Taking care of curly hair can occasionally seem like a science that requires perfecting. To get defined curls, it’s a game of trial and error where everything must line up precisely. Even if you’ve tried a variety of products to treat your curly hair, having a good curly hair day requires a good hair care routine. Women with curly hair need to work a little harder on managing and caring for their hair. Since curly hair necessitates special care, we’ve compiled a list of advice on how to handle curly hair.
Taking Care of Curly Hair
Curly hair requires more maintenance than straight hair because it dries out more quickly and lacks moisture. The degree of curl in your hair is influenced by both your genetics and hair follicles. To give your natural curls more shine and bounce, use these tips and tricks.
1. Choose Shampoo Wisely
Regardless of the texture of your hair, washing it is always the first and most important step in any hair care routine. By washing or cleaning, you can make sure that your scalp is free of debris, extra oil, dead skin cells, and product buildup.
Use a mild shampoo free of toxic chemicals that can irritate your scalps, such as sulfates, silicones, alcohol, and parabens. While parabens are used as a preservative in hair care products, sulfates are lathering agents. Change to shampoos with mild surfactants, no fragrance, no sulfates, no silicon, and no parabens.
Pro Tip:
Before applying your shampoo and low-lather cleansing conditioner to your hair, dilute them in water. This will guarantee that you don’t use too much product at once, benefiting both your hair and your wallet.
2. Avoid Over-Cleansing your Hair
It is entirely up to you how frequently you wash your hair. It typically depends on several variables, including your workout regimen, sebum production, and scalp moisture content.
Nevertheless, it’s typically advised that people with curly hair minimize their wash days. Unlike people with straight hair, you shouldn’t shampoo your hair every day. Natural oils are essential for the health of hair with texture. Your hair strands may become dry if you wash them too frequently, which can result in breakage and damage.
You should only wash your hair once or twice a week at most for the best results.
3. Pre-Shampoo Treatment
For people with curly hair, pre-shampoo treatment is bliss. It facilitates detangling and smoothes out frizz in your hair.
By dividing your hair into sections, apply a hair mask or a conditioning oil to your dry hair. 20 minutes should be given to the conditioner. To help trap heat and loosen the cuticle, you can cover your head with a towel or shower cap. This guarantees that the conditioner gets deep into your hair.
4. Never Brush Curly Hair
Try not to brush your curly hair. Before shampooing, comb through your curly hair with a wide-toothed comb. Simply run your fingers through your hair after washing it. Never brush your hair when it’s wet because it’s more likely to break or be damaged.
Never detangle or brush your hair after a shower. The simplest way to ruin your curl pattern and make your strands into one big, unruly mess is to use a fine-tooth comb on textured hair. Try gently detangling and combing your curls in the shower as you condition your hair as an alternative. A wide-tooth comb with enough teeth to allow you to work conditioner through the length of your hair would be the ideal hair brush for your hair type. Make sure to detangle your curls completely, working from the tips to the roots.
5. Avoid Blow-Drying your Hair the Wrong Way
How should curly hair be dried properly? The best option for girls with curly hair is typically to air-dry it whenever possible. Before you let your hair air dry, gently scrunch your curls and dab off any extra moisture with a microfiber towel. On wet hair, a soft, cotton T-shirt also works well.
If you’re going to blow-dry your hair, equip your blow-dryer with a diffuser attachment. This styling advice reduces the amount of direct heat and jarring air that contacts your hair. You can prevent your curls from being excessively tossed around while drying by using a diffuser with your hairdryer. As a result, there is less friction and frizz, which enhances the appearance of healthy hair.
Pro Tip:
Your curls may lose their natural texture due to the high temperatures produced by heat styling tools, becoming lifeless and dull. Use a good heat protectant spray when you must use heat styling in moderation. To preserve your naturally lovely curls, use a diffuser and low heat.
6. Use a Very Wide-Toothed Comb
Your curly hair will become less tangled if you use a comb with wide teeth. To get rid of any knots, comb the hair from bottom to top. Every curl has the potential to break, so it’s best to handle them gently. Your natural hair texture can be messed up by a hairbrush, and it can also harm your hair.
7. Avoid Waiting Too Long to Apply Styling Products
How then should you care for curly hair while styling it? The answer is: It’s best if you can set your curls as soon as possible. Because of this, it’s advised to use styling products while your hair is still damp and before the frizz has a chance to develop.
Waiting too long could cause you to rough up the hair cuticle, making your swirls undefined and frizzy. Make sure to thoroughly blend the product in with closed hands when applying it. Avoid raking through your delicate curls because doing so can cause frizz and damage.
8. Always Use Cold Water For Hair
Hot water showers remove your scalp’s and hair’s natural oil, or sebum. Additionally, it can cause the cuticle to open, making the hair more prone to frizz and breakage. Your best bet, whether you’re shampooing or conditioning your hair, is cold water rinses.
9. Trim to Avoid Split Ends
To get rid of split ends and damaged hair, get a haircut every 6 to 8 weeks. Hair with curls needs to feel and look healthy.
The following advice can help you avoid split ends:
- Avoid wearing tight buns or ponytails with your hair up.
- Use heat-generating equipment sparingly.
- Use a detangler when brushing to prevent pulling and tugging.
