Caring for curly hair can feel a little overwhelming when there are so many products to choose from. The good news is that you do not need to use the entire Clever Curl range to get great results.
The right products will depend on your hair type, how much moisture your curls need and the finish you want from your styling routine.
Whether your curls are fine and easily weighed down or thick and thirsty for moisture, this guide will help you work out where to start.
Fine Curls
If your curls are fine or easily weighed down, lighter products can help provide moisture and definition without leaving your hair feeling heavy.
Clever Curl Cleanser 450ml
Start with Clever Curl Cleanser to gently cleanse the hair and scalp without stripping away moisture. Clever Curl recommends cleansing twice to remove product buildup, oils and environmental buildup before properly cleansing the hair and scalp.
Light Conditioner 450ml
Light Conditioner is the lightest conditioner in the Clever Curl range, making it a great choice for finer hair. It provides moisture and protein without the richness of heavier conditioning products and can be used as a rinse out or leave in conditioner.
Curl Wonderfoam 200ml
Curl Wonderfoam is a lightweight leave in that adds moisture, definition and hold without adding too much weight. It can be used on its own or followed with a gel when you want more definition and longevity.
Humid Weather Curl Gel 450ml
For fine curls, Humid Weather Curl Gel can be a great choice when your hair is already well hydrated. It provides a firm cast while helping to seal in moisture, making it particularly useful in humid conditions.
A simple routine for fine curls:
Start with Cleanser, followed by Light Conditioner. Apply Curl Wonderfoam for lightweight moisture and definition, then finish with Humid Weather Curl Gel for hold and longer lasting definition.
Coarse Curls
If your curls are thick, coarse, dry or thirsty, a richer routine can help provide the moisture and nourishment your hair needs.
Clever Curl Cleanser 450ml
Clever Curl Cleanser is a gentle, no lather cleanser that cleans the hair and scalp without stripping away moisture. Cleansing twice can help remove buildup before giving the hair and scalp a thorough cleanse.
Rich Conditioner 450ml
Rich Conditioner is specifically designed for coarse, thirsty hair. It contains a higher level of moisture and protein than Light Conditioner and can be used as a rinse out conditioner or left in for extra moisture.
Curl Cream 450ml
If your curls need plenty of moisture and definition, Curl Cream is a great styling option. It is designed for thirstier textured hair and provides maximum moisture and definition without adding hold.
Dry Weather Curl Gel 450ml
For coarse, dry or thirsty curls that need extra hydration, Dry Weather Curl Gel is a great choice. Its humectant properties attract further moisture to dehydrated curls, while providing a firm cast for definition and hold.
A simple routine for coarse curls:
Start with Cleanser, followed by Rich Conditioner. Apply Curl Cream for extra moisture and definition, then finish with Dry Weather Curl Gel for hold and hydration.
The Difference Between Clever Curl Gels
Choosing the right gel is not simply about whether your hair is fine or coarse. Your hair's moisture levels, the weather and the type of hold you want can all influence which gel will work best.
Humid Weather Curl Gel 450ml
Humid Weather Curl Gel is an anti humectant gel designed to seal and retain moisture in already hydrated curls. It provides a firm cast and is particularly suited to humid conditions.
If your curls are already well hydrated and you want to help protect your definition from humidity, this is the gel to reach for.
Long Hold Curl Gel 450ml
Long Hold Curl Gel is all about curl longevity. It provides long lasting hold and flexible strength to help your curls retain their shape and definition for longer.
Unlike the other gels, it is designed to seal in moisture and protect from humidity without forming a cast.
Dry Weather Curl Gel 450ml
Dry Weather Curl Gel is a humectant gel designed to attract further moisture to dehydrated curls. It provides a firm cast and works particularly well in dry climates.
It can be a good choice when your curls are feeling dehydrated and need help attracting and holding onto moisture.
So, which gel should you choose?
