Curly hair is a gift and a curse. It’s one of the most misunderstood hair types, which can leave curly-haired ladies feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. There is so much you can do to care for curls effectively if you take the time to learn. While many men and women either love their curls or hate them, learning more about your curl type can help make managing and styling your hair easier. Then, you’re more likely to embrace and love the curls on top of your head. Here are some things you didn’t know about curly hair.
It’s Often Misunderstood
Curly hair is the most misunderstood hair type. It’s not a type of hair, but rather a texture. Curly hair can be frizzy, kinky, or wavy, but those traits are common across all textures and sizes of curly strands. Many people think that curly-haired individuals have frizzy locks due to lack of moisturization and product application—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. When you buy shampoo as a curly girl (or guy), you want products made specifically for your curls’ needs. Like choosing a detangler for curly hair versus one for straight hair is critical.
You Might Be Washing It Wrong
You may be washing your curly hair wrong. Curly hair is more delicate than straight hair, so it can get damaged much more easily. That’s why it’s important to know how often you should wash your curls, what products are good for them, and how to dry them out properly. One key tip to remember is not to brush while your hair is wet. Brush while it’s dry, then wash and add products.
Frequency for Washing
How often should you wash curly hair? It depends on a few factors. The first is your scalp type. If you have a dry scalp, it’s best to shampoo less often than someone with an oily scalp. The more oil your scalp produces, the more frequently you should wash your hair.
The next thing to consider when washing is how much product you use. If your curls are weighed down by product buildup, try shampooing them every other day instead of daily. The last consideration is how much oil your body produces. Some people produce more natural oils than others; if this is the case for you and other factors are equal, then washing less often may be beneficial for reducing frizz and keeping shine in your curls.
Dry Shampoo Between Washings
Dry shampoo works differently on curly hair. Dry shampoo is a great way to cleanse hair without water. It’s also a useful tool for curly-haired girls who want to keep their style looking fresh, but don’t want to wash their hair all the time. Dry shampoo absorbs oil, which helps prevent frizz. There are different types, so you’ll need to find a solution that works best for your type of curls. Make sure to apply sparingly and read the instructions that come with your brand.
Curls Should Air Dry
While using a hair dryer is a fast way to dry curls, it can be harsh on hair. Using a hair dryer without heat is a better option, but the best is air drying. This helps curls retain their natural shape and look and feel their best. If you must, use a diffuser on your hair dryer and dry your curls without heat. This will reduce frizz, and keep your curls from getting heat damaged.
Sleep Curly
Sleeping the right way and with your hair a certain way can keep your hair curly for the next day. The key is not to brush out your curls and to wear a bonnet to bed. Use a hair pick gently to fluff your hair while still keeping your curls intact.
No Two Curly Haired People Are the Same
Curly hair is different for everyone. In the same way that no two people have the exact same face shape or eye color, no two people have identical curls. You might consider yourself to have thick or thin strands of hair, but there are still plenty of other factors to consider when caring for your curly locks—and these things can change depending on what type of curl pattern you have.
Learn Your Curl Type
Knowing your curl type can help keep your tresses healthy and shiny looking. It can help you determine the kinds of products you need and how frequently you should wash your hair. The more you learn about the hair, the more you can easily care for it and learn to embrace and love your natural curls.
Images from DSCENE STYLE STORIES: Sandra by Nelson Huang & Carla Candela – See the full story here
