Do you have curly hair and feel like you don't know how to care for it properly? Are you dealing with frizz, split ends, and unnecessary “poof” with curls that have no definition? If you want to learn how to work WITH your curls rather than against them, you’re in the right place. We'll walk through everything you need to know about caring for your curls and becoming their ally, rather than their adversary. From washing to styling and even sleeping with your curls, we've got all the information you need. So sit back and relax – let's get started on this journey of understanding your natural curl pattern and how to take care of it.
It can be overwhelming trying to navigate a new routine when it comes to taking care of your curly hair. But don't worry! We'll make sure that by the end of this article, not only will you understand the basics of proper haircare, but also how to adjust certain techniques according to what works best for your own unique curl pattern. With that being said, let's dive in and start learning all about how to take care of curly hair for beginners!
Washing Curly Hair
Taking care of your curly hair starts in the shower, where washing and drying your hair set the stage for how your curls develop when they dry.. Shampooing your hair regularly with a mild shampoo, moisturizing it daily, and drying your hair with curls in mind are all important parts of caring for your curly hair. Here’s how to wash your hair to enhance the quality and definition of your curls.
Shampooing Your Hair
When it comes to shampooing your hair, you don't have to wash it every day. In fact, with curly hair, doing so can actually cause your hair to dry out and become frizzy. Instead, focus on using products with healthy ingredients and only shampoo your hair 1-3 times a week. Doing so will help retain natural oils that are essential for keeping your curls looking their best while also preventing damage from over-washing. Remember to use a gentle cleanser with natural ingredients like coconut oil or aloe vera, as they'll work better than harsh chemicals.
Don't Over-Wash Your Hair
Over-washing your tresses can strip away their natural oils, leaving them dry and brittle – a fate worse than death for curly hair. To avoid this, you should limit washing your curls to one to three times per week. This number varies by person, so don’t be afraid to find the right shampoo regimen for you. If you’ve been in the habit of washing your hair daily, this may take a while for your hair to adjust to, as your hair likely produces more oils to make up for the natural oil being stripped from your hair on a daily basis. With time, a moisture-intensive hair routine will help your body slow down on the oils it produces so you can more easily prolong the time between washes.
If you find that your hair simply can’t wait between washes, or if you find that you just need to wash it more frequently, consider using a normal cleansing shampoo once a week and a co-wash–that’s a combination conditioner-shampoo wash that’s more gentle than traditional shampoo–instead for the rest of the week, so you don’t remove more oil from your hair than is necessary. You can also consider the “no-poo” shampooing technique, where instead of using shampoo, you use apple cider vinegar or water to wash your hair. Sound extreme? That’s okay! Washing your hair once a week and supplementing with a co-wash is more than enough to make you successful on your curly haircare journey.
Use Shampoo With Healthy Ingredients
Using the right shampoo can make a world of difference to your tresses – it's like night and day! When choosing a shampoo, look for ones that are sulfate-free and designed to help preserve moisture in the hair. Sulfate-free shampoos tend to be milder, so they’re easier on the skin, easier on the scalp, and easier on your hair. Many curly hair enthusiasts swear by this type of shampoo, so keep an eye out for it whenever you’re shopping. This is an important part of caring for your curls and making sure they stay healthy!
Moisturize Your Hair
Have you heard the word “moisturize” enough times yet? That’s because moisture is the backbone upon which curly hair thrives. Dry curly hair becomes frizzy and brittle, so if you want to make your curls pop, moisturizing needs to be your #1 priority.
To keep your curls looking their best, it's important to regularly moisturize them. To do this, start by using a pre-shampoo treatment like an oil or deep conditioner to nourish and hydrate your strands. When you're done with that, make sure you use conditioner in your hair from root to tip. Lastly, don't forget to apply curl cream afterwards – it'll help seal in moisture and give definition and body to your locks!
Use a Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Before hopping in the shower, give your locks a little extra TLC with a pre-shampoo treatment. Pre-shampooing, or 'pre-pooing' helps protect hair from breakage and makes conditioner more effective by adding a protective layer to the hair. This layer helps retain moisture and prevents shampoo from stripping away all of the natural oils from the hair while it cleans. Pre-pooing can also help make conditioner more effective, as it helps to better spread the product throughout the hair shaft, allowing the conditioner to penetrate deeper into the hair follicles. This makes the conditioning treatment more effective and helps promote–you guessed it–hydrated and moisturized hair.
