Is your hair curly, dry, damaged, frizzy and untamable? Are you ready to try something new? The method for achieving healthy and defined curls illustrated in this article is inspired by the book Curly Girl, written by Lorraine Massey, who, among other things, recommends against using shampoos containing sulfates. These chemical cleaners, in fact, tend to deprive the hair of its natural sebum. You will discover how once you get used to doing without it, your hair will stay naturally hydrated, soft and healthy. However, as with other beauty treatments, the results vary from person to person… however, it costs nothing to try. Get rid of frizz and split ends and say hello to soft and healthy curls!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare Hair for the Curly Girl Method
Step 1. Wash your hair one last time with a sulfate-containing shampoo before starting with the new treatments:
in this way, you will eliminate all silicone residues (these substances, in fact, are not water-soluble). You won't need to buy a new shampoo, just use a product you already have at home. Whether it contains sulfates or not, it will still be useful in removing silicones.
Step 2. Throw away your shampoo
Most shampoos contain harmful sulfates (ammonium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, etc.) which only dry your hair. These very common cleansers make hair curly, frizzy and indomitable. The conditioner used after washing restores hydration to the hair but, to avoid the problem directly, use shampoos that contain non-aggressive detergents (such as, for example, cocamidopropyl betaine and coco betaine).
- "We would never dream of washing a good sweater with a harsh detergent. Still, we continue to use shampoos that contain harmful substances (sodium lauryl sulfate or laureth sulfate), which are also used to make dishwasher detergents. In fact, they are excellent for washing dishes and pots as they dissolve fats very effectively. Our hair, on the other hand, needs to maintain its own natural sebum, which protects the hair and scalp. Eliminating natural sebum removes the hair of their hydration and their amino acids and makes them dry and dull. " - Lorraine Massey
- In the picture you can see a shampoo and a package of dish soap. In the two packages you will find the same sulphate listed among the ingredients.
Step 3. Purchase silicone-free products (conditioner and styling products)
You probably use a shampoo to wash your scalp, a conditioner to moisturize your hair, and a moisturizer for the day. You can choose to use one or more products. Make sure any serums, gels, or mousses you apply are also silicone-free - especially if you spend many hours in the pool. For more information read the advice section at the bottom of the article.
Step 4. Thin your hair to get rid of split ends
If you don't feel like going to the hairdresser because you're worried she might cut more than you should, you can always do it yourself or get help from a friend.
Method 2 of 3: Begin the Routine
Step 1. Wash your scalp with the conditioner
Mix your favorite conditioner, preferably silicone-free, in a bowl with a tablespoon or two of sugar. Massage the mixture into your hair for a few minutes with your fingertips (never with your nails!) And rinse them while continuing to massage. In this way, you will dissolve the dirt and any residual product used previously.
"Girls with curly hair can keep their hair hydrated thanks to the natural sebum and their scalp clean by doing the co-wash once or twice a week." - Lorraine Massey
Step 2. Distribute the conditioner over the roots and lengths and gently untie the knots
Use your hands or a wide-toothed comb. Start at the roots and gradually move towards the tips. Leave the conditioner on for at least 5 minutes for extra hydration.
- At this point it may be useful to divide the hair with a comb. It is advisable to separate them on the sides.
- If you have a hard time removing knots from your hair, use more conditioner. Alternatively, you may need to trim the dry and dehydrated ends.
- Removing knots on dry hair is not a good idea. Parting and combing dry strands would only damage and wrinkle the hair.
Step 3. Give your hair a final rinse with cold water:
it will allow you to prevent frizz and make the hair shiny. Leave a small amount of conditioner on the lengths, especially in the most dehydrated areas. From this point on, you can gently comb your hair with your fingers, but not with the comb.
Step 4. Apply styling products when your hair is still wet or wait about five minutes if you have wavy hair
Divide them into sections and apply the product with your hands. You could start by applying a leave-in cream to avoid frizz and follow with a gel to give curls definition. However, whatever application order you follow and whatever type of product you choose, avoid silicones. Next, define the shape of the curls: place the palm of your hand on the lower part of the strand, grab it and perform a bottom-up movement and / or define each individual curl around a finger.
Step 5. Remove any excess product with an old t-shirt, wipe or microfiber cloth, but avoid spongy fabrics as they electrify the hair
During this stage, you may continue to curl your locks. When you are done, wait about five minutes for the hair to take on a defined shape.
