Curly Hair Care
There are so many different types of hair that each require different care routines including products, methods and tools etc. Care hair is important for all hair types, but curls in particular require a lot of care and attention. Curls can be super fragile, it’s important to keep them as strong and healthy as possible, so I’ve put together some of my top tips for curly hair care so you can keep your curls in tact!
But first, why is curly hair care so important?
As I said earlier, curls can be super fragile, so having the right hair care is crucial. Without curly hair care, the hair cuticles may become damaged which can result in your curls becoming frizzy, dry and undefined.
I’ve seen a lot of clients come in with frizzy, wavy hair that with the right products and routine could instead be healthy, bouncy and defined curls that completely change their look.
But what a lot of people may not know is that there are actually a lot of different curl types too, some are tighter, more coiled curls, where others are more on the wavy side and are much more bendable, so it’s always a good idea to research your curl pattern and find out what kind of products are best for your curls.
My tips for curly hair care…
Here are some of my top tips for curly hair care – nurture those curls!!
1. Don’t over-cleanse your hair
With curls it’s essential that you don’t shampoo your hair too often. Many people wash their hair daily, which can be very drying and damaging on curls and lead to breakage. Curly and textured hair need their natural oils in order to stay strong and healthy. Try to wash your hair twice, maybe even once a week. Of course, the amount you wash your hair differs from person to person depending on your lifestyle (e.g. if you workout) and your scalps moisture level, but try to find a good balance.
2. Find the right shampoo for your hair
Like I mentioned earlier, there’s a ton of different hair types, curl patterns and textures. So a shampoo that’s ‘designed for curly hair’ may not be specific enough and could still not be the right shampoo for your curl pattern. But overall, look for both shampoos and conditioners that contain natural or essential oils, for example coconut oil or avocado oil, as well as ingredients like aloe vera, keratin or plant extracts. One thing to avoid altogether is sulfates, as these can strip away a lot of moistuer and dry out your scalp.
3. Wash with cold water
Whilst many people may think that washing with warm or hot water is better for your hair, hot water can get rid of the moisture from your hair which results in dryness and potential breakage. Cold water will help keep the moisture in your hair, and help your hair cuticles close, which can help reduce frizz.
4. Never skip conditioner
Since curly hair is so susceptible to dryness, a good conditioner that’s right for your curl pattern is essential. A conditioner’s job is to protect, nourish and hydrate your hair, so why would you skip it? You can get conditioners that are made specifically for curly and wavy hair, and again, look for ones that contain things like shea butter and aloe vera.
5. Find the right way to blow-dry your hair
With curls, air-drying tends to be the best way to go, so try and avoid blow-drying, and use a soft towel instead to scrunch your curls upwards. This gets rid of excess water and enhances your waves. Of course in some cases there isn’t always time for air-drying, so if you are going to blow-dry your curls, then make sure to use a diffuser attachment. A diffuser helps control the amount of heat and powered air hitting your curls, and basically helps you avoid your hair flying all over the place – creating less friction and frizz. Also, always blow-dry on a low heat, and low power.
6. Use a leave-in conditioner
Like I said, skipping the conditioner is probably one of the worst things you can do. But curls need long-lasting hydration to stay healthy and protected, so a leave-in conditioner is always a good idea. A leave-in conditioner forms a protective layer around the fibers in your hair and protects it against things that may harm those gorgeous curls.
7. Use a wide-toothed comb on your curls
This is a big one. Never use a fine-toothed comb on your curls or waves. This can really damage your curl pattern and make those curls frizzy, dry and prone to breakage. But of course, detangling is essential for curly hair, so when you comb your hair make sure to use a wide-toothed comb and gently run it through your hair, starting at the ends going upwards towards the roots. Make sure to only do this either as a pre-wash detangle, or whilst the conditioner is in your hair. Avoid combing through your hair after your wash/conditioning.
8. Care for your curls while you sleep
One thing that a lot of people forget is that you still need to take care of those curls while you sleep. Yep! The friction of your strands on your bed sheets can cause frizz and dryness, and cotton can even soak up your curls’ natural sebum and reduce moisture. So I’d advise investing in silk pillow cases or even wrapping your hair in one before hitting the hay so your curls can stay nourished throughout the night.
Curly hair care may seem high maintenance…
But it’s truly worth it! With the right care and routine, your curls could be the healthiest, glossiest and most luxurious locks of hair you’ve ever seen.
Need to freshen up those curls? Take a look at our services and see how we can give you the hair transformation you really deserve.
