If you have curly hair, you know how challenging it can be to take care of it and style it. Curly hair is often dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage. It can also be hard to find products that work well for your curl type and texture. But don’t despair, because curly hair is also beautiful, versatile, and full of personality. With the right products and techniques, you can embrace and enhance your natural curls and rock them with confidence.
In this article, we will share some tips and tricks on how to care for curly hair, from washing and conditioning to styling and maintaining. We will also recommend some of the best products for curly hair that will help you achieve bouncy, defined, and healthy curls.
How to Wash and Condition Curly Hair
One of the most important steps in caring for curly hair is washing and conditioning. This is because curly hair tends to be drier than other hair types, and needs more moisture and nourishment. However, washing too often or using harsh shampoos can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause more dryness and frizz. Here are some guidelines on how to wash and condition curly hair properly:
- Wash your hair when needed, not every day. Depending on your hair type, texture, and lifestyle, you may need to wash your hair once a week, once every few days, or even less. Washing your hair too frequently can dry out your curls and make them lose their shape. To keep your scalp and hair clean between washes, you can use a dry shampoo or a co-wash (a conditioner that also cleanses the hair).
- Use a gentle shampoo that is sulfate-free, paraben-free, and silicone-free. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture. Parabens are preservatives that can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Silicones are synthetic polymers that can coat the hair and prevent moisture from penetrating the hair shaft. These ingredients can damage curly hair and make it more prone to frizz, breakage, and dullness. Look for shampoos that are formulated for curly hair or contain natural or organic ingredients that are gentle and moisturizing.
- Apply shampoo only to the scalp and roots of the hair, not the ends. The scalp is where most of the dirt, oil, and product buildup accumulates, so focus on cleansing it thoroughly. The ends of the hair are usually the driest and most fragile part of the hair, so avoid applying shampoo to them as it can dry them out even more. Instead, let the shampoo run down the length of the hair as you rinse it out.
- Use a conditioner after every shampoo. Conditioner is essential for curly hair as it helps restore moisture, detangle knots, smooth cuticles, and add shine. Look for a conditioner that is rich in natural or essential oils, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, or avocado oil. These oils can penetrate the hair shaft and nourish it from within. Avoid conditioners that contain silicones or mineral oils as they can weigh down the curls and make them look greasy.
- Apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair, not the roots. The roots of the hair are usually the oiliest part of the hair, so avoid applying conditioner to them as it can make them look flat and limp. Instead, focus on applying conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair where it is most needed.
- Leave the conditioner on for at least 3 minutes before rinsing it out. This will allow the conditioner to work its magic on your curls and deliver maximum benefits. You can also use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently comb through your curls while the conditioner is still in your hair. This will help distribute the product evenly and remove any tangles or knots.
- Rinse out the conditioner with cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can damage curly hair by opening up the cuticles and causing moisture loss. Cool or lukewarm water can help seal the cuticles and lock in moisture. It can also add shine and reduce frizz.
Some of the best shampoos and conditioners for curly hair are:
- Kérastase Curl Manifesto Shampoo: This shampoo is specially designed for curly, coily, and very curly hair types. It gently cleanses the scalp and hair while providing hydration, definition, strength, bounce, softness, shine, anti-frizz protection.
- Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo: This shampoo is ideal for wavy to curly hair types that need extra moisture and nourishment. It contains rice amino acids that seal the cuticle and prevent frizz; avocado oil that moisturizes; shea butter that softens; vitamin E that protects; quinoa extract that enhances curl retention; and tomato fruit ferment that enhances curl definition.
- Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo: This shampoo is perfect for curly hair types that struggle with frizz and humidity. It contains a unique anti-frizz nano technology that creates a protective barrier around each hair strand; a blend of ceramides, proteins, and amino acids that repair and smooth the cuticle; and a gentle surfactant system that cleanses without stripping moisture.
- SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner: This conditioner is suitable for thick, curly hair types that need extra hydration and shine. It contains organic shea butter that moisturizes and repairs; coconut oil that nourishes and protects; hibiscus flower extract that enhances elasticity and shine; neem oil that controls frizz and adds brilliance; and silk protein that smooths and softens.
- DevaCurl One Condition Original Daily Cream Conditioner: This conditioner is designed for all curl types that need daily conditioning and detangling. It contains olive oil that moisturizes and adds shine; hops extract that enhances body and bounce; lemongrass extract that adds freshness and fragrance; rosemary extract that stimulates scalp health; and chamomile extract that soothes and calms.
- Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Conditioner: This conditioner is ideal for wavy to curly hair types that need more definition and bounce. It contains argan oil that hydrates and smooths; hydrolyzed vegetable protein that strengthens and repairs; Abyssinian oil that boosts shine and manageability; green tea leaf extract that protects from environmental damage; and a curl-enhancing complex that activates and defines curls.
How to Style Curly Hair
After washing and conditioning your curly hair, the next step is to style it. Styling curly hair can be tricky, as you want to enhance your natural curl pattern without causing frizz, crunchiness, or stiffness. Here are some tips on how to style curly hair the right way:
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or a curl cream to damp hair. A leave-in conditioner or a curl cream can help moisturize, define, smooth, and protect your curls. Look for products that are lightweight, non-greasy, and non-flaking. Apply the product to damp hair, not wet or dry hair. Damp hair can absorb the product better than wet hair, and can prevent frizz better than dry hair. Use a generous amount of product (about a quarter-sized dollop for medium-length hair) and distribute it evenly throughout your hair using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
- Scrunch your curls with your hands or a microfiber towel. Scrunching is a technique that involves gently squeezing your curls in an upward motion to enhance their shape and volume. You can use your hands or a microfiber towel to scrunch your curls. Avoid using a regular towel as it can cause frizz and damage. Scrunch your curls from the ends to the roots until they form clumps or coils.
