Nicole Kidman Goes Natural: A Refresher on Caring for Curly Hair

When a globally recognised actress steps out with her natural texture on full display, it lands as more than a sweet family moment—it’s a reminder that curls, coils and waves don’t need “fixing”. According to a recent Page Six report, Nicole Kidman shared a birthday post for her daughter Faith and, in the process, appeared to embrace her natural curly hair. Celebrity hair moments can be fleeting, but the message behind them has staying power: healthy hair routines are often less about constant transformation and more about working with what you have.

For UK readers, this taps into a wider shift we’ve been seeing in salons and on social feeds: a return to texture-led cuts, curl education, and styling that prioritises softness and definition over stiffness. Below, we break down what “embracing your natural curls” can look like in real life—whether you’ve always been curly, you’re re-learning your pattern after heat damage, or you’re simply trying to make peace with frizz on a damp British morning.

Why natural curls are having a moment (again)

There’s a cyclical quality to hair trends: sleek blow-dries come back around, so do glossy waves, and yet the underpinning direction in recent years has been more inclusive—less one-size-fits-all, more hair-specific. Natural curls in the spotlight matter because they normalise texture variation. They also encourage people to stop comparing their day-to-day hair to a heavily styled, lit, and edited ideal.

In the UK, many curl specialists note that clients often arrive with two common frustrations: either they feel their curls are “inconsistent”, or they believe their texture is “unmanageable”. In reality, curl variation across the head is normal, and “manageability” usually comes down to hydration balance, product technique, and the right cut structure.

• Texture visibility: Seeing natural curls on a major celebrity helps reframe curls as elegant and intentional—not a ‘before’ state.
• Routine simplicity: Embracing natural texture often reduces the need for daily heat styling, which can improve hair feel over time.
• Salon education: More stylists now offer curl consultations, dry cutting approaches, and style lessons designed around your pattern.

The foundations of healthy-looking curls: hydration, hold, and handling

Curly hair tends to lose moisture faster than straight hair because the bends and turns along the strand can slow the movement of natural oils from the scalp down the lengths. That’s why curls can look dull or feel rough even when they’re perfectly clean. Many stylists recommend building a “hydration + hold” routine—moisture to keep the hair supple, and a styling product to maintain definition as it dries.

Handling matters just as much. Over-brushing or rough towel-drying can interrupt clumps (the curl groups that create definition), leading to what we recognise as frizz. Frizz isn’t inherently bad—it’s often simply separation—but if you prefer a more defined finish, technique is your biggest tool.

• Cleanse gently: Use a shampoo that cleans the scalp without stripping the lengths; curly hair often responds well to focused scalp cleansing and lighter handling on the ends.
• Condition with intention: Detangle with conditioner in, using fingers or a wide-tooth comb, then rinse with a little product left in if your hair likes it.
• Style on wet-to-damp hair: Apply your leave-in and styler while hair is still very wet for smoother curl clumps.
• Dry without disturbance: Diffuse on a low setting or air-dry; minimise touching until fully dry to avoid disrupting the cast.

Practical next step: Next wash day, try styling with your hair wetter than usual and don’t touch it until it’s fully dry—many people notice a visible jump in curl definition from this alone.

How to get that soft, natural finish—without losing definition

“Natural” doesn’t mean zero styling—it often means smart styling that looks effortless. A soft finish is about balancing control with movement. If your curls dry crunchy, it’s typically because your styler has formed a cast. That cast is useful: it helps curls dry in a defined shape. The trick is what you do next.

Once the hair is completely dry, many curl specialists recommend gently “scrunching out the cast” with clean, dry hands or a tiny amount of lightweight oil on the palms (if your hair suits it). This can leave curls touchable while keeping the definition that the cast created in the first place.

• For loose curls and waves: Use lighter creams or foams, and diffuse briefly at the roots for lift.
• For tighter curls: Layer a leave-in with a gel for longer-lasting definition, especially in humid weather.
• For fine curly hair: Keep conditioning rich but not heavy; focus product through mid-lengths and ends, away from the scalp.
• For thick curly hair: Apply product in sections to ensure even coverage and consistent curl clumps.

UK curl realities: humidity, hard water and heat habits

British weather is, famously, a wildcard—one reason curls can feel unpredictable from day to day. Humidity can swell the hair shaft and cause expansion (which reads as frizz), while winter central heating can make hair feel drier and more static.

Hard water is another practical factor across many parts of the UK. Mineral build-up can leave curls feeling coated or less bouncy. While everyone’s hair reacts differently, some people find that occasional clarifying (followed by deep conditioning) helps reset definition. If scalp sensitivity is a concern, dermatologists often suggest patch-testing new products and keeping routines simple rather than introducing multiple actives at once.

• Refresh smarter: On non-wash days, mist hair with water first, then add a little leave-in or gel to re-form curl clumps.
• Protect at night: A satin pillowcase or loosely tying hair up can reduce friction and preserve definition.
• Heat with care: If you diffuse, keep it moving; avoid very high heat settings and consider a heat protectant if it suits your routine.
• Ask for a curl-led cut: In-salon, request shape and weight removal that supports your curl pattern, not a cut designed for straight styling.

Key Takeaways

• Seeing natural curls in the spotlight reinforces that texture is not a problem to solve, but a feature to enhance.
• Curly hair often thrives on a “hydration + hold” routine: moisture for softness and a styler for lasting definition.
• Handle curls gently—detangle in conditioner, style on wetter hair, and minimise touching while drying.
• For a soft, natural look, let curls dry fully and then scrunch out the cast to keep movement without losing shape.
• In the UK, humidity and hard water can affect curl behaviour; refreshing with water-first and clarifying occasionally can help some routines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my hair is truly curly or just frizzy?
Try styling on soaking-wet hair with conditioner and a light styling product, then let it dry with minimal disturbance. If you see repeated S-shapes, spirals, or consistent bends, you likely have a natural wave/curl pattern that benefits from curl-specific technique.

Is frizz always a sign my hair is damaged?
Not necessarily. Frizz can come from humidity, dryness, rough handling, or brushing out curls. Damage can contribute, but many people see improvements simply by changing drying habits and product application.

Should curly hair be brushed every day?
Most curl professionals advise detangling when hair is wet and coated with conditioner, rather than dry-brushing daily. Dry brushing can separate curl clumps and increase fluffiness—great if you want volume, less ideal if you want definition.

How can I make curls look more ‘natural’ and less crunchy?
Use a styler that forms a light cast, allow hair to dry completely, then gently scrunch out the cast. This usually keeps definition while making the finish softer and more touchable.

What should I ask for at the salon if I’m growing out heat damage?
Ask for a curl-led shape, conservative trimming of weakened ends, and guidance on at-home styling. Many stylists will recommend gradual trims while you rebuild a consistent routine, rather than a dramatic chop—unless you prefer one.