Dealing with curls? Bookmark this! Here's our handy guide on how to manage curls in Singapore – from knowing curl type to where to go for a cut, plus insights from a curl expert...
If your kid (or you) is anything like me – the one with curly hair in the family – you’ve had to deal with a morass of seaweed-like strands on your head, teasing them into something neat while combating the fact that we live near the equator and experience peak humidity levels! Humidity can make curly hair frizzy!
I still recoil at the sight of wooden hairbrushes, remembering times my mother raised one over my head, coaxing my errant, seething curls into an obedient plait. Don’t get me started on the hairdressers we sought to tame my Medusa mane, all of whom were taken aback themselves, unsure of which product to peddle or style to recommend that didn’t involve shearing the lot off. Childhood with an unruly mop like mine wasn’t all smooth sailing.
But that doesn’t have to be the case for you or your little curly-haired kid. Thanks to this handy guide on managing curly hair in Singapore, from knowing your curl type to where to go for a cut, plus some important insights from a curl expert, we’re here to help…
Managing curly hair in Singapore: At a glance
- Understanding curl types – Get to know wavy, curly and coily hair.
- How to care for each curl type – Tips for Type 2, Type 3 and Type 4 hair.
- Curly haircare essentials – Washing, styling and maintaining those curls.
- Where to buy curly hair products in Singapore – Online shopping options for curls and coils.
- Hair salons for curly hair in Singapore – Find a stylist for your family’s tresses.
- Tips from a curly hair expert – Curly cuts, kids’ haircuts and managing frizz.
All about curl types
Understanding your curl type can make managing those tresses a cinch! Did you know Oprah Winfrey’s stylist Andre Walker created a hair classification system to help you figure out how to care for your kiddo’s tresses? Created in the 1990s, the Andre Walker Hair Typing System became a widely used starting point for identifying hair types.
There are four main hair types, from straight to coily. Charts commonly used today divide wavy, curly and coily hair into subcategories from A to C, describing patterns from loose waves to tight coils. Think of the chart as a starting point: your child may have more than one curl pattern, and hair thickness, dryness and scalp needs matter too.
The lowdown on curl types & how to care for each of them
To figure out the curl type, check freshly washed hair and watch as the curls spring into their natural shapes as they dry, without brushing or heat styling. There’s no need to pluck strands from your kiddo’s head! Your child may have more than one curl type.
Here are a few simple ways to care for each curl type…
Understanding curl types: Wavy hair – Type 2
The Type 2 curly mop ranges from fine to coarse. Think tousled beach waves and S-shaped strands. These still need TLC and products that can enhance shine without weighing them down.
Caring for Type 2 tresses can involve a gentle shampoo and lightweight conditioner, with a deep conditioner or light leave-in conditioner when needed. Style when damp with a lightweight mousse, gel or cream to define these loose S-shaped waves.
Understanding curl types: Curly hair – Type 3
Type 3 curls range from loose loops to tight, curly tendrils. These curls can be much more voluminous than Type 2 hair. Type 3 curls need moisture and products that help define their tendrils.
Use a conditioner after washing, gently detangle while the hair is wet and conditioned, and apply a leave-in conditioner or curl-defining product as needed.
Understanding curl types: Coily or kinky hair – Type 4
Type 4 hair has tight coils or zigzag patterns. Despite its full appearance, it can be delicate and prone to dryness and breakage. Hence, moisturising, conditioning and gentle detangling are key for this hair type.
Wash according to your child’s scalp needs, activity levels and product buildup, rather than following a fixed schedule just because of their curl type. You live in the humidity bubble that is Singapore, after all! Refresh curls between washes with water and a little leave-in conditioner if needed, but remember that styling products don’t clean the scalp.
Haircare essentials for curly hair
When it comes to curly hair, it’s best to dump that one-size-fits-all mindset and work with the type of curls you’re blessed with! Here are some Curly 101s you can adopt for a healthy scalp and curls. A curly hair routine consists of washing, styling and curl maintenance.
Curly hair wash day essential products
Wash products include a gentle shampoo and rinse-off conditioner. A sulphate-free shampoo can be an option for dry curls, but choose a formula that cleans your child’s scalp effectively without leaving their hair feeling stripped. A scalp massager is optional; gentle washing with your fingertips can do the job too.
Additionally, a microfibre towel or soft cotton T-shirt can help with drying the curly mop. Gently squeeze or blot away excess water instead of rubbing the curls with a terrycloth towel to help reduce frizz and breakage.
Curly hair styling products
Styling includes products like a leave-in conditioner and/or gel. A lightweight mousse might be useful for Type 2 waves. Start with a small amount and choose products suitable for your child’s age and hair needs.
Curly hair maintenance products
In addition, a curl maintenance routine can involve a deep conditioning mask when the hair needs extra moisture and a clarifying shampoo when there is product buildup. These don’t need to be used once a week by default: follow the product instructions and adjust to your child’s hair and scalp needs. If you’re in the Type 4 range, a little suitable hair oil may help reduce friction, but it doesn’t replace conditioner.
Silk or satin pillowcases can help reduce friction and frizz while older kids sleep.
Where to buy curly hair products in Singapore
Should you fall under the Type 3–4 curly types, it might be difficult to find suitable products in typical pharmacies or supermarkets, but fret not! We’ve got you.
1. Amazon
Best for: Shopping for curl products and accessories together
You can look for curl-specific shampoos, conditioners and styling products on Amazon. In addition, you can source curly hair accessories such as microfibre towels, grips and clips. Check the seller, shipping fees and delivery eligibility for Singapore before ordering, as these vary by listing.
