Partners Hair: Cavendish Square’s Avant-Garde Curly Hair Care Hub

TL;DR:

• Lewis Thomas and Royston at Cavendish Square discuss curly hair care and the introduction of Intrinsicurly Me products to Partners Hair
• Curly hair requires a balance of moisture, protein, definition, and frizz control — a single product rarely does all of this
• Intrinsicurly Me is a South African curl-focused brand using naturally derived ingredients — sulphate-free, cruelty-free, vegan
• The range covers everything from a gentle cleanser to curl custard, gel, and a clarifying shampoo with an innovative applicator nozzle
• Royston's advice: understand your curl type and moisture-protein balance before choosing products

In this Tea With Thomas episode, Lewis talks with Royston about curly hair care and the Intrinsicurly Me range that Partners Hair Cavendish Square has introduced. Curly hair is one of the most underserved categories in professional hair care — and it's one Royston has focused on developing genuine expertise in.

Curly Hair: Why It Needs a Different Approach

Curly hair, by its structure, is more prone to dryness than straight hair. The curl pattern makes it harder for the scalp's natural oils to travel down the hair shaft — which is why curly hair often feels dry at the ends even when the scalp is fine. Add Cape Town's humidity (which can make curls frizz rather than define) and South Africa's often hard water (which can dull and stiffen curls over time), and the challenge becomes clear.

The goal of a good curly hair routine isn't to control curls. It's to nourish them, define them, and protect them from the things that work against them.

About Intrinsicurly Me

Intrinsicurly Me is a curl-focused professional hair care brand formulated specifically for wavy, curly, and coily hair. The range uses naturally derived ingredients, is sulphate-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. The brand's philosophy is about embracing natural curl texture rather than managing or softening it.

"Intrinsicurly Me stood out because the formulas are built for the actual challenges curly hair faces," says Lewis. "The ingredients are transparent, the results are real, and clients with natural curls who've struggled to find products that genuinely work for them have had consistently positive responses."

The Intrinsicurly Me Products

Come Clean Gentle Cleanser 250ml

A sulphate-free, vegan cleanser that gently cleanses without stripping the natural oils that curly hair relies on for definition and moisture. Paired well with other products in the range. Shop Come Clean Cleanser →

Crème de la Curl Crème 250ml

A curl-enhancing crème that eliminates frizz, enhances and defines curls, and provides long-lasting hold. Deeply moisturises while building volume and bounce. Shop Crème de la Curl →

Curl Custard 250ml

Hydrating and defining, with a lightweight feel and glossy finish. Suited to protective styles and wash-and-go styles that need hold without stiffness or crunch. Shop Curl Custard →

Hold Me Baby Curly Hair Gel 250ml

Defines curls, provides superior hold, and nourishes with natural ingredients. Lightweight enough to avoid stiffness while maintaining shape throughout the day. Shop Hold Me Baby Gel →

Just To Clarify Clarifying Shampoo 250ml

A sulphate-free clarifying shampoo with an innovative applicator nozzle for direct scalp application. Detoxifies and revitalises the hair by removing product buildup, hard water mineral deposits, and excess oil — a monthly scalp reset for curly hair routines. Shop Just To Clarify →

Royston's Curl Care Advice

"The most important thing is understanding your curl type and what it needs most — more moisture, more protein, more hold, more definition," says Royston. "Curly hair varies enormously. A routine that works for a 3A wave pattern won't necessarily work for a 4C coil. The products need to be matched to the specific texture and what it responds to."

The basics that apply across most curl types: sulphate-free cleanser, consistent hydration, a defining crème or gel suited to the hold level you want, and a monthly clarifying step to reset buildup. Regular trims to maintain shape and remove split ends that travel up the curl shaft. Heat-free styling where possible — let the curl pattern do the work.

Visit Royston at Partners Hair Cavendish Square

For personalised curly hair advice, product recommendations, and curl-focused styling services, visit Royston at Partners Hair Cavendish Square. The salon team can assess your curl type and build a routine matched to your specific texture and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best curly hair routine for South African hair?

A sulphate-free cleanser, a curl-enhancing crème or custard, and a hold gel or leave-in for definition. Add a monthly clarifying shampoo to reset mineral buildup from hard water. Routine consistency matters more than any single product.

Is Intrinsicurly Me suitable for all curl types?

Yes — the range was formulated for wavy, curly, and coily textures. Product selection within the range should be guided by your curl type and what you want from the routine (moisture, hold, definition).

Can I use heat tools on curly hair?

Yes — with heat protection and minimised frequency. Heat-free styling preserves the curl pattern better over time. When heat styling, use a diffuser on low to medium heat rather than direct high heat.

How do I deal with hard water and curly hair?

Use a chelating or clarifying shampoo once a month to remove mineral deposits. Hard water dulls curls and makes products less effective. The clarifying step resets the scalp and hair surface and significantly improves product performance in the weeks that follow.

Where can I buy Intrinsicurly Me products in Cape Town?

Partners Hair stocks Intrinsicurly Me at Partners Hair Cavendish Square and online. Free delivery on orders over R390.

Shop Intrinsicurly Me and curly hair care at Partners Hair, or visit Royston at Partners Hair Cavendish Square. Free delivery on orders over R390.