Curls made easy: I attended a curl coaching session and unlocked the no-frizz formula

In a country where “wash and go” is often a fantasy thanks to the tropical heat, curly-haired folks in Singapore have long struggled with one common enemy: frizz. But what if you could learn to love and actually manage your curls, even on the most humid day?

That’s exactly what I found out when I stepped into ManeGame SG (@manegamesg), Singapore’s first-ever curl coaching salon, founded by Maha Lakshmi Velayutham, which offers personalised consultations, haircuts, products, and all things curl care.

Beyond just giving you a curl cut or a product recommendation, Maha is on a mission to help curly-haired individuals truly understand their hair — how to care for it, flaunt it, and most importantly, love it.

Growing up, I wouldn’t say I was embarrassed by my curls, but there was an unspoken shame in having a different hair texture in a society where straight hair was the norm. What made things harder was not knowing how to care for or style my curls. No one around me had hair as curly as mine, and even my mum had straightened hers for years before eventually switching to perms.

So, I completely get it if you feel like there’s no one to turn to. That’s exactly why documenting my experience at a curl coaching session felt so important. My session with Maha was an eye-opener, and it might be for you too. Consider this your beginner-friendly, go-to guide to confidently wearing your curls out in Singapore’s humidity.

Maha’s Journey: From hair loss to curl queen

Maha’s story began where many of ours do — with confusion, frustration and a whole lot of embarrassment. Growing up, her curls were seen as something to be straightened, hidden, or “fixed”. Like many curly-haired girls, she turned to chemical treatments, unaware of the damage they were doing. The turning point came after years of rebonding, which eventually led to alopecia — hair loss triggered by prolonged chemical damage.

Instead of hiding, she chose to act. Teaming up with her business partner Vijaiam Nathan, they co-founded ManeHeaven SG (@maneheavensg), a homegrown curl salon and store dedicated to clean, curl-safe products free from sulfates and silicones.

Your no-fluff curl care routine in five easy steps

Whether you’re new to embracing your curls or finally ready to stop waging war against frizz in Singapore’s relentless humidity, consider this your go-to guide. It’s a practical, sustainable, and empowering approach to caring for your curls — one that helps you work with your hair, not against it.

Step 1: Know your hair like you know your skincare

Just like your skincare, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for curls. The first step? Understand your hair’s porosity and density — two crucial factors that influence how it responds to products and moisture.

Porosity: How well your hair absorbs moisture

• Low Porosity: Water sits on the surface and takes time to absorb, which is common for those with virgin hair. Instead, use heat (like warm water, steam, or towel wraps) to help open the hair cuticles. As for products, stick to light, non-buttery products, such as mousse or water-based curl solutions, to avoid buildup.
• Medium Porosity: Balanced moisture absorption and retention. This type thrives on curl creams and lightweight gels that hydrate and seal the hair. Fortunately, your hair is receptive to a wide variety of hair products and styling methods.
• High Porosity: Often caused by chemical or heat damage. Hair soaks up moisture quickly but loses it just as fast. You’ll want to opt for richer curl creams and sealing gels or oils to lock in hydration and reduce frizz.

Density: How much hair you actually have

• Fine Hair: For fine curls in humid Singapore, lightweight, water-based leave-in conditioners and foams are ideal. Steer clear of heavier products.
• Medium to Thick Hair: cream-based products that provide nourishment are ideal for keeping curls hydrated and manageable in Singapore’s humid weather.

Step 2: Curate your curl-approved wash routine

You don’t need to wash your hair every day. In fact, doing so can strip your curls of natural oils and disrupt your scalp’s balance. Maha recommends a four-step weekly rotation that blends gentle care with occasional deep cleansing.

1. Gentle Cleanser (2 to 3x/week):

Use a sulfate-free shampoo to lift sweat and grime without over-stripping. Perfect post-gym or for frequent washes in our climate.

2. Clarifying Cleanser (1x/week):

This deep-clean option helps remove product buildup, sweat, and environmental pollutants. Skip this if you’re already cleansing frequently with a gentle shampoo.

3. Deep Conditioner (Weekly):

An intensive moisture treatment that boosts elasticity, strengthens strands, and tames frizz. 

Pro-tip: Maha recommends using it with a shower cap or hot towel to let your hair fully absorb the nutrients.

4. Leave-In Conditioner (Every Wash Day):

This is your first line of defence post-wash. It keeps your curls soft, frizz-free, and protected throughout the day.

Step 3: Style to seal and define

Once your hair is prepped with a leave-in, it’s time to style. This step locks in moisture and defines your natural curl pattern, while creating long-lasting results in the face of Singapore’s heat.

Choose your leave-in wisely:

• For low to medium hair porosity: Water-based, lightweight leave-ins.
• For medium to thick hair porosity: Richer, cream-based leave-ins.

Lock it in with stylers:

• Foams: Add volume without weight — great for finer textures.
• Curl Creams: Provide hydration with a soft hold.
• Gels: Offer a stronger hold. Opt for glycerin-free products in humid climates to avoid unwanted frizz.

Pro-tip: If you’re short on time, you can even skip stylers — but never skip the leave-in.

Step 4: Find a styling technique that suits you

No two curls are the same, and neither are the techniques that define them. Maha encourages curly-haired girlies to explore what works best, because different approaches give different results.

Styling Techniques:

• Raking: Finger-comb product through hair in both clockwise and anti-clockwise motions for even distribution.
• “Praying Hands”: Glide product down the hair shaft using flat palms to smooth out frizz.
• Scrunching: Gently push curls upward into your palms to encourage bounce and curl memory.
• Diffusing: For volume, keep the diffuser still and pointed away from your face. Focus only on the roots, not the scalp, to prevent frizz.

Step 5: Refresh without rewashing

Curls thrive with minimal disturbance. Here’s how to maintain your look without starting from scratch every day.

Night Routine:

• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction.
• Or, wrap your hair in a silk scarf or bonnet to preserve shape.

Day-After Refresh:

• Use a spray bottle with water and a little leave-in conditioner to revive definition.
• Tame frizz or “wonky” strands by emulsifying a small amount of curl cream in your palms and smoothing over problem areas.

Avoid Over-Washing:

Stick to washing your hair 2 to 3 times a week. Over-washing leads to dryness, while under-washing can cause buildup and clogged follicles. Striking the right balance is key.

Wearing your curls out in Singapore doesn’t have to mean battling frizz all day. With the right products tailored to your hair’s needs, a little technique, and a whole lot of moisture, you can easily transform your curls from stressed to stunning — even in Singapore’s unforgiving humidity.