How to Use Curl Cream Properly — Most Guys Get This Wrong
A Quick Guide to Getting Natural Texture Without the Fluff
You bought a curl cream. You used it. Nothing changed.
Or worse — your hair felt greasy, flat, or crunchy.
Most men use curl cream the wrong way. Either too much, at the wrong time, or on the wrong hair type. Here’s how to get it right — and actually see results.
What Curl Cream Does
Curl cream defines, softens, and hydrates textured hair. It’s not gel. It’s not wax. It doesn’t freeze curls — it shapes and enhances what you already have.
The 5 Rules for Using Curl Cream Properly
1. Apply to Damp Hair (Not Wet, Not Dry)
After you shower, towel dry gently until your hair is damp but not dripping. This is when your hair is most absorbent — and your curl pattern is visible.
Don’t apply on soaking wet hair — it’ll dilute the product.
Don’t apply on bone dry hair — it won’t spread evenly.
2. Warm the Cream First
Rub the curl cream between your palms to activate the product and help with even distribution.
3. Rake It Through Evenly
Start at the roots and rake through to the ends with fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Make sure the product touches every section — not just the top.
4. Scrunch to Define
Tilt your head forward and gently scrunch sections of hair upwards toward the scalp. This locks in shape and enhances your natural curl or wave.
5. Hands Off While It Dries
Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser on low heat. Once it’s dry, don’t touch it — that creates frizz.
Want extra hold or lift? Add a touch of Boost Powder once dry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using too much product
Applying to dry hair
Brushing after styling
Mixing with oil-based products
Recommended Product
Break Line – Daily Curl Cream by Fry’s
Made for Aussie weather, salt-touched curls, and real texture. Lightweight, non-greasy, and designed to define without build-up.
“The only curl cream I’ve used that doesn’t weigh me down.”
— Real client, Byron Bay
→ Shop Break Line Curl Cream now at frysapothecary.com
Best Grooming Routine for Textured Hair: Curl Cream, Shampoo & More
A Simple System That Works for Wavy, Curly, and Coarse Hair
Textured hair needs a different approach. More moisture, less heat. Better products, not more of them.
If you’ve got waves, curls, or coarse hair — and you’re tired of fluff, frizz, or flatness — this is your straightforward routine. Designed by a barber, tested in Byron Bay, and built around real texture.
Step 1: Cleanse (2–3x/week)
Most shampoos strip textured hair. That’s why your curls feel dry and shapeless. You need a cleanser that removes buildup without killing moisture.
Try: Fry’s Tide Break Curl Shampoo – gentle, no sulfates, curl-safe
Step 2: Condition (Every wash)
Hydration is everything. Conditioner softens the cuticle, reduces frizz, and gives you natural movement. Apply mid-lengths to ends and leave it in for 2–3 minutes.
Try: Fry’s Undertow Volume Conditioner or Coil Calm Curl Conditioner
Step 3: Towel Right
Pat dry with a microfiber towel or old T-shirt. No rubbing. Keep some moisture in — that’s your styling base.
Step 4: Apply Curl Cream (While Damp)
Rake a small amount of curl cream through your hair from root to tip. Scrunch it in for shape.
Try: Break Line Daily Curl Cream – adds definition without crunch
Step 5: Let It Set
Air dry or diffuse on low heat. Don’t touch it until dry — that’s when curls hold their shape.
Optional Add-ons
Boost Powder at the roots if you want more volume
Grooming Spray to refresh between washes
Beard Wash if you’re textured all over
Weekly Reset Routine
Deep cleanse
Exfoliate the scalp (with fingertips)
Clay mask for skin + beard line
Hydrate and reset
Use: Bay Clay enzyme mask 2x/week for clear skin & scalp
Final Word
Textured hair doesn’t need taming. It needs support — products that bring out the best of what you’ve already got. This isn’t about control. It’s about confidence.
