Part 2 of our 4 part series!
The Science of Juicy Curls
(And why it matters more than you think)
Who doesn’t love the look of big, voluminous, shiny curls? That soft, bouncy finish that screams “healthy hair day.” But behind every set of juicy curls is a bit of science (and a few smart product choices.)
So, what actually makes curls look juicy rather than stringy, frizzy, or flat? It comes down to three simple steps: hydrate, seal, and layer. Let’s break them down.
Step One: Hydrate from the inside out
Hydration is everything. And yes, we really do mean everything.
Your curls are like tiny little sponges: when they’re dry, they shrink, separate, and frizz out. When they’re hydrated, they swell up, clump beautifully, and reflect light—hello, shine!
The key is to use water-based products. Think: leave-in conditioners, curl creams with water listed as the first ingredient, lightweight styling gels, or even deep conditioning masks a couple of times a week.
When you hydrate, you’re literally plumping each curl strand from the inside out. It’s why freshly-washed curls look so lush: they’re full of water. But if you stop there, your hair might feel amazing at 9 am... then start to look dry by lunch.
Which brings us to:
Pro Tip: The wetter your hair, the better it can drink up your products! As soon as you start to “wring out” your hair after washing, you kick-start the drying process—and that means less water left to carry all those hydrating goodies deep into each curl.
Remember, water is the magic carrier that helps your hydrating products do their best work.
Step Two: Seal it in
Hydration on its own just doesn’t last—especially in winter when the air is cold and dry. That’s where sealing comes in.
By adding a gel or strong-hold product like Oomph Hydrating Gel after your curl cream or leave-in, you create a protective layer that wraps around each strand. Gels are brilliant for this because, as they dry, they form that familiar crunchy cast. It might feel a little stiff at first, but this cast actually shields your curls’ hydration while they set. (And of course, once your curls are completely dry, you can gently scrunch out the crunch for soft, touchable definition.)
This sealing layer helps slow moisture loss, so your curls stay juicy and bouncy all day instead of drying out by midday.
To finish, add a few drops of Hush Nourishing Oil to your palms and scrunch through your curls to break the cast and boost shine.
Without sealing, even the best hydration routine is a bit like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it—your curls simply can’t hold onto all that goodness!
So Whats The Difference?
- Hydrating adds moisture into your curls (usually with water-based products), while sealing locks that moisture in with oils, creams or gels so it doesn’t evaporate.
Step Three: Layer, Layer, Layer
Layering isn’t just about throwing every product in your cupboard onto your curls—it’s about combining products in the right order to get that perfect balance of hydration, hold, and shine. We call this process "layering".
Start with your water-based hydrator. Cruise Control Curl Cream is perfect for quenching thirsty curls and laying the foundation for definition. Next, use your favourite styling product to shape and hold: for fine curls and waves, Chutzpah Volumising Foam adds airy lift without weighing things down, while thicker or Coily Hair will love the extra hold and bounce from a stronger styler like Oomph Hydrating Gel or Pow Strong Hold Gel. Don't forget to use your Flexi Brush to evenly distribute the product through your curls.
Layering is how you build long-lasting curl definition without sacrificing softness. And yes, it’s absolutely worth the few extra minutes on wash day.
Why does this all matter?
Juicy curls aren’t just about looks—they’re about hair health. Hydrated curls resist breakage, stay stronger for longer, and feel softer to the touch. Plus, when your hair is properly hydrated and sealed, you’ll actually use less product overall: your curls will stay fresh longer, meaning fewer refresh days and less build-up.
And let’s be honest: there’s nothing quite like the confidence boost of running your fingers through healthy, shiny, frizz-free curls.
Lets Recap..
Hydrate: Water-based leave-in or curl cream.
Seal: Lightweight gel or foam depending on hair type.
Layer: Finish with your Hold-it Hairspray for hold and shape.
Easy to remember, easy to do—and your curls will thank you every single day.
Curls made easy doesn’t mean curls made boring. Have fun experimenting with layering products and and enjoy every juicy, bouncy curl along the way.
Love & Hydration xx
Winter Hair Care: Your At-Home Curl Spa Day with LOHY.