Let’s step into the new year with curls out and proud!
If you’re just starting to explore your textured hair journey — YAY! Welcome to the fun side. Curls aren’t something to “fix”… they’re something to finesse, celebrate, and hype up. And we’re right here with you, cheering you on and sending curl love shipping-wide. 💖
Here are our top 5 beginner tips to help you get the healthy, happy curls you’re dreaming of — featuring Cabela (our go-to lightweight, strengthening, NZ-made brand) and a few Curly Life secrets sprinkled in.
1. Learn How to Form Curl Clumps
Clumping = definition, bounce, and that juicy wash day look.
We want your hair to feel seaweed-y, slippery, and fully hydrated, that’s where the clumping magic happens.
Here’s the trick:
Most people add more conditioner when things aren’t clumping.
But pause! Add water instead. Flip your hair under the tap for literally one second. It feels backwards, but trust us… this is where hydration starts working for you.
Got lower porosity hair? Take your time, it simply needs a bit longer to drink it all in.
Pro tip: Cabela Curlflection Conditioner is perfect for clumping because it’s super hydrating but not heavy. Your curls will drink it up.
2. Step Away From the Towel 😅
Once you’ve achieved those clumps, don’t rough them up with a regular towel — that’s a one-way ticket to frizz town.
Instead:
Keep your hair dripping wet for stylers
Or if you need to remove a little water, use a cotton T-shirt and gently scrunch upward
You don’t want to dry your hair — you just want to remove the extra water. Wet curls = juicy curls.
3. Don’t Fear the Crunch
The crunchy ramen-hair trauma is REAL, but modern gels are not giving 90s mousse vibes.
That crunchy feeling is called a cast, and it’s actually AMAZING for curl definition and longevity. Once your curls are dry, just scrunch out the crunch (SOTC) and reveal soft, bouncy curls underneath.
Try a high-hold styler like Cabela Elixir Strong Hold Gel, which is lightweight, strengthening, and helps keep clumps intact while drying.
Crunchy now = glossy later.
4. Use a Bond Repair Product
If your hair is bleached, permanently coloured, frequently heat-styled, or just feeling a little stressed… you’re going to want bond repair.
Not everyone needs a deep conditioner every week!
Some curls actually get weighed down when over-conditioned. If your strands are fine or medium, strengthening > heavy moisture.
Cabela Curl Restorer Mask is PERFECT for this: lightweight, strengthening, and amazing for anyone going through hormonal changes, damage, or breakage.
Healthy curls don’t have to be heavy curls.
5. Manage Your Expectations (Lovingly 💛)
Social media shows the best transformations… but not always the timeline behind them.
Some curls pop instantly.
Some take weeks.
Some take months of relearning hydration, styling, and everything in between.
And mixed curl patterns? Completely normal. Completely beautiful.
This journey isn’t about forcing uniform curls — it’s about embracing your natural pattern, learning what works, and showing yourself patience.
Eventually, it becomes second nature — like brushing your teeth, but way cuter.
And yes, you might get frustrated and want to grab the flat iron.
But ride the wave (literally). It’s worth it.
Because learning to love your curls is learning to love you — the real, authentic, perfectly imperfect you.
Here to hold your hand through your transformation and cheer you on!
✨ We’re based on the Gold Coast, fast shipping, friendly support, and we ACTUALLY use the products we sell.
✨ We donate a portion of ALL sales to the McGrath Foundation to support cancer care across Australia.
✨ We give free personalised curl advice, seriously, email or DM us anytime.
✨ We only stock brands we believe in, like Cabela: NZ-owned, chemist-created, strengthening, lightweight, and perfect for beginners.
You’re never alone on your curl journey, we are always here to help, hype, and guide you.
Reach out anytime, and welcome to the Curly Life family 💕
