How do you Take Care of Curly Hair?
There are certain things that you can do to take care of your curly hair. Curly hair needs special TLC to keep curls looking soft and falling right. Curly hair tends to be drier and more susceptible to knots and tangles, as opposed to straight or wavy hair, so extra care should be taken when washing, conditioning, and styling hair. The following tips will keep your curls looking fresh and pretty.
1. Get the Right Cut for Curly Hair
It all starts with the right cut. Find a hair stylist who specializes in curly hair by asking other curly-haired friends, family, or even strangers for a recommendation. Ask the stylist is they are familiar with the ‘twist-cutting’ technique, which works well with curly hair.
You may also want to request a dry cut if you are not looking to take off a lot of length so you won’t be shocked when your hair dries and springs up.
With curly hair, you do not need to cut it on a regular basis, but if it starts to flatten at the crown, or your ends are split, it is time to make a hair appointment.
Hot Tip: Go to the salon with unstyled hair so your stylist can cut based on your natural wave.
2. Shampoo Curly Hair Correctly
Most curly hair does not need to be washed daily because this really dries the hair out, causing more frizz. Depending on your hair type, you may find that you only need to condition your hair some days, but not use shampoo. Start with a small amount of conditioner and see how your hair feels.
You should use a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for curly or dry hair. These shampoos are usually milder and will not cause as much damage to hair that is already dry.
Wash your hair with cool water, which will help lock in moisture. After washing, be very careful with the de-tangling process. If your curls are very tight, it might be best to comb hair in the shower with conditioner in it.
3. Deep Condition Curly Hair Regularly
Curly hair needs extra moisture so plan to do a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask once a week. Performing this regularly will help in the overall health of your hair. Look for a treatment that is designed for dry, damaged hair, and leave on wet hair for at least 30 minutes before rinsing out.
4. Dry Curly Hair Properly
Chances are, your curly hair is going to get frizzy if you use a towel to dry it after washing. Instead, use a soft tee shirt or microfiber towel, and gently blot hair to remove the excess moisture. Let it air dry as often as possible.
If you are going to blow dry it, use the lowest heat setting and the diffuser attachment, which lessens the amount of heat on your hair but still allows you to style it. A wide-tooth comb and your fingers will help get tangles out. A regular brush should not be used on curly hair, as it will cause damage and frizz.
5. Styling Products for Curly Hair
Styling curly hair can be a challenge, but luckily, there are products that will help to smooth out curls. If you have coarse, curly hair, use a silicone serum that will add moisture to the hair. If you hair is fine, opt for a silicone spray. To keep a style, sculpting gels and extra strong creams can aid in holding coarse hair. If you have thinner curls, try a styling lotion labeled as ‘lightweight’ so you don’t weigh them down.
6. Straightening Curly Hair
If you want to straighten your hair for a differently look once in awhile, go ahead, but make sure you protect your hair from heat damage. Use a protective spray before you use a flat iron. Curly hair should never be flat-ironed at a high heat setting. Finish with a small amount of anti-frizz serum or oil.
If you want smoother-looking curls, try Velcro rollers which will create a bigger wave. They will not damage hair like a heated styling tool will. You can also sleep with damp hair in a twisted bun overnight to help lengthen the curl and smooth it out.
7. Detoxify Curly Hair Monthly
Keep hair clean. Dirt, pollution, and sweat can get trapped in your hair so it is important to use a clarifying shampoo once a month. Look for one that will not dry out or strip your curls.
8. Use Hair Accessories for Curly Hair
Fun hair accessories such as head bands, ties, clips, and ribbons look great in curly hair so use them to your advantage. They can help control hair and keep it looking stylish. Always keep one in your bag in case you get caught in an unexpected rainstorm.
Curls require more attention than some other hair textures, but with the proper hair care routine, your curls can look healthy and bouncy and remain easy to care for.