Curls are intimate. They’re deeply tied to identity, emotion, and expression. They require a different kind of care — one rooted in understanding, respect, and intention. Throughout my career, I’ve styled every curl type imaginable, from soft waves to tightly coiled textures. Each type asks for something different, but the golden rule remains: curls must be nurtured, not tamed.
Below, I celebrate five different curl expressions, share my approach to styling and maintenance, and recommend haircuts that allow each curl type to shine its brightest.
The Iconic Afro — Volume With Identity
The Look:
A cloud of perfectly picked texture — bold, sculptural, and unapologetically powerful. This afro radiated elegance and pride. The key was shaping the form to flatter the bone structure while keeping the texture raw and alive.
Care Tip:
Afros thrive on hydration. Use the Iles Formula Haute performance Shampoo + Conditioner, and finish with the hairs styling and protector Iles Formula Curl Revive throughout the hair, and picked it from underneath to preserve the halo. This curl type loves moisture without heaviness, so Curl Revive was essential. I finished with Intensive Hair + Body Balm on the palms, patting down surface frizz without disrupting the lift.
Haircut Advice:
Ask for a rounded shape cut dry, as this ensures your stylist works with your natural volume and density. Layers should be minimal and carved into the shape, rather than hacked away.
Effortless Elegance
The Look:
Soft, cascading “S” waves that moved like silk and reflected light beautifully. Effortless, yes — but it required intention and precision behind the scenes.
Care Tip:
The perfect fit for care, style and protection is the Iles Formula Signature Collection. It’s a 3-step method that botanically cleanses and delivers haute repair across all hair types. The third formula, a serum that’s lighter than the Curl Revive, is better on a blow out wave. It has the same protection as Curl Revive against heated tools + UV + colour fade, and humidity.
Once the wave is created, a light mist of Iles Formula Curl Revive brings definition back without hardening the shape.
Haircut Advice:
Long, seamless layers enhance movement without creating frizz. Keep the perimeter blunt to maintain strength, and layer softly through the mid-lengths and ends to encourage flow.
Rounded, Defined Curls
The Look:
Voluptuous, symmetrical curls with a bounce in every step. This is the curl that makes people ask, “Is that natural?”
Care Tip:
Use Iles Formula Shampoo + conditioner. Comb or wet brush through the conditioner with our wide comb or wet brush in the shower, rinse then apply the Turban Towel. This extracts excess water rapidly from the hair without disturbing the curls. Excellent for lazy curls. Remove turban after about 3 to 5 mins and spray with Iles Formula Curl Revive section by section.
Lastly diffuse or allow the hair to dry naturally.
Haircut Advice:
Ask for a “curl-by-curl” cut. This technique honors the natural pattern and density. Rounded layers maintain balance and help distribute volume evenly.
The Look:
Tightly coiled curls full of buoyancy and energy. This look danced with every movement, radiating health and joy.
Care Tip:
This curl type craves hydration. I cocktail Curl Revive with the Haute Performance Hair Balm, smoothing it in sections while wet. For day-two refresh, I mist Curl Revive and gently re-coil with fingers. The Finishing Serum is my go-to for adding silkiness and sealing in moisture without grease.
Haircut Advice:
Structured layering is key. Avoid thinning shears — instead, opt for rounded or oval-shaped cuts that follow your curl’s natural gravity. This allows movement without bulk at the ends.
The Look:
For tightly textured hair, with a treatment to permanently remove the curl ! Treat this hair as you would if it were curly; the texture’s personality remains the same. It’s strong and determined. The sharp cut on the straightened hair creates a high-fashion moment.
Care Tip:
For sleek styles on textured hair that has the curl removed, it’s best attempted even so with a blowout. One could opt between the Finishing Serum (lighter, silkier finish) or Curl Revive, which has a slightly heavier cashmere texture. For scalp and edge protection, I blend in a touch of Haute Performance Hair Balm — it nourishes without disrupting the style.
Haircut Advice:
For this type of styling, a cut that respects natural hair shrinkage is crucial. Keep the perimeter clean and evenly shaped, with precise graphic lines that still allow for sleek finishes and defined silhouettes.