Curly hair is beautiful and unique to each person who has it, but it also requires special care and following the curly hair rules to keep it looking its best. Not following the curly hair rules could mean hair damage, breakage, or dryness.
Every curly girl wants hair that is healthy and moisturized, both contribute to beautiful curls. Whether you have natural curls or have styled your hair to have curls, there are some important dos and don'ts that you should keep in mind when it comes to curly hair care.
Curly Hair Rules: Dos
1. DO use a gentle shampoo and conditioner
Curly hair tends to be more delicate and prone to damage than straight hair, so it's important to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that won't strip your hair of its natural oils. Look for products that are specifically formulated for curly hair, as they will be designed to provide the moisture and nourishment that curly hair needs.
When using shampoo, be sure to focus on your scalp and roots, rather than the ends of your hair. This will help to prevent dryness and breakage, which can be a common problem for curly hair. After shampooing, use a conditioner to add moisture and hydration back into your hair. Apply the conditioner from mid-length to the ends of your hair, as this is where curly hair tends to be the driest.
2. DO use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle
Curly hair can be prone to tangling, and using a regular brush or comb can cause damage and breakage. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb, detangling brush, or your fingers to gently detangle your hair. Some of the most popular brushes includes the Felisha Leatherwood detangling brush, EZ or BESTOOL Detangling brush, and the Denman brush.
Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots, being careful not to pull or tug on your curls. Detangling your hair while it's wet can also help to prevent breakage, as wet hair is more pliable and less likely to snap. If you're having trouble detangling your hair, try using a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner to help loosen any knots.
3. DO use a deep conditioning treatment
Curly hair can benefit from a deep conditioning treatment once a week or every other week. This will help to nourish and hydrate your curls, keeping them healthy and looking their best. Look for a deep conditioning treatment that is specifically formulated for curly hair, as these products will be designed to provide the extra moisture that curly hair needs.
To use a deep conditioning treatment, apply it to your hair after shampooing and leave it on for the recommended amount of time. You can also use a shower cap or a warm towel to help the product penetrate your hair more deeply. After rinsing out the treatment, be sure to use a conditioner to help seal in the moisture.
4. DO protect your hair while you sleep
Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase can cause friction and tangles, which can lead to breakage and frizz. To protect your curls while you sleep, try using a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials are much gentler on your hair and won't cause as much friction.
You can also try using a satin or silk scarf to wrap your hair at night. This will help to protect your curls and keep them looking their best. Be sure to tie the scarf loosely, so as not to cause any tension or pulling on your hair.
Curly Hair Rules: Don'ts
1. DON'T use hot tools too often
While it can be tempting to use hot tools like flat irons or curling wands to style your curls, using them too often can cause damage to your hair. The high heat can dry out your hair and strip it of its natural oils, which can lead to frizz and breakage.
Instead of using hot tools to style your curls, try using a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to gently dry your curls. You can also try air-drying your hair by plopping it into a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt. This will help to maintain your natural curls and prevent damage.
2. DON'T wash your hair too often
Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. Instead, try to wash your hair every 3 days to a week. I can stretch my wash days to once every 2 weeks if I deep condition. When you do wash your hair, be sure to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner, as mentioned above.
If you need to refresh your curls between washes, try using a dry shampoo or a co-wash. Co-washing is a method of washing your hair using only conditioner, which can help to add moisture back into your curls without stripping them of their natural oils.
3. DON'T use products with sulfates or silicones
Sulfates and silicones are common ingredients in hair care products, but they can be damaging to curly hair. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip your hair of its natural oils, while silicones can build up on your hair over time, leaving it looking dull and lifeless.
Instead of using products with sulfates and silicones, look for products that are sulfate-free and silicone-free. These products will be gentler on your curls and won't cause damage or buildup. There are many great curly hair products on the market that are formulated without these ingredients, so you should have no trouble finding products that work for you.
Conclusion
Curly hair requires special care to keep it healthy, moisturized, and looking its best. By following these curly hair rules, you can help to maintain your natural curls and prevent damage and breakage. Remember to use gentle shampoo and conditioner, avoid hot tools, and use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle.
You also want to make sure to wash your hair less frequently, use a deep conditioning treatment, avoid products with sulfates and silicones, and protect your hair while you sleep. With proper care and attention, you can embrace your curls and show them off with confidence.
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