlipstick says:

    Love your hair! Should try these products to make my curls more defined

  10. Jaclyn Andrade says:

    I have the craziest curly hair too! well not as much as yours and expect I’m latina but i do have LOTS of frizz! So i will try Paul Mitchell’s if you recommend?!

  11. Live TV says:

    Fabulous 🙂

  12. Vanessa alves says:

    OMG! I just got all those products and i’m going to try it as soon as i relax my hair! I love the results, this is just what i needed as a push!!

    Thanks a load
    xo from South Africa

    • BIGSCHMOE says:

      Excuse please, so your hair is straight or curly,? you say “as soon as I relax my hair” Is this is to get a better/different kind of curly hair? I am not intending anything just read thru to see how I curl my straight hair and your comment kinda thro’s me for a loop…

  13. NokyAdaliz says:

    I’m going to try this today. On my way to the salon to buy these products and I will post the result later. I’m hopeful, but not too much since I know not everyones hair does the same thing. WISH ME LUCK!

  14. Anonymous says:

    First off your hair both ways is awesome. I was wondering do you relax your hair or do a brazilian blowout? I am trying to stay away from chemicals and want to keep my curl but defineately need to soften it.

  15. brittany byrd says:

    is your hair naturally curly?

  16. brittany byrd says:

    is ur hair naturally curly though?

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  17. mic lenin says:

    I have goen through your site, this is a good one.for more information please follow our blog:-Take care of your hair by using natural hair products. Get a detailed knowledge of using curly hair products from the website. Here you will get a complete overview of natural hair weave and how to take care of it by using shampoo for natural hair. This is absolutely a right place to stop to get an wholesome idea of caring hair.

  18. Anonymous says:

    Hi, I love your hair and want to try it. I don’t fully understand the “twisting: step. Do you twist the hair from midways to the ends and clamp the ends, leaving the twists in until it dries, or do you just twist it as you apply the product and let it untwist right away? Can you please give me detailed directions on this step. thanks!!

  19. Anonymous says:

    how long does this style last?

  20. Grace Kompany says:

    Wait so do you usually have relaxed hair and use these products to make your hair curly? Or do you already have naturally curly hair? I have chemically relaxed hair and want to mix things up a bit 😀

  21. Anonymous says:

    Well my hair is naturally curly and I have recently chemically straightened my hair and bought this product to try, it does nothing as what she has explained.
    My hair just remained straight and not no curl what so ever.

  22. Gang Kraton says:

    indeed God is just and wise, we remain grateful albeit in small trials and heaviest love, God created life in the world is different, there are good and there is bad, there is also no earth sky, as well as beautiful or handsome man there is no bad, no dreads and straight, slim, although we in love dreads like that we must remain grateful for the gift, thank you for the article sahre and greetings from me Jual Obat Bius

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