The Complete Curly Hair Guide for Switzerland

Curly hair is typically classified using a number-letter system:

Type 2: Wavy

• 2A: Loose, S-shaped waves
• 2B: More defined S-waves with some frizz
• 2C: Well-defined waves verging on curls

Type 3: Curly

• 3A: Loose, springy curls (size of sidewalk chalk)
• 3B: Tighter ringlets (size of marker)
• 3C: Tight corkscrews (size of pencil)

Type 4: Coily/Kinky

• 4A: Soft coils (size of crochet needle)
• 4B: Z-shaped bends, less definition
• 4C: Tight, densely packed coils with minimal definition

Knowing your curl type helps you:

• Choose the right products
• Set realistic style expectations
• Communicate effectively with stylists
• Understand your hair's needs

Training and certifications:

• DevaCurl certified stylists
• Curly hair cutting courses (Ouidad, Lorraine Massey method)
• Natural hair care training
• Ongoing curl education

Portfolio evidence:

• Photos of curly clients in their work
• Diverse curl types represented
• Before and after transformations
• Clients with similar curl patterns to yours

Consultation approach:

• Examines hair when dry (curls behave differently wet)
• Asks about your curl routine
• Discusses your lifestyle and maintenance preferences
• Doesn't suggest straightening as the default

1. 1"What curl-specific training have you done?"
2. 2"Do you cut curly hair dry or wet?"
3. 3"Can you show me photos of clients with similar curl types?"
4. 4"What products do you recommend for my curl type?"
5. 5"How often should I expect to come in for trims?"

• Stylist insists on cutting curls wet and straight
• Portfolio shows only straight hair
• Recommendations to relax or straighten your curls
• Lack of curl-specific product knowledge
• Using the same technique for all hair types

DevaCut

• Hair cut dry, curl by curl
• Each curl cut according to where it falls naturally
• Creates consistent shape when dry
• Minimizes unwanted volume

Ouidad Carving & Slicing

• Removes bulk from inside the curl
• Reduces weight without losing length
• Good for thick, heavy curls
• Maintains curl integrity

Rezo Cut

• Similar to DevaCut, developed in Brazil
• Cuts each curl while stretched
• Focuses on removing weight strategically
• Great for very thick curly hair

Traditional Layers (Done Right)

• Wet cutting with curl shrinkage considered
• Extra length left for curl spring
• Face framing that works with natural movement
• Requires curl-knowledgeable stylist

Curl-specific cuts often take longer and require special training:

The Curly Girl Method (CGM) is a hair care approach that involves:

• No sulfates (harsh cleansers)
• No silicones (unless water-soluble)
• No heat styling
• Embracing your natural texture

Approved products:

• Sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash
• Silicone-free conditioner
• Water-based stylers (gel, mousse, cream)

Avoided products:

• Sulfate shampoos
• Non-water-soluble silicones
• Drying alcohols
• Heavy waxes and mineral oils

In stores:

• Migros: Bio and natural lines often CGM-friendly
• Coop: Naturaline products
• Manor: Larger selection of curl-specific brands
• DM Drogerie (cross-border): Affordable CGM options
• Pharmacies: Specialized brands

Online options:

• Galaxus.ch: Wide selection
• Import from EU: Many curl brands available
• Specialty curl shops: Ship to Switzerland

Popular CGM-friendly brands available:

• Cantu
• Shea Moisture
• Kinky-Curly
• Curls
• Bounce Curl
• Innersense (salon brand)
• Davines (salon brand)

1. Cleanse

• Sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash
• Focus on scalp, not lengths
• Every 3-7 days depending on hair type

2. Condition

• Apply generously to lengths
• Detangle with fingers or wide-tooth comb
• Squish to condish (squeezing upward)
• Rinse most out (or leave some in)

3. Style

• Apply styler to soaking wet hair
• Scrunch upward toward scalp
• Use gel, mousse, or cream (or combination)
• Don't touch until completely dry

4. Dry

• Air dry for best results
• Diffuse on low heat if needed
• Hover diffusing minimizes frizz
• Let the cast form completely

5. Scrunch Out the Crunch (SOTC)

• Once hair is 100% dry
• Scrunch or shake gently
• Reveal soft, defined curls
• Use a tiny bit of oil if needed

Between wash days:

1. 1Spray hair with water or curl refresher
2. 2Add a small amount of product if needed
3. 3Scrunch and let dry
4. 4Style as usual

Problems: Static, dryness, frizz from heating, hat hair

Solutions:

• Increase deep conditioning frequency
• Use heavier leave-in products
• Satin-lined hats or bonnets
• Anti-static products
• Humidifier in your home
• Protective styles under hats

Problems: Frizz from humidity, sun damage, chlorine/lake water

Solutions:

• Anti-humidity gels
• UV-protective products
• Pre-wet hair before swimming
• Clarifying treatment after swimming
• Protective styles for water activities

Swiss hard water can cause:

• Buildup and dullness
• Loss of curl definition
• Dry, stiff hair
• Color fading

Solutions:

• Monthly clarifying washes
• Apple cider vinegar rinses
• Chelating products
• Shower filter installation

The classic curl technique:

1. 1Apply product to wet hair
2. 2Cup sections in your palm
3. 3Squeeze upward toward scalp
4. 4Repeat throughout head

Drying technique that enhances curls:

1. 1Lay a t-shirt or microfiber towel flat
2. 2Lower wet styled hair onto center
3. 3Wrap and secure on top of head
4. 4Leave 10-30 minutes
5. 5Release and air dry

For definition and curl training:

1. 1Take a small section of wet styled hair
2. 2Wrap around finger
3. 3Slide finger out
4. 4Let curl dry in formed position

For even product distribution:

1. 1Rub product between palms
2. 2Place section between hands
3. 3Smooth down in praying position
4. 4Repeat throughout head

For faster drying:

1. 1Use low heat and low speed
2. 2Cup curls in diffuser
3. 3Bring to scalp without moving
4. 4Hold until section is dry
5. 5Avoid touching with hands

• Swiss curly hair Facebook groups
• r/curlyhair (Reddit)
• NaturallyCurly.com
• The Curl Talk Project

• Look for curl meetups in major cities
• Natural hair workshops
• Brand events at participating salons