There’s a lot to learn about taking care of curly hair. This includes learning the correct ways to wash your curls. As a result, your curls will be much easier to manage, and healthier. Here’s how to wash your curly hair. Give this routine a try and let us know if it works for you.
How To Wash Your Curly Hair
What is cowashing?
Cowashing is when curls and scalps are cleansed using a conditioner based cleanser. This is used in place of a traditional shampoo. Lathering shampoos often contain sulfates and other artificial ingredients, which dry out strands. Shampoo can strip the natural oils out of curls, leaving strands dry and brittle.
How do you use it?
Before purchasing a product, make sure you understand your curly hair type. Fine curls can wilt under the weight of too heavy a product. Whereas thicker, coarser curls will need a heavier product. Read reviews and product ingredients before purchasing.
Saturate curls completely with warm water. This will loosen up any build up on your scalp or strands. Don’t use scalding hot or very cold water.
Take a quarter sized amount of product and squeeze into the palm of your hand. Apply it to one section of your curls, and use your finger tips to work into the scalp. Focus on the scalp and first few inches of curls. However, don’t scrub throughout the strands, as this could cause your curls to become tangled. Instead, allow the product to rinse out completely.
This is a perfect time to detangle curls. Use a wide toothed comb and work through snarks from roots to tips. If needed, apply more conditioner to end of strands to create extra slip. This will allow tangles to slide out without damaging strands.
Stand in the shower and allow the steam to saturate your curls for 5-10 minutes. This will open up the cuticle, and allow moisture to penetrate into your strands. Rinse curls with cool water to seal the strands back down.