Us gals with curly hair need to give our locks a little more TLC than others but working out a hair care system can be a little tricky. As the only one in my family who has curly hair, I never learnt how to take care of my curls and a lot of trial and error has gone into figuring out what works. If you’re struggling to tame your curls and keep them looking fresh and healthy, I’m going to share a few tips I’ve learnt over the years so we can be curly cuties together.
Don’t over-shampoo
Curly hair in generally is prone to being dry, this is why it is so important not to over wash. Excessive shampooing opens up the cuticles and strips the hairs of their natural oils meaning it will dry out your curls even more. So, the less you wash, the better! Whenever those curls start to frizz, jump on YouTube and find a few protective hairstyles you can do throughout the week to keep them bouncy.
Cleanse the scalp
While you don’t want to over do it with the shampoo, shampooing your curly hair is very necessary for healthy hair growth – it’s all about balance. Cleansing the scalp gets rid of all the build-up from oils, dirt, and dust which we definitely don’t want. So when it comes to shampooing, concentrate on rubbing and cleansing your scalp properly with your fingertips.
Avoid alcohols and sulfates
The key is to use products specifically made for curly hair, which are also sulfate and alcohol free. These are the ingredients that really dry out the hair, so its best to avoid these if possible – this is a general rule though so if you’ve found a product that works for you, even better.
It is so important to replenish moisture into your curls because that’s what keeps them curly. Some ways you can do that is by using conditioner every time you wash your hair, as well as performing routine deep conditioning and oil treatments.
Gently dry your hair with a cotton t-shirt
Gently dry your hair with a cotton t-shirt and gently scrunch the leftover water. Even though a nice rough towel may feel nice on your skin, don’t use it in your hair. This can cause the cuticles to open and make your hair frizzy.
Let air dry. If your hair is prone to getting frizzy once it dries, then use leave-in hair products meant for curly hair such as curl activating cream, or simply leave some argan oil in.
No matter what, do not interrupt your curls in any way while they’re drying! Playing with them or running your fingers through them may cause them to frizz up, which, let’s face it, is the first thing you want to avoid.
If you’re pressed for time, you can use a diffuser to dry your hair. Flip your head upside down and hold the diffuser steadily to your scalp—don’t move it around too much, because all the escaped wind can make the hair frizz.
Never brush curly hair
This is not a joke, if your own a brush, throw it away! Only comb your hair with a wide tooth comb either before your shower, or gently finger comb after the shower. Keep in mind that wet hair is more prone to breakage, so be super patient and kind to your hair if you’re combing it wet.
Go easy on the heat
Excess heat can cause your curls lose their natural spiral-like shape, making them look lifeless. If you notice this, avoid using any kind of heat including a diffused hair dryer, for a week or two, and focus on re-hydrating your curls to give them that bounce back. If you do use hot styling tools, use them on moderate heat setting and always use heat protectant.
Get a curl-expert hairstylist
Getting a haircut by a professional hairstylist with previous experience in working with curly hair, who truly understands the science and all the perks that come with having curly hair, can make all the difference. An amazing haircut which looks great with your naturally curly hair is more likely to make you want to put that straightener away and rock your curls!
What are your tips on caring for your curls?
Written by Sophia Ivory
Curly hair and she don’t care, this stylish babe plays by her own rules. With a love for dance and all things body positive, you’ll usually find her searching out the latest fashion trends and digging through local thrift stores. Word of warning, don’t bring your dachshund around her, she’ll want to keep it.
Check out her Instagram for all things goals! @sophiaivory
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