→ Shop the full texture care range at frysapothecary.com
Why Men Should Care About Skincare (Even If You Don’t Think You Need To)
Confidence Starts with Clean Skin
Most blokes grow up thinking skincare’s not for them. Maybe it feels like a waste of time. Maybe it’s too complicated. Maybe it’s just not “masculine.”
Here’s the truth: your face cops it — sun, sweat, late nights, bad sleep, stress, dirty towels, dirty hands, and aircon. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. It just leaves your skin looking worse, faster.
Skincare isn’t vanity. It’s maintenance.
1. Clean Skin = Clear Mind
When your face is clean, hydrated, and fresh — you look better. You feel better. And that feeling shows up everywhere else: how you show up to work, on dates, around your mates.
2. Bad Habits Stack Up Fast
You don’t need to be using ten products. But using nothing at all? That’s why you’re seeing:
Dry patches
Oil slicks
Blackheads
Redness
Premature lines
3. You Only Need 3 Basics
Forget influencer kits. You just need this:
Cleanser – strips dirt, not your skin
Moisturiser – locks in hydration
Exfoliator (2x/week) – clears buildup
That’s it.
Try: Fry’s Facial Cleansing Gel, Balancing Moisturiser, and Bay Clay Exfoliating Mask
4. Skincare = Self-Respect
It’s not about beauty. It’s about showing up for yourself. Skincare is one of the few moments in the day where it’s just you, in the mirror, putting in some effort.
Final Word
It’s not soft. It’s smart.
Skincare’s not about trying to look 20 forever — it’s about making the most of what you’ve got now, and owning it with confidence.
→ Start with the basics. Shop men’s skincare at frysapothecary.com
How Surf, Sweat & Sun Damage Men’s Skin — and What to Do About It
A Straightforward Skincare Guide for Aussie Blokes
If you’re outdoors — surfing, sweating, working in the sun — your skin’s taking a hit.
You might not see it now, but damage stacks up. Dryness. Breakouts. Early wrinkles. Redness that won’t shift.
Here’s what causes it — and how to fight back without overcomplicating things.
1. Sun Wrecks Skin — Even If You Tan
UV breaks down collagen and thickens pores. It’s not just about sunburn — it’s ageing.
Fix it:
Apply antioxidant-rich moisturiser every morning
Repair with a night serum or face oil
Try: Fry’s Antioxidant Oil or Corrective Serum
2. Saltwater Dries You Out
Ocean swims feel clean but strip moisture. You’re left with tight, dull skin if you don’t rinse and rehydrate.
Fix it:
Rinse after surf
Use a gel cleanser + hydrating moisturiser
Try: Facial Cleansing Gel + Hydrating Moisturiser
3. Sweat + Grime = Breakouts
Sunscreen, oil, and sweat clog your skin. Trapped dirt means more flare-ups — especially around the beard, forehead, and neck.
Fix it:
Exfoliate 2–3 times a week
Use natural ingredients like clay, enzymes, and tea tree
Try: Bay Clay Enzyme Mask
4. Wind & Heat Strip Oils
Hot wind dehydrates your face fast — leaving it reactive, red, and flaky.
Fix it:
Lock in hydration morning and night
Go light and consistent
Try: Fry’s Balancing Moisturiser
Simple Routine for Active Days
Morning:
Cleanse
Moisturise
Sunscreen
Evening (after surf/work):
Cleanse
Exfoliate or Mask
Serum or Oil
Final Word
You don’t need 10 steps. You just need to undo what the elements do to you every day.
The right products, clean ingredients, and a bit of consistency. Simple.
→ Shop the full routine now at frysapothecary.com
Barber-Approved Grooming Tips for the Aussie Summer
Stay Sharp When the Heat Kicks In
Australian summers hit different — the sweat, salt, sun and humidity can mess with your hair, skin, and style. If you want to look good through it all, your routine needs to work with the heat, not against it.
Here’s your no-fuss, barber-approved guide to grooming smart during summer in Australia — Byron Bay tested.
