The Do's and Don't's of Curly Hair
Having curly hair is never something that yields any sort of constant emotion; you have some really great days, but you also have some really awful days. That’s the reality of having curls, but regardless, it is so important that you take care of your locks. Below are a few tips I have learned along the line, but do remember that every head of hair is different and not everything may work for you!
Do let your hair down. Although up do’s are always cute, the constant act of tying your hair takes a toll on it over time. Knots will multiply, and your curls may slowly lose their patterns due to their inability to hang free. So, let your hair down and breathe from time to time!
Don’t use sulfates. This goes for all hair types; typically when you look on the back of a shampoo or conditioner bottle (typically shampoo), the first ingredient will be some sort of sulfate. Sulfates are surfactants, which is a mixture of molecules that help to effectively clean your hair. The problem, however, is that sulfates can strip curly hair of its oils and dry it out very easily. Curly hair is more prone to dryness compared to other hair textures, so cutting down on sulfates may be something to consider!
Do co-wash. Co-washing is short for “conditioner only washing.” A lot of people with curly heads actually don’t shampoo their hair (gasp) and instead use conditioner. Remember, conditioner is your best friend. As I said, curly hair is more prone to dryness, so using conditioner allows for more moisture, which cuts down on the frizz and brittleness of the hair. To co-wash, simply set aside your shampoo and instead strictly use a generous amount of your conditioner. You can do this either daily, every other day, or even once a week, depending on your curl type.
Don’t use a cotton towel. Most towels are made of cotton, and while they may feel nice, the friction created when you dry your hair with them can create more frizz.
Do use an old t-shirt to dry your hair. An old t-shirt is better suited for drying your hair, since it would be less harsh than a typical towel.
Don’t straighten your hair very often. Having a new look every once in awhile is always fun, but don’t consistently apply heat to your hair, as this can make your curls lose their natural pattern over time.
Do apply products after you wash your hair. After you get out of the shower, don’t just leave your hair to dry without anything in it! Try using a leave in conditioner, an oil, a curl cream, or all three! Curly hair loves products, since these products help reduce the dryness and define your curls.
Don’t buy expensive products. Although you may be tempted to try the very pricey all organic curly hair products out there, you certainly don’t have to. There are many brands out there that do not use harsh chemicals in their products and sell everything at reasonable prices. Check out Cantu and Renpure!
Do scrunch. After you have showered and applied your product, scrunch your hair. Do this by hanging your head upside down then grabbing your hair pieces and crumpling them up to the roots as if you’re crumpling up a piece of paper. Do this to all of your head, as this will help with curl definition.
Don’t hate your hair. Curly hair is a lot to deal with, I know. Still, curly hair is awesome. Love your hair, take the time to really get to learn how it works, and how to take care of it. I promise it’ll be worth it.