Millions of women are using styling tools, permanents, and gel infusions just to get a little bit of the curly experience. For those that have curls naturally, it’s time to embrace your locks. With the right care and maintenance, you can learn to love your curls and how they look.
Curly hair doesn’t have to be unruly. In many cases, overprocessing curly hair is where you run into trouble. Most curly hair is prone to dryness, and many women are struggling with frizzy hair. The routine is the key to keeping your curls looking and feeling great. Let’s take a closer look at a few tips for maintaining your curly hair.
Drying
It may be faster and more convenient to use a blow dryer on your curls, but you will never get the best results by rushing the process. The first key to drying is using the right materials. Terry Cloth towels have tiny barb-like fibers that can cling onto curls and pull them out when towel drying your hair. To remove excess moisture from curly hair, it’s best to use paper towels, or a microfiber material like an old t-shirt. Once you have the excess water out of your hair, it’s best to let it air dry. Using a wide-toothed comb, run through your curls to get rid of any tangles, then gently crunch your curls from the tip up to the root. You can then use your hairdryer with a diffuser to get your finished look.
Skip the Daily Shampoo
Curly hair tends to be dry and prone to frizziness. Adding chemical shampoos to your hair daily can make your hair unruly. It’s best to skip the daily shampoo and only cleanse your hair two to three times per week. This will allow the natural oils in your scalp to feed your hair the moisture they need to keep looking and feeling great.
Moisturize
The key to getting healthy looking curls is to add as much moisture as possible. A leave-in hydrating conditioner can help curls to renew their shine and bounce. A weekly hair mask that is specially formulated for curly hair is an absolute must. The more you can nourish your curls, the better they will look and feel.
Sweeps and Silk
The challenge with curly hair is to keep it looking great the days after styling. One of the best strategies for keeping your curls looking their best overnight is to sweep it up into a soft bun. Turn your head right over and gently collect all of your hair at the crown of your head. Using a soft scrunchy, secure your curls into a loose bun. This will keep them from getting flattened while you sleep.
Another effective strategy for sleeping with your curls is to swap out your standard cotton pillowcase for a luxury silk pillow cover. The silk fabric will allow your curls to move freely across your pillow and minimize frizzing and flattening.
Ditch the Heat
It’s tempting to speed up your drying time with a hot heat setting on your curls. High temperatures can disturb the shape of your curl and wick out the moisture leaving your hair dry and frizzy. If you have to use a hairdryer on your curls, always use a diffusing attachment and low heat. You don’t need to use the cold setting, but a lower level of air will help you to manage your styling.
Curly hair doesn’t have to be a challenge to look great. With a bit of care and tweaks to your regular hair routine, you can renew your curls and show off your style. Follow these tips to help you maintain your beautiful curls.