Maintaining curly hair can be confusing and overwhelming, especially for beginners. Its natural texture and structure make it more prone to dryness, frizz, and breakage compared to straight or wavy hair. This means that proper care is essential to keep curly hair healthy and looking its best.
From selecting the right products to establishing a suitable curly hair routine, taking care of curly hair requires attention to detail and a tailored approach. Without learning how to take care of your curly hair, it can lead to common issues like dullness, tangling, and loss of definition in curls.
Here are some common curly hair routine mistakes you MUST AVOID
Using the Wrong Products
Due to its natural spiral shape, it can be difficult to evenly coat your hair with oils and caring agents as it doesn’t easily slide along the length of your hair’s fibre. The best solution for this issue is to use smoothing products to coat your hair evenly.
These products include silicone-free serums, leave-in conditioners, cream-based styling products, and lightweight hair oils. Serums with silicone can weigh down your curls; using silicone-free serums avoids buildup, keeping your curls smooth and frizz-free.
Leave-in conditioners with shea butter, coconut oil, or glycerine can also hydrate and soften your curls, making them easier to manage and less prone to tangling. Don’t forget to use detangling sprays and hair oils like argan, grape seed, or almond oil to reduce friction during styling. You must also avoid shampoos that contain sulphate and opt for gentler alternatives such as Mixed Chicks Sulfate-Free Shampoo.
Overwashing and Underwashing
It’s crucial to strike the right balance with washing frequency when it comes to curly hair. This is because curly hair tends to have higher porosity compared to straight hair. Curly hair thrives on moisture, but overwashing can strip away its natural oils, leaving it parched and lifeless. This can result in frizz, lack of shine, and difficulty in styling, as the hair loses its elasticity and resilience.
On the other hand, underwashing curly hair can lead to product buildup, scalp issues, and lack of hydration. This buildup can weigh down the curls, making them appear limp and lifeless, while the scalp may become irritated and prone to conditions like dandruff or fungal infections.
Most experts recommend washing curly hair at least 1-3 times a week with a 2-3 day interval for each wash. For more coily hair types (type 4 and beyond), the recommended interval is around 3-4 days. Make sure you are choosing the right shampoo for the best results.
Skipping Deep Conditioning Treatment
Curly hair is more dry than straight hair due to its tendency to be porous, causing it to lose moisture more easily and require extra hydration. Therefore, deep conditioning your hair is a crucial step to maintain healthy and vibrant curls.
Skipping this routine deprives your curls of the much-needed moisture and nutrients they need, resulting in dry, brittle, and lacklustre hair. For moisturized and healthy-looking hair, consider using the Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner at least once a week.
Applying Heat Without Protection
Applying excessive heat to your hair can seriously damage your curls, especially if you’re not using heat protectants. When using styling tools, make sure to always put them in the lowest heat setting possible, and make sure to use products with protein to seal in the moisture.
Regularly blow-drying your hair may also alter your curl pattern over time. For a better alternative, use a diffuser in a low-medium heat setting. Don’t forget to use heat protectants as well for an extra layer of defence against heat styling.
Using the Wrong Brush to Detangle
Brushing your curls with narrow bristles or sharp edges can lead to unnecessary breakage and damage as they can tug and pull your hair, resulting in knots and frizz. It’s important to remember to avoid brushing your hair directly after showering as well.
For detangling curly hair, using a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush specifically designed for curly hair is ideal. These tools glide through curly hair more gently, minimizing breakage and allowing you to detangle without causing damage. Ensure to start detangling from the tips and work your way up to the roots until your curls are completely free of knots.
Sleeping Without Properly Protecting Your Hair
Not many curly-haired peeps realize this but protecting your hair while you sleep is another vital step in preventing damaged curly hair.
Cotton fabric may actually cause damage to your curls as cotton tends to soak up your hair’s natural sebum as you sleep, potentially taking moisture away from your tresses. A good solution to this issue is to either wrap your locks with a silk scarf before sleeping or use a silk pillowcase.
Neglecting Regular Trim
Some people make the common mistake of avoiding regular trims for the sake of maintaining their length. However, neglecting regular trims can result in split ends and breakage.
This is because regular trims help prevent split ends from travelling up the hair shaft, preserving the integrity of the hair and minimizing the risk of breakage. Make sure to schedule trips to the salon for a trim every 8-12 weeks to keep your curls healthy and free from split ends.
At Curl Ambassadors, our trademark Dry-Cut CurlyTM Method will redefine your limp locks and create vibrant, bouncy curls that you’ll love to flaunt.
