Curly hair has special needs in terms of daily care. Since they have a tendency to be drier and more easily knotted than straight ones, they need special care when washing, moisturizing and styling them. First, you shouldn't shampoo too often; in addition, you should choose products that can nourish them deeply. Go to cut your hair only when necessary and ask the hairdresser to cut it while it is dry.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Wash Curly Hair
Step 1. Use a shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for damaged hair
Curly hair is drier than normal hair, which is why it is more prone to damage. The advice is to pamper them a little every time you shampoo. Buy a product designed to treat damaged hair, it will usually contain more delicate and light ingredients.
- In many cases you can achieve the desired result even with a shampoo purchased at the supermarket; the ingredients contained in the products used by hairdressers are in fact quite similar.
- If you can't find a specific shampoo for dry or damaged hair, you can directly select one for curly hair. Generally, the formula of both product types is quite similar.
Step 2. Don't shampoo too frequently
Curly hair shouldn't be washed every day. The shampoo can in fact dehydrate them and make them appear frizzy.
- Do not use the shampoo more than twice a week.
- Remember that when you wash them they tend to get tangled. Curly hair is particularly prone to knotting. Brush them very gently to avoid damaging them.
Step 3. Use the "cowash" technique
Doing the "cowash" simply means applying the conditioner without first washing the hair with shampoo. This method is particularly beneficial for curly hair, which needs to be hydrated more frequently than others.
- Before choosing your conditioner, read the ingredients list. Products that contain silicones, characterized by a name ending in "-one", should be avoided because they are very aggressive on the hair.
- Notice the sensation left by the conditioner. If your hair feels spongy or mushy, it means you have gone too far with the quantities. Normally, a dose of about a fifty-cent piece should suffice.
- If you suffer from dermatitis, the "cowash" technique could aggravate your condition. Talk to your dermatologist beforehand.
Step 4. Feed them a mask if they feel dry or damaged
Hair masks allow you to restore proper hydration in curls. If you feel like your hair is starting to get dry or frizzy, use a deep nourishing mask to see if it improves.
- Apply the selected product before taking a shower. Wrap your hair in a shower cap, making sure to cover it completely. Wash in the shower as usual, the heat and steam will allow the mask to penetrate deeply, effectively hydrating your curls.
- When you're done, rinse your hair and brush it as usual.
Step 5. Dry them using a shirt instead of a towel
Curly hair can become irritated when it comes into contact with the hard, spongy fabric of towels, which is why it tends to become frizzy. The best way to dry them is to pat them gently with a soft, lightweight fabric t-shirt.
This technique for drying curly hair is called "plopping"
Part 2 of 3: Styling Curly Hair
Step 1. Dry them with the diffuser
Attach it to the hair dryer before turning it on. Its job is to expose your hair to less heat while allowing you to style it directly as you dry it.
- Before blow-drying your hair, you should always apply a serum that protects it from heat.
- Get upside down. Start by placing the diffuser close to the roots, then move no further than half the lengths. As a result, your hair should remain voluminous for a long time.
- Set the hair dryer on low power. If you don't want to risk dehydrating your hair, you shouldn't use it more than twice a week. If possible, you should let your curls dry naturally.
Step 2. Detangle the knots with your fingers and with the help of a wide toothed comb
Flat type brushes are not suitable for curly hair. Brushing them as if they were straight would risk making them frizzy, also causing split ends. If you have knots, untie them patiently using your fingers and a wide-toothed comb.
- Never start combing them at the roots. You could break the hair shaft. Begin to eliminate the knots at the tips, then go up slowly.
- With a wide-toothed comb you should be able to remove most of the knots. In some cases, you may also need to use your fingers to loosen the more difficult ones.
Step 3. When using the soleplate, set it to a low heat setting
Since curly hair tends to be naturally drier than normal hair, it should never be exposed to high heat. Also remember that excessive use of straighteners and curling irons could make them dull and limp.
- Never set the soleplate or iron to more than 200 ° C. If the only settings available are "low" or "high", choose the former.
- Don't iron them too frequently. If your curls have become limp or very frizzy, avoid using styling tools at least for a while.
Step 4. Style and moisturize them using special creams and gels
Hair products can help you create beautiful hairstyles while preventing them from becoming too dry. Ask your hairdresser or perfumery for advice to buy the products that best suit your needs.
- If your hair looks rough, choose a serum that contains silicone. You will need to apply it before you start brushing or styling your hair. If they are thin, it is best to use a spray product; remember that a very small amount will suffice.
- You can fix your hairstyle through several options. If you don't want your curls to look stiff, choose a medium or light hold product. If your hair is generally of an uncontrollable type, you can opt for something stronger; on the market there are gels, creams and mousses that guarantee an extreme and long-lasting hold.
Step 5. Use only a small amount of anti-frizz serum
Its job is to make your hair appear smoother and more disciplined, eliminating the unsightly frizz caused by the shower or hairdryer. The important thing is not to overdo the doses; start with an amount equivalent to a two cent coin, then distribute it evenly throughout your hair.
Part 3 of 3: Go to the hairdresser
Step 1. Go and cut them when they start to appear flat on the top of your head
There is no time interval to respect between one cut and another for those with curly hair. The important thing is to take care of it; when they start to flatten at the top, it means that it is time to cut them.
Do not style them before going to the hairdresser. The cut will be made according to your natural curls
Step 2. Ask for dry mowing
It's the only way to know exactly what they will look like once you've finished cutting. Curly hair looks very different when wet, so ask your hairdresser to cut it as is. Only then will you be sure you can see the real result before going home.
Step 3. If you are in the habit of dyeing your hair, allow some time between colors
One of the benefits of having curly hair is that it retains color better. Compared to those who have straight hair, you will have to touch up the color less frequently.
- If you need to mask the regrowth, do it every 6-10 weeks or so.
- If you want to redo your highlights, you can also wait 10-14 weeks.