2. iHerb
Best for: Browsing curl-care products with Singapore delivery
iHerb carries curly hair products that you can have shipped to Singapore, including SheaMoisture shampoos, conditioners and styling products. Check current stock and the estimated delivery date before ordering.
3. Mane Heaven SG
Best for: Shopping from a Singapore-based curl specialist store
Run by two curly girls based in Singapore, Mane Heaven SG brings together products curated for curly hair. It’s another handy place to explore when you’re looking for products beyond the usual pharmacy shelves.
Where to get a haircut for curly hair in Singapore
For curly-haired kiddos, getting a haircut can sometimes be an overwhelming experience, especially if they have been made to feel like the glorious mop on their heads is difficult to manage, so it’s important that kiddos feel comfortable! A stylist experienced in curly hair can help find a cutting technique that works with their natural texture and accounts for shrinkage.
Before booking, let the salon know your child’s age and curl type, and check which stylist and service would suit them.
1. MarHa Salon
Best for: A welcoming salon with private appointments available on request
MarHa is a female-founded business (and you know we love those!) by Singaporean stylists Marini and Hali, who have managed to make their salon such a safe space for both adults and kids. They’re both adept at curly cuts, and there are even private nooks for hijabis – just let them know when booking!
Where: MarHa, 1 Jalan Kledek, #01-01, Singapore 199257
2. Immagine Italiana
Best for: Curly haircuts in the Joo Chiat neighbourhood
Located in the trendy Joo Chiat area, Immagine Italiana, also known as Immagine Hairstylist, was started by two Italian expats. They provide a range of services and specialise in both straight and curly hair. Simply start the journey by arranging a consultation and asking which cutting approach would suit you or your little one. You can look forward to friendly service and complimentary tea or coffee during your visit.
Where: Immagine Italiana, 361 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427606
3. Hera Hair Beauty
Best for: Specialist curly cuts at Tanglin Mall or Sentosa Cove
Curlies are spoilt for choice at Hera Hair Beauty with its team of curly hair specialists who will help you identify curl patterns and provide a customised cut and style! Its curly hair service includes dry cutting to assess the natural curl pattern, with wet refinement where needed. Ask about the most suitable service and stylist for your little one’s curls before booking.
Where: Hera Hair Beauty, 163 Tanglin Road, #03-125/126, Tanglin Mall, Singapore 247933; and 31 Ocean Way, #01-20, Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375
4. Curly Heaven SG
Best for: A private curl specialist appointment and curl coaching
Curly Heaven SG is run by local Singaporean Viji, a curl specialist who runs a home-based salon providing haircut and styling services for curlies. The Rëzo cut is a dry-cutting method designed to enhance the hair’s body, balance and shape. Viji offers haircut and styling services alongside curl coaching from the comfort of her private salon in Khatib.
Where: Curly Heaven SG, Khatib, Singapore. The full address is provided upon appointment confirmation. Please book in advance; no walk-ins.
We spoke with a curly hair expert
I caught up with Viji, founder of Curly Heaven SG and co-owner of Mane Heaven SG, with years of curl-care experience. She explained hair-cutting techniques for curly mops and shared tried-and-tested tips for managing curly hair in Singapore’s humidity.
1. What is the difference between a Rëzo cut and a normal haircut?
A Rëzo cut is a dry-cut technique specifically designed for textured hair, such as curls, waves and coils. Cutting on dry hair allows the stylist to see the natural curl pattern and account for shrinkage. This enables the stylist to create a customised cut that accentuates the curls’ natural shape and encourages curl definition.
A wet cut can also work well when carried out by a stylist experienced in textured hair. The important thing is finding someone who understands how your child’s curls behave. A significant component of Rëzo training for stylists covers products and managing textured hair, so parents can expect to receive valuable tips and advice on how to best care for their kids’ hair.
2. Can you share some info on how you cut kids’ hair? What are some challenges?
At the time of our interview, Viji shared:
My youngest client is 18 months old, and it was a breeze working with her. It was her first haircut. We were surprised that she sat still throughout the session. Some children are not that easy; it takes time for them to settle in. After all, they are in a new environment with an unknown lady in front of them holding a pair of shears, ready to cut their hair. Usually, for situations like these, we take it slow and make the environment comfortable for the child before we proceed. Some kids prefer sitting on their parent’s lap, while others watch cartoons on the phone.
3. Can you share any tips to combat curly hair frizz?
Here are Viji’s tips, with a few clarifications on gentle curl care:
- Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner – a sulphate-free shampoo can be an option for dry curls. Choose products that suit your child’s hair and scalp.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner – add this to the hair while it’s still damp after washing. Avoid overloading the hair with heavy oils or butters that can build up.
- Use a wide-tooth comb – gently detangle wet, conditioned hair, starting at the ends and working upwards to minimise breakage.
- Dry the hair using a cotton T-shirt or microfibre towel – gently blot or squeeze rather than rubbing to help prevent frizz.
- Opt for hairstyles that minimise manipulation of the hair – such as loose braids or ponytails. Keep them comfortable and avoid pulling tightly at the scalp.
- Use hair accessories – look out for headbands, clips or silk scrunchies to keep the hair in place while also adding a cute touch.
- Use a satin or silk pillowcase – this can help reduce friction and keep older kids’ hair smoother while they sleep.
- Avoid brushing curls when dry – instead, gently detangle wet, conditioned hair and use a styling product on damp hair to enhance its natural texture and minimise frizz.
Our recommendations are based on personal experiences, expert advice and curl-friendly products for local conditions. So there you have it – wishing you a happy curly hair journey in Singapore!