1. Switch to Lightweight Products
Heavy creams and waxes melt. Go for curl creams, volume powders, and light grooming sprays that give hold and movement without the grease.
Try: Break Line Curl Cream + Airlift Boost Powder
2. Shampoo Less, Rinse More
Sweating more doesn’t mean you need to shampoo more. Overwashing strips your scalp and dries your curls. Instead, rinse daily and shampoo 2–3x a week.
Use a curl-friendly cleanser like Tide Break
3. Exfoliate Twice a Week
Heat + sunscreen + sweat = clogged skin. A gentle clay mask like Bay Clay or our Tea Tree enzyme exfoliator will keep your pores clear and your skin feeling fresh.
4. Moisturise Even if You Sweat
Don’t skip moisturiser just because it’s hot. A lightweight gel or balancing moisturiser will hydrate without clogging. Look for ingredients like Kakadu Plum and Aloe.
Try: Fry’s Balancing Moisturiser — non-greasy, made for humid days
5. Protect the Beard
Beards trap sweat and salt. Rinse them daily, use beard wash, and finish with a touch of oil or balm to keep the skin underneath happy.
Fry’s Beard Wash cleans without stripping. Add the Antioxidant Oil if it’s dry underneath.
6. Book a Clean-Up Cut
Summer is the time to lighten up. Keep the sides tight and the shape clean. A mid-skin fade or a natural taper holds better in heat.
Drop into Fry’s Barbershop, Byron Bay — book online
Final Word
Summer’s not the time to layer on product or overdo routines. Keep it clean, keep it light, and let the texture breathe. Your hair and skin will thank you.
→ Stock up now at frysapothecary.com or drop in-store for the full summer fix.
The Real Benefits of Using Clay, Kakadu Plum & Tea Tree in Men’s Skincare
Why These Aussie Natives Belong in Your Routine
When it comes to skincare, most guys don’t care what’s in the bottle — until it stops working. The secret? It’s not just about fancy packaging. It’s about the ingredients inside — and Australia’s got some of the best.
If you’re using skincare made for American or European skin, you’re missing out. Australian botanicals like Kakadu Plum, Tea Tree, and natural Clays work better in our climate — because they were made here.
Here’s why they matter.
1. Kakadu Plum — Vitamin C Powerhouse
This native fruit has the highest concentration of Vitamin C on Earth.
What it does:
Boosts collagen
Brightens skin
Fights pigmentation and signs of ageing
Perfect for sun-exposed, tired skin.
Find it in Fry’s Corrective Serum and Balancing Moisturiser.
2. Tea Tree — Nature’s Antiseptic
Grown in humid Aussie climates, Tea Tree is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
What it does:
Clears breakouts
Calms redness
Helps oily or acne-prone skin
We use it in the Bay Clay Exfoliating Mask for a deep clean without irritation.
3. Australian Clay — Deep Detox, No Stripping
Unlike harsh scrubs, pink, white, and green clays draw out dirt, oil, and toxins — gently.
What it does:
Clears pores
Removes dead skin
Leaves skin soft, not tight or flaky
Used in Bay Clay and our lavender enzyme masks. Designed for sensitive skin.
Why Local Ingredients Matter
Imported formulas often don’t account for UV exposure, sweat, saltwater, and heat. Aussie botanicals are designed for this terrain — they survive harsh conditions and help your skin do the same.
Final Word
Good skincare starts with clean, effective ingredients. At Fry’s, every formula is built around native Australian actives that actually work — no filler, no fluff.
→ Try skin care that works where you live. Shop natural men’s skincare at frysapothecary.com
Best Men’s Curl Creams in Australia (2025 Review)
It all begins with an idea.
Barber-Approved Picks for Wavy, Curly, and Coarse Hair
If you’ve got textured hair and you’re in Australia, you know the struggle — frizz, dryness, and that midday fluff-out. Curl creams are the fix. But not all are made equal. Some are too greasy, some do nothing. Below is a breakdown of the best men’s curl creams in Australia right now, based on barber experience, clean ingredients, and real results.
