A Round-Up From Our LOHY. Live With Jonina & Special Guest Nina
During a recent LOHY. Live session, Jonina Menzies, LOHY.’s resident curl expert, styled Nina's gorgeous, long, coarse curly hair.
Nina has always embraced her curls, but as she grows out her grey, her hair’s texture and porosity has changed. Jonina shared some invaluable tips and techniques to help Type 3 and Type 4 Curlies with coarse hair, manage their curls using LOHY. products. The results were nothing short of amazing.
If you’ve been struggling to hydrate and define your coarse curls, or you’re transitioning to natural grey like Nina, here’s how Jonina achieved those soft, touchable curls—using the perfect blend of products and expert techniques!
Products Used on Nina’s Hair
- Nourish & Flourish Shampoo
- Drench & Quench Conditioner
- Detangling Flexi Brush + Cold Shoulder Guard
- Cruise Control Curl Cream
- Oomph Hydrating Gel
- Hold It Hairspray
Step-By-Step Routine For Coarse Curls
1. Start with Nourish & Flourish
Jonina had already washed Nina’s hair with Nourish & Flourish Shampoo, a rich formula that gently cleanses while adding moisture, which is essential for coarse curls prone to dryness. The key here is using a product that doesn’t strip your hair of its natural oils, which can cause frizz.
2. Hydrate with Drench & Quench Conditioner
Next, she applied Drench & Quench Hair Mask/Conditioner, leaving a small amount in the ends for extra hydration. This is a great hair hack for Type 3-4 curlies! Coarse hair, especially when mixed with grey, tends to be thirstier and can handle the added moisture. By not rinsing out all the conditioner, Jonina ensured Nina’s hair stayed hydrated through the styling process.
Tip: If your ends are prone to frizz, or you have partially coloured hair, consider leaving some conditioner in the ends as well. Your curls will thank you!
3. Add Cruise Control Curl Cream for Soft Hold
With the hair still damp, Jonina applied Cruise Control Curl Cream, which offers a soft hold without the stiffness. This lightweight product is ideal for achieving touchable curls while enhancing natural definition.
4. Layer with Oomph Hydrating Gel for Definition
For extra definition, especially given Nina's long, coarse hair, Jonina applied a generous amount of Oomph Hydrating Gel. This product is a must for anyone starting their curl journey. The more you apply, the more defined your curls will be—perfect for longer or more textured hair.
Pro Tip: For curls that have different porosities—like Nina’s, where the ends are more porous from past colouring—apply the product heavier at the ends and lighter at the roots. This ensures balanced hydration and curl formation.
5. Section and Style for Volume
To create maximum volume, Jonina sectioned Nina's hair and brushed the products through at a 90-degree angle upwards. This technique helps lift the hair from the scalp, giving it that desired fullness. She also added water wherever the hair began to dry, maintaining moisture throughout the styling process.
If you notice frizz forming at this stage, it’s a sign your curls need more hydration. Don’t hesitate to add more product or mist with water to reactivate it.
6. The “Squish to Condish” Method
Jonina then flipped Nina's hair upside down and gently scrunched her curls towards the scalp. Listen for that satisfying “squishy squelchy” sound—it’s the key to encouraging curl clumps and locking in moisture.
Scrunching helps define and enhance your natural curl pattern.
7. Dry with Care: Microfiber Towel & Diffusing
Using LOHY.’s Cold Shoulder Guard (a microfiber neck towel), Jonina carefully removed excess water while keeping the products in place. She emphasised gently squeezing the water out rather than rough towel-drying, which can disrupt the curl pattern.
Afterward, she diffused Nina’s curls upside down, ensuring that the curls formed from root to tip. Diffusing all the way to the scalp is crucial for even curl formation and lasting volume.
Transitioning To Grey? Here's What You Need To Know
As Nina transitions to natural grey, she’s noticed a change in her hair’s porosity—particularly in the ends, which are more porous due to previous colouring. Jonina adjusted her product application accordingly, applying more moisture and product to the ends where they were thirstier.
Growing out your grey can actually improve your hair’s health. As Nina pointed out during the session, since stopping colouring, her hair has grown faster and feels healthier overall.
Jonina asked - ‘What's the biggest change you've noticed since stopping colouring’.
“Hair growth! It was still long, and I still loved it, but it definitely stunted the growth. Now It's healthier with a lovely lustre”.
For those transitioning, Jonina recommends considering ‘hi-lift’ mineral colouring techniques, which are gentler on the curl structure.
Struggling with stubborn greys at the hairline?
Jonina suggests embracing them by adding more volume at the hairline for a fuller, more blended look. Using root clips while drying can make a significant difference in the final result.
Jonina suggests embracing them by adding more volume at the hairline for a fuller, more blended look. Using root clips while drying can make a significant difference in the final result.
Final Thoughts
The results of this styling session were soft, touchable, and well-defined curls, with far more hydration than usual. Jonina’s expert tips and the use of LOHY.’s hydrating and curl-enhancing products helped Nina’s hair look healthy, shiny, and voluminous.
For all our Type 3-4 curlies, remember: hydration is your best friend! Whether you’re growing out your natural hair colour or just looking to achieve the best curls of your life, this routine is a fantastic guide for mastering your curls.
Ready to start your own curl journey? Try this routine with LOHY. products and embrace your curls in all their coarse, gorgeous glory!
Love & Hydration xx