Curly Hair: Five Tips for Beautiful Tresses
Published -
- August 17, 2019
- 1:02 pm
There are as many types of hair as there are people on the planet.
For those of us with curly hair, however, caring for our hair can sometimes be quite challenging. There are a million hair products that promise the moon to those of us who are blessed – or cursed – with curly hair, but all too often they don’t deliver. Here, then, are five tips to turn troubled tresses into comely coifs.
1. Moisturize:
The key to keeping curly hair healthy and manageable is moisture – and lots of it. When shampooing, make sure that you use a moisturizing shampoo. It will add much-needed hydration to naturally curly hair, Afro-American hair, or curly kids hair. Next, use a deep conditioner that will reconstruct damaged hair, and follow with a leave in conditioner and styling cream. The right combination of moisturizing products tames frizzy hair and kinky hair, and makes hair soft to the touch.
2. Shampooing:
One of the biggest mistakes people with curly hair make is shampooing too often. This is particularly true for white moms who aren’t familiar with caring for Afro-American or biracial hair. Ethnic hair care is as much an art as a science, but the rule of thumb is to shampoo about once a week. To keep hair fresh between shampoos, rinse it with warm water and apply a leave-in conditioner.
3. Styling Products:
If you have frizzy hair or kinky hair, chances are that you’re using styling products that are dehydrating. Most mousses, hair sprays, and gels strip away moisture, which is essential to maintaining manageable tresses and keeping hair healthy. If your curly hair is too wild, tame it with moisturizers and styling products that contain high quality ingredients and natural oils.
4. Hair Dryers:
Stay away from blow dryers unless you want your naturally curly hair to turn into frizzy hair or kinky hair. Blow dryers can damage your hair and strip it of its natural oils and the oils you apply through the conditioning process. To keep your natural curls beautiful, always allow your hair to air dry.
5. Combing and Brushing:
Tangles and curls seem to go hand in hand. To bring out the best in your curls, a wide tooth comb or pick is a must-have. If you’re working with curly kids hair, separate it into sections. One section at a time, start at the bottom of the hair shaft and work your way up. Once you’ve completed a section, secure it a covered elastic hair band (not a rubber band!), and then move on to the next section. Remember that curly hair – particularly Afro-American hair – is very fragile, so take extra care when combing it. Avoid brushes, unless you use special detangling comb-brushes.
Naturally curly hair is gorgeous, and the trend in hairstyles is to let your natural curls shine through. Simply keep in mind that curly hair is as individual as its owner, and that the hair products you use can mean the difference between luxurious curls and kinky hair or frizzy hair. Once you find the hair products that are right for you, love and embrace your natural tresses.
How often should a deep conditioning treatment be used on curly hair?
Curly hair is a unique hair type that can be both a blessing and a curse. For those who have it, the challenges of managing it can be daunting. However, with the right care and attention, curly hair can be a beautiful and defining feature. Here are five tips for keeping your curly tresses looking and feeling their best.
1. Say Goodbye to Sulfates
Sulfates are harsh chemicals often found in shampoos that can strip the natural oils from your hair, causing it to dry out and become frizzy. If you have curly hair, it’s essential to use a sulfate-free shampoo. Look for products that are formulated specifically for curly hair, as they tend to be gentler and contain more moisturizing ingredients.
2. Condition Liberally
Curly hair tends to be drier than other hair types, so it’s crucial to condition regularly. Choose a conditioner that is specially formulated for curly hair, and apply it liberally after shampooing. Be sure to let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. For an extra boost of hydration, consider using a deep conditioning treatment once a month.
3. Detangle Gently
When it comes to curly hair, brushing isn’t always the best option. Instead, try detangling with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers while your hair is wet and coated in conditioner. Be gentle and work in sections, starting at the bottom and working your way up.
4. Embrace the Moisture
Moisture is the key to healthy, hydrated curls. After washing your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to lock in moisture and keep your curls defined. You can also use a diffuser when blow-drying your hair on a low heat setting to help maintain your curls’ shape.
5. Protect Your Hair
Curly hair can be delicate and prone to breakage, so it’s important to protect it from damage. Avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible, and use a heat protectant spray when you do. Additionally, consider sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase to help reduce friction and prevent tangles.
In conclusion, caring for curly hair requires specific attention and products. Adopting a gentle, moisturizing routine can help minimize frizz and maximize defined, healthy curls. By following these five tips, you’ll be well on your way to beautiful tresses.
