Celebrating curls and coils looks different for everyone, so we’re tapping all kinds of curl experts to understand how they liberate curly + coily hair.
Today, we’re chatting with Curl Specialist + Owner of The Natural Spot Salon, Lautrice Thompson. Her passion for liberating natural curls and coils starts with a clean base, lightweight haircare, and instilling self-love in every client.
Q. What is one thing you wish curly + coily clients knew and practiced at home?
Using a less is more approach. Having a good cleanse and conditioning routine on a weekly basis with salon-quality products will actually make your hair more hydrated! Lathering heavy butters and oils will make your hair lifeless and have the opposite hydrating effect. I like to think of styling products as tools for more control, volume, or feel. I suggest if you are new to the journey, eliminate heavy products, aim for lighter water-based ones, and get to know your hair without coated lubricants.
Q. What is the most important maintenance tip you give your clients?
Maintenance trims or cuts every 2-4 months (depending on texture and diameter of the curl) allows for length retention. Most of my fine coily clients come in a little sooner, around 8-10 weeks, whereas my curly girls can typically go 3-4 months. Using the K18 molecular repair hair mask in-between salon visits will repair and restore all hair types from damage like color, and helps to keep the hair resilient and in great shape.
Q: What are your top 3 dos for curls + coils?
Figure out what you like about your curly/coily hair instead of making someone else your hair goals. This is the first step in commiting to the journey and creating a self-love mindset.
Do visit a curly/coily specialist and check their work before you go.
Be patient and handle your hair with care.
Q: How about your top 3 don’ts?
Don't compare your hair to anyone else's!
Don't use heavy oils or butters, they block proper hydration.
Don't use food on your hair! Unless you’re a cosmetic chemist, eat the eggs and sweet potatoes, don't create a mask with them.
Q. How does a person know when their curls need some TLC?
A tell-tale sign that someone needs some TLC is when the hair is misbehaving. It may feel brittle, limp or dry. It can mean several things; metal + mineral buildup, product buildup, lack of hydration, or it’s time for a cut. If it's been a while since my client's last visit, let's say 6 or more months, I always use K18's PRO service to bring hair back to life.
The pro chelating hair complex helps reduce any hard water minerals or metals for a clean canvas. I then follow up with the K18 PRO mist for more resilient hair, and the PRO mask to reverse damage on the molecular level in just 4 minutes.
Q. What is your favorite way to make curls + coils pop?
Here's my secret to curls and coils that pop: clean hair. Hair product absorbs better on a clean canvas so starting off with K18's detox or pH maintenance shampoo helps to create that clean foundation. After K18’s repair treatment, you can choose to condition. I style on really wet hair to get maximum definition and always diffuse or have my clients sit under the dryer for a sleek look, never air dry.
Clean, healthy hair is Lautrice’s secret to keeping clients of all hair textures happy in the salon.
x Alifia, Curly-Coily Expert + K18 Educator
Check back for more curly-coily chats, we’re going all the way.
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