Perfect Curly Hair: Sydney’s Experts Explain How

Updated April 2026 — Sloans of Lane Cove, Lane Cove Sydney

Whether you were born with curls or you’re chasing them, getting curly hair to behave, and look incredible, comes down to the right haircut, the right technique, and the right products. At Sloans, one of Sydney’s best hairdressers, curly hair is something we genuinely love working with. Here’s everything you need to know to get your best curls yet.

 

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Why Is Curly Hair So Different to Straight Hair?

Curly hair has a unique structure that makes it behave differently at every stage, from washing to drying to styling. Because the hair shaft follows a curved pattern, natural oils from the scalp take longer to travel down each strand, which means curly hair tends to be drier and more prone to frizz than straight hair.

Understanding this is the first step to working with your curls rather than against them. The good news? Once you know what your curls need, they’re incredibly rewarding to style.

What Is The Best Haircut for Curly Hair?

The cut is everything. Curly hair is often cut dry because curls sit and spring differently once dry. Cutting wet can lead to unexpected length and shape once the hair dries unless we specifically want to take this approach. At Sloans, our stylists assess your curl pattern, density, and natural movement before a single snip, ensuring the shape works with your curls rather than fighting them.

A few principles our team swears by:

• Layers are your best friend, they remove weight and let curls spring freely
• Avoid blunt, one-length cuts as these can make curly hair appear heavy and shapeless
• Regular trims every 10–12 weeks keep curl definition sharp and prevent splits from travelling up the strand

What Are the Best Products for Curly Hair?

This is where it gets exciting. The right products can be genuinely transformative for curly hair, but the wrong ones can weigh curls down, create build-up, or make frizz worse. Our team at Sloans reaches for two ranges consistently: Kérastase and L’Oréal Professionnel.

Kérastase Curl Manifesto

The Kérastase Curl Manifesto range was designed specifically for curly and coily hair types, and it shows. Key picks from our team:

• Curl Manifesto Bain Hydratation Douceur — a sulphate-free shampoo that cleanses without stripping moisture, leaving curls soft and defined
• Curl Manifesto Masque Beurre Haute Nutrition — a rich, deeply nourishing mask for dry or high-porosity curls that need serious hydration
• Curl Manifesto Gelée Curl Contour — a lightweight gel-cream that defines curls, controls frizz, and holds shape without any crunch

L’Oréal Professionnel Curl Expression

The L’Oréal Professionnel Curl Expression range is another favourite in our salon, particularly for clients who want definition with a more natural, lived-in finish:

• Curl Expression Moisturising Shampoo — gentle, hydrating, and ideal for fine to medium curl types
• Curl Expression Long Lasting Intensive Moisturiser — a leave-in treatment that keeps curls bouncy and frizz-free throughout the day
• Curl Expression Curl Defining Cream — brilliant for clients who want soft, touchable curls without heaviness or stiffness

How Should You Dry Curly Hair?

How you dry your curls matters almost as much as how you wash them. Heat and rough towel-drying are two of the biggest culprits behind frizz and lost definition.

Our top drying tips:

• Ditch the regular towel — use a microfibre towel or a soft cotton t-shirt to scrunch out excess water gently
• Apply products to soaking wet hair — curl creams and gels work best when applied immediately after washing, before any water evaporates
• Use a diffuser — a diffuser attachment on your dryer distributes heat evenly and encourages curl formation without disruption. Tip your head upside down for extra volume at the roots
• Let curls cool before touching — once dry, resist the urge to run your fingers through until curls are fully set

What Does This Mean for Your Curls at Sloans?

Every curl is different. What works for a loose wave is completely different to what a tight coil needs and that’s exactly why a professional hair consultation makes such a difference. At Sloans, one of Sydney’s best hairdressers for curly hair, we take the time to understand your curl pattern, your lifestyle, and your goals before recommending a cut, treatment, or product routine.

Whether you’re learning to love your natural hair texture or looking to enhance your curl game, we’re here for it. Explore our hair services to find out what’s possible, or come in for a curl consultation and let us do what we love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best haircut for curly hair in Sydney? The best curly haircuts are cut dry, incorporate layers to remove weight, and are shaped around your individual curl pattern. At Sloans, our stylists specialise in curly haircuts that work with your natural texture rather than against it.

Which Kérastase products are best for curly hair? The Kérastase Curl Manifesto range is our go-to for curly hair clients, particularly the Bain Hydratation Douceur shampoo, the Masque Beurre Haute Nutrition for deep conditioning, and the Gelée Curl Contour for definition and frizz control.

Can I get a curly hair treatment at Sloans? Absolutely. Our team at Sloans, one of Sydney’s best hairdressers for curly hair, offers curl-specific haircuts, treatments, and personalised product advice. Call us on T. 02 9420 4880 and let’s talk curls.