- Apply a gel or a mousse to lock in the curl shape. A gel or a mousse can help hold your curls in place without making them hard or crunchy. Look for products that are alcohol-free, flexible, and humidity-resistant. Apply the product to damp hair after scrunching, using a small amount (about a dime-sized dollop for medium-length hair) and distributing it evenly throughout your hair using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
- Dry your hair with a diffuser or air-dry it. A diffuser is an attachment for your blow dryer that disperses the air flow evenly and gently over your curls. It can help speed up the drying process while maintaining the curl shape and preventing frizz. To use a diffuser, set your blow dryer to low heat and low speed, then cup your curls in the diffuser from the ends to the roots, moving it slowly around your head until your hair is dry. Alternatively, you can air-dry your hair by letting it dry naturally without touching it or disturbing it until it is completely dry.
- Fluff your curls with your fingers or a pick comb. Once your hair is dry, you can fluff your curls to add more volume and movement. Use your fingers or a pick comb to gently lift your roots and separate your curls. Avoid using a regular comb or brush as they can disrupt the curl pattern and cause frizz.
Some of the best styling products for curly hair are:
- Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Crème: This leave-in cream is great for wavy to curly hair types that need extra moisture and definition. It contains rice amino acids that seal the cuticle and prevent frizz; avocado oil that moisturizes; quinoa extract that enhances curl retention; tomato fruit ferment that enhances curl definition; mollis leaf extract that softens; baobab seed oil that nourishes; shea butter that moisturizes and repairs; and aloe vera that soothes and hydrates.
- Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel: This gel is perfect for curly hair types that struggle with frizz and humidity. It contains a unique anti-frizz nano technology that creates a protective barrier around each hair strand; a blend of ceramides, proteins, and amino acids that repair and smooth the cuticle; and a UV filter that protects from sun damage. It also provides a strong hold without making the hair stiff or sticky.
- Moroccanoil Curl Defining Mousse: This mousse is ideal for wavy to curly hair types that need more definition and bounce. It contains argan oil that hydrates and smooths; hydrolyzed vegetable protein that strengthens and repairs; Abyssinian oil that boosts shine and manageability; green tea leaf extract that protects from environmental damage; and a curl-enhancing complex that activates and defines curls. It also provides a medium hold without making the hair crunchy or flaky.
How to Maintain Curly Hair
The last step in caring for curly hair is maintaining it. Maintaining curly hair means keeping it healthy, hydrated, and frizz-free between washes and styles. Here are some tips on how to maintain curly hair:
- Refresh your curls with water or a spray bottle. If your curls lose their shape or become frizzy throughout the day, you can refresh them with water or a spray bottle. Simply wet your hands or spray your hair lightly with water, then scrunch your curls to revive them. You can also add a small amount of leave-in conditioner or curl cream to your hands or spray bottle to add more moisture and definition.
- Use a satin or silk pillowcase or a bonnet. Cotton pillowcases can cause friction and damage to your curls, leading to frizz, breakage, and split ends. Satin or silk pillowcases can reduce friction and preserve your curl shape and moisture. You can also use a satin or silk bonnet to cover your hair at night.
- Pineapple your hair before bed. Pineappling is a technique that involves gathering your hair into a loose, high ponytail on top of your head before bed. This can help prevent your curls from getting crushed or tangled while you sleep. In the morning, you can take down your ponytail and shake out your curls.
- Trim your hair regularly. Curly hair is more prone to split ends and damage than other hair types, so it is important to trim your hair regularly to keep it healthy and prevent further breakage. Depending on your hair growth rate and condition, you may need to trim your hair every 6 to 12 weeks.
- Deep condition your hair once a week. Deep conditioning is a treatment that involves applying a rich, nourishing conditioner or mask to your hair and leaving it on for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing it out. It can help replenish moisture, repair damage, improve elasticity, and enhance shine. You can use a store-bought deep conditioner or make your own using natural ingredients such as honey, yogurt, avocado, banana, coconut milk, olive oil, etc.
Some of the best deep conditioners for curly hair are:
- SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque: This masque is suitable for dry, damaged, curly hair types that need extra hydration and repair. It contains manuka honey that moisturizes and soothes; mafura oil that nourishes and softens; baobab oil that strengthens and protects; African rock fig that boosts antioxidants; shea butter that moisturizes and repairs; and coconut oil that nourishes and protects.
- DevaCurl Melt Into Moisture Matcha Butter Conditioning Mask: This mask is designed for all curl types that need more moisture and shine. It contains matcha butter that hydrates and smooths; sweet almond oil that moisturizes and adds shine; beet root extract that enhances color vibrancy; sunflower seed extract that protects from sun damage; lemongrass extract that adds freshness and fragrance; rosemary extract that stimulates scalp health; chamomile extract that soothes and calms.
- Kérastase Curl Manifesto Masque Beurre Haute Nutrition: This masque is specially designed for curly, coily, and very curly hair types. It provides intense hydration, definition, strength, bounce, softness, shine, anti-frizz protection. It contains manuka honey extract that moisturizes and repairs; ceramide that strengthens and smooths; glycerin that hydrates and plumps; mango butter that nourishes and softens; coconut oil that nourishes and protects.
Conclusion
Curly hair is beautiful, versatile, and full of personality. However, it also requires special care and attention to keep it healthy, hydrated, frizz-free, defined, bouncy, shiny. By following the tips and tricks we shared in this article, you can embrace and enhance your natural curls and rock them with confidence. Remember to wash and condition your hair properly, use the right products and techniques to style your hair, and maintain your hair between washes and styles. You can also experiment with different products and methods to find what works best for your curl type and texture. Curly hair is not a problem, it’s a blessing. So, love your curls and let them shine.