Figuring out the right hair routine can be tricky. There are many different techniques and products to choose from, not to mention everyone has their own hairstyle goals.
Curly hair can be especially tricky to take care of. One of the differences between straight and curly hair is that curly hair often lacks moisture. This means it may be more likely to dry out, which can present a few unique challenges. Fortunately, there are several products available to help curly hair retain moisture.
Another challenge with thick, curly hair is breakage. Curly hair is unique because applying too much care can backfire and cause damage to your hair.
The techniques you use also change based on the length of your hair. For example, with longer hair, it’s often recommended to wash your curls in sections to reduce tangling.
Keep reading to learn more about what you should know about the top curly hair routines and products.
When to Wash Your Hair
If you have curly hair, you might not need to wash your hair as frequently as straight-haired individuals. Washing curly hair too often can have negative side effects, including leaving your hair dry, frizzy and harder to manage.
The thicker your hair, the less often you may need to wash it. With particularly thick hair, you can often go around five to seven days between washing. You should still bathe regularly to stay clean, but you can wear a shower cap to avoid getting your hair wet.
There are several shampoos designed for curly hair. While you can also use gels, oils, creams and other products in curly hair, make sure to use a clarifying shampoo first.
While your hair does not need as much washing, it is still important to take care of your scalp. If you are not washing your hair as frequently, dandruff may become a problem. Anti-dandruff shampoo followed by moisturizing shampoo can help keep your scalp clean and healthy.
Keeping Your Hair Moisturized
Because curly hair is naturally drier than other types of hair, staying moisturized is key. When you condition your hair, make sure you are getting all your hair and not just the ends.
You want to apply a thick conditioner right after washing your hair. There are several types of oils you can also use to help keep your curly hair moisturized. If dry hair is still an issue for you, consider applying conditioner right before you wash your hair as well. Typically, products with argan oil, glycerin or cetyl are great options for retaining moisture.
If you spend a fair amount of time outside, you are at greater risk of losing moisture from your hair due to the sun. When you are outside, try to cover up your curls. A wide-brimmed hat is a wonderful way to keep the sun from drying out your hair.
Oils for Curly Hair
Oiling your hair can be an effective way to keep it moisturized and healthy. There are a variety of oils to choose from, but there are a few ingredients to keep an eye on.
Coconut, castor and olive oil are both light and non-greasy, and easy to apply. After using oil on your curly hair, wait about an hour before you take a shower.
Detangling your Hair
Another common issue with curly hair is how often it gets knotted. You may be tempted to wash your hair whenever there are knots, but this can cause additional issues.
Instead, wet your hair and apply conditioner. While the conditioner is still in your hair, use a comb or brush to detangle your hair. It is recommended to work in sections to make the process easier.
If you are having trouble, there are specialty brushes to make detangling easier. When your hair feels dry, try to avoid brushing it, as this can cause your hair to break or frizz.
Sleep Procedures
You must be careful with your curly hair when you go to sleep. If you move a lot during your sleep, your pillowcase can cause friction along your head. This can lead to frizzy or broken hair.
One option is to tie your hair into a loose ponytail on top of your head when you sleep. You can also place it into a loose braid if this is more comfortable. If possible, try and sleep on your stomach, and consider investing in a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent tangles.
Briogeo Curl Charisma Crème
Briogeo has several products that are good for curly hair, but the Curl Charisma crème has the most benefits. It acts as a moisturizer that also humidity-proofs your curls.
It uses a variety of natural ingredients, including rice amino acids and avocado oil. There are no dyes or silicones, so it is good for even strict hair purists. It also produces longer-lasting results than most other products and comes in convenient, easy to carry bottles.
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk
Coconut oil is a great conditioner ingredient for curly hair. It helps detangle your hair while also hydrating it.
It leaves your curls with a soft, silky feeling, all while protecting against the humidity. While there are many other products with coconut oil, Shea offers popular quality products at a reasonable cost.
Vernon François Curl Shampoo
Finding the right shampoo is an important part of curly hair care. Vernon François is an experienced stylist who collaborated with many celebrities until launching his own designer line of products.
Vernon’s curl shampoo does not contain sulfates, which many other shampoos use. While these ingredients can be effective for cleaning your hair, they also remove the natural oils that help keep your curls moisturized. It also contains several helpful ingredients to strengthen your hair, such as olive and tea tree oil, seaweed extract and shea butter.
Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Olaplex is one of the pricier conditioners on the market, but it is designed specifically for treating curly hair. As a conditioner, it not only strengthens your hair with ingredients like avocado and sunflower oil, but it also repairs broken hair bonds. It has been shown to reduce frizz, make it easier to detangle curly hair and provide a silky feel.
