Curly hair is beautiful, luscious, and full of personality. No two curls are the same. Just ask anyone with a crown of curls and they’ll probably tell you their hair has a mind of its own! That’s because curly hair is sensitive and easily responsive to its surroundings. Humidity, temperature, sun exposure, and using the right curly hair products all affect the look and feel of your curls.
Whether your hair has waves, coils, or falls somewhere in between, natural curls need regular care and nourishment to look and feel their best. And, our experts want to show you how. To avoid frizzy, dry, damaged curls that are just sad-looking curls, use these expert tips from our top-stylists.
Know Your Hair’s Curl Type
Keeping curly hair healthy, strong and supple first requires understanding your hair and what curl category it belongs too. Once that’s understood, you’re better able to select the tools, products, and accessories right for your hair type.
Hair Type 1: Straight Hair
This hair type is without natural curls.
Hair Type 2: Wavy Hair
Hair that exhibits some natural curl to it is considered to be Type 2, or wavy. It’s very common for wavy hair to exhibit inconsistent curl levels. Some wavy hair is straight at the roots but wavy further down its length. Or, sections of hair around the face may show-off a cute coil or two while hair at the nape of the neck displays much softer curls.
Hair Type 3: Curly Hair
Type 3 hair is generally curly from root to tip and ranges in tightness from loose curls to taut and springy ones. Type 3 curls have care and maintenance needs vastly different than the more common hair types 1 and 2. Curl specific products and tools should be used as part of a robust hair care routine for those with type 3 hair.
Hair Type 4: Coiled Hair
Type 4 hair is the most delicate of all hair types and has the tightest curls. Curl shape ranges from a tight S-shape that can wrap around a chopstick, to a back and forth zig-zag demeanour. The fragility of this hair type means it's prone to breakage and requires adequate moisture and gentle handling when styling.
Hydrate Your Curls!
Curly hair becomes dry and brittle quite easily. Common signs that indicate your curls need additional moisture include frizzy, dull-looking hair that has a brittle, or crunchy-like texture. Adding moisture to wavy, curly, or coiled hair is easy to do. With a regular hydration routine in your hair care plan, you’re more likely to have soft, bouncy curls you’ll proudly show off.
Conditioning Is Essential for Great Curls
Harsh weather, styling tools, and certain hair products - such as hair dye, can aggravate moisture levels in curly hair. Regularly using products that help lock moisture into hair strands is the best way to combat living with dry, unruly curls.
Gentle conditioning treatments should be used daily on curly hair that is especially prone to dryness. Deep conditioning options, such as hair masks, should be used at least once a month, depending on your hair’s needs.
Protect Curly Hair
Because curly hair is so easily damaged, taking a few precautions to shield your curls from damage will keep them looking and feeling their best. Gentle handling of curly hair combined with a few protective products is all you need to guard your hair from becoming damaged regularly.
Sleep On a Satin or Silk Pillowcase
Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase is good for curls for many reasons. These natural fabrics help curls retain their structure and moisture more easily.
Towel Dry Curly Hair with a Cotton T-Shirt
Lush, soft towels feel great on our skin after a soothing shower, but they can do a world of damage to curly hair. The heavy, dense fabric can easily add more frizz to your curls and lead to breakage of hair strands. Instead, gently dry curly hair with a soft, cotton t-shirt or a rapid dry hair towel.
Rinse Curls with Cool Water
After washing and conditioning curly hair, rinse with cool water instead of hot. This will help lock in moisture and help prevent your hair from becoming overly frizzy and damaged.
Use the Right Styling Tools for Curly Hair
Brushes, combs, and hair styling tools are not created equally. When working with curly hair, it’s essential to use the right tools for that hair type. Tools that every curly haired guy or gal should use every day are:
- Wide-Toothed comb
- Detangling Brush
- Diffuser for Hair dryer
Upon switching from tools that hurt your curls to ones that love and respect them, you’ll be amazed by how great your hair looks and feels.
Love Your Curly Hair!
Naturally curly hair is unique and all of its amazing qualities deserve appreciation and love! It’s an amazing asset that’s perfect to express personal individuality and style. But, if you don’t show your tresses the love they crave, your curly hair can easily become unruly, brittle, and difficult to manage.
Need some help falling head over heels in love with your curls? We’ve got a few reasons you should know about.
3 Reasons to Love Your Curls
- Low Maintenance. Healthy curls are relatively easy to care for with a good hair care routine in place.
- Versatile. Curly hair can be styled any way you want. Straight, wavy, coiled, or somewhere in between, curly hair gives you limitless style options.
- It’s Part of Your Identity. How many times have people commented on your curly hair? Probably more times than you can remember! Love ‘em or hate ‘em, curls help to define your outward appearance.
Great Curls Start Here!
Curly hair isn’t shy about letting you in on what it needs! But, to help your curly hair look luscious, full, and healthy, correct product selection is critical. Finding the products, tools, and accessories to make curly hair look and feel it’s best is easy with WellFedBeauty. Not only do we carry amazing curly hair products, we focus on beauty options that are clean, eco-friendly, and contain natural ingredients. Visit our shop for all your curly hair care needs.