If you are reading this post, chances are you are either just beginning your curly journey, are going through the transitioning phase, or have a child with curly hair and don’t know how the heck to deal with it. In this post I am sharing Curly Hair 101: Everything You Need To Take Care Of Your Curls
Or maybe you’re a curly girl who has always hated your curls and are finally beginning the journey to love them.
At any rate, I want to be the first to welcome you to the curl community!
Having curly hair is unique and special and curls were meant to be celebrated all around the world.
Before we get started with today’s topic, I have a special gift for you.
When it comes to taming curly or wavy hair, I’ve found that there are 5 common mistakes people make that completely KILL their results!
I’ve created a 60-second quiz that will help you determine exactly which mistake you are making, and how to fix it!
CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE FREE 60 SECOND QUIZ!
While there are a TON of things to learn about curly hair like hair porosity, due points, and the density of your hair, in this post I want to break down the bare bones of what you need to know to take care of curly hair.
Curly Hair 101: Everything You Need To Take Care Of Your Curls
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Determine Your Hair Type
When it comes to hair type, you need to determine whether you have wavy, curly, or coiled hair.
Once you’ve found your hair type, it’s easier to know what type of products to use. This can all vary due to the density and porosity of your hair. But a good rule of thumb is…
Wavy: Your hair has waves throughout but does not coil
Stick to a product that has a light whipped texture like mousse to help hold your curl, control frizz, but not weigh it down. If you are going to use gel, pull for one that is light and won’t add weight to your hair.
Use a small amount on damp hair and scrunch to help hold definition.
These are two great products to get started with if you have wavy hair
Curly: You can see noticeable curls and coils throughout your hair
If you have curls and some coils through your hair, you can get away with using heavier products like max hold gels curl creams.
Be careful of going too heavy with butter or oils. It can weigh down your curls and make them stringy.
My favorite products for Curly hair type (which my hair is)
- Mop Top Curling Custard
- Devacurls Arch hold gel (I always like to finish with a max hold gel for added definition).
Coiled: You have tight coils throughout your hair
If you have coiled hair, butter and oils will be your friend. They will be able to keep your curls moisturized and defined.
This is a popular butter for coiled hair:
CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE FREE 60 SECOND QUIZ!
Limit Heat Usage
Any heat applied to your hair can cause a bit of damage. Excessive heat like straighteners and curling irons will cause permanent damage and ruin your curl pattern.
If you want to have gorgeous healthy curls, say goodbye to your straitening iron. That’s not to say you can’t ever straighten your hair. But it’s best to limit it.
Another source of damaging heat is blow-drying. Always use a diffuser and set your blow dryer to low or medium heat to prevent damage to your curls.
I use this diffuser every day and love it.
Do Not Wash Your Hair Every Day
That’s right, washing curly hair every day is a big fat no no.
Curls need natural oils to thrive. The longer you can stretch your wash day, the more healthy your hair will become.
It can take a while for your scalp to adjust, but doing an evening scalp message using hair oil helps re-establish your scalp’s health.
I use righteous roots hair oil for an evening scalp treatment and Volumizing Dry Shampoo to help stretch my washdays.
Ditch Sulfate, Parabens, and Silicones
Sulfate, parabens, and silicones and deadly to curly hair.
Sulfates are what give traditional shampoo their suds. These tend to strip curls of their healthy oils leaving your hair dry and brittle. It’s best to avoid them altogether.
Parabens: are a preservative that helps deter mold and bacteria but are overall bad for your health because they can enter your body.
Silicones: Give your hair that shiny look but in reality just coats your hair strands acting as a filler. They can cause build-up and weigh down your curls.
If you want to have thriving curls, you need to switch to products free of these ingredients.
Here are a few popular clean product lines that you can trust.
Incorporate A Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment
Because most people who start their curly journey have either heat damaged, over-processed, or have used silicones, parabens, and sulfates, on their hair, it is super important to incorporate a weekly deep conditioning treatment to help restore your hair.
As your hair begins to heal you will be able to limit deep conditioning treatments to once or twice per month. But for the first few months until your hair is healthy, commit to weekly deep conditioning treatments.
My two favorites are…
Get Trims Regularly
I know I know, you want to grow out your hair. But the point in taking care of your curls is to have healthy hair.
Regularly trimming your hair will keep it healthy and enable it to grow.
Layers Are You Best Friend
No matter what your length or curl type, layer do wonder for curly hair. Find a curl specialist near you and consult with them on what type of cut compliments your curls best. And always gather a plethora of pictures to give the stylist a good understanding of what hairstyle you want.
In Conclusion:
Taking care of curly hair is a journey and doesn’t happen overnight.
But by implementing these simple healthy hair habits, you will be off to a great start on taming and loving your crazy curls.
Xoxo
P.S Take the Mistake Finder Quiz here!
Next check out 10 Reasons Your Curls Are Frizzy And How To Tame Them
I’m a mature “ girl” who recently has embraced her wavy hair. My top layer is straight… other than pulling it back any suggestions on what I can do with it?
Yes! Try a rice water rinse! It does wonders!
You’re welcome!