Use Conditioner in Your Hair
Conditioner is essential for giving your hair the nourishment it needs–without it, your curls are likely to become dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage. Conditioner is an essential part of the curly hair maintenance process because it replaces the natural oils in your hair that were removed by your shampoo. We recommend using a rinse-out conditioner every single time you wash your hair, but you can also use a leave-in conditioner to add extra moisture to your hair, and a deep conditioner every 2-4 weeks to really help your curly hair thrive.
Take Care of Your Scalp
It’s important to take care of your scalp to prevent dandruff buildup, as washing your hair less frequently can cause you to have more dandruff. Obviously, since curly hair maintenance focuses on reduced hair washing and increased moisture, this is a risk of curly haircare. To counteract the possibility of dandruff buildup, make sure that the clarifying shampoo you use is a dandruff-reducing one, and read the label to ensure you’re leaving it in for the recommended amount of time. You can also use a scalp-massaging tool to help dislodge dandruff from your scalp.
Caring for your scalp is just as important as caring for the length of your hair when it comes to maintaining curly locks. Doing so will not only protect against damage, but also promote growth and volume in all the right places!
Make Use of Both Hot and Cold Water When Washing Your Hair
When it comes to washing your curly hair, you may be surprised to discover that the temperature of the water can affect how your hair looks.
If you want to take your curly hair to the next level, our recommendation is to wet your hair with hot water and rinse it out with cold water. Hot water opens up your hair cuticles and the pores of your scalp, making it easier for them to absorb moisture and for your shampoo to get rid of grime and dirt. However, hot water can make your hair frizzier, so it’s better to use cold water to rinse everything out. Cold water will seal up your pores and cuticles once again, helping to trap in the moisture and preserve your hair’s curl and shine!
Detangling Curly Hair
Detangling curly hair is an essential part of caring for any hair of any texture, but it can be a particular challenge for curly hair. Convention tells us to use a hairbrush on dry hair to detangle it, but with curly hair, this is actually the worst thing you can do. Alongside moisturizing, your detangling technique is one of the most important facets of your curly haircare routine if you want to ensure your hair stays curly and well-defined instead of frizzy and poofy. Here’s what you need to do in order to detangle your curly hair without adding frizz.
Using a Wide-Tooth Comb
Ditch your hairbrush and fine-toothed comb, because if you want your hair to maintain its curl structure, you need to use an ultra-wide tooth comb to detangle it. Wide-tooth combs are the best choice for detangling curls since they have large teeth that won't pull or snag your hair. The key here is that the locks of hair that form your curls will be able to stay clumped together, resulting in less frizz and clearly defined curls. Brushing with a fine-toothed comb or a hairbrush, on the other hand, breaks up those clumps of hair, which is how curly-tops end up with frizz.
If you have very long or mega-curly hair, consider pre-combing your hair with a leave-in conditioner to provide slip and reduce breakage. When using the wide-tooth comb, start at the ends of your hair and work up in small sections until all of it is completely detangled. Here are some key tips for successfully using a wide-tooth comb:
- Use a light hold detangling spray prior to combing which will help make the process easier on both you and your hair.
- Always use gentle pressure when combing out tangles – avoid yanking or tugging at strands as this can cause breakage.
- Start at the bottom of each section and work up very slowly so that you don't miss any knots or tangles.
- If necessary, apply more conditioner as you go along to help with detangling if needed.
- Don't forget to finish off by applying an oil or leave in conditioner once you're done to seal in moisture and protect from frizz.
Wet-Brushing Your Hair
Brushing your hair when it’s dry is also off the table when you want to develop healthy curls. To prevent frizz and keep your curly hair in its natural locks, only comb your hair when it’s wet. The same as with using a wide-tooth comb, this maintains your natural curl structure and will give you more defined curls. This is essential for maintaining healthy curls, and it should make detangling your curly hair less of a hassle, too.
Drying Curly Hair
When it comes to drying your curly hair, the main thing to keep in mind is that you want to be gentle and avoid over-manipulating your hair. You also need to minimize friction when drying it off, otherwise you can introduce frizz–the enemy of defined curls. Here are some options for drying curly hair without breaking up your curl structure.
Hand-Squeeze Out Water in the Shower
Squeezing out excess water with your hands helps to prevent breakage and keep your curls looking healthy. The squeezing technique is key: your fingers should be gently wrapped around each curl, starting at the root and working your way down to the tip. Make sure that you don't tug too hard or squeeze too tight as this can damage the hair shafts, leading to breakage and frizziness.
Air Dry Your Hair Whenever Possible
Air drying your hair is the best thing you can do for curls. They don’t like beind handled while they’re drying, so the less you touch them, the better.
