Taking care of curly hair requires more specific attention than straight hair. Curly hair is naturally drier and more porous, which affects its ability to absorb and retain moisture compared to other hair types. This increased dryness and sensitivity result from the shape of the curls, which prevents the natural sebum from spreading evenly along the lengths and down to the ends.
Nourish the hair properly
Before shampooing, a hair mask is strongly recommended. Depending on your curl type, you can apply an oil treatment and let it sit for 45 minutes to 1 hour if your hair is badly damaged. It is not necessary to leave the mask on overnight, because beyond the recommended time, the oils no longer have any effect on the hair and may clog the scalp.
Recommended oils for curly hair:
Olive oil and avocado oil, with restorative benefits
Jojoba, castor, argan, and almond oils, as well as shea butter
As for oil treatments, you can repeat the process once a week, depending on your hair’s needs. Otherwise, you can opt for a mask and leave it on for 45 minutes.
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Be careful not to overuse essential oils. The opposite of the desired effect may occur if too much is used, causing the scalp to shift from very dry to completely oily.
Effective detangling
Let’s move on to the detangling step. There are several ways to detangle your hair without “breaking” your curls.
First, you can detangle your hair with your fingers, in a gentle and delicate way. Unfortunately, this method is not suitable for all curl types. The finer the hair, the less effective this will be.
Second, we recommend using a wide-tooth comb so as not to break your defined curls and to allow for deeper detangling.
Depending on your hair type, whether fine or thick, we recommend the following combs:
For dense and voluminous hair → Beechwood comb with handle
For afro hair → Beechwood afro comb
Scrunching for beautiful curls
For better curl bounce, you can use the “scrunching” method.
This simple and effective technique is designed to redefine your curls. It involves cupping the ends in your hand and lifting them back up toward the roots with an accordion-like motion.
Thanks to this technique, the curls regain their natural shape for a perfect head of hair! Repeat these movements until you achieve the desired waves or curls, usually until the hair returns to its natural shape. Then let it air dry.
For convenience, scrunching can be done upside down.
Ideal hairstyles
There are very few hairstyles suited to curly hair compared to other hair types, and some styles can damage your curls depending on the look you choose. Here are a few recommended hairstyles for curly hair: simple, yet perfect for enhancing your natural texture.
Mistakes to avoid
Washing hair too often: curly hair often looks dry, and we tend to think it needs to be washed more often, but that is not true. To avoid damaging the hair and triggering excess sebum production on the scalp, it is recommended to wash it only 1 to 2 times a week.
Brushing dry hair: use a soft-bristle brush or a wide-tooth comb and slightly dampen your hair, for example with a spray bottle of water.
Not tying your hair up at night: make a pineapple bun to avoid damaging your curls.
Avoid chemical hair dyes; instead, choose natural and/or plant-based colorants to prevent further damage.
Drying hair with heated tools: it is better to let your hair air-dry, or use the cool setting on your hair dryer. Also avoid repeated blowouts, as they can dry out and damage your hair.
Nourishing treatments based on silicone should also be avoided. They dry out the hair and damage the hair fibers, leading to undernourished hair that becomes very dry and brittle. It is strongly recommended to use natural products to preserve your hair’s quality.
After this routine, your hair will feel freer and healthier. Make sure to hydrate your curls properly and follow each step of the routine to ensure lasting hair vitality. Remember that every curly hair type is unique and deserves special care. Finding the perfect hair routine may take a little experimentation, but the results are worth it. Defined, hydrated, and healthy curls are not only beautiful to look at, they also reflect thoughtful care and self-love.
Don’t forget: every curl is unique. By taking care of them, you will enhance your natural beauty.
Let’s celebrate curls! 💆🏽♀️