1. Break Line – Daily Curl Cream by Fry’s Apothecary
Best for: Everyday texture control without weight
Made in Byron Bay, this daily-use cream is designed for Aussie conditions — salty air, humidity, heat. It hydrates, defines, and softens without the greasy finish. With Kakadu Plum and natural oils, it’s ideal for textured, wavy, or dry hair.
Why we rate it: Non-sticky, lightweight, smells clean, no parabens or nasties.
Price: $30
Where to buy: frysapothecary.com
2. Kevin Murphy – Killer.Curls
Best for: Frizz control with a more luxe feel
This one’s been a staple in high-end salons for years. It’s rich, so you only need a little. Organic ingredients, but the price tag’s higher. Not ideal for daily use if you’re on a budget.
3. Cantu Shea Butter for Men – Curl Activator Cream
Best for: Thicker curls and coils
Heavier formula that works well for afro-textured hair. Widely available and budget-friendly, but contains silicones and fragrance — might not be ideal for sensitive skin.
4. Aesop – Violet Leaf Hair Balm
Best for: Clean scent lovers and light hold
Less of a curl cream and more of a styling balm. Doesn’t define curls as much, but adds subtle control. Best for shorter, finer curls that need a polish, not a lock-in.
What to Look for in a Curl Cream
Hydration without heaviness
No sulfates or parabens
Heat protection (especially if you’re blow-drying)
Humidity resistance for the Aussie climate
Fragrance that doesn’t overpower
How to Use Curl Cream (Properly)
Apply to damp (not soaking) hair
Rake through using fingers or wide-tooth comb
Scrunch from ends to roots
Let air dry or diffuse
Pro tip: Less is more — start small
Final Word
For real results, go local. Fry’s Break Line Curl Cream was designed by a barber for Aussie men who want simplicity and performance. It’s clean, effective, and made with your texture in mind.
→ Try it now at frysapothecary.com
How to Style Wavy or Curly Hair for Men – Barber Tips That Work
It all begins with an idea.
No Fuss. No Frizz. Just Real Texture Done Right.
Most men with curly or wavy hair don’t know what to do with it — so they cut it short, flatten it with product, or ignore it altogether. But if you’ve got textured hair, you’ve got something most guys don’t: character.
Here’s how to bring it out — without the fluff, frizz or grease — using the right technique and the right products.
Step 1: Wash Smart
Don’t overwash. Two to three times a week is plenty. Use a curl-friendly shampoo like Tide Break and follow with a moisturising conditioner to keep your hair from drying out.
Avoid shampoos with sulfates — they strip the natural oils that give curls their shape.
Step 2: Towel Gently, Don’t Rub
Use a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel to pat dry. Never rub — it creates frizz and breaks curl patterns. Your hair should be damp, not dripping.
Step 3: Apply Curl Cream While Damp
Use a curl cream like Break Line – Daily Curl Cream. Warm it in your hands and rake it through your hair from root to tip.
Pro tip: Tilt your head and scrunch the ends upward to encourage natural curl formation.
Step 4: Air Dry or Diffuse
Air drying = soft, natural finish
Diffusing = more volume and hold
If you diffuse, keep it on low heat and low speed. Hold the diffuser close, but don’t move it too much.
Step 5: Break the Cast (Optional)
If your hair feels a little stiff once dry, use dry hands to scrunch it again and “break the cast.” This softens the curl while keeping definition.
Styling Add-ons (Optional)
For extra hold: a light grooming spray
For volume at the roots: apply a touch of Airlift Boost Powder once dry
For a clean finish: twist a few front curls with your fingers for shape
Final Word: Own the Texture
Wavy or curly hair isn’t a problem to fix — it’s a feature to frame. With the right technique and products, you’ll get natural movement, healthy shine, and texture that works with you, not against you.
