Curly hair is a unique texture and can be very fun to have, but many people don’t know how to take care of it. If you are among that population, this article is just what you need.
Curly hair can be epic, or it can be a disaster. On one hand, the structure of your strands allows for a wide range of styling options. But on the other hand, you have to deal with frizz, knots, and dryness.
Whether you have waves or tight ringlets, here are some tips to keep your curls looking beautiful, healthy, and moisturized.
How to Take Care of Curly Hair
1. Choose a Sulfate-free Shampoo
When it comes to curly hair, avoid any shampoo with sulfates. These harsh detergents strip away moisture from your strands and leave them dry and frizzy.
Instead, look for shampoos with ingredients like glycerin or olive oil that are known for their moisturizing properties. And if you’re struggling with dandruff, choose an anti-dandruff shampoo that can help reduce flaking while fighting bacteria.
2. Condition Every Time You Wash Your Hair
Using a conditioner is especially important after you’ve shampooed your hair. Apply the conditioner evenly throughout your hair and then rinse it out in the shower.
Take care to avoid scrubbing with a towel when drying off — this will help prevent frizziness. You may also want to try using a leave-in conditioner after you shower, which will help retain moisture in your hair throughout the day.
3. Don’t Over-shampoo
If you have curly hair, it’s important to hold off on daily washes. When you wash your hair too often, you strip it of the natural oils it needs to stay healthy and strong. This can cause your hair to dry out, thereby making it look dull and lifeless.
Instead of daily shampooing, condition your hair every 2–3 days using a moisturizing conditioner. This will give your body time to produce more natural oils to keep your hair and scalp moisturized.
SEE: Use These Shampoo and Conditioner Sets for Better Hair Care
4. Detangle Your Hair Carefully
If you have thick, coarse curls, brush or comb your hair while you’re in the shower and use a conditioner to detangle knots and prevent frizziness.
You can also use your fingers to untangle the knots before using a brush or comb. Just be gentle when detangling so you don’t break your hair.
After getting out the knots, put a small amount of leave-in conditioner on your hands and apply it to your curls. Comb through again with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to evenly spread the product through your hair.
5. Use a Wide-tooth Comb
It may be tempting to use a brush on your curly hair, but the truth is that brushes can cause tension and breakage in your hair.
If you have curly hair, you need to use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush. Combs can help prevent frizz and keep your curls looking healthy. You can also use your fingers as an impromptu comb when you’re on the go.
6. Use a Diffuser When Blow-drying Your Hair
This device is shaped like a hand and fits over the end of your hairdryer. A diffuser spreads the air from the dryer out, so it doesn’t disturb your curls as much.
It also helps you dry your hair faster and prevents some of the direct heat from hitting your curls. To use, simply attach the diffuser to your blow dryer, then place it over your hair and lightly fluff out your curls to create volume.
7. Use Moisturizing Products
Curly hair can be dry and frizzy, so you want to avoid products that could make it even drier and frizzier.
Look for products with moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, and natural oils. The more moisture in your hair, the more bouncy and curly it will be when you style it.
SEE: Hair Types: See the Comprehensive List of All Hair Types to Help You Identify Yours
8. Get Regular Trims
That’s right. Get regular trims — even if you’re trying to grow your hair out. A professional haircut every six to eight weeks will get rid of dead ends and keep your curls healthy, which is key for growth.
9. Use Cold Water When Washing Your Curls
While warm water may feel better on cold mornings, it dries out your curls and makes them frizzy.
Instead, try using cool or cold water when you are in the shower to wash and rinse your locks. Not only will it help keep frizz away, but it’ll also help seal the cuticle and keep moisture in.
10. Let Your Hair Air-dry
Trying to take proper care of your curly hair? Try air drying for a few days. It can take anywhere from two hours to 5 hours depending on how thick your curls are, but it’s a healthy alternative that requires little effort.
11. Use Natural Hair Products
The best products for curly hair are free of artificial fragrances and other harsh chemicals that can damage your hair. Look for moisturizing products that contain natural ingredients such as shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, argan oil, or avocado oil.
12. Apply Curl-defining Creams
When it comes to curl-defining creams, no one product works for everyone. Your best bet is to experiment until you find the one that gives you the hold, curl definition and shine you are looking for without feeling crunchy or sticky.
To achieve this, experts recommend using products formulated with natural oils — these products define curls and provide hold without drying out your hair. When applying the product, make sure your hair is wet and use a small amount to prevent frizziness.
SEE: How to Make Curls Last Longer: Discover the Secrets to Ever-Bouncy Curls
Why Is Curly Hair So Dry?
Curly hair is dry because its natural oils don’t travel down the hair shaft as easily as straight hair. This makes your hair more prone to breakage, split ends, and frizz.
Other causes of dry curly hair include:
- Hair coloring or bleaching
- Washing too often
- Using products that strip your hair of natural oils
- Too much heat styling or sun exposure
Can You Apply Oils To Curly Hair?
Yes, you can. However, it’s important to use the right oils. Not all are best for all types of hair.
For curly hair, natural oils like castor oil, olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, and avocado oil are great choices. You can also use a few drops of these on your scalp after applying a moisturizer or leave-in conditioner.
How Often Should You Wash Curly Hair?
Once or twice a week. Avoid washing your hair too often; instead of washing every day, use a conditioner or a dry shampoo to cleanse the scalp and remove excess oil.
Shampooing strips the hair of its natural oils, which is why it always feels dry and brittle after a wash. This can be more damaging for curly hair since it’s already naturally dry.
How Do You Sleep With Curly Hair?
Braid or twist your hair. Braids and twists keep your curls intact all night long, so in the morning you need to take them down and do some light styling (if necessary).
You can also try wearing satin head wraps, covering your hair with satin bonnets, or using silk pillowcases. These items help protect curly hair from tangling, frizzing, and breakage.
What Should You Not Do to Curly Hair?
- Don’t brush your hair when it’s dry.
- Don’t sleep with your hair wet.
- Avoid using products with alcohol in them.
- Don’t over-wash your curls – they don’t get as dirty as you think.
- Don’t skip conditioner, and don’t just use it on the ends of your hair.
- Scrunching is great, but don’t overdo it.
- Don’t towel-dry or rub your hair aggressively with a cloth to dry it. Instead, dab lightly.
FAQs
How do you know if your hair is curly or wavy?
The difference between curly and wavy hair is that curly hair has a definite curl or loop pattern, whereas wavy hair has more of an ‘S’ pattern when viewed from the side. It’s all about the patterns.
What should you put in curly hair after washing?
Conditioner and leave-in conditioner. These two products will help protect your hair from damage and keep it shiny and soft until your next wash.
There are many different brands of these products available at your local beauty store or supermarket. Just make sure that the product you select says it is for curly hair, as some products will make your curls look even curlier.
Are scrunchies good for curly hair?
Yes, they are. Scrunchies, unlike regular rubber bands or hair bands, do not cause any breakage of hair. This makes them suitable for all kinds of hair, including curly hair.
Conclusion
To care for curly hair, shampoo your hair only once or twice a week to avoid drying out your scalp. You should also use styling products like curl creams, and leave-in conditioners to keep your curls looking smooth and defined.
If you want to add some volume to your curls, use more moisturizing and natural hair products. By using the tips above, you should make the most of your curls.
Thanks for reading.
Visit Africana Fashion for more tips on how to care for your curly hair.
