Tea With Thomas: Royston on Curly Hair Care and IntrinsiCurly Me at Cavendish Square

By Lewis Thomas, Founder · Featuring and reviewed by Royston, Premier Stylist & Trainer, Partners Hair Cavendish Square · Updated September 2026

In this Tea With Thomas episode, Lewis sits down with Royston to talk about curly hair care and the IntrinsiCurly Me range that Partners Hair Cavendish Square introduced. Curly hair is one of the most underserved categories in professional hair care, and it's one Royston has built real expertise in.

Key takeaways

• Curly hair needs a balance of moisture, protein, definition and frizz control; one product rarely does all four.
• IntrinsiCurly Me is a South African curl brand: naturally derived, sulphate-free, cruelty-free and vegan.
• The range runs from a gentle cleanser to curl custard, gel and a clarifying shampoo with a scalp-applicator nozzle.
• Royston's rule: know your curl type and its moisture-protein balance before choosing products.

Why does curly hair need a different approach?

By its structure, curly hair is more prone to dryness than straight hair. The curl pattern makes it harder for scalp oil to travel down the strand, which is why curls feel dry at the ends even when the scalp is fine. Add Cape Town's humidity, which makes curls frizz rather than define, and South Africa's hard water, which dulls and stiffens curls over time, and the challenge is clear. The goal of a curl routine isn't to control curls; it's to nourish, define and protect them from the things working against them. Our complete curly hair care guide walks through the routine step by step.

What is IntrinsiCurly Me?

A curl-focused professional range formulated for wavy, curly and coily hair. It uses naturally derived ingredients, is sulphate-free, cruelty-free and vegan, and its philosophy is embracing natural texture rather than softening it. "It 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 who've struggled to find products that work for natural curls have had consistently positive responses."

Which IntrinsiCurly Me products does Royston use?

Come Clean Gentle Cleanser 250ml

A sulphate-free, vegan cleanser that washes without stripping the oils curls rely on for definition and moisture. Shop Come Clean.

Crème De La Curl 250ml

A curl-enhancing cream that reduces frizz, defines and gives lasting hold while moisturising and building bounce. Shop Crème De La Curl.

Coiling Me Softly Curl Custard 250ml

Hydrating and defining with a light feel and a glossy finish, for protective styles and wash-and-go looks that need hold without stiffness. Shop Coiling Me Softly.

Hold Me Baby Curly Hair Gel 250ml

Defines, holds and nourishes with natural ingredients, light enough to avoid stiffness while keeping the shape all day. Shop Hold Me Baby.

Just To Clarify Clarifying Shampoo 250ml

A sulphate-free clarifying shampoo with an applicator nozzle for direct scalp application. It clears product build-up, hard-water minerals and excess oil: the monthly reset for any curl routine. Shop Just To Clarify.

The full range, and how to build a routine from it by curl type, is in our complete guide to curly hair products in South Africa.

What is Royston's advice for curly clients?

'The most important thing is understanding your curl type and what it needs most: more moisture, more protein, more hold, more definition. Curly hair varies enormously. A routine that works for a 3A wave won't necessarily work for a 4C coil. The products have to be matched to the texture and what it responds to.' — Royston, Premier Stylist & Trainer, Partners Hair Cavendish Square

The basics that hold across most curl types: a sulphate-free cleanser, consistent hydration, a defining cream or gel matched to the hold you want, and a monthly clarifying step. Regular trims to keep the shape and stop split ends travelling up the strand. Heat-free styling where possible; let the pattern do the work.

Personal consultations with Royston. For curl-type assessment, product matching and curl-focused cutting, book a one-on-one with Royston at Partners Hair Cavendish Square.

Book a curl consultation · Shop IntrinsiCurly Me

Frequently asked questions

What is the best curly hair routine for South African hair?
A sulphate-free cleanser, a curl cream or custard, a hold gel or leave-in for definition, and a monthly clarifying shampoo to reset hard-water build-up. 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; choose within it by your curl type and what you want from the routine.

Can I use heat tools on curly hair?
Yes, with heat protection and as little as possible. Heat-free styling preserves the pattern better over time; when you do use heat, diffuse on low to medium.

How do I deal with hard water and curly hair?
Clarify once a month. Hard-water minerals dull curls and make products less effective; the reset noticeably improves how everything else performs in the weeks after.

Where can I buy IntrinsiCurly Me in Cape Town?
At Partners Hair Cavendish Square and online at Partners Hair.

Part of our complete curly hair care guide. Related: the best products for curly hair in South Africa. Browse the curly hair collection or find your nearest salon.

Partners Hair — 24 salons across Cape Town, serving curly clients since 1984.