Curly hair has a well-suited reputation of being difficult to manage. The weather affects it, it’s prone to breakage and let’s face it, frizz is a daily battle. But what if we told you that gorgeous curls are possible without all the fuss? We’re sharing how to get the most out of your curly hair and it all begins on wash day. Yes, we put a lot of focus on styling and taming our curls, but it’s the wash day that holds the key to your curls’ success. Follow along with these six simple solutions, stick with them and watch your curls pop:
1. How often should I wash my hair?
Okay curly girls, the truth is you´re probably washing your hair more often than you need to, which can lead to dry, frizzy hair. Find your hair type down below and transform your curls by shampooing them according to your hair’s texture:
Type 2s:
Your finely textured hair may be a bit finicky when it comes to styling and cleansing, so you may have to experiment to find your best solution. Begin by cutting down on daily shampoos and shoot for cleansing every 2-3 days. Your hair may be oily at first, especially if you use styling products daily, but stick with it and over time you’ll probably find that the oiliness subsides and your curls will finally cooperate.
Type 3s:
Use a sulfate-free ‘poo once a week and your curls will be on point in no time. If you workout or notice that your hair becomes greasy or limp, refresh your locks by co-washing your hair with a cleansing conditioner or even a water wash by simply massaging your scalp using only H2O to release your hair’s natural oils.
Type 4s:
Put down the shampoo bottle. Daily washing can wreck havoc on your curls, stripping them of the necessary oils they need to stay healthy and moisturized. Aim to cleanse your hair no more than once a week, or once every 2-3 weeks. When you want to refresh in between wash days, co-wash or water wash in between shampoos.
2. How often should I deep condition my hair?
source: theeverygirl.com
Curly hair craves moisture and regular deep conditioning will quench your curls’ thirst. Whatever #regularly” means is determined by your hair type, find yours below:
Type 2s:
Wavy girls know that weather affects hair so follow this rule of thumb: If you’re in a dry climate deep condition once a week and up to three times a week in humid environments. Try applying a small amount of product (less is more for fine-haired wavies like you) and comb it through your locks with a wide tooth comb. Remember to focus on your ends and not your scalp, leave the conditioner in your hair for at least 5 minutes before rinsing and then scrunch with cool water.
Type 3s:
How often you condition depends on the length and density of your curls. For long hair deep condition at least once a week as it’s older and more prone to dryness and breakage. For shorter lengths you can get away with applying a treatment twice a month to lock in moisture and quench those curls. For shinier, healthier curls sleep with the treatment in your hair and rinse it out in the morning, otherwise leave it in for at least 10 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
Type 4s:
No deep conditioning is too much for this moisture-craving hair type. Shoot for a treatment once or twice a week. To make your curls even happier, apply the deep conditioner while you’re in the shower allowing the steam to help seal in the moisture. Work the conditioner through your coils, avoiding your roots and concentrating on the ends. Rinse with cool water and leave in a bit of the conditioner to protect and coat each strand.
3. What is the best type of oil for my hair?
Type 2s:
Oils are often heavy, which can weigh down fine curls, but UR Curly Abyssinian Oil ($10) won’t make your curls fall flat. Instead, this weightless blend of Coffee Oil, Coconut Oil and Vitamin E will protect your hair, scalp and skin while sealing in moisture.
Type 3s:
Smooth away frizz and flyaways fast with this lightweight Argan oil. AG Hair Cosmetics The Oil Extra Virgin Miracle ($7) is an all-in- one product that will keep your curls smooth, soft and healthy. The addition of Keratin protein adds strength and elasticity to combat damage — it’s not called “The Oil” for no reason!
Type 4s:
Work this miracle treatment through your hair and keep it in for at least 30 minutes or overnight for immediate results. Darshana Natural Indian Hair Oil ($38) will literally transform your curls with its ancient Ayurvedic formula. It’s a bit spendy, but having healthier, softer, frizz-free hair, is worth it.
4. To brush or not to brush?
You know the old adage about brushing your hair for two minutes every day? Forget about it! The less you touch your hair, brush it, wash it, style it, or do anything to it, the better. So, put down the brush, better yet, get rid of it altogether and invest in a good seamless comb like this Hercules Sägemann Magic Star Jumbo Rake ($20) to help you detangle knots and snarls as well as distribute conditioner throughout all of your strands.
5. How do I detangle my hair without damaging it?
Whether you have coils, curls or waves we all have one thing in common, tangles and knots. The difference is how we go about detangling them. From the various tools and techniques each head of hair will have its own trick of the trade, but there are a few common solutions to detangling without damage:
End to Root:
Work from the bottom up to avoid split ends and single strand knots which can be impossible to untangle without cutting them out.
Finger Detangle:
For fine hair try finger detangling by gently working your fingers through dry hair from the ends to the roots, concentrating on removing any tangles and knots and eliminating shed hairs during the process.
Detangling Butter:
For thick, coarse hair prep it by spritzing with water and working a detangling butter like Aunt Jackie´s Curls & Coils Flaxseed Recipes Seal It Up Hydrating Sealing Butter ($6) throughout your strands, making it more pliable and easier to work through the tangles.
Wide Tooth Comb:
Finger detangling can take hours on thick, curly hair, so if you’re crunched for time section off your hair and gently work a wide-tooth comb throughout your strands, carefully detangling the knots and tangles to prevent breakage. This works best on hair that is coated with detangling butter or wet, while in the shower.
6. How do I protect my hair when showering on non-wash days?
You probably like to shower more often than you wash your hair, amiright!? When you do shower on non-wash days it’s important to keep your hair dry and avoid retaining any unwanted moisture that can cause your curls to fall flat. We suggest wrapping your hair in a proper shower cap (and we’re not talking about those throwaway hotel ones either). Try this Amika (For)Tress Shower Cap ($15) It’s 100% waterproof and wicks away humidity and moisture protecting your hair from frizz.
There you have it curlies. Follow these simple solutions and you’ll never want to go back to your old ways.