TAKING CARE OF YOUR CURLY HAIR

Just like coily hair, curly hair is gorgeous. And just like coily hair, it is also a little challenged in the moisture department and dries out easily. This is why it is a little more difficult than other hair types to care for. If you however take the time to care properly for your curly hair, you will experience bounce and shine and a whole new level of hair-generated confidence.

This article simplifies things for you if you are a curlie and you want to keep things natural and beautiful. So, sit back, relax, and let’s journey together on how to keep your naturally curly hair healthy.

Pre-shampoo is great

For people with coarse, curly hair, pre-poo is a God sent, and I mean that quite literally. Coarse, curly hair tends to lose its moisture very quickly, and using a conditioner before you shampoo protects your hair strands so that the shampoo doesn’t strip your hair of its natural oils.

Choose the right shampoo and conditioner

The world has advanced, and hair care has done so as well, thankfully. In the past, you couldn’t find shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for curly hair, but there are so many specialised shampoos and conditioners now that we are spoiled for choice. So, what’s your excuse? As a rule of thumb, go for products that include natural or essential oils such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, avocado oil and sunflower oil; Shea butter; keratin; aloe vera; plant extracts; hydrolysed silk and animal proteins; and panthenol and provitamins.

Don’t overdo it

Shampooing is a great idea. Overdoing it is not. Shampooing every single day is not a good idea for curlies because overdoing it also strips hair of its much-needed natural oils. In general, shampoo every other day or every three days. However, feel very free to experiment with your cleansing schedule to determine what works best for you.

Use cold water

Still on the issue of moisture loss, hot water tends to remove moisture from hair and leave it dry. It is therefore best to wash your curly hair with cold water to retain strength and moisture. Then go ahead and rinse with cool water to seal the hair cuticle.

Use your fingers, or at least the right comb

We all know that curly hair can be dry and brittle. How many times have you combed your hair and looked on in horror as the comb came off with some of your precious hair? We don’t want this happening again, so why don’t you try brushing or combing your hair in the shower instead of combing it dry. In fact, comb while your hair is still conditioner-soaked. Use your fingers to detangle, but if you want to use a comb to break up any knots, by all means use a wide-tooth comb.

Limit split ends

You can’t totally avoid split ends, but you can do all you can to limit them. The only treatment for split ends is to cut them off, and I know many of us don’t like the idea of cutting our hair unnecessarily. It is, thus, best to prevent split ends by using a detangler when brushing to avoid yanking and pulling, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, staying away from heat tools, and avoiding tying your hair back into tight buns or ponytails. Above all else, be sure to get a trim from a professional stylist roughly every two to three months. You can get one at our salon.

Have a healthy sleep routine

Let me share a secret with you; when you sleep on your back, you put a lot of weight on your hair follicles and this is why your curls end up looking knotty, frizzy, and messy. The best sleeping position for curlies is on the side or on the stomach. And one other thing while you are at it; Wear a silk bonnet or a headscarf before going to bed.

Use minimal or no heat

It’s best to let curly hair air dry and to use no heat at all. If you must use a blow dryer to dry your hair or want to use the occasional heat tool, it is good practice to use some sort of heat protecting treatment or spray before doing so. And when you do blow dry, try to keep your hair dryer six inches or more from the surface of your hair.

The takeaway

The biggest thing I want you to take away from this article is that your curly hair has a tendency to dry out easily and needs lots and lots of moisture. This means you will need to avoid washing out its natural oils, and buy hair products (such as oils, butters, proteins, and natural plant extracts) that add moisture to your hair.

Avoid products containing harsh chemicals, alcohol, sulfates, and fragrances; rinsing with hot water; trying to detangle dry hair; fine-toothed combs; using clarifying shampoo more than once a week; pulling your hair into a tight bun or ponytail all the time; sleeping on your back; and using heat styling tools too often.

Stay beautiful, stay curly, stay you.