Air drying is a great way to preserve the natural shape of your curls, as well as avoid damage from heat. The benefits of air drying are numerous: it reduces frizz and keeps your curls hydrated and nourished by avoiding direct heat exposure, keeps your curls clearly defined, and requires less effort on your part in handling a hair dryer or towel-drying your hair.
Unfortunately, air-drying hair also takes a long time if you have a lot of hair, so many people find this approach untenable. Some people get around this by partially air-drying their hair, or by using a diffuser to simulate air-drying. If you're serious about keeping your curls healthy and looking great, make sure you give them the best treatment with air drying!
Use Cotton or Microfiber Towels
When air drying your hair isn't an option, it is important to use the proper techniques and tools to protect your curls from friction. To get a head start on air drying your hair, or as an alternative to air-drying, you can use a cotton shirt or a microfiber cloth to dry your hair instead. These materials will cause less frizz than terrycloth towels, making them an ideal option for absorbing moisture. Cotton and microfiber towels are more gentle on your curls than regular terrycloth towels, which can cause frizz by roughing up the cuticle layer of the hair shaft and breaking up the locks of your curl structure. By using these softer materials you can help preserve moisture and reduce breakage while still helping to dry your hair quickly.
When using these alternative fabrics to dry your hair, keep in mind that rubbing your hair dry will still cause frizz, just as a traditional towel would. Instead, squeeze your hair with these materials, or wrap your hair for 20-30 minutes to allow it to passively absorb water, so as to not generate friction.
"Plopping" Your Hair
Try plopping your hair for an easy, effective way to dry and style your locks! Plopping is a popular technique among many curly-haired folks because it works with all types of curls—from 3A to 4C. It involves wrapping damp hair in a t-shirt or microfiber towel. With this method, you can get beautiful results without the worry of hair damage from excessive heat. Here are five key tips for mastering the plopping technique:
Make sure to use a soft material like a t-shirt or microfiber towel when plopping.
Experiment with different product applications on wet or damp hair before you start the process of drying and styling.
Different curl types will require different styling techniques; use trial and error until you find what works best for your particular texture.
Practice patience—plopping takes time but it's worth it for bouncy, voluminous curls!
Lastly, once you're finished plopping, be sure to avoid touching your curls too much as this can disrupt their shape and cause frizziness.
When done correctly, plopping allows curly haired folks to achieve volume and definition while avoiding unnecessary damage from heated tools. Plus, if you master the basics of the technique, you'll have no trouble creating styles that look salon-worthy every day at home!
Blow-Dry Your Hair With a Diffuser
Blow-drying your locks with a diffuser can help maintain your hair’s shape and texture intact while drying quickly. When selecting a diffuser, make sure it is the right size for your hair type. For example, if you have very long curly hair, then select a larger diffuser to ensure that all of your curls get equal attention. When using the diffuser, make sure to use it at the lowest heat setting possible and avoid overheating your hair which can cause long-term damage to your curl structure. Use styling products such as mousses or gels to help hold your curls in place while blow-drying them.
Styling Curly Hair
Styling your curls doesn't have to be a hassle! With the right products and some patience, you can rock beautiful, healthy curls. Here are some products and strategies you can use to get the best results with your curly hair.
Use Curl Cream
Adding curl cream to your routine can help define your natural texture and give you beautiful, bouncy curls. It adds moisture and shine to each curl, helps protect against heat damage from styling tools, and creates a barrier between strands that reduces frizz. Curl cream gives you the curl structure and definition of hair gel without the crunchiness and stiffness curly hair styling is sometimes known for. It also provides extra moisture for your hair, which can help to cut down on frizz and give you glossy, bouncing locks.
When choosing a curl cream for your hair type, there are several factors to consider:
- Cream Application: Look for creams that are easy to apply evenly throughout the hair. Opt for lightweight formulas with minimal ingredients so they don't weigh down the curls.
- Curl Definition: Choose products that provide definition and hold without feeling stiff or crunchy. Look for creams with natural oils or waxes that help seal in moisture while adding definition.
- Product Selection: Read reviews of different products to get an idea of what works best on your hair type, then select one that fits within your budget. Check the ingredients list to make sure there are no harsh chemicals or sulfates included which can be damaging to curly hair.
- Heat Protection: Many curl creams contain heat protection agents like silicones which create a protective layer around each strand when using heated styling tools like curling irons and blow dryers.
