Introduction
Italy is famous in all over the world, from its local cuisines to fashion, everything about Italy is unique. But do you know that there is something called as “Italian curly hair” yes, even the curly hair of Italy is very famous.
Italy has a rich cultural heritage, its history is very diverse. And due to this diverse heritage, even the curly hair of Italy is very famous. You will find different type of curly hair in every region of Italy and that is due to the history of Italy and the regions which have invaded Italy.
Italian curly hair is worth exploring and noticing. From genes to environmental factor to history everything plays a crucial role in the curly hair texture.
So, let’s understand more about Italian curly hair and how to care for them-
Understanding Italian Curly Hair
Exploring Italian Curly Hair Texture
Italian curly hair is one of its own kind. Many people are curious about whether the curls are natural or are styled. Well, just the way Italy is a diverse country, so are its hair texture. You will find all types of hair straight, curly, wavy or kinky.
Let’s explore more about Italian Curly Hair Texture-
- Northern Italy- The people living in this region have a diverse range of hair types. Their hair texture can range from being straight to wavy. Due to the neighbouring countries like Austria and Switzerland, you will see lighter shades of hair colour like light brown and blonde.
- Central Italy- Another great region in Italy with different hair texture and hair type. The hair in this region are affected by ancient civilizations, such as Romans. You will find hair texture ranging from straight to curly hair and hair colour being dark brown and chestnuts.
- Southern Italy- Southern Italy, including the region like Sicily and Calabria, tend to have hair texture from wavy to curly hair. Its rich cultural history has given the hair colours from dark brown to black.
Influential Factors on Italian Curly Hair

In the above section, you have understood how you can see different hair types in different region of Italy. The hair texture and hair colour are decided by the historical and cultural cities surrounding the region.
Let’s see what are the other factors influencing the Italian Curly Hair-
- Genetic Influence- Italy has a history with cultural influences from many regions like Greek, Arab, and Roman. And their invasion has led to many changes genetically. A child’s hair will be straight, wavy or curly is largely dependent on the genes of parents.
- Climate and Environmental Factor- Climate plays a very large and important role in deciding the hair texture. A place with too much of humidity will have drier and frizzier hair.
- Traditional Care- Local hair care practice affects the hair texture in a large way. Just like in India, people mainly believe in using home remedies for hair care, in Italy they are more towards using organic methods. Using olive oil or herbs for hair care.
Italian Curly Hair Care Regimen
Cleansing and Conditioning for Italian Curls
Nothing is as satisfying as keeping your curls and scalp clean. A good cleansing method helps to keep your curls defined for a longer time.
Some tips on how to cleanse and condition the Italian Curls-
- Use Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
- Try using co-washing technique to stay away from chemicals. It helps to retain natural oil in the scalp and curls and removes hair dryness.
- Always apply shampoo on scalp and massage. This helps to stimulate blood flow and promote a healthy scalp.
- Do not wash curly hair frequently. It leads to hair dryness.
- Always choose a moisturizing conditioner, to lock the moisture in the hair.
- Do not forget to use leave-in conditioner, it keeps your curls soft and smooth and helps in styling them.
- Squish out the excess water from your curls, this helps to enhance curls and define them properly.
Styling Techniques for Italian Curls
Well, Italy is one of the place with major fashion changes. You got to be always in style. So, how to style your Italian curls to keep up with this fashion city-
- Always use good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to have outstanding hairstyle.
- Try using ringlet method to enhance your curls.
- You can style Italian Curly hair in many ways from sleek Milanese bobs to Sicilian beach waves, you can see the streets with all types of hairstyle for curly hair.
- Use leave-in conditioner or styling gel to keep curls defined in such a humid weather.
- Using a diffuser will help to make your curls loose and bouncy.
- For styling your curls, try to avoid the use of brush. To make your curls tighter, use a pencil, wrap your curl around it and dry it with the help of diffuser.
- If you have long Italian curl, try styling them into an up do.
- Short Italian curls never go out of fashion or style.
