Claim your curls

Salon G’s curl specialist, Shelley Pullar, explains how easy it is to set your curls free.

photos KATIE COX + SUPPLIED

Let’s face it – 64 percent of us are blessed with naturally curly hair, yet for decades we’ve been coaxing, straightening, and smoothing those gorgeous coils into submission. But even after years of damage, it is possible to reclaim your curls’ natural texture. Here are my must-know, salon-approved secrets to bringing them back to life.

Hydration is everything

Curly hair craves moisture, and for good reason. Natural oils from the scalp struggle to make their way through each twist and turn of the curl, leaving strands parched. Start with a sulphate-free cleanser like Clever Curl Cleanser, a “no-poo” formula that skips the suds but delivers hydration. Pro tip: always double cleanse!

Follow with the right conditioner. For fine curls use Clever Curls Light Conditioner. For thick or coarse textures, consider Clever Curls Rich Conditioner. Want to go the extra mile? Treat your curls to a deep-conditioning mask. Leave it on for up to an hour, wrap your hair, and soak in a steamy bath.

Detangle with TLC

The golden rule is to always detangle when your hair is soaking wet. Use your fingers or a wet brush, starting at the ends and gently working upward. Patience is key!

Layer with love

Think of styling your curls like building the perfect lasagna, layer by layer. Start with a leave-in cream to seal in moisture and define your curl shape. We love Clever Curl Curl Cream for this step. Need more hold? Choose a styling product to “cast” your curls in place while they dry. Wonderfoam is good for light to medium hold. Clever Curl Gel in Humid or Dry Weather formulas, depending on the forecast. Use a curl brush to sculpt and lift at the roots, then either air-dry or diffuse gently. Once fully dry, scrunch out the crunch for soft, bouncy, defined curls.

Sleep like a curl queen

Nighttime care is everything. Switch to a satin or silk pillowcase (or bonnet) to reduce friction, frizz, and moisture loss. Try the pineapple method by loosely gathering curls on top of your head to preserve shape while you snooze.

Refresh, don’t rewash

Washing too often can strip curls of their natural oils. Instead, refresh between wash days. Mist your curls with water to reactivate the styling products already in place. Mix a bit of Clever Curl Curl Cream in a spray bottle with water, then shake and spritz. Give your curls a squish to revive bounce and reduce frizz.

Trim it to win it

Regular trims are non-negotiable for healthy, happy curls. Book a visit with one of our curl-cutting experts at Salon G and let’s talk shape, texture, and goals. Bonus treat: The first 24 readers to book a haircut and mention this article will receive a complimentary Clever Curl Care Pack – our way of saying welcome to the curl club. You can now refill your Clever Curl products at Salon G. Better for your wallet and the planet!

SALONGRANGE.COM

Curl power

Get to know Shelley Pullar, UNO’s new columnist, bringing fresh insights and expert hair advice.

photos KATIE COX

From London’s high-fashion scene to Tauranga’s creative heart, Shelley Pullar has spent 30 years transforming hair. She’s trained in millinery, showcased work on the runway, and competed in the British Hair Awards – but at the core of it all, she’s a problem solver. Whether it’s taming curls, perfecting colour, or cutting through haircare myths, Shelley believes good hair starts with knowledge.

At Tauranga’s Salon G, she’s built a space where clients learn to love their locks – and she’s excited to soon be sharing expert advice, styling secrets, and fresh takes on hair trends with our readers.

What is your background? How did you become a hairstylist? I’m a creative person who has always done some form of art. I have 30 years of experience in the fashion industry and studied Millinery and Fashion at the London College of Fashion. I owned a salon in London with 25 staff and was a finalist for the British Hair Awards. I showcased hair, clothing, and hats in numerous London stage shows. I’ve spent seven years hairdressing in Tauranga city centre, searching for the perfect place to call home – and I found it! I spent six years creating head pieces for Tarnished Frocks and Divas. Before becoming a hair stylist I’d planned to attend Whitecliffe School of Fine Arts, but I ended up helping a friend at a salon, which led to being offered a hairdressing apprenticeship. And I’m so glad I did!

What do you specialise in and why? Helping people understand their hair type and potential. As a creative, I see my clients as my walking canvases. My passion is form and colour. I believe there is a need for greater knowledge and education in this area. As a child, going to the salon was a nightmare. I have curly, fluffy, and unruly hair, and the stylist would always cut it too short or blow-dry it too smooth. It was terrible to manage once I got home. My dad’s daily comment was always, “Go brush your hair,” and I constantly compared myself to my sister’s sleek locks. So, my hair was simply scraped into a ponytail. I never had the knowledge to understand, appreciate, or love my hair like I do now. Hence my interest in curls. I love the challenge of difficult hair and want to offer solutions so people can love their hair too.

What do you wish more people knew about their hair? Understand your hair. As you age, its texture, thickness, and colour may change. It’s important to have these conversations and seek advice from a professional stylist – not Instagram. Hair care doesn’t have to be overcomplicated with 100 steps. Keeping your hair healthy isn’t as difficult as it seems.

Hydrate inside and out. Drinking water is good for both your hair and skin. Find the right conditioner, whether it’s lightweight, leave-in, or a more indulgent hair mask.

Be mindful of the temperature settings on your styling tools. Many go up to 240°C, but 185°C (according to GHD) is the ideal temperature for styling and setting. Try to limit your use. What are your top three hair tips? Pre-shampoo. Apply your purple shampoo before getting in the shower. Leave it on for five minutes, then lather as your first shampoo. This will maximise its benefits as it won’t be diluted.

Curl definition. Invest in a curly hair brush. This maximises volume at the roots and leaves you with more defined curls – no clumping! Our clients love them. Hairspray application. Try spraying onto your hands to create lift and a longer lasting hold at the roots. Run your fingers through your hair – this helps build hold within the hair rather than leaving a stiff exterior. It’s great in humid conditions or for those slightly warm flush moments, creating sexier movement and texture.

When it comes to hair, who inspires you? After 15 years in London’s fashion scene, showcasing garments on the catwalk with Vivienne Westwood on the HMS Belfast, working with celebrity hairdresser Desmond Murray as my photographer for the British Hair Awards, and drawing inspiration from British hair icons like Vidal Sassoon, I’ve been deeply influenced by the industry’s greats. Beyond that, I find inspiration in celebrity culture, New Zealand’s natural beauty, architecture, form, and colours.

How do you see the salon evolving? Redesigning the ‘little’ things was important to me when creating my salon. A large table in the centre serves as a homely hub, where people can come together and chat. Fostering this kind of environment is always an aim. We love being in the heart of Ōtūmoetai and want the salon to reflect this. Partnering with local businesses and fostering a sense of social responsibility – giving back to the community – is a key focus of mine. SALONGRANGE.COM