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If you have curly hair, you know it can be a lot of work to maintain it. It seems like there are tricks and tips for just about every aspect of curl care. However, starting with basics is a great foundation. You probably never really thought about it, but there is a proper way to wash your curls. Washing your curls correctly can help maintain your curls, keep them healthy and make sure they grow long and strong!
Step One: Before you even get into the shower, start the detangling process. Use oils or conditioner to help coat your curls to make them easier to work with. Start working through curls from the ends and up to your roots, carefully detangling each individual knot.
Step Two: Once your curls are completely detangled, section your curls into 4-6 section depending on how much hair you have, then wet your curls. Apply your gentle cleansing shampoo directly to your scalp. Use your fingers to massage the shampoo into your scalp to help lift dirt and oil.
Step Three: Twist or braid your hair into the sections you’ve already created. Make sure to keep the braids and twists loose, as you don’t want to tightly constrict wet curls. This will help prevent shrinkage as your curls dry.
Step Four: Thoroughly rinse your curls to remove all the shampoo. Apply deep conditioner completely throughout your curls from mid shaft to ends. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and allow the product to sit for 15-30 minutes. The heat from the shower will help your curls absorb the product. Make sure you do this every time you wash. The deep conditioner will help your curls stay properly hydrated, moisturized and help minimize damage.
Step Five: Rinse the deep conditioner out of your curls and follow with ACV (apple cider vinegar). You can mix 3 tablespoons of ACV into a glass of water to get enough product to coat your curls. This will help remove any lingering build up, and will help restore your curls to the correct pH balance. Remove excess water by gentle squeezing your curls with a cotton t-shirt or a microfiber towel, avoiding terry cloth. Apply your products, including a leave in conditioner and oil.