If you have naturally curly hair, congratulations! It’s high time to embrace your curly locks. One of the best benefits of having curly hair is that it is versatile and can be worn in many different ways. Despite this unique hair texture, it does come with its cons. For instance, curly hair doesn’t get the natural scalp oils that straight and wavy hair get which makes it naturally already dry and frizzy. Compared to softer hair textures, coloring the hair (bleaching in particular) can be extremely damaging to curly hair and causes extreme breakage. Curly hair needs constant hydration; therefore curls must be conditioned regularly.
Moisturize the ends regularly
Nobody likes having split ends and unfortunately curly hair has more split ends compared to softer hair textures. Use hair oils that contain natural argan, coconut or olive oil. Oils can even be applied on the roots since curly hair doesn’t get oily as quickly, however, make sure not to over do it. Apply just enough oil to moisturize and nourish your hair.
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Swap your towel for a t-shirt
Towels tend to absorb the moisture out of the hair, therefore it’s recommended to use a t-shirt instead when drying your hair. Drying your hair with a t-shirt will also reduce frizz and breakage after washing. Since shirts aren’t as absorbent, gently squeeze your hair out before drying it.
Use a diffuser
Air drying tight curls or using a hair dryer on low heat with a diffuser works best for curly hair. Flip your hair over your head. Start diffusing at the roots, and stop at the midway point between your hair and your roots. This should give your hair some volume for the day. Air-drying is the most gentle and safe way to dry curly hair. It leaves the curls moisturized and in their natural shape too. Also, don’t interrupt your curls while they’re drying, this will frizz the hair up.
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Control the amount of product
The amount of product you’re using is as important as which, products you’re using, and less is more. You only need a dime-sized portion of product for it to be effective. Make sure to smooth the product evenly throughout your hair. When too much product is being used, the curls can look stiff and crunchy.
Co-wash your hair
Ever heard of the term co-washing? This means that the hair is only being washed using conditioner. It seems to be the most gentle and non-damaging method to cleanse curly hair. Washing the hair with traditional shampoo can be quite damaging for curly hair. It’s already fragile enough without marinating it in chemicals. Instead, you should use conditioner only to cleanse your scalp. This can be particularly beneficial to curly hair, as it needs moisture replenished more often than regular hair. After conditioning your hair, see how it feels. If you hair feels spongy or mushy, you may be over-doing it. A quarter-sized drop of conditioner should usually be enough.
Shampoo your scalp only
If you do choose to use shampoo, apply it on the scalp only. Wet your hair first and apply a sufficiency of shampoo to your palm and massage it into your scalp only. Do not rub it throughout your length. The detergents in shampoos can be very drying, and if you don’t have oil in your hair to protect it you will abrade and possibly even burn the shaft. Always make sure to use a conditioner or hair mask after washing. Try not to completely rinse out all the conditioner or hair mask. It’s okay to leave some residual conditioner in your hair. Your curly ends need all the moisture they can get. Also, limit shampooing your hair - do not wash curly hair more than twice a week.
Get rid of hairbrushes
Hairbrushes can cause a surprising amount of breakage. Make sure to use a wide toothcomb instead. If you’re having trouble detangling your hair, use a Tangle Teezer (on wet hair only). Curly hair is very prone to tangles so make sure to brush it gently on wet and conditioned hair only to avoid damaging your hair. When combing or brushing your hair, gradually move upward instead of starting at the roots. It’s much easier to comb through knots at the ends first.
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Use curly friendly styling products
Finally when styling your hair; make sure the products you’re using are designed for curly hair textures. Brands like Mixed Chicks and Cantu work great for coarse hair, they can help style curly hair, and it can also keep it from becoming too dry leaving the curls hydrated, non frizzy, moisturized and voluminous. Use hair oil on the ends first, or for very dry hair rub organic coconut oil on the ends when styling for extra shine. Then, use a moisturizing hair styling cream that suits your hair texture – you can also mix it with a styling gel for extra hold. If you want to add extra shine to your hair, use pomade or a shine spray to finish off.
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FAQs
How do you make soft curls last all day? ›
Use Hairspray
Instead, hold the can a distance from your head so the spray falls around your hair in a light mist. This will keep your curls in place, but also keep them touchably soft. If you are applying hairspray before curling, give it a few minutes to set in before applying heat.
Why Isn't My Curly Hair Soft? If your tresses are feeling brittle or rough, chances are it's due to some combination of damage, dryness and harsh products. In many cases, softer curlier hair can be achieved by making a few small tweaks to your curly hair regimen. The important thing is to listen to your curls!
How do I make my curls stay all week? ›- Curl smaller pieces. About one inch wide chunks of hair are perfect. ...
- Use a curling iron with a smaller barrel. ...
- Use dry shampoo. ...
- The dirtier the hair, the better. ...
- Use a hotter curling iron. ...
- Sleep with it above your head.
Moisturize Consistently and Know Your Porosity
She notes that tighter curl types are going to have to rehydrate in some way daily, while those with looser curls can do it every other day or a couple of times a week. Be mindful of your hair's porosity; it will also help determine how you moisturize.
Let the curl cool.
Cooling a curl will help it last longer because it allows the cuticle to set the style in place. You can hold the curl in your palm until it cools, or you can pin it to your head and keep curling. Once you're done, let all the pins down.
And experts agree that mousse is one of the best products for naturally curly hair, to enhance the bounce and shape of fine or thin curls, or to help hold curls in straight hair.
