Let’s Talk About Curly Hair: Tips to Keep Your Locks Healthy
Curly hair is beautiful, too. It took the beauty industry decades to realize it but, finally, curly hair is getting the love and attention it deserves.
For curly-haired girls out there, how should you take care of your gorgeous locks? How do you keep it healthy?
What’s in Your Shampoo?
Every curly-haired girl should know to read labels before purchasing any hair product. Unfortunately, not everything is formulated to work on curly hair.
There are ingredients that are commonly found in hair products that may make your strands dull and lifeless. Go for products that are specifically made with curly-haired girls in mind, like the Kinky Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo. It is sulfate-free which means that it will not make your scalp and strands dry and frizzy. It can be used every day so you do not have to feel sweaty after a workout or after a long day at the office.
For conditioners, you may want to avoid dimethicones. Dimethicones are not inherently bad; they help control frizz and make your hair feel smooth. However, dimethicone is known to repel water, and, as a result, your strands will not be properly moisturized. The ingredient will also weigh down your hair, preventing any curls from forming. Moreover, dimethicone does not dissolve easily with water which may cause a buildup. Although most conditioners have dimethicone, there are some are specifically made without any type of silicone in it.
Air Dry Every Time
Heat styling tools are your enemy if you want shiny, lively, healthy, curly hair. Your curly hair will actually look better if you let it air dry versus using a blow dryer. In fact, this method, although it will take longer, allows your hair to soak up all the good ingredients from the hair products that you used when you showered.
When you are in a hurry in the morning to go to work, use a diffuser. A diffuser does not try to flatten your strands but will still remove excess water from your hair.
Get Your Hair Trimmed
The secret to hair health: get a regular trim. Your stylist has to remove the dead, dried, and splitting ends of your strands which causes frizz. This will make your hair easier to manage. Experts recommend that curly-haired girls get a trim every six to eight weeks. Choose a hairstylist who has expertise working with curly hair.
Detangle After You Shower
Contrary to popular belief, to get your hair to cooperate with whatever style you want them to be, do not comb your hair in the shower. Instead, remove knots after you step out of the bathroom.
Using a wide-tooth comb or a wet brush, glide the tool from the ends of your hair and work your way toward the top. Doing it the other way around may create more knots that will become more difficult to remove.
Better yet, use your fingers to detangle and comb your hair. Your fingers will not damage your hair the same way as plastic tools will nor will it make your hair frizzy like a regular brush.
Your hair is resilient. Despite all the damage it receives from heat and chemical styling, it will bounce back. However, it also needs to be taken care of, just like your skin and your body. Use the right products, avoid applying heat as much as possible, and do not tug too harshly when you comb your strands.
