There’s no getting around the fact that taming curly hair can be a challenge. Curly hair girls often have to deal with wild, unpredictable, and difficult to control locks on a daily basis. Not to mention pesky frizz and dryness. However, achieving a soft, healthy halo of curls is easier than you might think. Whether your hair is in tight coils or loose waves, you can easily manage your individual hair texture by finding the right tricks and products. Loving and managing your curls really lies within your hair care routine.
Below, you’ll find some game-changing curly hair tips and tricks that will help keep ringlets of every shape and size looking their best. So put down your hair straightener and keep scrolling for some curly hair 101.
Curly hair tips: the 10 commandments
1. Never brush dry curls
The first commandment for curly hair girls is to avoid brushing hair when it’s dry. Since it’s more brittle and prone to dryness, brushing curly hair when it’s not wet leads to breakage and split ends. If you’ve ever tried brushing out your mane when it’s dry, you’ve probably seen firsthand how it can quickly transform hair into a frizzy disaster. (Hello triangle hair!). If you do happen to wake up with frizz and flyaways, apply a detangling or water spray to reactivate the curls. Then, detangle using a damp brush, put on some oil, and sit back and relax while your locks air dry.
2. A wide tooth comb is your best friend
Investing in the proper detangling tools is key for girls with curly hair. Wide tooth combs are a lifesaver when it comes to tackling your snarls. Thanks to their large teeth that are spaced far apart, these combs can get rid of knots in your hair without upsetting its natural texture or making it frizzier.
Curly hair is the most fragile type, so if the comb teeth are too thin or close together, your hair will be in for a world of breakage. It’s also a good idea to gently detangle hair from the bottom up instead of yanking your way through.
3. Only sleep on satin or silk pillowcases
A good hair care routine doesn’t stop just because you’re sleeping. When it comes to overnight hair care, satin or silk pillowcases are an essential ingredient. One of the most common reasons for breakage and split ends is when the ends of hair rub against cotton pillowcases at night, causing friction. Due to the way silk is woven, the threads are more compact and lay flatter. This prevents friction and lets your hair glide easily over the fabric. Switching to a satin or silk alternative can help you stay frizz-free and pump up the volume, all while locking in moisture while you get some shut eye.
4. Dry hair with care
The process after washing your hair is super important. Friction causes frizz, so it’s recommended to touch your hair as little as possible during the entire drying process. The more hair is handled, the more chance you have for wild frizz and flyaways. If you are using a towel to dry your hair, try to avoid being too rough or use a microfiber towel. Air drying is always a good idea if you want to get polished, defined locks. Start by applying a good styling spray and then avoid touching your hair while it air dries.
5. Refresh curls with a curling iron
Don’t be afraid to embrace the curling iron. These tools are a great way to do touch-ups and enhance your natural texture and curl pattern. Simply use a small or tapered barrel iron on dry hair to define pieces and give your hair a more uniform look. For more curl, use a one-inch curling iron, or try a 1.25-inch iron if you want looser waves. Also, take it easy on the hairspray post-styling since it can be drying to your curls.
6. Nourish with moisturizing products
Since curly locks have a tendency to get super dry, moisturizing products are a must if you want to keep your hair smooth and bouncy. It’s best to choose products that are designed specifically for curly hair with ingredients like palm oil, shea butter, and avocado oil. All of these are good at hydrating and sealing in moisture.
As far as specific products are concerned, anti-frizz serums and shaping creams are both good additions to consider adding to your hair care routine, along with a deep conditioning treatment.
You can also try product cocktailing, where you mix two or more products together, to meet your more specific styling needs. One of our favorite mixes is coconut oil plus styling gel. This combination allows for superior hold without leaving your tresses crunchy or dry.
7. Coconut oil is always a good idea
As the holy grail of hair oils, coconut oil is a miracle worker for your hair. It can help repair damage and protect your mane from the elements. This all-natural ingredient not only eliminates frizz, but also heals hair over time. To use, apply the oil to the ends of your hair and leave in for at least 30 minutes away from direct sunlight. You can also cover your hair with a towel or cap to help the oil penetrate strands deeper. Coconut oil will leave your hair replenished with nutrients that were lost when using color, chemical treatments, or heat styling tools like a hair dryer.
8. Use a diffuser to add some volume
Want voluminous, wild curls? Consider drying your hair with the help of a diffuser. This styling tool disperses hot air from your hair dryer into a larger space, which gives hair more body and minimizes frizz that can occur when hair is air dried. For best results, apply a cream-based mousse to hair and then diffuse hair in different sections. Lift the diffuser all the way to the scalp, slide it from the bottom of your hairline near your ear, and then slide it all the way to the crown of your head. This lifts and stretches the root, creating a volume boost for heavy curls and evening out your curl pattern. To avoid overheating, keep the diffuser on medium heat and power.
9. Don’t overwash your hair
Shampooing curly hair too often tends to dry out the natural oils that keep your curls controlled and looking their best. Ideally, you should shampoo no more than two or three times a week. Many girls with curly hair recommend conditioning first before putting any shampoo into the hair. When you do wash your hair, keep the lather close to your scalp and avoid overwashing the ends of hair. Keep the shampoo in your hair for as little time as possible and rinse twice, using cool water the second time around to seal the cuticle. Hello beautiful, curly hair!
10. Embrace your natural texture
Being the natural beauty who wakes up with wild waves, coils, and ringlets is awesome, so never be afraid to embrace your natural hair texture. If you are looking to immediately add length to your curls opt for one of our curly ponytail extensions which comes in 20 beautiful shades and is an easy one piece application.
Just like a snowflake, every head of curly hair is unique. Working with your natural curl pattern will not only make your morning routine far faster and easier, but also leaves hair healthier and more nourished in the long run. What’s not to love about that?
Not that you’ve read our 10 commandments for curly hair, go forth and conquer your natural curls.
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Written by: Mikayla Uber
