Curly hair requires extra care and patience. This is because curly hair is more delicate and prone to tangling, especially when dry.
Having a well-thought-out curly hair care routine is the key to achieving healthy and bouncy curls. Dryness is the root cause of curly hair issues, leading to damage, split ends, frizz, and breakage. Hydration is essential for healthy curls. Follow these curly hair routine steps to improve your hair’s elasticity, shine, and overall health.
Daily Curly Hair Practices You Can Easily Incorporate Into Your Routine
Incorporate a Pre-Shampoo Treatment Into Your Routine
Including a pre-shampoo treatment in your curly hair care routine can significantly enhance the condition of your locks. This is because it helps in detangling and reducing knots, making the shampooing process smoother and gentler on your hair. It also helps maintain the natural oils and moisture balance of your hair, preventing it from becoming stripped and dehydrated as you shampoo your curls.
Before shampooing, section your hair and apply a liberal amount of leave-in conditioner, hair oil, or hair mask. Coat each strand thoroughly, from root to tip, and distribute the product evenly by combing or running your fingers through your hair.
Use a shower cap to help absorb the product better as it opens up the cuticles on your scalp. After 20 to 30 minutes, rinse off the treatment, then proceed to shampoo your hair as usual.
Establish a Weekly Shampoo Schedule
Washing your hair is the most important part of your routine as it effectively eliminates dust, excess oils, dead skin cells, and residue from hair products that accumulate on your scalp. However, it’s not advisable to wash curly hair every day as this strips away important moisture from your locks, leading to dry and brittle hair.
Of course, each hair type has its own requirements. It’s best if you identify your hair type first before deciding. But here’s a helpful guide on how often you should wash your hair depending on what type of curls you have:
- Wavy Hair: Every 2-3 days, depending on your scalp’s oiliness and your hair’s condition.
- Curly Hair: Every 3-4 days. Curly hair tends to hold less moisture compared to wavy hair, and overwashing can strip your hair of its natural oils, resulting in dry and frizzy curls.
- Coily Hair: Every 7-10 days. Coily hair is the driest of the three hair types, which is why less frequent washing is more beneficial for this hair type.
Make sure to use the right shampoo for your curly hair as well, and avoid shampoos that contain sulphates and parabens as much as possible.
Always Use Cold Water When Washing Your Hair
If you wash your curls with hot water, it’s time to stop. Using hot water when washing curly hair can lead to loss of moisture and result in dry, brittle, and damaged curly hair. This is because hot water opens up the hair cuticle while also stripping the scalp of its natural oils.
On the other hand, cold water seals the hair cuticle, which prevents moisture loss and protects your hair better from dryness and frizz. Additionally, cold water helps to maintain the natural oils produced by the scalp, which are crucial for keeping curly hair hydrated and healthy.
Make Sure to Condition Your Hair the Right Way
Believe it or not, leaving the conditioner in your hair for too long can also result in damaged curly hair. This is because some conditioners are only designed to work up to 15 minutes, leaving it longer than that can result in clogged cuticles.
It’s also important to thoroughly wash your hair when rinsing out conditioner as it can make it more challenging to style your hair. This is because conditioners then to create a barrier, making it hard for your hair to absorb other styling products.
Regularly Get Hair Treatments
Hair treatments are essential for maintaining the health and beauty of your hair. They help replenish moisture, repair damage, and strengthen the hair shaft, resulting in softer, smoother, and more manageable locks.
Applying deep conditioning treatments on your hair at least twice a week is the key to healthier and softer curls. Additionally, incorporating protein treatments into your hair care routine every 4 to 6 weeks can reinforce the hair’s strength and flexibility. Nevertheless, it’s imperative to maintain a balanced approach, as excessive protein usage may lead to rigidity and hair breakage.
You can also consider scheduling salon treatments from time to time to lavish your hair with professional care and tackle specific problems effectively.
Protect Your Hair While You Sleep
It’s also important to protect your curls while sleeping, as curly hair types are more prone to damage from friction and moisture loss overnight.
Cotton pillowcases can cause friction, which can result in tangled and damaged curls. To protect your curls better, consider using silk or satin pillowcases instead, as they have a smoother surface and are less likely to cause friction.
You can also loosely tie your hair in a bun or wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf or bonnet to keep your hair contained and protected as you sleep.
Patience and Consistency are the Key to Healthy Curls!
To sum up, the secret to vibrant and healthy curls lies in patience and consistency. Building a strong foundation with a well-thought-out hair care routine and sticking to it diligently is key. Treat your curls with love and care, nourishing them with hydrating treatments and protecting them from damage.
With time, dedication, and a little TLC, you’ll unlock the full potential of your curls, showcasing their natural beauty and radiance for the world to see. Remember, it’s a journey, not a race, so take it one step at a time and enjoy the process of nurturing your curls to their fullest potential.
