Photo by Julia Zyablova on Unsplash
A survey shows that 21.3% of people straightened their curls for years because they didn’t know how to care for them.
Unfortunately, most people with curls experience the same thing. They lack the right resources to learn to care for them.
However, not anymore; this guide will give you the ultimate daily haircare and style routine to treat them just right!
1. Hair Oil
On the night before or two hours before hair wash, massage hair oil designed for curly hair on your roots. This enhances blood circulation, nourishes the roots, and improves hair growth.
2. Pre-Shampoo
Never wash curly hair every day. Doing so will strip your hair and scalp of natural oils, dry them out, and cause more frizz.
So, it’s important to avoid showering regularly. This lets the natural oil sit in and moisturize your hair from the roots to the tips.
However, if you skip the regular hair wash, some curls can get unmanageable and tangled.
If this is also your case, get some pre-shampoo treatments. Apply the product generously to detangle your hair and wash it.
Next, coat separate sections of your hair from roots to tips with a leave-in conditioner. Run your fingers through the hair or gently use a wide-toothed comb to apply the product evenly.
Then, cover your hair with a shower cap. The steam from the shower heats your hair and opens the cuticle, enhancing product absorption. Rinse your hair after 30 minutes, as usual.
3. Shampoo
Get your hands on a shampoo for curly hair from a trustworthy brand. It should be free from sulfates, fragrances, parabens, alcohol, and silicones, which dry out your hair.
Gently massage the shampoo into the roots in a circular motion until it lathers. If dirt is on your hair’s length, massage the suds down the shaft. Don’t apply shampoo directly to the length, as this may dry your hair. Then, rinse it with normal-temperature water.
Shampoo your hair 2-3 times at most – depending on how quickly your hair gets oily.
4. Conditioner
Conditioning is the most important step for curly hair. It locks in moisture and minimizes frizz. Invest in a curly-hair-friendly conditioner and gently apply it throughout your mane.
Apply more on your strands and tips. If your roots are dry, generously apply it to them.
If your roots are oily, avoid letting the conditioner touch the scalp. Otherwise, it may make you greasy sooner.
Let the conditioner soak in, then detangle your hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. Then, put on a shower cap and let the conditioner sit for 5 minutes.
5. Drying
After washing your hair, scrunch it to remove excess water. Then, it’s best to let your hair air dry.
Avoid rubbing your hair with cotton towels. They are harsh on hair and may even tease the cuticle, making it frizzy. Instead, wrap your hair with a microfiber towel or an old soft T-shirt.
If you want to dry your hair using tools, apply the after-shower treatment mentioned below and use a diffuser in a low-heat setting.
6. After-Shower Treatment
After-shower treatments like curl creams and gels protect and hydrate hair. They help define curls and make them appear bouncy and healthy. They also reduce frizz, dryness, tangles, and flyaways.
After the shower, when the hair is still half wet, comb it slightly to ensure there are no more tangles. Take a quarter-sized amount of after-shower product and rub it in your palms. Cup and scrunch your curls upward to define your natural curl pattern.
7. Hair Mask
Apply a heavy-duty hair mask every week when your hair starts looking dry after the wash. This restores moisture in your curls and prepares them for styling. Look for one with hydrating ingredients like argan and coconut oil.
8. Sleeping
Before bed, apply a leave-in hair conditioner or a lightweight hair oil on your strands. Always pile your hair on top so your body isn’t on top.
Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction while you move in your sleep. You can also use a silk bonnet to cover your hair.
For added protection, braid your hair loosely or twist it and secure it with a silk scarf or scrunchie.
9. Styling
Avoid using heat styling on your hair as it fries your hair. Instead, rock your natural curls more often. Make a fancy bun, braids, or twists for your everyday style.
If you can’t avoid heat styling, apply a layer of an efficient, alcohol-free heat protectant to your hair. This will reduce the chances of heat damage.
When using heat-styling tools, only use high-quality ones with consistent heating and controllable heat.
In addition to the right products and proper technique, remember to have a healthy diet. Cut out junk food and consume nutritious homecooked food. Your curls will soon show their best form!