→ Get the full curl care routine at frysapothecary.com
Why Most Hair Styling Powders Don’t Work (And What to Look For Instead)
The Truth About Volume, Hold, and That Chalky Residue
If you’ve ever tried a hair styling powder and ended up looking like you dumped flour on your scalp — you’re not alone. Most powders on the market are cheap fillers: dry, clumpy, hard to apply, and even harder to wash out. So why do they sell? Hype. Not performance.
Here’s why most styling powders suck — and what to look for if you want texture, volume, and control without the mess.
1. They’re Full of Talc or Silica
Talc-based powders bulk up quickly but leave white residue and dry your scalp out over time. Silica can clog follicles, leading to breakouts or itchiness — especially in humid Aussie conditions.
What to look for: Natural starches like rice or corn, and kaolin clay for grip and scalp health.
2. No Control = No Structure
A lot of powders lift but don’t hold. So your hair spikes for 30 minutes, then collapses into limp, dusty chaos.
What to look for: A hybrid powder that offers hold + reworkable structure. Think of it like a matte paste in powder form.
3. Most Don’t Wash Out Properly
Cheap powders cling to your scalp, which can lead to flaking, itch, or build-up. Over time, this blocks healthy hair growth.
What to look for: Water-soluble ingredients and low-residue blends — so you can reset without scrubbing your scalp raw.
Fry’s Fix: Airlift – Boost Powder
Created for real hair and real weather. This Byron Bay-made styling powder is light, buildable, and clean.
No talc
No residue
Grips without gunk
Washes out easy
It’s designed for volume at the roots, texture through the ends, and a clean, matte finish that still feels like hair.
Barber-tested. No fluff. Just lift.
→ Shop Airlift Boost Powder at frysapothecary.com
How to Use Styling Powder (Properly)
Start with dry hair
Dust lightly at the roots
Use fingertips to work in and lift
For more shape: pinch and pull the ends
Want grit? Add a touch of grooming spray after
Final Word
You don’t need a shelf full of products. Just the right ones that do what they say. A good powder should lift, shape, and vanish when you’re done — not leave you dusty and dry.
Simple Skincare Routine for Australian Men — No BS, Just Results
Barber-Backed Tips for Clean, Strong Skin in 3 Steps
If you’re a guy who’s never had a skincare routine, don’t worry — most haven’t. But here’s the truth: your skin cops it. Sun, salt, sweat, stress. And in Australia, it hits harder. That means dryness, premature ageing, and breakouts if you do nothing.
Good news? You only need three steps to keep your skin clear, healthy and sharp. Here’s the simple routine I give my clients — built for real life, not influencers.
Step 1: Cleanse
Start and end your day with a clean slate.
Use a gentle Facial Cleansing Gel or Cream Cleanser to get rid of oil, grime, and pollution — without stripping your skin dry.
Barber tip: Don’t use body wash on your face. Ever.
Step 2: Exfoliate (2–3x/week)
If your skin feels rough, dull, or congested — you need to exfoliate. That means clearing out dead skin and buildup so your products can actually work.
Use a natural exfoliating mask like Bay Clay with enzymes + pink clay. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse. Done.
Look for Australian natives like Tea Tree and Kakadu Plum — they work hard and play nice.
Step 3: Moisturise
Hydration is key. Even oily skin needs it — especially after sun, surf, or a long day.
Use a lightweight Balancing Moisturiser in the morning and a richer Hydrating Moisturiser at night.
Optional Add-ons (Worth It)
Antioxidant Oil at night if your skin’s dry or stressed
Eye Gel if you’re looking tired
Corrective Serum if you’ve got uneven skin or dark spots
Real Routine Example (5 min/day)
Morning:
Cleanse
Moisturise
Sunscreen
Night:
Cleanse
Exfoliate (Mon/Wed/Fri)
Hydrating moisturiser or Antioxidant Oil
Final Word
You don’t need a 12-step routine. Just the basics — done right, every day. Your skin will thank you. You’ll feel sharper. And you won’t need to think about it again.
→ Build your full routine at frysapothecary.com