- Ingredient Research: Before purchasing any product, research the ingredients used in it to make sure they won't cause irritation or other problems on your scalp or skin. Take into account any allergies you may have before selecting a specific brand or product line of curl cream.
Use Hair Gel
Create the perfect style with hair gel, a must-have in any haircare routine! Hair gel technology has advanced over the years, and it’s completely possible to find a hair gel that supports your curls without giving you crunchy hair. Hair gel is an essential product for anyone with curly hair as it helps to hold your curls in place and gives you that extra bit of definition and volume. It also prevents frizz and can be used to create finger coils or a variety of other styles. However, there are some techniques you need to know when using this product to ensure you get the best look without leaving behind any crunchy residue.
When applying hair gel, start by avoiding flakes by ensuring your hands are wet before touching your hair and then use a light touch when applying the product to avoid overusing it. To prevent frizz, apply the gel evenly throughout your strands and be sure not to miss any areas. After application, use the scrunching technique with your fingers or a microfiber towel to bring out more defined curls. Finally, make sure not to overdo it so that you avoid crunchiness in your style. By following these tips while using hair gel, you will be able to achieve beautiful curls without compromising on volume!
Curl cream and hair gel should both be applied to wet or damp hair and allowed to dry for the best results.
Use Volumizing Spray
Give your hair a big boost with volumizing spray, the perfect way to add body and fullness without compromising on style! To get the most out of this product, it's important to use the proper spraying technique. Start by shaking the can well and holding it about 8-10 inches away from your head. Then, using short bursts, spray all over in an even manner. The amount used will depend on how much volume you're looking for and should be adjusted accordingly. When selecting a volumizing spray, make sure that it is lightweight enough to avoid crunchiness while still providing ample hold for building volume. With these tips in mind you'll be able to enjoy lush curls that look absolutely stunning!
Trim Split Ends Regularly
Once you've given your curls a lift with all of the above haircare strategies, it's time to move on to the next important step in caring for your locks: trimming split ends regularly. Split ends can cause knots and frizz, so avoiding them is essential for maintaining healthy, beautiful curls. To keep your hair looking its best, here are some tips to help ensure that pesky split ends don't stand a chance:
Hair Styling: For those of us with naturally curly hair, there isn't always a need to use heat styling tools as these can make split ends worse. But if you must use blow dryers or curling irons occasionally, make sure to apply a heat-protecting product beforehand. Additionally, when brushing or combing your hair take extra care not to tug too hard and avoid aggressive scrubbing while washing which can also lead to breakage.
Vitamin Supplements: Vitamins are an important part of any curl care routine because they help strengthen the strands from within and reduce breakage due to daily wear and tear. Incorporating biotin supplements into your diet can be especially beneficial for overall hair health.
Oil Treatments: Regular oil treatments are another great way of keeping damage at bay. Applying oils like coconut oil or avocado oil before shampooing helps nourish the scalp and condition the strands preventing them from becoming brittle and prone to splitting.
Find a Hairstylist Who Specializes in Curly Hair
Finding an experienced hairstylist who specializes in curly hair is key to achieving the look you want. To make sure you get the best advice and services, it's important to review portfolios, take a salon tour and do some research before making your decision. You can also ask friends or family members for recommendations as well as read reviews online. Interviewing different stylists is a great way to find out what experience they have with curly hair, what products they use, and their approach to styling curls. Taking time to consider all these elements will ensure that you are working with an expert who understands your specific needs and can give you the style that best suits your individual curl pattern.
Sleeping With Curly Hair
If you have curly hair, it is important to take special care of your strands when sleeping. To protect your curls and keep them looking healthy, here are some tips tips to blend your curly hair routine with your nighttime routine.
Use a Silk or Satin Pillowcase
Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can help retain moisture in your hair, instead of it getting sucked away by cotton. Silk and satin pillowcases are great for curly-haired individuals because they prevent:
- Frizz caused by friction caused by tossing and turning during sleep
- Loss of curl definition over time
These benefits alone make it clear why switching to a silk or satin pillowcase is essential for maintaining healthy curls! Not only do these materials lock in hydration, but this simple switch can help you get the most out of your haircare routine without any extra effort required.
Cover Your Hair With a Bonnet
Protect your hair while you sleep and keep it looking great with a bonnet! Wearing a bonnet is the best way to ensure that your curls are protected at night, as it provides a covering safeguard from humidity, friction, and tangles. Picking the right bonnet can be an important part of making sure that your curls look their best. Choose one made of silk or satin, which will help to retain moisture and reduce friction on delicate strands. Additionally, if you opt for a looser fitting style, you'll have more styling options in the morning without having to worry about creases caused by tightly secured caps. The most important thing when choosing a bonnet is comfort — pick one that fits snugly yet not too tight so that you can get a good night's rest without worrying about snags or breakage.
