Curly hair is beautiful, but it often gets a bad rap for being difficult to care for. The truth is, curly hair is not inherently hard to maintain, but it does require a different approach and techniques than straight hair. With the right products, tools, and routines, caring for curly hair doesn’t have to be a chore. Here, we’ll go over the unique needs of curly hair and how to best care for your lovely locks.
What Makes Curly Hair Different?
Curly hair has a unique structure that sets it apart from straight hair. The most notable difference is the shape of the hair follicle. Curly follicles are elliptical or oval-shaped rather than round. This causes the strands to have a flattened shape rather than a cylindrical one.
Additionally, curly hair typically has fewer cuticle layers around the strand. This leads to less protection from environmental damage. The natural oils produced by the scalp also have a harder time traveling down thicker, curly strands. This leads to drier hair.
The helical structure also means that curly hair is more fragile. The bends and curves make it prone to snapping and breaking, especially when wet. All of these traits combined make proper moisture and gentle handling imperative for curly hair.
Common Misconceptions About Curly Hair
There are a few common myths and misconceptions about curly hair that simply aren’t true:
Myth: Curly Hair is Dry and Damaged
While curly hair tends to be drier, it isn’t inherently damaged. With proper care, curly hair can be just as healthy as straight hair. The key is using moisturizing products and avoiding damage from brushing, heat tools, and rough handling.
Myth: The Curl Pattern Won’t Change
Curly hair is greatly affected by your haircare routine. Using the wrong products or techniques can alter the natural curl pattern. Likewise, switching to curly hair-friendly products and techniques can help curls spring back to their natural state.
Myth: Curly Hair is Hard to Detangle
Detangling curly hair requires patience and the right tools, like a wide-tooth comb or wet brush. As long as you detangle gently while conditioned, wet hair, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Avoid brushing dry curls.
Myth: Curly Hair Should be Brushed Daily
Brushing dry curly hair causes frizz and breakage. Detangle and style curls when wet, then leave them alone to air dry or diffuse. Only brush to restyle or detangle when wet.
The Curly Girl/Guy Method
The Curly Girl/Guy Method is a popular curl haircare routine that emphasizes moisturizing and gentle styling techniques. Here are the basics:
No Sulfates or Silicones
Avoid conventional shampoos and products containing sulfates and silicones. These ingredients can cause buildup and dryness. Opt for sulfate/silicone-free, hydrating cleansers and conditioners.
Co-wash Instead of Shampooing
Use a cleansing conditioner (co-wash) for gentle, frequent cleansing. Limit regular shampoo to 1-2 times per week. This retains moisture.
Use a Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners provide slip and moisture to hydrate strands after washing. They also protect during styling and refresh curls on non-wash days.
Diffuse or Air Dry
Let curls air dry or use a diffuser on low, cool settings to promote defined, frizz-free curls. Avoid rubbing or rough drying with towels.
Style Curls When Wet
Whether air drying, diffusing, or scrunching in products, style curls while wet. Brushing or styling dry hair will cause frizz.
Refresh Between Washes
Use a curl cream or leave-in conditioner to refresh limp curls on non-wash days. Dampen hair first before applying products to reactivate curls.
Tips for Washing and Conditioning
Here are some best practices for washing and conditioning curly hair:
– Shampoo roots only, conditioning mid-lengths to ends. Curly roots get greasy fastest.
– Detangle with a wide-tooth comb or wet brush while conditioned. Start at the bottom and work up.
– Rinse out conditioner upside down using cool water for extra volume.
– Press or scrunch in a leave-in conditioner after washing.
– Blot gently with a soft microfiber towel or t-shirt. No rubbing!
– Once a week, use a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup.
– Deep condition weekly using a moisturizing hair mask.
Drying and Styling Tips
Proper drying and styling techniques enhance your curls:
– Apply styling products like gel to soaking wet hair to maximize hold and definition.
– Use a diffuser on low, cool settings or air dry hair most of the way.
– Once hair is 80% dry, air dry the rest of the way.
– Scrunch out any crunch from gels and mousses once fully dry.
– Sleep on a satin pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.
– Refresh dry hair by misting curls with water or conditioner, then scrunching in product.
The Best Products for Curly Hair
Using top-quality products suited to your hair type makes a big difference. Here are some great options:
Cleansers
– SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash
– DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser
– Ouidad Curl Immersion Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner
Conditioners
– SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Conditioner
– DevaCurl One Condition Original Daily Cream Conditioner
– Ouidad Curl Immersion Deep Treatment Curl Mask
Leave-In Conditioners
– Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Detangler
– Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
– As I Am Leave-In Conditioner
Styling Products
– DevaCurl Styling Cream Touchable Curl Definer
– Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel
– Cantu Shea Butter Curling Cream
Oils and Serums
– The Mane Choice Crystal Orchid Biotin Infused Styling Oil
– Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Styling Oil
– Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Divine Strength Leave-In Cream
How to Maintain Curls on Vacation
Traveling can wreak havoc on curly hair with changes in climate, water, and schedules. Here are tips to maintain your curls on vacation:
Protect Hair While Traveling
Use a hydrating hair mask or deep conditioner before your trip. This helps curls retain moisture in transit. While en route, braid, twist, or put hair up to reduce handling and friction.
