For some, having curly hair is both a blessing and a curse. If you were naturally born with it, you surely could relate to how this hairstyle can be quite challenging to maintain and care for. Basic hair care tips and tricks for straight hair won’t apply to your curly tresses, and if you’re not careful, your crowning glory might just turn into an overhead disaster.
Although curly hair is indeed high maintenance compared to other hairstyles, you shouldn’t let this intimidate you. Knowing how to care for your locks properly could go a long way in keeping your curls beautiful, bouncy, and tangle-free.
What To Do With Your Curly Hair
Girls born with curly hair are probably aware that this hairstyle requires a consistent routine to keep it always looking happy and healthy. On the other side, those who just got a hair perm to achieve their curly dream may not know well enough how proper hair care can do wonders to curly locks.
Whether you’re looking for additional care tips for curly hair or you’re thinking of getting a perm one of these days, here are some things you can do to maintain your curly mane:
- Use A Wide-Toothed Comb
Your curly hair will be a mess if you ever try using a fine-toothed comb on it. Your only best friend when combing your hair is a wide-toothed comb that could help in detangling your curls, especially while they’re still wet. To detangle curly hair, gently comb your hair from the bottom and then work your way up until you reach the top of your head.
If you don’t have a wide-toothed comb yet, here’s a trick that would indeed work—use your ten fingers and just sweep through your damp and newly conditioned hair. Finger combing or detangling is needed before you apply product to curls, such as a hair mousse made specifically for your curls.
- Use Quality Hair Care Products
When it comes to maintaining curly hair, quality is always the key. Invest in hair care products that are sulphate and paraben-free as these can damage your curls. Good quality products will help you restore your hair’s definition and shape while adding moisture to dry and brittle strands.
Here’s a tip: when it comes to styling your curly hair, don’t forget the leave-in conditioner! This can help keep your curls hydrated and replenished throughout the day. You should also learn more about straightening curly hair using the top-notch products that are available in the market. Straightening curly hair is never an easy task but with the right products, you can achieve smoother and softer hair without compromising the health of your curly tresses.
- Be Generous When Conditioning Your Hair
Curly hair tends to get all frizzy and dry, especially during humid days. To address this, make sure you’re using more than enough conditioner when taking a bath. The conditioner will provide your curls with the moisture it needs, so they remain soft and shiny.
Pay attention to what kind of shampoo and conditioner you buy for your hair. Some products are specifically made for curly hair, and you might want to look for ones just like that.
- Let Your Curls Dry Naturally
Exposing your hair to unnecessary heat will only dry and damage it. Stay away from hair blowers and dryers because you won’t be needing them any longer. To make your curls look more defined and bouncier, letting them dry naturally is the best way to go.
What Not To Do With Your Curly Hair
Now that you have an idea of how to care for your curly hair, be sure to also pay attention to what you shouldn’t do. By avoiding these things, you could lessen your struggles, and you can continue enjoying your bouncy crowning glory.
So here are some don’ts to remember when caring for your curly hair:
- Don’t Overwash Your Hair
This is probably common knowledge among girls regardless of hairstyle. Overwashing can strip your hair off its natural oils that your curls could’ve used for improved elasticity and shine. What you should do instead is wash your hair every two to four days but definitely not every day. This will give your hair and scalp ample time to build the natural oils that can keep your hair looking fresh, healthy, and happy.
- Don’t Brush Your Hair
Please be kind to your curls and never—repeat, never—use a hairbrush to it. Aside from making your hair all frizzy and unruly, brushing can also lead to split ends and hair breakage. As mentioned, stick to your new best friend, the wide-toothed comb, and you’ll be fine.
Don’t Rub Your Hair With A Towel
How do you dry your hair after showering? Since it’s not recommended to use hair blowers for curls, you may tend to rub or dry your hair using a towel vigorously. This is a big no-no if you don’t want to end up with unruly and frizzy hair the whole day.
Using a bath towel isn’t recommended either when drying your curly hair. But should you need to, use it gently, slowly drying your hair section by section. If you have spare cotton shirts you no longer use, that’s an even better alternative to towels. The cotton fabric is friendlier to the hair and could potentially reduce frizz when drying it.
Final Words
Having curly hair is a commitment. It’s not for everyone, and you’re lucky to have it. However, you need to commit to maintaining it well if you want your mane to remain as one of your best features. Knowing the do’s and don’ts of curly hair care is the first step in loving it.
