Best Tips For Curly Hair
If You have curly hair like me, you know it can be unruly, frizzy and just plain unmanageable. You never know if your going to have a good hair day, or why your hair is so dry and frizzy. For years I hated my curly hair and I would straighten or put it up into a messy bun. It was so dry and frizzy and I could not figure out why. I had no idea what products were good or how to use some to keep my curls sleek and perky. Due to straightening, my hair was damaged constantly.
What is Frizz?
Frizz is basically hair that does not line up with surrounding hairs. Hair curls independently, which creates a fuzzy texture.
The main causes of frizzy hair are genetics, hair damage, humidity, and lack of moisture in the hair.
Best Tips to Fix The Frizz
- Tip 1: Co-Wash
- Co-washing is washing your hair with conditioner. By doing this your hair is able to maintain its natural moisture levels.
- Co-washing is gentler than using harsh detergents.
- Tip 2: Know your Curly Hair Type
- Your curl type is determined by the shape of the follicle that your hair grows out from your head. It’s best to determine while your hair is wet. Type-1 is Straight, Type 2 is wavy, Type 3 is Curly, Type 4 is Coily. There are sub classes that are based on the diameter of your wave, curl, or coil pattern. Type A is a wide pattern=fine/thin density, Type B is a medium pattern=medium/thick density, and Type C is the smallest=very dense/thick coarse hair density of the three. Based on these guidelines I have 2A type curls.
- Knowing your curl type helps you to understand your hair’s unique characteristics, make better product selections, and know your styling do’s and don’ts.
- Tip 3: Read your Product Ingredients
- You should always read the ingredients list on all your hair care products. By staying away from sulfates, silicones, parabens, synthetic waxes, drying alcohols, and mineral oils/petrolium, you will see a big difference in your curls.
- Look for the Itchy M’s- these are very irritating ingredients used to help prevent the growth of micro-organisms is some products to extend a products shelf life. Itchy-M’s: Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothizolinone.
- Tip 4: Final wash
- Always do a final wash with a clarifying shampoo to remove any silicones and other product buildup.
- Tip 5: Plopping
- Plopping is a technique that you can use after your shower with sopping wet hair to keep defined curls.
- You scrunch out any excess water and apply your products like leave-in conditioner, oil, or curl cream. Lay a T-shirt or microfiber towel on the back of a chair or counter with the sleeves closest to you. Flip your hair forward with all of your hair in the center of the towel or shirt. Take the flap of fabric and flip it up over your neck then tie the sleeves behind your head and tie in a knot. Plop for 10-20 min before diffusing or air drying. Some plop overnight as well.
- Tip 6: Scrunch the Crunch
- After plopping add your gel and scrunch it into damp hair. After your hair is fully dried, scrunch the crunch into beautiful soft curls.
- Tip 7: Removing Buildup
- Mix 1 part water and 2 Tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar and rinse your hair after conditioning. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse with water. ACV balances hair and scalp pH, also it flattens and closes the hair cuticle. I do this once a week if I use product during the week.
- Tip 8: Invest in a Scalp Scrubber
- A scalp scrubber is with thick silicone bristles that boost blood flow, exfoliate dead skin cells, and clear oil glands. You can find some really good scalp scrubbers on Amazon.
- Tip 9: Dry Cut
- Getting a dry hair cut allows your stylist to see the shape of your hair as they cut it, instead of waiting until it is dry after a wet cut.
- Tip 10: Be Patient
- Your hair can take a few weeks or months for you to be happy with your it, because you will be trying different products and regimens to find what fits your hair needs.
The Last Thing You Need to Know about Curly Hair
- All curly hair is definitely not the same, and each one has specific likes and dislikes. The tips above are just a few that I have learned over the past two years from some really great women with curly hair problems. I’m happy to say that after all these years, I’m in love with my hair! If you have curly hair, what products, tips, or regimens do you use? Share and leave a comment to help other Curly girls out there!
