Everybody loves curly hair. However, unlike straight and wavy hair, the hassles of managing the curls are no less. Curly hair tends to get dry and frizzy more easily than other hair type. Managing curly hair every day becomes a skill. Understanding the hair pattern and texture takes a lot of trial and error before you can determine the right solutions.
How to know if your curly hair is damaged? Look out for signs like dullness, changes in curl pattern, rough split ends, breakage, and resistance to hydrating products. Your lifestyle takes a toll on your hair, with dust, heat, and sweat making it difficult to manage them. If the issues persist for a long time, it's time to make some changes.
Hydrated and bouncy curls are a sign of healthy hair. Problems like dryness, breakage, and fragile hair are more common with curly hair. Apart from using the right products, there are several everyday tips that you can follow to maintain the shine and luster of your curls. If you feel like your current hair care routine is not as effective, try incorporating these habits into your everyday life.
1. Know Your Curl Type
Curl types are unique to every individual. Some curls are tight and coarse. They are tougher to manage and do not lose their shape. If such hair becomes frizzy, it gets easily damaged and shows signs of breakage. Tighter curls require richer and more nourishing products, with even consistency. If the curls are finely textured, you need shampoo and conditioners that provide volume and shine. These products hold your hair with a lighter and airy formula.
2. Try Co-Washing
Co-washing is a popular method of washing curly and coiled hair. It provides deep hydration instead of just cleansing. It involves ditching the shampoo and using only a conditioner that is sulfate and silicone-free. Sulfate-free products do not dry your hair out and retain the moisturizing oils. However, ditching the shampoo does not mean you don’t cleanse. Glycerin or aloe vera-based conditioners should be rubbed deep into the scalp to nourish the curls a couple of times every week.
3. Choose the Right Products
Always choose nourishing shampoos and conditioners that are designed for curly hair. Defining the texture of your curls should be the priority. Curly hair is prone to dryness and breakage. Go for creamy, low-foam formulas that lock the moisture in and nourish the hair strands as well as the roots. Ingredients like Omega-9 and AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) help nourish rather than just clean. Several shampoos, serums, hair masks, and conditioners are specifically made for your curls.
4. Do not Over-Cleanse
Curly hair needs more time to settle. It relies on natural oil and sebum production to combat dryness. If you wash your hair daily with a cleansing shampoo, it will become frizzy, leading to damage and hair fall. Try co-washing if you find shampoos too harsh. Also, avoid multiple heavy products that might weigh your curls down, making them appear greasy and shaggy. For best results, gently condition and massage your scalp once or twice weekly.
5. Never Skip on Conditioner
Straight hair creates a lot of oil and sebum, which needs to be cleaned with a shampoo every few days. Curls, on the other hand, absorb oil, which helps them to nourish and grow. Therefore, a nourishing conditioner should be an integral part of your hair care routine. Use a leave-in conditioner as it moisturizes hair without weighing it down. You can get rid of the frizz and rough texture with conditioners. Ensure your products do not contain too much drying silicone.
6. Never De-Tangle Hair With A Brush
Even though you might be habitual to brushing your hair post-shower, it might not be a good idea for curly hair. Instead, gently comb and detangle your curls while you put on your conditioner. Use a wide-toothed comb that does not get stuck in your locks. Ensure you have detangled till the ends of your hair.
7. Air Dry Instead of Blow Drying
Air-drying hair is always better than using heavy blow dryers. It does not damage the hair by directly hitting hot air. If you want to speed up the drying process, pat your hair dry with a microfibre towel before hair drying. Alternatively, if you want to use a blow dryer, put a heat-protectant serum on your hair. You can even attach a diffuser that will limit the hot air coming out of the dryer and prevent frizzes.
8. Wash With Cold Water
No matter if you have curly or straight hair, washing your hair with cold water is always better for your roots and hair shafts. Hot water strips your hair of natural oil and causes frizz and breakage over time. If you feel like cold water is not able to wash off shampoo and conditioner from your hair, use lukewarm water. Your curls won’t lose their shape and be easier to style if you take a cold shower.