Humid Weather Curl Gel: Best for already hydrated curls, particularly in humid conditions.
Long Hold Curl Gel: Best when long lasting definition and curl longevity are the priority.
Dry Weather Curl Gel 450: Best when curls need extra moisture or you are dealing with dry conditions.
When your curls need extra moisture
Sometimes your regular conditioner is not quite enough. Clever Curl has two treatment options depending on what your hair needs.
Curl Treatment 450ml
Clever Curl Curl Treatment is the richest conditioning product in the range, providing an intensive boost of moisture for dry, thirsty curls. It can be used instead of your regular conditioner when your hair needs extra nourishment, or as a deeper conditioning treatment once a week or fortnight.
For finer hair, use a smaller amount to avoid weighing the curls down.
Blonde Curl Treatment 450ml
Blonde Curl Treatment provides the same nourishing benefits while being specially formulated for blonde and lightened curls. It helps care for hair that has been lightened while providing the moisture and conditioning that blonde curls need.
For finer hair, use a smaller amount to avoid weighing the curls down.
Choose the treatment that best suits your hair colour and conditioning needs.
Clever Curl Styling Products
Once you have chosen your cleanser, conditioner and gel, there are a couple of extra styling products that can be added depending on what your curls need.
Clever Curl Oil 100ml
Clever Curl Oil is a lightweight finishing oil that can be used to smooth, soften and add shine to the hair.
It can be applied after styling to help soften the feel of your curls and add a polished finish. It can also be useful for refreshing dry ends between wash days.
Clever Curl Hydramist 200ml
Clever Curl Hydramist is a lightweight mist designed to add moisture to the hair. It can be particularly useful when curls need a little extra hydration without adding a heavy product.
Use it when your curls are feeling dry or need a refresh between washes.
Build Your Clever Curl Routine
You do not need every Clever Curl product to create an effective routine. Start with the basics and add products depending on what your curls need.
For Fine Curls
Cleanser + Light Conditioner + Curl Wonderfoam + Humid Weather Curl Gel
This combination provides lightweight moisture, definition and hold without relying on heavier products.
For Coarse or Thirsty Curls
Cleanser + Rich Conditioner + Curl Cream + Dry Weather Curl Gel
This combination focuses on richer moisture, definition and hydration for curls that need more nourishment.
Still Not Sure Where to Start?
Finding the right products for your curls does not have to involve trial and error.
Headstart offers a FREE online hair consultation with experienced salon professionals who can create a personalised hair care plan based on your hair type, concerns and goals.
You will receive tailored product recommendations and advice to help you get the most from your curls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Clever Curl Curl Treatment instead of conditioner?
Yes. Curl Treatment can be used instead of your regular conditioner when your hair needs a deeper moisture boost. It is the richest conditioning product in the Clever Curl range.
Which Clever Curl conditioner is best for fine hair?
Light Conditioner is designed specifically for finer hair and provides the lightest level of moisture and protein in the Clever Curl conditioner range.
Which Clever Curl conditioner is best for coarse hair?
Rich Conditioner is designed for coarse, thirsty hair and provides a higher level of moisture and protein than Light Conditioner.
Which Clever Curl gel is best for dry curls?
Dry Weather Curl Gel is designed to attract further moisture to dehydrated curls, making it a good option when dry curls need extra hydration.
Which Clever Curl gel is best for humid weather?
Humid Weather Curl Gel is designed to seal and retain moisture in already hydrated curls, making it a good option for humid conditions.
What is the difference between Dry Weather and Humid Weather Curl Gel?
Dry Weather Curl Gel is a humectant gel that attracts moisture to dehydrated curls. Humid Weather Curl Gel is an anti humectant gel that helps seal and retain moisture in already hydrated curls.
What is Clever Curl Long Hold Curl Gel for?
Long Hold Curl Gel is designed to provide longer lasting curl definition and flexible strength. It helps curls retain their shape and definition for longer without forming a cast.
