10 Things Every Curly-Haired Girl Should Know
Having hair that doesn’t lay straight is both a blessing and a curse. When given the proper care, bouncy locks take center stage and turn heads for miles. But there’s nothing more frustrating than hearing the dreaded, “Why don’t you just brush it?” or “Can you take your bun out?” from someone who just doesn’t get it.
The obstacles we face are a small price to pay for all the glory that comes along with voluminous lion manes, but still, we could use all the help we can get. Frizz, split ends and wicked bedhead are only a few of the things that we’re up against and it takes some serious insider knowledge to combat the struggles of spiraled tresses. But don’t worry, boo- That’s what we’re here for! Here’s our list of the top 10 things every curly-haired girl should know.
1. The Shampoo and Conditioner You NEED
The number one thing you can do to help curly hair flourish is to choose the right shampoo and conditioner. Without them, all of your other efforts go to waste. The ideal products for curly hair are made with natural or essential oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and avocado oil. Some other good ingredients are aloe vera, hydrolyzed silk, provitamins and plant extracts. And if it has keratin, too, it’s a premier choice! Keratin helps your hair rebuild proteins and repairs split ends. Most importantly, NEVER use a shampoo that has sulfates if you have curly hair. Sulfates strip your hair’s natural moisture and damage the cuticle. Our top pick for the best shampoo and conditioner is Arganatural’s Coconut collection- it has everything your hair is thirsting for at a price that is well worth it. Check out the collection on Amazon or head over to Walmart or CVS to snag it in person!
2. Sleeping Dos and Don’ts
It’s called beauty sleep for a reason! A curly sleep routine is something that will make a big difference in your hair’s texture and shine. Our first recommendation: don’t sleep with wet, loose hair. Seriously, sis, this is just asking for it. We’ve all seen the horrors of an unsalvageable bed head the day after going to sleep post-shower. Hitting the sack with wet hair isn’t always a bad thing, just be sure to do it intentionally.
One trick to lock in moisture is to invest in a silk pillowcase or a silk sleep cap. It’s a little known fact that cotton fabric absorbs moisture and is too abrasive for delicate hair. Swap for silk and help your hair retain all of its hard-earned hydration. Another method for cultivating luscious, bouncy curls while you sleep is plopping overnight.
3. Delicate Detangling
Tangled hair is the bane of any curly-headed girl’s existence. This hair type is way more likely to get knotted, so remain calm and be strategic about getting strands sorted out. First thing’s first, NEVER brush through knots or you may as well just beg the universe directly for split ends. It’s always best to detangle your hair when it’s wet, using your hands or a brush that’s specifically designed for detangling. To make the process easier, use a detangling product to help you loosen up the knots.
4. Brushes and Combs That Come Thru
The right brush or comb is an essential tool to have in your arsenal when it comes to curled hair. The key is to pick one that is gentle but effective. There are some brushes, like the Denman D3 brush, that are designed for this purpose exactly. It’s a little on the pricey side, so if you’re shopping on a budget, look for a standard detangling comb, which you can find for as little as $3. Stick to brushing right after the shower or wetting your hair before you run bristles through.
5. Air Drying is Life
This is the third time we’re telling you to avoid heat because it’s really that important. Air dry your hair whenever possible and give your curls a fighting chance to thrive. For a little extra sauce, try plopping. What is plopping, you may ask? It’s a technique for drying your hair which involves twisting it into sections immediately after showering, piling them on top of your head, and wrapping them in a t-shirt. It’s a technique as old as time and trust us, your curls will thank you. And listen, we understand that air drying isn’t always in the cards. So, if you must blow dry, use a diffuser.
6. Don’t Slack on The Moisture
Since curly hair tends to be on the dryer side, plenty of moisture is key in getting the most out of your natural locks. One method for adding more hydration is called pre-shampooing, which means putting conditioner into your hair before washing it in order to gently detangle knots and optimize moisture retention. TBH, your bathroom cabinet should be filled to the brim with oils, hair masks and leave-in conditioners. The best leave-in conditioners contain natural oils that will preserve your hair’s shine. We recommend Arganatural’s Repairing Coconut Leave-In, which is jam-packed with argan, coconut and avocado oil.
7. Keep it Cool in the Shower
Even heat from the shower can be damaging to your hair. We know that showering in demonic temperatures can be super therapeutic but switch to cool water when shampooing and conditioning. It’s easier on the cuticle, helps retain moisture and promotes hair growth. We love a 3-in-1!
8. Don’t Wash Daily
At some point, every woman has asked themself, “How often should I wash my hair?” and upon googling it, we were relieved to find that daily shampooing is not recommended. That couldn’t be more true for curly hair. Overwashing is especially detrimental to curls since they’re already prone to dehydration. Washing every day strips natural oils, which leads to split ends and that’s definitely not a vibe. It also causes product buildup that dries out the scalp. Instead of doing all that, use a dry shampoo to hold you over in between washes.
9. How to Style Naturally Curly Hair
Easy hairstyles for naturally curly hair involve minimal effort and you may be surprised at how great they turn out. The key is to stick with loose styles that don’t pull on your curls or affect your texture. Braids, loose ponytails and half-up, half-down are solid choices but our all-time favorite is the infamous claw clip that our moms have been rocking since the ‘80s.
10. Embrace Your Genetic Beauty
Us coiled queens know that our hair has a mind of its own. The best thing you can do for this hair type is simply to let it be. Heat styling every day or wishing for your hair to be naturally straight is not the answer and will only keep you from shining the way you were designed to. Instead, stop resisting and lean into all that beauty you’re blessed with! Set your hair with curl-enhancing products right after getting out of the shower and let your locks do their thang.