How to Care for Curly Hair
April 26, 2023

How to Care for Curly Hair: Natural Tips and Hacks?

Curly hair can be both a blessing and a curse. While it looks beautiful, maintaining and keeping healthy can be difficult. If you have curly hair, you must know how to care for it properly. In this blog, we'll share natural tips and hacks for curly hair.

Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo:

Washing your hair with a sulfate-free curly hair cleanser can be a game changer for those with curly hair. Sulfates are harsh detergents in many shampoos. These make hair dry and brittle by removing its natural oils. This can be particularly damaging for curly hair, which is naturally prone to dryness.

Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on the hair and scalp and help to maintain the natural oils in the hair. They also help to reduce frizz and keep curls looking defined and bouncy. Look for shampoos that contain natural ingredients. For instance, they contain aloe vera, coconut oil, or shea butter. These ingredients can help to hydrate and nourish your curls.

Use a moisturizing conditioner.

Using a moisturizing conditioner is essential for keeping curly hair healthy and hydrated. Straight hair is typically drier than curly hair. In addition, these natural oils produced by the scalp have a more challenging time traveling down the hair shaft due to the curls. This can lead to frizz, breakage, and a lack of definition. That is why you need good Curly hair frizz control products for your hair.

A moisturizing conditioner helps to add moisture back into the hair, reducing frizz and making curls more defined. Look for conditioners containing natural ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or avocado oil, known for their hydrating properties.

When using a moisturizing conditioner, apply it generously to the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots. Next, use a wide-tooth comb to spread the conditioner evenly throughout your hair. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the hair shaft, then rinse thoroughly.

Detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb.

  • To detangle your curly hair with a wide-tooth comb. 
  • Working up to the roots, begin styling your hair at the ends. 
  • Be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging at your hair. These can cause breakage and damage.
  • If you encounter a knot or tangle. Before continuing to comb, carefully separate the hair with your fingertips.

It's important to detangle your hair regularly to prevent knots and tangles from forming. Detangling your hair after washing and conditioning can be easier, as the hair is more slippery and easier to comb. Use a wide-toothed comb and your fingers to detangle your hair when wet. Using a brush or fine-tooth comb can cause breakage and damage.

Apply a leave-in conditioner.

Applying a leave-in conditioner is a great way to hydrate and nourish your curly hair throughout the day. Leave-in conditioners are lightweight and designed to be left in the hair, providing constant moisture and protection.

  • To apply a leave-in conditioner: Start with clean, damp hair.
  • Apply the conditioner evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the ends and areas that tend to be dry or frizzy.
  • Make sure to pick a product created especially for curly hair. 

Don't use a towel to dry your hair:

Using a regular towel to dry your curly hair can be damaging, as the rough texture of the towel can cause frizz, breakage, and damage to the hair cuticle. Instead, using a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to blot and squeeze excess water out of your hair gently is best.

Microfiber towels are made of soft, absorbent materials that are gentle on the hair and can help to reduce frizz. To use a microfiber towel, gently blot and squeeze your hair to remove excess water. Be sure not to rub or twist your hair, which can cause damage and breakage.

Heat damages hair!

Exposing your hair to heat can cause significant damage, mainly by using heat-styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, or curling wands regularly. Heat can cause the hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Moreover, it leads to split ends and a lack of shine.

To minimize heat damage to your hair, it's essential to limit your use of heat styling tools as much as possible. Instead, consider air-drying your hair or using heat-free styling techniques like twist-outs or braids.

To reduce damage, apply a heat-protectant spray or serum if you must use heated styling tools. These products help to coat the hair and protect it from heat, reducing the risk of damage and breakage.

Use a diffuser when blow-drying:

If you prefer to blow-dry your curly hair, damage can be reduced by utilizing a diffuser adapter on your blow dryer.

Moreover, it promotes healthy, defined curls. A diffuser works by dispersing the airflow, reducing the intensity of the heat, and preventing your hair from becoming too frizzy or tangled.

To use a diffuser:

Start by applying a heat protectant spray or serum to your hair.

Next, flip your head upside down and place your curls into the diffuser.

Next, please turn on the blow dryer and use it on a low or medium heat setting, keeping the dryer moving in a circular motion to help lift and define your curls.

Apply a hair mask once a week:

Your curly hair will benefit greatly from the weekly use of a hair mask for hydration and nourishment. It promotes healthy, shiny, and defined curls. Hair masks are typically more intensive than regular conditioners, providing deep conditioning and nutrition to the hair.

To apply a hair mask, start with clean, damp hair. Then, apply the mask evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the ends and any dry or damaged areas. You can use a store-bought hair mask or make your own by mixing natural ingredients like avocado, coconut oil, and honey.

Once you've applied the hair mask, cover your hair with a shower cap or wrap it in a warm towel to help the show penetrate more deeply. Leave the mask on for at least 20-30 minutes, or as directed on the packaging, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Don't brush your curls when dry:

Brushing your curly hair when dry can cause significant damage, leading to frizz, breakage, and a loss of curl definition. This is because curly hair is typically more delicate than straight hair. Moreover, brushing can cause the hair to stretch and break, especially when it's dry.

To maintain healthy, defined curls, it's best to avoid brushing your hair when it's dry. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to detangle your hair when wet and coated with conditioner. This will help to minimize breakage and preserve the natural shape of your curls.

Protect your hair from the sun:

Protecting your hair from the sun is as important as protecting your skin. Overexposure to the sun's UV rays can cause significant damage to your hair, leading to dryness, brittleness, and breakage. Here are some tips for protecting your curly hair from the sun:

Wear a hat: Wearing a hat is among the simplest ways to shield your hair from the sun. A wide-brimmed hat can help to shade your hair from the sun's UV rays, reducing the risk of damage.

Use a UV protectant spray: Just like your skin, your hair can benefit from using a UV protectant spray. Look for a hair product that contains UV filters to help block out the sun's harmful rays.

Avoid overexposure: Limit your time in the sun, mainly when it is hottest and when its beams are most intense. If you plan to spend extended time outdoors, consider wearing a hat or UV protectant spray to help shield your hair from the sun.

Conclusion

Finally, maintaining curly hair might take a lot of work. But with the right products and techniques, you can keep your curls healthy and beautiful. Remember to treat your hair gently and avoid damaging chemicals and heat styling. These will nourish your curls with natural ingredients. By following these tips and hacks, you'll be able to embrace your curls and feel confident in your natural beauty.

How to Care for Curly Hair