What product to use before curling hair? ›"Prep your hair before you blow-dry with a heat protectant and a hold product, then spray it with hairspray before you start curling." Not only will it keep your hair from frying, but it'll help set the curl better.
How do I keep my curls soft and bouncy? ›- SKIP THE CONDITIONER. ...
- USE CURL ENHANCING SHAMPOO. ...
- USE PRODUCTS THAT WILL ENHANCE CURLS. ...
- USE THE RIGHT TOOLS. ...
- CHECK BARREL SIZE. ...
- LET THE CURL COOL COMPLETELY. ...
- USE A HEAT PROTECTANT. ...
- HAIR SPRAY.
Try conditioning hair regularly to enjoy silky, smooth and manageable hair. Deep conditioning once or twice a week using an extremely hydrated homemade mask is also helpful. If your hair is very dry and uncontrollable, it is best to invest in some leave-in conditioners. Talking about washing hair, don't overdo it.
How do you refresh naturally curly hair? ›- Water. Sometimes just a spritz of water is all you need, especially if you've already added plenty of stylers on day one. ...
- Leave-in conditioner spray. ...
- Q-Redew: ...
- Finger coils. ...
- Hair gel. ...
- Styling cream. ...
- Pin curls. ...
- Perm rods, flexi-rods or curling wand.
What can I put in my hair to hold curls? ›
One trick to getting your curls to last is using a product with hold before you put the iron on your hair. Whether it's a moose, a heat protectant, a hair spray, or a dry texture spray, your hair will already be prepared to hold onto the curl.
How do you refresh curls without frizz? ›Use a leave-in conditioner
Add a pea size amount of your favorite leave-in conditioner, curl cream, or gel. This mixture of conditioner and water can refresh dry and frizzy curls. Khan suggests that a spray of water is especially essential if you add a lot of styling products to your hair.
- Simply wet your hair and apply a small amount of product. ...
- Proceed by smoothing out the curls then scrunch your hair to create a more uniform curl pattern.
- You can add a bit of gel or mousse to help with definition.
- Use a silk or satin pillowcase. ...
- Put your hair in a 'pineapple' ...
- Do twists or braids. ...
- Use a silk or satin bonnet or headscarf. ...
- Try a spritz or two of product.
The hair will feel mushy, limp and excessively soft. Your curls will struggle to hold their shape, they will have little definition and tend to fall flatter than normal. You will have more frizz than normal, a fluffy, soft type of frizz. Your hair will feel weighed down, as if you applied too much product.
How often should you use curl cream? ›Apply as needed for your hair texture and thickness. For extra curly or coily hair types it can be applied multiple times a day to enhance curls, add shine and hydrate if needed.
How do I keep my curls in all day and night? ›One of the best ways to preserve your luscious curls overnight is to put your hair into what is known as the “pineapple”. Simply tie up your curls into a loose ponytail to the top of your head and you're good to go!
Why do my curls fall flat after curling? ›You are turning your curling iron heat up too high
Huffnagle says using a curling iron with a lower temperature (between 300-350 degrees) will create a longer-lasting bend. Note: You can also turn the heat too low. If your curl drops out within a minute or two of twirling your hair, you probably need to dial it up.
Allow enough time for your curls to cool down or they will lose their form and fall out quickly. If you run your fingers or brush through curls too soon without giving them the proper time to set, your curls won't last.
What is better for curly hair gel or mousse? ›It all depends on your hair type, natural curl pattern, and what you want to achieve. Both have good points and bad points. The best way is to experiment with both of them and see which one you like better. Also, keep in mind that you can use your hair gel and mousse together for the best curly girl method!
Do you put mousse in wet or dry hair curly? ›
Styling mousse should preferably be applied to wet hair and can be used in different ways depending on the result you're after. “For curly or frizzy hair, you don't need a lot, especially if you want to avoid clumps.
Is mousse or hairspray better for curls? ›Mousse is typically applied to wet strands and hairspray is applied to dry hair at the end of the styling session. The way it works is that mousse can help mold and define hair while also keeping frizz away — which means your curls look polished, shapely and bouncy for longer.
Should I put hair oil before curling? ›DO Use on dry hair before curling or straightening. Even if you're working with dry hair, you should always protect your strands from the heat of your styling tools. Prepping your hair for curling or straightening with a hair oil or elixir will prevent damage and make styling even easier.
What product gives you soft curls? ›- Briogeo Curl Charisma Defining Hair Mask. ...
- Davines Love Curl Conditioner. ...
- Virtue Smooth Conditioner. ...
- Unwrapped Life Hydrator Shampoo and Conditioner Bars. ...
- R+Co Cassette Curl Shampoo + Superseed Oil Complex. ...
- Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding Curl Enhancer. ...
- Virtue Create 6-In-1 Styler. ...
- It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product.
- Twist wet hair with a towel instead of rubbing all over.
- Go easy with your hairbrush or try a wide-toothed comb.
- Ask for a 'feathered' cut at the hairdressers.
- Swap your hair serum for a curl creme.
- Use a diffuser on your hairdryer.
- Avoid anti-frizz products.
To counter the frizz, lock the moisture in with a nourishing gel, butter, or mousse once a week. Or simply consider natural oils such as neem, coconut, argan or jojoba. Take a few drops in your palm and massage with your fingers into your scalp and strand. Keep it on overnight, and wash off in the morning.