MOST BASIC HAIR CARE ROUTINE FOR YOUR CURLY HAIR
“Curly hair 101”
If you have curly hair, you have probably gotten loads of compliments about your hair at a point or you still get them. Some wish they have curly hair but little do they know the effort and time it takes to maintain it.
You have to have a good and effective hair care routine to maintain your lovely hair or it could go from pretty to frizzy in a second .
If you’re not sure how to go about it, read on to know the proper hair care routine for your curly hair.
- Pre-poo
Not everyone pre-poos, but it is highly recommended if you have curly hair. They are things you do to your hair before shampooing it. It is usually done by sectioning your hair into segments and applying conditioner on your hair. You should allow the conditioner to sit for at least 20-25 minutes before proceeding to shampoo your hair. The purpose of this is to add moisture to your curly hair, make it softer and tangle free.
- Shampoo but not too much
Everyone needs a hair wash. People with curly hair too, but not as much as others with oily scalp. This is because curly strands tend to dry out quickly and they need moisture constantly. Washing your hair too frequently can rid it of its natural oils, dry out your scalp and lead to hair breakage.so washing your often should be avoided, you can opt for washing it once a week or once every two weeks. If you must wash it due to sweating or dirt on the hair, you can co-wash in between shampooing. This is done by washing your hair with a cleansing conditioner only.
You should also pick an hydrating shampoo for your hair and a shampoo free of sulfates and other harmful hair ingredients.
- Easy on your wet hair
Your curly hair when wet is fragile and prone to breakage, so be gentle. You should never brush your curly hair too whether it’s wet or not, it makes breakage worse and could make your curls frizzy. Also avoid towel drying your hair , it is another factor that can break your hair.
If you must detangle or style your hair, it is advisable to do it while it’s still wet. You can detangle using your hands or a wide tooth comb.
- Avoid frequent heat application
If you want to blow dry your curls, if you have time, opt for air drying instead. Or better still use medium to low heat if you’re in a hurry. Also, if you’re looking to straighten your curls using a flat iron, avoid doing it too frequently and if you must do it, use a heat protection spray.
Frequent heat application can rid your hair of its moisture and dry out your scalp and can cause your curls to break and lose its radiance.
- Moisturize! Moisturize!!
Never rock your curls without moisturizing it. Always add moisture, in fact, your water spray bottle should be your best friend. You should know by now that your curls are prone to drying out and to prevent breakage and frizz, it should be moisturized often. You can do this using water, hydrating creams and oils.
Coconut oils are perfect for your curls, they are non greasy, and it can reduce the loss of protein in your hair. They can also be used to seal in the moisture in your hair. Another sealant you can use is olive oil.
- Protective hairstyles
Put your curls in protective styles but ensure they are not too tight or else they are no longer protective. Making your styles too tight can pull at your scalp and cause your hair to break. You can make hairstyles like braids, cornrows or simply wear a wig. They keep your hair tucked away and protect it from possible damage.
- Deep Conditioning
If you have curly hair and you don’t already deep condition your hair, then you’ve been doing it all wrong.
Deep conditioning is very important for your curls and should be done from time to time, preferably once a week. Deep conditioning makes your hair softer, shiny and makes tangles easy to take out.
- Wear a bonnet!
You shouldn’t go to bed without wrapping your hair in a bonnet or a silk scarf or using a satin pillowcase. Without these, it is likely you wake up with frizzy curls or tangles due to the friction of rubbing your hair on your cotton pillow. Protect your curls by packing your hair in a loose bun and wearing a bonnet before going to bed.
Takeaway
Following this basic hair care routine for your curls will leave it looking healthy and radiant. It even becomes easier to manage since you know how to go about it now. Your hair is shiny, frequently moisturized with lesser tangles, so get ready for more compliments about your curls to roll in.
Taking care of it might be hard work, but trust me, it is worth it and your hair will thank you. Don’t forget your regular trims too!