For those with a head of curly hair, it’s no news that you can be proud of your tresses one minute and super frustrated the next.
When it comes to curly hairs, the best word you can use to describe them is “wild.” Curly hair can be many things, but easily tameable isn’t one of them.
According to experts, curly hairs tend to be the most fragile of all hair types. Unfortunately, this comes with many woes, such as drying out, breaking, and frizzing.
Still, who doesn’t love their curls when they behave?
Besides, just because you’re having a hard time caring for your curls, it doesn’t mean you’ve lost the battle.
On the contrary, with the right technique, you can get the best out of your curls. On that note, here’s our in-depth curly hair routine you can stick to for the outcome.
1. Avoid Harsh Products
Harsh products are never advisable, regardless of whether they are meant for your skin or hair. They can irritate your scalp or damage your otherwise healthy hair.
Remember, many hair products contain chemicals that are damaging in the long run. Don’t just pick something off the shelves without checking the ingredients first.
And if you have a curly head, you’re better off being extra vigilant as your hair is already pretty delicate.
Here are some chemicals you want to avoid if you have curly hair:
Sulfates
Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, are common ingredients in detergents but are sometimes found in shampoos.
They are synthetic chemicals effective in cleaning and may help with greasy hair, but they’ll dry out your curls, stripping them of natural oils.
Alcohol
Considering your curls are prone to losing moisture on their own, you don’t want a drying agent to help along in the process.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is often used in hair products as a preservative. This chemical is not just harsh for hair, it’s also considered a health risk.
Triethanolamine
Also known as TEA, this aggressive chemical is found in tons of shampoos and conditioners on the market. TEA can lead to parched hair.
2. Be Careful With Heating Tools
Curly hair is undoubtedly easier to manage if you employ heating tools. However, curls don’t go well with heat, and the risk of damage is high.
Still, most people heat-style their curls anyway. So, if you’re going to do it, take steps to limit the chance of damage to your hair.
When heat-styling your hair, try not to overdo it. Keep the sessions short and infrequent. You should always use moderate temperature when styling, and remember to apply a heat protector cream beforehand to reduce the risk of damage.
Also, considering heating tools dry your hair, it’s advisable to restore moisture right back in with a strong moisturizer.
3. Wash the Right Way
Another stressful part of having curly hair is washing it. That’s because you already know shrinkage and tangling are inevitable.
However, there’s always a hack when it comes to curly hair, and it’s all about using the right products at the right time when washing.
Here are simple steps you can take when washing your curls to avoid problems like tangling, frizzing, and drying later on:
- Wash it with cold water instead of hot to prevent it from drying out.
- Apply conditioner a few minutes before shampooing your hair to maintain moisture and detangle your curls.
- Gently rub a mild, sulfate-free shampoo into your roots to clean the scalp.
- Section your hair and wash it with cool water.
- Section your hair and apply leave-in conditioner to keep it moisturized and detangled.
- Use non-cotton towels to avoid tangling and breakage.
4. Preserve Your Hair Overnight
It’s annoying to wake up with a messy head when you went to bed with perfectly neat curls. But it happens every time unless you make the effort to preserve your curls overnight.
And here are a few easy tricks to do just that:
Put Your Hair in Twists
Use your fingers to section your hair. Depending on the volume and length, figure out how many twists you want.
The idea is to wake up with manageable hair, so no need to make it look nice and uniform. Just pick a section and twist it from root to tip.
When you’re done, gather your twists on top of your head and secure them with a silk ribbon.
Braid It
Braiding will also do the trick, especially if you have long, loose curls. Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle and section your hair, then twist it into two long braids.
Tie Your Hair Into a Knot
This is a quick and effortless trick for those with longer curls. Use your fingers to comb and gather your curls on top of your head, then secure it in place with a ribbon. Wrap a silk cloth around your head for extra protection.
5. Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools is essential for curly hair. They make styling less of a nightmare and protect your hair from breaking.
You have to choose the right tools for your head, though. Hair texture, volume, and shape vary from person to person, and you should research which tools are best for your hair type.
The goal is to find brushes and combs that are gentle enough on your hairs to prevent them from breaking but strong enough to eliminate tangles.
Most people have multiple types of curly hairs on their heads, too, so you’re going to need a variety of tools to cater to the diversity of your hair. At minimum, you should have a detangler brush to untangle your locks and a wide-toothed comb for styling.
Conclusion
Curly hair looks fantastic, but taking care of it requires some effort. It’s also the type of hair that loves products.
However, your best takeaway from this should be to steer clear from synthetic products and go for natural options as they are gentle on your hair.
Ready to get the best out of your curls? We hope these tips help you!
[Client Bio]
Ryan Sundling is a group marketing manager at Cardinal Group Management, where he works with West 38, an apartment community in Wheat Ridge, CO.