Growing up, I used to hate my curls. I am the only one in my immediate family with somewhat long, curly hair. Every day before school, my father would brush all my dry hair into a slicked-back ponytail and put a little product in it. When I was old enough to do my own hair, I repeated this process, which you shouldn’t. I also started bleaching and dyeing my hair in middle school without using any products to protect it. Don’t do that either! Since my sophomore year of high school, I’ve started taking better care of my curls. To avoid repeating my mistakes and damaging your curls, I asked my friend Jay, a cosmetologist, for advice on caring for your curls. Here’s what he had to say.
The first thing you must know about curly hair is your hair type. Many charts online can help you find yours.
Wash your hair with shampoo, don’t use any product, and let it air-dry. See what pattern forms and match it to the chart.
1. Choose the Right Shampoo
The ingredients you need and those you should avoid depend on your hair. For colored hair, sulfate-free shampoo is the move because it’s less harsh and more conditioning. Sulfate-free works well for all hair types. Just keep in mind that dry shampoo can cause buildup on curly hair. If you’re gonna use it, pair it with a clarifying shampoo once a week to keep your curls from weighing down.
2. Deep Conditioning is a Must
Deep conditioning is recommended once every 1-2 weeks, depending on your hair density, porosity, and environment. It’s especially important for curly and chemically treated hair, which tend to dry out more easily. Extremely curly hair should be washed once a week because it breaks more easily and is prone to knotting. Consistent deep conditioning will help manage tangles in the long term.
3. Combating Dryness & Frizz Between Wash Days
Between wash days, misting your curls with a bit of water and applying a light foam, mousse, or curl cream will refresh them.
4. Apply Products the Right Way
If you want tighter curls, apply products to smaller sections. For looser curls, use larger sections. Thoroughly detangle your hair with water before applying any curling cream, gel, or mousse. Take smaller sections of your curls, one by one, wrap them around a rat-tail comb or a pencil, then let them fall. If your products contain oils, apply them to dry hair or after diffusing.
5. Breaking Habits to Prevent Breakage
Common causes of hair breakage include tight hairstyles, improper chemical use, and skipping a heat protectant before straightening. This is especially important if you straighten your hair daily. Using the wrong brush is also a major factor.
6. Use the Right Tools
A wide-tooth comb and a detangling brush are essential for curly hair care. The wide-tooth comb is ideal for everyday maintenance, while a detangling brush is helpful on wash days and during precise product application. Budget-friendly brands include Wet, Conair, and Diane. The right tools help prevent future frizz and breakage.
7. Product Recommendations
Lighter products usually work best. A budget-friendly curl cream is Garnier Fructis Curl Nourishing Leave-In. A higher-end product, like Ouldad or Pattern Beauty, is worth it. Lotta Body and their Wrap Me Foaming Mousse are budget-friendly and sit on hair without weighing it down. Another plus is that they smell amazing!
8. Drugstore vs. Salon: Is Splurging Necessary
This depends on the product. Drugstore options can be just as effective as salon-grade products. Everyone’s hair reacts differently. Whichever one works for you, stick with it. Remember to use a clarifying shampoo once a week to prevent buildup.
Caring for your curls is a journey, and it looks different for everyone. Whether you’re just starting to embrace your natural texture or looking to level up your routine, the most important thing is finding what works for you and your hair. Start small, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to experiment! If you’re ever in Chicago, I would also recommend booking with Jay!
Featured image via TYMO Beauty on Unsplash
Loved these tips for embracing natural curls – finding the right routine really does make all the difference. I’ve also noticed that visiting a skilled barber who understands curly hair can completely change how manageable and healthy your curls look.
I also love seeing more conversations about curl care and healthy styling routines. For anyone looking to take their curl journey a step further, I’ve found that getting a proper cut and shape from a curl-focused barber/stylist makes a huge difference in definition and manageability – places like https://www.gramercybestbarbers.nyc/ can really help bring out your natural pattern while keeping hair healthy and well shaped.