Hey 👋 I'm Sil, co-founder of Mellon, and I have a confession: I discovered my curls way too late . It wasn't until 2017 that I realized my " unruly frizz " was actually gorgeous hidden curls . Mind blown.

Are you also just starting your curly journey ? Or are you still struggling to embrace your natural waves and curls? Then you probably recognize what I've been through. I've become a lot smarter since then (thanks to trial and error, and since our amazing curly hair stylist Quirina joined us in Mellon).

That's why I'm sharing four hair care tips for curly hair today that I wish I'd told my younger self in 2017. Maybe you'll recognize yourself in them!

December 18, 2025 - 3 min read - Sil Colson

Let's take a step back in time.

As a child , I had fairly straight hair with a slight wave. Every morning, my dad would comb my hair and tie it back in a ponytail. When puberty hit, my hair changed in texture ; my straight lengths became thick , coarse , frizzy , and unmanageable .

It didn't take long for the bullying to start. Words like "sheep," "bird's nest," and "scarecrow" were certainly familiar to me. At fourteen, I discovered hair straighteners , and I was hooked ever since . The bullying was a thing of the past then, because I finally looked like the girls from "De Joepie" (yeah…!).

The uncertainty and lack of self-confidence.

Despite years of walking around with straight hair, the insecurity about my hair persisted. As soon as it rained, my day was ruined. I didn't want to go outside or wore a hoodie to protect my hair from frizz. Any excuse was good enough to avoid that bird's nest of my adolescence as much as possible.

Do you recognize this story? You're certainly not alone. Even today, I hear countless similar stories from people who are just starting to embrace curls.

The turning point in my curly journey

After more than 10 years of straightening (or curling) my hair daily with a flat iron , coloring it, and enduring countless stressful situations , my hair was as dead as a doornail… literally . It had no life left in it, kept breaking off , and wouldn't grow past shoulder length.

And then I decided to completely change course.

From straightening iron to natural curls

Overnight, I threw out my hair straightener and started searching for natural hair products for curls. This search led me to Marion of Marion Maakt , and that sparked the spark that ultimately became Mellon.

Below are a few old photos to give you a better idea of ​​my hair journey from straightened hair to natural curls.

4 Essential Tips for Curly Hair Care

But now we get to the heart of the matter! Because if I were to go back in time to my younger self , who was just starting to embrace curls , it wouldn't have taken me another five years to discover my natural curls. The reason? I simply didn't know how to properly care for my curly hair .

But what if I could have given my younger self a few essential curly hair care tips ? Curly hair tips that would have truly made a difference in my curly hair journey? Things that would have shortened my search for the perfect curly hair care routine by years?

Below, I'm sharing four practical hair care tips that anyone starting to embrace curls should know. Whether you're just starting with the Curly Girl Method or have been working with your natural waves and curls for a while, these tips for frizz-free curly hair really make a difference .

Tip 1: Cleansing is just as important as moisturizing

Yes, mild shampoos for curls are great and necessary to nourish your waves and curls. But every now and then, your curly hair needs a thorough reset , especially if you use curl styling products. Product buildup can flatten your waves or curls and leave your hair feeling dull and heavy . My solution? A clay mask for curls. When my hair is in a slump, this is my first problem-solving step in my curl care routine.

Tip 2: Style on soaked hair - The basics of good styling

I always styled my curls on towel-dried hair, until Quirina, our curly stylist, convinced me to try it on soaked hair . This is a key step in any styling routine and the Curly Girl Method. The result? Shinier, thicker curls that hold their shape longer . And no , it doesn't take longer (thankfully). After styling , simply plop with our soft towel and use a curl diffuser for a short (or long, as you prefer) period. And you're done!

Tip 3: Learn to use a diffuser – Essential when starting with curls

I was never a fan of diffusers. Too much fuss, too much volume. But when I actually learned how to use a diffuser for curls (thanks again, Quirina 🤭 ) , everything changed. My curls last longer , don't fall out, and my drying time is halved . The golden rule for caring for curls? DO NOT touch your hair until it's 100% dry, and only then remove the hard gel cast .

Tip 4: Embrace the Gel (and the Cast) – Must-Have Products for Curls

Gel has always been my go-to product. But a hold product was my game-changer when it came to embracing my curls. Many people find that crunchy cast annoying, but it's actually proof that your curls are protected and held . Only when your hair is completely dry should you use a curly hair oil and scrunch out the cast. The result? Soft waves or curls that last much longer.

Lazy girl math

Honestly? My "former curls" looked great too. But the maintenance is 200% better now! Just one more extensive curl care routine , and your curls will stay beautiful for much longer . Who wouldn't want that? Especially when you're just starting to embrace curls, it's important to find a routine that works.

My Curly Journey: 5 Years of Searching for the Perfect Routine

It took me almost five years to find a curl care routine that truly worked for me. Trial and error, curly hair products that didn't work, frustration... I wouldn't wish that on anyone!

That's why at Mellon we develop products specifically designed to make things easier for you. No more years of searching, just products that work for your waves or curls.

Are you just starting your curl journey ? Or have you been embracing your natural texture for a while? Mellon helps you with curly hair products that truly make a difference .

I could tell you so much more, but that's the beauty of it: by experimenting and continuing to learn , you'll discover more and more about your own curly hair. And that's exactly what your curly journey is all about!