Curly hair is a beautiful blessing that comes with its own set of challenges. From frizz to dryness, curly hair requires special care to look its best. If you’re tired of wrestling with your curls, our experts will provide you with the right techniques and products to maintain the perfect curly hair care routine.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 easy ways to keep your curls looking fabulous every day.
10 Ways to Maintain Curly Hair
Moisturise Regularly
Curly hair craves moisture to maintain its elasticity and prevent frizz. Incorporate a hydrating leave-in conditioner into your routine, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends where moisture is most needed. Additionally, consider using a deep conditioning treatment once a week to replenish any lost moisture and keep your curls looking vibrant and healthy.
Use a Wide-Tooth Comb
If you’re wondering how to maintain curly hair, it all starts with combing your hair gently. Detangling curly hair can be a delicate process that avoids breakage and preserves curl definition. Opt for a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently work through knots, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Avoid using fine-tooth combs or brushes, as they can cause unnecessary tension and lead to breakage.
Avoid Heat Styling
While it may be tempting to reach for the flat iron or curling wand to achieve a different look, excessive heat styling can wreak havoc on curly hair. Heat strips the hair of its natural moisture, leaving it prone to dryness, frizz, and damage. Embrace your natural curls and opt for heat-free styling methods such as air-drying, twist-outs, or bantu knots to enhance your curl pattern without causing harm.
Use a Microfiber Towel or T-shirt to Dry Your Hair
Traditional towels can cause friction and roughen the hair cuticle, leading to frizz and disrupting your curl pattern. Instead, reach for a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt to gently squeeze excess water from your hair. Avoid rubbing or wringing your hair, as this can cause unnecessary damage and disrupt your curls’ natural shape.
Apply Styling Products to Wet Hair
For optimal product absorption and distribution, apply your styling products to wet or damp hair. Your hair care routine for curly hair should start with a lightweight leave-in conditioner to hydrate and prime your curls, followed by a styling gel or cream to define and hold your curl pattern. Scrunch the product into your hair using your hands, encouraging your curls to clump together and maintain their shape as they dry.
Sleep on a Silk or Satin Pillowcase
Sometimes, you could be using the right products and following the right hair care techniques but your curly hair could still appear frizzy. The problem could be with your pillow cover. Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from your hair and create friction, leading to frizz and tangles overnight. Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and help your curls retain moisture while you sleep. Alternatively, you can protect your curls by wrapping them in a silk or satin scarf or bonnet before bedtime to maintain their shape and minimise breakage.
Refresh Your Curls Between Washes
Washing curly hair too frequently can strip away natural oils and disrupt the moisture balance, leading to dryness and frizz. Instead of washing your hair every day, refresh your curls between washes using a mixture of water and a leave-in conditioner or a curl refresher spray. Add a simple step into your curly hair care routine by simply applying a light mist on your hair and scrunching it to reactivate your curls. Style as usual to revive your look without the need for a full wash.
Protect Your Hair from Environmental Stressors
Understanding the damaging effects of environmental factors is crucial to knowing how to maintain curly hair. Environmental factors such as sun exposure, wind, and pollution can take a toll on curly hair, causing dryness, dullness, and damage. Shield your curls from the elements by wearing a hat or scarf when spending time outdoors, and consider using products with UV protection to prevent sun damage. Additionally, avoid prolonged exposure to chlorinated water, as it can strip away moisture and leave your curls feeling brittle and dry.
Trim Your Hair Regularly
Split ends and breakage are common concerns for curly hair, as the natural shape of curls can make them more prone to damage. Schedule regular haircuts every 8-12 weeks to remove any split ends and prevent breakage from travelling up the hair shaft. Opt for a dry cut or visit a stylist experienced in cutting curly hair to ensure that your curls maintain their shape and bounce after each trim.
Experiment with Protective Hairstyles
Protective hairstyles can help minimise manipulation and protect your curls from daily wear and tear. Experiment with styles such as braids, twists, buns, or pineapple updos to keep your curls tucked away and prevent friction and breakage. Just be sure not to style your hair too tightly, as this can cause tension and damage to your delicate curls.
Takeaway
Maintaining curly hair requires a combination of proper care, patience, and the right products. By following a consistent routine of gentle cleansing, conditioning, and styling techniques tailored to your hair type, you can enhance the health and beauty of your curls. Now that you know how to take care of curly hair, remember to embrace your natural texture, protect your hair from damage, and experiment with different methods until you find what works best for you.
FAQs around Curly Hair Routine
1. How to style curly hair?
Styling curly hair begins with a good wash and conditioning routine tailored to your hair type. After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner or styling cream to damp hair to lock in moisture and define your curls. Depending on your desired look, you can either air-dry your curls for a natural finish or use a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer to enhance volume and shape. Experiment with different styling techniques, such as scrunching, twisting, or finger-coiling, to find what works best for your curls.
2. Which haircut is best for curly hair?
The best haircut for curly hair depends on your curl pattern, face shape, and personal style. Generally, curly hair benefits from cuts that enhance its natural texture and shape while reducing bulk and maintaining volume. Popular options include layered cuts to add movement and definition, long layers to control volume, or a curly bob for a chic and manageable look. It’s important to consult with a stylist experienced in cutting curly hair to ensure that your haircut complements your curls and flatters your features.
3. How to grow curly hair fast?
While there’s no magic solution to make hair grow faster, maintaining a healthy hair care routine can promote optimal growth and minimise breakage. This includes regular trims to remove split ends, avoiding heat styling and harsh chemicals, and incorporating scalp massages to stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles. Additionally, nourish your curls from the inside out by eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein and staying hydrated to support overall hair health.
4. How to reduce frizz in curly hair?
Reducing frizz in curly hair begins with proper hydration and moisture retention. Start by using a sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturising conditioner to cleanse and condition your curls without stripping away natural oils. After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner or serum to damp hair to lock in moisture and smooth the hair cuticle. Additionally, avoid rubbing your hair with a towel and opt for a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to gently blot excess water. Finally, consider incorporating a weekly deep conditioning treatment or hair mask to nourish and hydrate your curls and prevent frizz.
5. How long does keratin treatment last on curly hair?
The duration of a keratin treatment on curly hair can vary depending on factors such as hair type, texture, and maintenance routine. On average, a keratin treatment can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months with proper care and maintenance. To prolong the results of your keratin treatment, use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, avoid excessive heat styling, and touch up any regrowth or new growth as needed. Additionally, consider using keratin-infused styling products to maintain smoothness and manageability between treatments.