If you have curly hair, you know that caring for and styling your hair can be a struggle. Curly hair needs extra protein and moisture to look its best, and when your hair doesn’t get what it needs, your results can be dry, unruly, or even frizzy.
To optimize your hair’s condition and ensure your curls are healthy, moisturized, and beautifully defined, you need to approach haircare a bit differently than your straight-haired friends. Follow these tips and tricks to nourish your hair and create the luscious curls you deserve.
Choose Products Designed for Your Hair Type
When you have curly hair, you need to choose your hair care products carefully. First, you should determine what type of curly hair you have. Most hair can be categorized in one of four groups:
- Straight hair with no natural wave or curl
- Wavy hair with curls that are looser and often S-shaped
- Curly hair with ringlets that are average in terms of width and tightness but generally start at the root
- Coily hair with tight ringlets or coils that begin at the root
Once you’ve determined your curl pattern, examine your head to determine the thickness and density of your hair. Thickness measures the width of each hair and can be classified as fine, medium, and thick. Density measures how many hair strands you collectively have and can be classified as low, medium, and high density.
Armed with this information, you are ready to pick your products. It’s best to use products specifically targeted for curly hair. For example, if you look at Function of Beauty reviews, you’ll find that customers with curly hair are delighted with their products. They offer customizable shampoos and conditioners specifically targeted to optimize your hair type, including options for wavy, curly, and coily hair.
Treat Your Curls Gently
In addition to choosing the appropriate products for your curl type, you also need to treat your curls with TLC. For example, never comb or brush your hair while dry. Instead, keep a wide-tooth comb in the shower and detangle your hair when you are conditioning. Similarly, avoid drying your hair with a regular towel and, instead, use a microfiber cloth or a T-shirt to gently blot excess water from your hair.
If desired, you can add styling products to ensure that moisture is locked in and your curls retain their bounce. Experiment with leave-in conditioners, curling creams, gels, and mousses until you find a routine that gives you optimal results.
Once you have applied your stylers, it’s best to let curly hair air dry. However, if your time is limited, don’t despair. A hairdryer can be used if you attach a diffuser that protects your hair from direct heat and harsh airflow.
You may also want to protect your hair at night to avoid waking up with unruly curls. Protective options include:
- Sleeping on a silk pillowcase
- Sleeping with your hair in a silk bonnet
- Putting your hair up using the pineapple method
If you have curly hair, you don’t have to be intimidated about caring for your hair. By selecting your products carefully and treating your hair with TLC, you can be rocking the curls of your dreams in no time!