- Use a wide-tooth comb at all times.
- Get a trim from a qualified hairstylist every two to three months.
10. Curly Hair Sleep Routine
Your hair follicles may be overloaded if you sleep on your back, which will make your curls appear unkempt, frizzy, and knotted.
If you have curly hair, sleeping on your side or stomach is probably best for preserving the health of your curls. Additionally, wearing a bonnet or headscarf while you sleep can help preserve your curls. Additionally, gather all of your hair on top of your head into a loose ponytail or bun. Your hair and the pillowcase will have less contact this way. To reduce friction, replace cotton pillowcases with satin or silk ones.
Use a leave-in conditioner, hair mask, or essential oil before bed to help tame your curls and add moisture while you sleep.
11. Try Natural Treatments for Healthy Curly Hair
For curly hair, use hair masks made of natural ingredients:
- Apply a hair mask made of olive oil, eggs, vinegar, and mayonnaise. After 30 minutes, gently shampoo your hair. While eggs give your hair protein, mayonnaise gives the dry curls moisture and shine.
- Avocados are a good source of healthy fats and vitamins B and E. A ripe avocado should be mashed with two tablespoons of olive oil and one tablespoon of honey. Your curly hair will benefit from this mask, so apply it and leave it in for 30 minutes. Remove with a mild shampoo.
To have healthy curly hair, try using apple cider vinegar, milk, fenugreek seeds, and hibiscus.
12. Oils for Curly Hair
The fundamental guidelines for hair care are the same regardless of the type or texture of hair. Oiling your hair encourages healthy hair growth and enhances blood flow to the scalp.
Light and non-greasy coconut oil for curly hair
For curly hair, use light, non-greasy coconut oil. Rub the oil onto your scalp using your fingertips. Apply coconut oil before bed, then wash it the next morning. A further option is to apply oil one hour before shampooing your hair.
Olive oil
Your curly hair will benefit greatly from olive oil treatments. Your dry locks get a ton of moisture from it. Heat two to three tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl for one minute. Utilize your fingertips to evenly apply to your scalp and hair. After 45 to 1 hour, cover your head with a warm towel and use a mild shampoo to wash the oil away.
Castor oil
When it comes to oiling your hair, castor oil is a less popular ingredient. Its stickiness is the cause. However, castor oil is a marvel all by itself. Your curly hair can be moisturized, and shine can be added. Experts in hair care advise applying castor oil to hair before bed and washing it the following morning.
13. Protect Your Curls from the Sun
Curly hair can become dried out by the heat and the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Wear a hat with a wide brim and keep your hair moisturized to protect your curls.
14. Avoid Hairsprays and Mousse
These two products not only have the highest alcohol content but can also make your curls crunchy.
15. Get a Curl-Expert Hairstylist
A professional hairstylist with prior experience working with curly hair, who is truly knowledgeable about the science and all the benefits of having curly hair, can make all the difference in getting a haircut. If you get a great haircut that complements your naturally curly hair, you’ll be more inclined to ditch the straightener and embrace your curls!
What Should You Not Do with Curly Hair?
- Avoid washing your curly hair every day because doing so can strip it of all its natural oils.
- Avoid using a cotton pillowcase while you sleep because it can cause friction between the strands.
- Avoid frequently using heat on your curls because it can dry them out.
- Keep your hair out of tight ponytails occasionally. The pulling may hurt the scalp.
- Never accept products that are one size fits all. Choose products made specifically for your hair type.
- Above all, avoid comparing your hair to that of people with straight hair or other hair types. Get comfortable with your curls.
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair if You Have Curly Hair?
Once every two or three days, wash your hair. Your hair loses all of its natural oils when you wash it every day. Wash your hair with conditioner in between shampooing sessions if you are a gym lover.
How Do You Keep Your Hair Curly?
- You can skip the conditioner once in a while to keep those curls intact.
- Use a curl cream on your hair to define the curls. Avoid using too much product as it can weigh down your hair.
- Use sponge rollers or hairpins to roll up your hair.
- Hair sprays and hair gels can also keep curly hairstyles in place.
What Hairstyles Are Best for Curly Hair?
The Classic Updo
- First, let your hair air dry. Use a serum designed for curls. Place a ponytail in the space between your nape and the crown of your head.
- To create a bun, wrap the ponytail around the hair tie’s base.
- Put bobby pins in the updo to firmly secure it.
Ultra-High Ponytail
- Gather your hair into a bun at the crown and fasten it with a rubber band.
- To keep the ponytail in place and tight, use bobby pins at the sides.
- Before you start your ponytail, use a curl-defining cream to enhance the curls.
Side Braid
- On one side of your head, section your hair into three sections.
- Begin braiding, and secure the ends with an attractive hair tie.
Messy Half Buns
- Tie a ponytail with the hair that is closest to your ears.
- Don’t worry about keeping your ponytail neat; simply coil it until it forms a bun. The fun of mess.
- Pin in place with bobby pins.
Conclusion
The most important thing to realize about curly hair is that it needs moisture and dries out easily. Butter, organic plant extracts, oils, and proteins are some of the types of hair products you should spend money on. They’ll keep the moisture and health of your curly hair. Your curly hair can look defined and shiny if you treat it well.