Sleep With a Protective Hairstyle
Protecting your hair while you sleep is essential for maintaining its health and beauty, so make sure to choose a protective hairstyle before catching some z's! There are a few great options to consider, such as:
- Braiding your hair – Braiding your hair into one or more French or Dutch braids will keep it secure and tangle-free during the night.
- Wearing a satin cap – A satin cap can be worn over your entire head of curls to protect them from rubbing against any fabrics that could cause breakage.
- Implementing the pineapple method – This involves gathering all of your curls at the crown of your head with a loose ponytail, then wrapping them in a silk scarf or bonnet for extra protection. Whatever protective hairstyle you decide on, make sure it's comfortable enough so you can get a good night's sleep without worrying about damaging or losing any heatless curls!
Refresh Your Curls in the Morning
Wake up to refreshed and hydrated curls by taking the right steps in your morning haircare routine! Refreshing your curls in the morning doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. By simply selecting a few products that are tailored for curly hair, you can create an effective, easy-to-follow routine that will keep your locks looking defined and healthy all day long.
Start by choosing a hydrating cream or oil based product that adds moisture and protects against heat damage. This will help define your curls while adding shine and bounce. If you need extra curl definition, use a light hold mousse or gel applied with a diffuser on low heat. Finish off with hairspray to lock everything in place with added protection from humidity. With these simple techniques, you can achieve beautiful, refreshed curls every single morning!
Other Curly Hair Tips
Taking care of your curls goes beyond just sleeping with them. To keep them looking their best, here are some additional tips that will help keep your hair shiny and smooth. With these two tips in mind, you'll be on track for healthy, happy curls!
Deep Condition Your Hair Regularly
Nourishing your tresses with a deep conditioner every few weeks is like giving your locks a refreshing sip of cool water after running a marathon. Deep conditioning helps nourish and protect your hair from heat damage, split ends, breakage and other common issues that can arise for curly-haired individuals. To ensure you get the most out of your deep conditioning session:
- Moisturize the scalp before applying product to ensure the conditioner properly penetrates into each strand
- Use a gentle shampoo specifically designed for curly hair when cleansing prior to application
- Incorporate oil treatments such as almond or jojoba to increase shine and softness
- Apply leave-in conditioner after rinsing out the deep conditioner, then style using protective styles such as braids or twists. By taking these steps during every deep conditioning session, you'll not only be providing much needed moisture but also protecting your curls from future harm.
Choose Products With Good Ingredients
Choosing the right products for your hair can make all the difference, so be sure to look for natural ingredients that nourish and protect! When picking out a product, make sure to avoid sulphates, as they are harsh chemicals that strip away essential oils. Instead, opt for conditioners filled with natural oils like jojoba oil or coconut oil, which will help moisturize and nourish your curls. Also keep in mind that heat styling and other harsh chemicals should be avoided when possible; instead use products specifically designed for curly hair to maintain softness and vibrancy. With the right combination of natural ingredients, you'll be able to keep your curls looking healthy while avoiding any potential damage from over-processing.
Don't Get Overwhelmed
Don't let the vast array of products and techniques out there fool you – a little TLC goes a long way when it comes to your curls, so keep in mind that old saying: 'less is more'. To get the most from your curly hair care routine, it's important to embrace the texture of your curls and avoid stressing them. Finding balance between over-manipulating and not giving your curls enough attention is key. This doesn't mean that you should never use any products or try any new techniques, but rather experiment safely with what works for you.
Start by learning about different curl types and understanding how different ingredients interact with them. Read labels on styling products carefully and avoid anything with sulfates, parabens, silicones or mineral oil as these can dry out hair strands or cause build up. Once you know what works best for your locks, try experimenting with some techniques such as co-washing (using conditioner instead of shampoo) or diffusing to help define curls without adding heat damage. You may even find that just using oils like argan or jojoba can give great results!
Your curls are unique, so get creative! Take time to learn about your own texture and have fun finding out which methods work best for you – this could be an enlightening experience as well as one that helps you look after your crowning glory!
Conclusion
You have the tools now to take care of your curly hair! Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and products. A little trial and error can go a long way for finding a routine that works best for you. Remember, caring for your curls doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating—it's an adventure that has its own rewards. With patience and practice, you'll soon discover the joys of having beautiful, healthy curls.
