To care for curly hair, washing is important, but washing everyday can strip the hair of its natural oils, which are the best way to keep your curls healthy. It is a good idea to use a shampoo and a conditioner that is designed specifically for curly hair and that is full of moisturizers but also has frizz reducers.
- Work shampoo through your scalp and let the suds run through the rest of your hair.
- Apply conditioner to the mid lengths of your hair and then work it down to the ends. If your hair is especially dry, apply more conditioner to the ends and comb it through the hair.
- Always use warm water to wash your hair. Hot water will dry curls out.
Using a deep moisturizing treatment once a week will keep curls strong without going frizzy and a hot oil treatment once a month will add vitality and shine. Blotting the hair with paper towels to soak up excess water is a great way to dry without causing frizz and a wide-tooth comb is the best styling tool.
Never brush curly hair as it will promote frizz and damage the cuticle. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle the hair. Avoid any styling products that contain alcohol or ones that will weigh the hair down. It is a good idea to only use hair-dryers when absolutely necessary as the heat will zap curly hair of moisture and is the fastest way to create frizz and fly-aways.
- Whenever styling, always moisturize the hair first with a simple body moisturizer before applying styling products. The moisturizer will keep the hair protected from damage and reduce static and frizz.
- To get your hair to fall into its natural curly shape, style when wet and then leave your hair to air dry and try to resist scrunching or touching.
- Sleeping in wet hair will guarantee out-of-control curls. Combat this by braiding or plaiting your hair in three separate sections and by resting your head on a satin pillowcase so that your hair doesn’t rub.
- Wear your hair with a soft side parting that is not too defined for a flattering look.
- Using a sea salt spray is a great way to redefine curls and texture and revitalize styling products.
You can check out a great free instructional video series online called How to Style Curly Hair. I hope it helps.