Recommended Products for Italian Curly Hair
Some of the recommended products for Italian curly hair are-
Sulfate free shampoo
1. DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser–
Features:
- Gently cleanses hair
- Adds shine to hair
- Controls frizz
- Improves manageability

Co wash
2. As I Am Coconut Co Wash Cleansing Conditioner–
Features:
- Helps to provide moisturization to curls
- Amazing fragrance
- Keeps hair clean and clear
- Removes product buildup and excess grease
Hydrating conditioner
3. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner–
Features:
- Provides bouncy curls and waves
- Makes hair healthy
- Enhances elasticity of hair
- No chemicals
Leave-in conditioner
4. Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner/Detangler–
Features:
- Made specially for Kinky curls
- Removes knots and tangles
- Elongates curls
- Nourish and strengthen hair
Hair oil
5. Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Curl Treatment–
Features:
- Prevents damage to hair
- Vegan and cruelty free
- Restores natural luster
- Provides intense hydration
Nurturing Healthy Italian Curly Hair
Minimizing Damage and Maximizing Health
To keep your curls healthy and intact is the need of the hour. It is necessary to nurture healthy Italian curls to minimize the damage and maximize their health.
Following are the ways to keep your curls healthy-
1. Protective styling-
Try protective styling to keep your curls defined and intact. Hairstyles like braids or twist helps to reduce tangling and keep curls organized.
2. Leave-in conditioner-
Applying leave-in conditioner on curls while they are wet helps to keep curls soft and smooth. Take some leave-in conditioner in your hand and apply it properly on hair strands. Make sure all the strands are covered.
3. Protein treatments-
Sufficient amount of protein is needed for the well-being of curls. Keratin or protein treatment on curls helps to provide strength to hair strands and also increase the moisture content in hair.
4. Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner-
Using moisturizing shampoo and conditioner helps to keep the curls soft and smooth. Shampoo not only cleanse the scalp but also hydrate and moisturize it.
5. Regular trims-
Regular trimming of hair keeps the curls fresh and defined properly. They help to prevent split ends and give a vibrant curls.
Night time Hair care for Italian Curls
Keeping your curls preserved at night is required the most, as the friction caused while sleeping can cause hair dryness and hair breakage. Following are the ways to keep your curls intact even at night-
- Use a satin or silk pillowcase to avoid hair friction.
- The “pineapple technique” has been the proven the best to keep your curls intact and defined at night.
- Cover your hair in a silk bonnet while sleeping, to protect your curls while sleeping.
- Apply leave-in conditioner on your hair to keep the strands soft and smooth.
- Avoid tight hairstyle to prevent unnecessary tension on your curls.
- Consider a protective hairstyle to prevent curls.
FAQs for Italian Curly Hair
1. How can I enhance the natural bounce of Italian curly hair?
To enhance the natural bounce of Italian curly hair, you should use leave-in conditioner and styling gel to keep the curls soft and smooth.
Also, regular trimming is necessary to keep the curls fresh and vibrant.
2. Are there specific Italian hair care rituals for curly hair?
Just like Indians have an ancient history and they have a solution for every hair problem. Similarly, Italian hair care rituals is specifically for curly hair.
Here are some considerations-
Use of natural ingredients like olive oil, herbs and honey for hair care.
Consuming Mediterranean diet which is rich in Omega-3 fatty acid and antioxidants.
Frequent washing of curly hair help to retain the natural oil and prevent hair dryness.
When it’s summer time, it is necessary to protect your hair from harmful UV rays. Wearing hat in the sun helps to protect the hair from harmful weather.
Italians especially pay attention to healthy scalp. A good, healthy scalp helps to keep your hair healthy and curls bouncy.
3. Which ingredients should I avoid in products for Italian curly hair?
Some of the harsh ingredients which one should avoid in hair care products are-
Sulfates- Sulfates like SLS can be harsh and rip out the natural oil from the scalp.
Parabens- Parabens like methylparaben and propylparaben are harmful as it can effect on your health.
Silicones- Some Silicones are harmful, they cause product buildup
Mineral oil and Petroleum- These two are harsh ingredients which prevent moisture absorption.
Artificial fragrance- Artificial fragrance can be irritating to scalp and skin
Phthalates- These are plastic chemicals which are not good for health.
4. Can Italian curly hair be prone to excessive frizz?
Yes, Italian curly hair can be prone to excessive frizz as the weather in Italy is humid. And by default, curly hair is prone to be on drier and frizzier side.
5. Is there a unique significance to Italian curly hair in the world of hair care?
Yes, just like the fashion of Italy is famous, Italian curly hair is also famous and the unique way of caring for this type of curl is to use natural remedy and DIY care.
Conclusion
Always remember that every person’s hair is unique even the Italian curly hair comes with lot of variations. The hair strategy which works for one, may not work for other. You always need to hit and try before knowing what your curls allow and what they reject.
Even the hair care routine discussed above is a general routine followed by many in Italy, it is possible that your hair requires something else, you just need to study you curls very properly.
The above guide to Italian curly hair care involves general hair care principles and a good hair care routine.
Did you know about “Italian Hair Care”?