The curl struggle is Real! Everybody loves Curly hair for its bouncy, frizz-free, shiny, and well-defined curls. But do you know it requires a whole set of curly hair care routines to maintain the moisture level of the hair? Naturally, curly tends to lack moisture and therefore it is more prone to breakage and dryness. Therefore, treating it with moisture-boosting products, preventing breakage, and use of protective stylers product is a must.
Curly hair comes with its challenges such as hair breakage, severe frizz, dryness, brittleness, knots, and distorted Curls. Curly hair is built differently, it has its own set of needs based on porosity meaning hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture; different curl patterns such as type 2 (wavy), type 2a, type 2b, type 2c, type 3 (curly), type 3a, type 3b, type 3c, type 4 (coily), type 4a, type 4b, and type 4c; and lastly the curled hair care routine that includes the products and stylers you use. The unique bends of the curl’s hair density make it difficult for the scalp’s natural oil to exceed down the strands of hair.
This Blog post is an answer for all curly-haired beauties, who want to build perfect hair care routines. Your quest for bouncy, frizz-free, and defined curls is here:
Firstly, you must build a Curly Hair Routine, it answers all your concerns related to Curly Hair.
How often should you wash curly hair?
You must wash your hair once or twice a week only if you notice your hair is dirty and your scalp has developed a product buildup. Washing means cleansing with a clarifying shampoo and conditioner. Wash your hair if your scalp has built flakes causing irritation, inflammation, and itching. You may otherwise just rinse with normal water and then apply a conditioner.
Washing Tip: Always wash your hair with Cold water, as Hot water can strip away the natural oils by making it more prone to dryness and frizz.
What Shampoo & conditioner to consider for Curly Hair?
Shampoo and conditioners are specially formulated to wash curly hair. Since curly hair tends to dry up quickly after washing. Shampoo with harsh ingredients such as detergents, sulfate, silicone, alcohol, and paraben can strip natural hair of its moisture. Always check out for moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, keratin, shea butter, plant extracts, essential oils, panthenol, and provitamins to nourish the curls.
A good shampoo for hair washing is a must to get rid of any dirt, dust, built-up, and excess oils. While washing, focus on the roots and scalp where buildups tend to settle. Gently massage it from your roots to the end of the hair strands. Always use mild or sulfate-free shampoo and dilute it with some water before you apply.
Shampoo tip: Avoid over-shampooing your curly hair as it opens up the cuticles and strips the hair of its natural oil. Shampoo only your scalp and let it clean the rest of the hair when you rinse it out.
Follow it up with a curl-defining conditioner infused with hydrating oils and other moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, Jojoba oil, Abyssinian Seed Oil, Castor oil, Ceramides, humectants, essential fatty acids, and proteins. Always ensure your conditioner does not have silicones in them. The moisturizer in fortifying conditioner will keep your curls in balance and healthy. It helps to detangle the curl’s as it softens frizz and makes it easy to style.
When it comes to deep conditioning, do it at least once a month. Restore your curls with a deep moisturizing mask or repair mask to fix hydration. Use steamers to open the hair cuticle for product penetration.
Conditioner tip: Comb after applying conditioner. Use your fingers first to ensure the conditioner is evenly distributed throughout the curls. Then make 2-3 sections of hairs and use comb out the big knots gently.
Are you heat-styling your curls the wrong way?
Your curls are fragile, you need to be more cautious about how much to use styling tools as it weakens the hair stands. Using Heating tools equals dryness and damage. The high temperature in heating tools can damage the natural texture of the curls leaving them dry and frizzy. Always limit styling your curls with heating tools such as air wrap, curl iron, curling wand, perm rods, and blow drier. Your curls get damaged when not treated the right way. Always use a heat-protectant spray on your curls before styling.
Styling Tip: Always set hot styling tools on moderate heat, while giving blow-drying your curls, add a diffuser attachment to your blow-dryer. It will limit the force of direct heat and air hitting your curls.
How to speed up the drying process without causing friction?
Try to focus more on rehydrating your curls in a natural way. Do not rub your curls with a harsh towel, rubbing can cause breakage and cause the cuticles to open. To speed up the drying process, gently scrunch your curls, and squeeze out excess moisture with a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt. Flip your curls upside down with a diffuser to prevent frizz and adds volume to your curls. Use your fingers to twist your curls in the desired style.
Drying tip: If your hair is prone to frizz after drying out, you may use leave-in hair products such as curl-activating cream, defining gel, curl-building serum, and refresher sprays to give you the gorgeous curls you deserve.
How to protect your curls while you sleep?
A good sleep routine is a must! protecting your hair while you sleep is a crucial step to take care of curly hair. Before you sleep, tie your hair into a loose ponytail on top of your head or make a loose braid before sleeping to preserve your curls. Cotton pillowcases are a straight no-no for your curls. It can soak up your hair’s natural sebum while you sleep, and also causes friction against your pillowcase. Your hair becomes messy, frizzy, and easier to break.
Try to invest in silk accessories such as silk scarf, cap, and silk pillowcase that prevents friction against hair breakage due to pulling, tugging, stretching, breaking, and tangling.
Bedtime Tip: Use a hair mask, essential oil, or leave-in conditioner before bed to help tame your frizzy curls and also add moisture for bouncy-looking curls.
Bottom Line
Add more bounce to your curls and outshine them naturally with these pro tips and tricks that you need for healthy-looking curls. Love your curls & embrace them beautifully.
