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If you have curly hair, you know how difficult taking care of it can be. You need a curly hair routine that can significantly improve the appearance and health of your hair, whether it's wavy, coily, or somewhere in between. We compiled a list of tips & tricks on how to take care of curly hair that is sure to get you those defined curls.
Curly Hair Care Routine
1) Carefully Select a Shampoo
Credit: Natural Eclipse
When you clean or wash your scalp, you ensure that it is free of excess oil, dead skin cells, and product deposition.
Use a gentle shampoo that is free of irritating chemicals like sulfates, silicones, alcohols, and parabens.
2) Pre-Shampoo Treatment
If you have coarse or curly hair, a pre-shampoo treatment may be beneficial. You don't have to condition only after cleansing, contrary to popular assumption. You can condition your hair both before and after shampooing it.
Hair that is coarse and curly loses moisture rapidly. Using a conditioner before shampooing preserves the hair strand by preventing the shampoo from depleting the hair of its natural oils.
3) Detangle Before Washing Curly Hair
Credit: Naturally Curly
It is necessary to detangle the hair before shampooing it. When water is applied to knotted hair, it causes it to lock up. You can untangle your hair with a detangling spray that will make the job smoother and avoid breakage.
If you don't have a detangling spray, you can use a detangling brush or a wide-tooth comb to get rid of those pesky knots.
4) Wash With Cold Water
Hot water depletes your scalp and hair from its natural oil, or sebum. It can also cause frizz and cause your hair to break. Whether you're shampooing or conditioning your hair, cold water rinses are your best bet.
5) Avoid Over-Shampooing
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For people with curly hair, shampooing every day isn't a good idea. Shampooing might deplete the hair's essential natural oils.
To find out what works best for you, you may need to experiment with a cleansing program. Shampooing every other day or every three days is a good rule of thumb.
6) Let it Air Dry
Using a cotton t-shirt, gently dry your hair and scrunch any remaining water. Rubbing your hair with a rough towel can cause the cuticles to open, making your hair frizzy.
Then let it air dry. Use leave-in hair products designed for curly hair, such as curl activating cream, or simply leave some argan oil in if your hair is prone to frizzing after it dries.
Whatever you do, don't mess with your curls while they're drying! Playing with them or running your fingers through them might cause them to frizz, which is the last thing you want to happen.
You can use a diffuser to dry your hair if you're short on time. Turn your head upside down and steady the diffuser against your scalp—don't move it around too much or the escaping wind will frizz your hair.
7) Use Product “Cocktailing”
Credit: Naturally Curly
Product cocktailing is the process of combining two or more products to match your individual styling demands.
If you don't have the time for cocktailing, you can use a serum. Use three or four pumps and emulsify the product in your hands and run it into your curls gently.
Alternatively, you can apply style cream to your hair with wet hands: the combination of the product and the water keeps curls frizz-free while rejuvenating the curl pattern. Styling cream is fantastic since it helps curls hold their form.
8) Overnight Curl Protection
Protecting your curls while sleeping can help ensure that all of your hard work to care for and style your hair does not go to waste in one day. Tie your hair up at night or apply the pineapple method.
To do this, flip your hair over and use a scrunchie to tie it up loosely high on the head (like the top of a pineapple). It's not about a hard hold; instead, you want it to be lightly secured before tying a silk wrap over the hair. This will keep the curls in place while preventing the roots from moving around too much. Instead of silk wrap, you can also use satin or silk pillowcases instead of cotton ones.
9) Trim to Avoid Split Ends
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To get rid of split ends and damaged hair, have your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks. Curly hair, like straight hair, needs to look and feel healthy.
10) Find a Hair Stylist That Specializes in Curls
Getting a haircut from a competent hairstylist who has worked with curly hair before and genuinely understands the science of curly hair can make all the difference. An excellent haircut that compliments your naturally curly hair will make you want to ditch the straightener and embrace your curls!'
11) Avoid Hairsprays and Mousse
Credit: Nexxus
Not only may it make your curls crunchy, but these two products also have the most alcohol in them.
Hair Masks for Curly Hair
Curls can be difficult to manage, but these two DIY hair masks for curly hair will help you maintain those lovely curls.
1) Yogurt and Banana
Credit: Everyday Health
Bananas and yogurt are both quite hydrating. Moisturizing curly hair is more crucial than moisturizing any other hair type since dryness can make it look unkempt. Curly hair that is adequately moisturized, on the other hand, seems voluminous.
Start with mashing a banana and combine it with one cup of yogurt. Begin at the roots and work your way up to your hair's length. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for it to dry before washing it off with water and a gentle shampoo.
2) Honey and Egg
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Eggs are not only moisturizing by nature, but they also include proteins that can help your tresses by improving strength and preventing typical hair problems like hair fall. Honey, on the other hand, is a natural humectant, which means it will seal in moisture and add shine to your hair.
To make this hair mask, separate the egg white from the yolk. After that, add one teaspoon of honey. Whisk together both ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. Apply this hair mask to your tresses and let it sit for a few minutes. Wash using cold water and a gentle shampoo.
Things to avoid when you have curly hair
Because curly hair is fragile, stay away from the following:
- Products containing Sulfates, alcohol, harsh chemicals, and scents
- Using a clarifying shampoo weekly
- Rinsing with hot water in the shower
- Tying your hair in a tight ponytail or bun all the time
- Fine-toothed combs
- Detangling dry hair
Summary
A proper curly hair care routine can make all the difference to your curls. Curly hair can be the bane of your existence if you do not know how to take care of it. Sticking to this routine will ensure that you will get healthy hydrated locks like never before. If you find this post useful, make sure to share it with your curly hair friends.