Bring Your Own Products
Pack travel sizes of your regular products, like shampoo, conditioner, leave-in, and styler. Don’t count on finding your favorites at your destination.
Adjust Your Routine
In humid climates, use lighter products. In dry air, boost moisture with masks and oils. Co-wash more frequently in salty, chlorinated water to remove buildup.
Protect Hair From Sun and Wind
Use protective styles, hats, scarves when outdoors. Apply UV filtering products before swimming. Salt water and chlorine can dry out strands.
Set Aside Extra Time
Rushing through your routine while traveling can cause frizz. Build in time for deep conditioning, thorough rinsing, and air drying if possible.
How to Maintain Curls During Workouts
Sweaty workouts can unravel curls. Here are tips to make fitness and curly hair work:
Tie Hair Up Securely
Use a snag-free scrunchie, coiled hair tie, or spiral ponytail holder to prevent breakage during movement. For higher impact activity, braid hair first.
Rinse Away Sweat ASAP
After working out, rinse with cool water and gently smooth conditioner through curls to prevent matting and frizz as sweat dries.
Let Air Dry
Gently blot with a towel then let curls air dry to avoid frizz. If you must diffuse, use medium speed and cool air.
Refresh Roots
Target frizzy roots post-workout by spraying with water and smoothing with oil or curl cream. Avoid re-wetting the lengths.
Deep Condition After
Follow up your workout with a hydrating mask or treatment to replace lost moisture and fortify strands.
How to Sleep on Curly Hair
Overnight friction and flattening can sabotage your curls. Use these tips for better sleep and morning hair:
Always Pineapple
Tie curls loosely on top of your head in a pineapple ponytail. This prevents pulling on delicate scalp areas.
Satin is Best
Sleep on a satin pillowcase or bonnet. The smooth fabric minimizes frizz and friction overnight.
Refresh in the AM
Mist curls with water or conditioner in the morning then scrunch in gel or mousse to revive shape and bounce.
Try Medusa Clipping
Section dry hair and gently twist and clip up pieces before bed. Release for effortless waves in the morning.
Don’t Skimp on Product
apply your full stylers and gels before pineappling to keep curls intact overnight. Crunchy hair in the AM? Just scrunch.
How to Refresh Curls Between Washes
Refresh limp curls without a full wash using these tips:
Focus on the Roots
Mist the roots with water in a spray bottle. Smooth any frizz with a small amount of curl cream.
Dampen Strands
Lightly spritz hair lengthwise with water until damp but not dripping wet.
Work in Product
Scrunch curl cream, mousse or gel into damp hair. Use praying hands to coat strands.
Diffuse or Air Dry
Diffuse hair for extra volume or air dry for a touchable finish. Scrunch out any crunchiness.
Tweak Styling
Make any separated sections or twists to help limp sections recoil.
Common Curly Hair Problems and Solutions
Frizz
– Use hydrating, anti-humectant products.
– Apply gel to soaking wet hair and let air dry fully.
– Use a humidity-blocking cream before heat styling.
Limp Curls
– Clarify hair to remove product buildup.
– Switch to lighter products if weighs down.
– Refresh dry hair with water and styling products.
Dry, Brittle Hair
– Deep condition 1-2 times per week.
– Avoid brushing dry hair.
– Seal in moisture with oils and butters.
Scalp Buildup
– Use a clarifying shampoo 1-2 times per week.
– Massage scalp while shampooing to loosen flakes.
– Try an apple cider vinegar rinse.
Knots and Tangles
– Always detangle with conditioner in hair.
– Use slippery leave-ins and oils.
– Trim away split ends.
– Sleep with hair protected.
When to See a Stylist
Seeing a stylist with curly hair expertise ensures your curls stay healthy and happy between trims. Book appointments:
– Every 8-12 weeks for a trim to prevent split ends. Curly hair grows slower.
– When struggling with unmanageable frizz, knots, or limpness. A pro can diagnose your issues.
– Before a major event. Let your stylist customize your cut and color for the occasion.
– When wanting to drastically change length or color. Discuss options and a timeline.
– If heat damage occurs. Lem them assess and repair the damage.
Haircut and Style Considerations
Certain cuts and styles work best with curly textures:
Layers
Long, face-framing layers prevent bulky density at the bottom. Layers also encourage defined curls and movement.
Natural Tapered Shape
Avoid blunt, straight across cuts. Embrace the natural curly shape with shorter layers by the face and length in the back.
Face-Flattering Styles
Side parts, curtain bangs, wispy baby bangs, and chin-length shapes flatter curly hair. Talk to your stylist about options.
De-bulk When Needed
Thin or texturize very thick hair as needed to reduce weight and allow curls to spring up.
Avoid Severe Angles
Sharp angles can cause awkward curl patterns. Go for soft, rounded lines instead.
Embracing Your Texture
Having curly hair comes with unique challenges, but don’t dismay. While curly hair requires specialized care, the results are well worth the effort. A good cut, the right products, and techniques like squish-to-condish, plopping, and pineappling will make caring for your curls much easier. Embrace your glorious texture and enjoy good hair days ahead!