When you think of southern girls’ hair, you immediately picture a cascade of shiny curls, a voluminous mane that evokes vacation and sunshine. Their secret? A well-oiled routine (in every sense of the phrase)… And often inspired by local traditions. In Spain, Morocco, or Italy, people take care of their hair without harshing it, focusing on gentleness, the right gestures, and simple products.
In these regions where the sun hits hard, the water is often hard, and the air dry or salty, haircare routines have become almost sacred rituals. Plant oils, wind-drying, rinses with rosewater or homemade masks… These age-old gestures are being updated today, with modern products but faithful to the original spirit. A great way to finally achieve healthy, textured, and radiant hair!
A Gentle, Regular Base: Washing, Hydration, Drying
Southern routines always begin with a gentle wash, never every day. We avoid overly harsh shampoos, opting for formulas without sulfates or silicones. The secret is to respect the scalp and maintain a natural protective film. Go for plant-based solid shampoos, or homemade blends like rhassoul or white clay.
Drying is also crucial. No scorching blow dryers or flat irons here. Drying should be done air-dried, often in the shade. We scrunch the curls with a cotton T-shirt to prevent frizz and preserve natural definition. And, at all costs, avoid combing dry hair.
Three Favorite Products to Slip into Your Bathroom:
- Shampooing solide Respire au lin bio, $12 – respire.co
- Gelée boucles Les Secrets de Loly, $19 – lesecretsdeloly.com
- Rhassoul en poudre Aroma-Zone, $7 – aroma-zone.com
Oils, Masks, and Grandma’s Time-Tested Tricks Reimagined
The southern care ritual favorite? Plant oils, of course. Argan oil in Morocco, olive oil in Italy, or castor oil in Spain have been used for ages. We apply one to two times a week. Typically, in an oil bath, left on for at least 30 minutes before washing. It’s the best way to deeply nourish the hair fiber.
Another well-known tip: natural masks. A spoonful of honey, a yolk, plain yogurt, and a splash of olive oil. It’s the secret weapon many grandmothers use to leave hair soft and shiny. Today, some brands reinterpret these recipes with organic ingredients and more pleasant textures.
Three Nourishing Rituals to Try:
- Pure Argan Oil with Rose Scent by Melvita, $20 – melvita.fr
- Intense Nourishing Mask by Centifolia, $19 – centifoliabio.fr
- Bouclème Hair Hydrating Cream, $25 – boucleme.fr
These southern haircare routines remind us that taking care of your hair doesn’t have to mean stacking countless products or following complex steps. It’s, on the contrary, about slowing down, listening to your hair’s needs, and adopting simple, yet consistent, habits. Gentle hydration, nourishing treatments, natural drying: these are the pillars of hair that looks alive and vibrant.
This summer, stash the blow-dry. Let the breeze do the rest.