Step 6. Decrease the use of the hairdryer
After washing your hair, spread an old T-shirt or microfiber towel on a flat surface. Lean forward and place your hair in the center of the fabric. With your head resting against the fabric, wrap the back around your head. Braid the ends by rolling them around themselves and secure them with a clothespin behind the nape of the neck. You can also tie the sleeves of the shirt, if it is long-sleeved. After 15-30 minutes, remove the cloth and, if your hair is frizzy, tame it with a dollop of gel.
This method works best for medium or long curly hair. Short hair, on the other hand, could take on a poorly defined shape
Step 7. Dry your hair
Air drying is the easiest and most gentle way to dry your hair. If you really need to use a hair dryer, choose one with a diffuser. Do not touch your hair while it is drying so as not to ruffle and ruffle it. The following types of diffusers are both great for drying evenly and avoiding frizz:
- The notched hemisphere diffuser gives greater volume, but has some drawbacks: it tends to mass the curls between them and does not divide them, it is bulky, heavy and, probably, it can only be inserted in the hairdryer with which it was sold. To use it, put a strand of hair in the diffuser, press it on your head and opt for a lukewarm temperature.
- The hot sock diffuser is lightweight, fits any hair dryer and is portable. Use it in the direction of the strand you are drying by moving it with your hands from the bottom up.
Method 3 of 3: Keeping Curls Healthy
Step 1. Rely on an experienced hairdresser
Not all of them have the same training, so inform yourself before they make the cut; ask if they have experience with this type of cut and what products they use. An impromptu cut could just be disaster for curly hair. If your hairdresser uses silicone products, bring your own shampoo and conditioner. If you are using a razor to thin your hair, it may be best to avoid going as this will make the ends tangled and prone to breaking. So, before cutting your hair, gather all the possible information: only an experienced hairdresser will be able to achieve good results.
Step 2. Trim your hair every four to six months
A trim allows you to eliminate split ends. Curly hair is generally characterized by a combination of textures and, usually, the top is the most curly one. Since it is difficult to understand the structure of a curly lock when it is wet, it would be better to cut the hair when it is dry. Also, keep in mind that curly hair is much shorter when dry.
Step 3. Give your hair time to get used to
It usually takes two to six weeks for your hair to adjust to "non-shampoo". Hair care is a long-term project and it is necessary to wait a couple of weeks for the hair to recover its health after losing the false hydration provided by years of silicones.
Step 4. Show off your gorgeous new curls with pride
Advice
- If the water running from your tap is hard or contains harmful chemicals such as chlorine or calcium carbonate, invest in a filter that allows your hair to avoid contact with these substances, which can only be removed by shampoos. sulfate based (just what we're trying to avoid!).
- Try adding honey to your conditioner by mixing half of the conditioner and the other half of honey in a bowl. In any case, rinse well so as not to leave the hair sticky. A little honey cleanses the hair and gives it hydration and shine.
- After pool, wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo, such as those of Lavera or other natural brands that you find on sites such as that of Eccoverde.
- Buy organic products at NaturaSì or, if this shop is not in your city, on the Eccoverde website.
- Try to sleep on a pillow covered with one satin or silk pillowcase to prevent split ends and frizz.
- Curly hair has different needs based on the succession of seasons. In summer, go for products with a liquid consistency so as not to suffocate the hair. Also, use smaller amounts of conditioner and leave-in cream to ward off frizz and increase definition. In winter, however, opt for products with a thicker, creamier consistency and use larger amounts of conditioner.
- Gels can leave hair not very soft. When the hair is dry, turn upside down, grab the curls and move them from the bottom up: in this way, they will become super soft.
- Still not convinced to change? Read Lorraine Massey's book Curly Hair, co-written with Deborah Chiel. Inside, you will find natural recipes for the care of your hair, stories about girls with curly hair and tips on pampering for this type of hair.
- If your hair is giving you too many problems, do not give up. Avoid shampoos containing sulfates and change the products you use or how you use them. Use the gel to define the curls and gather them into a ponytail or braid. If the situation is really desperate, opt for the plate. Finally, use hair clips and other cute accessories.
- Be patient, experiment with various products and change your routine. Unfortunately, your hair will never completely get rid of the frizz effect, but you can still get great results.
- Choose a good quality conditioner. One of the cheapest is the Splend'or, while, if you prefer eco-bio products, try the Lavera balms.
- If you do not have time to wash your hair, before going to sleep, put on a high ponytail and keep it firm by twisting the elastic on itself a couple of times: this way, the hair will not flatten.
- The same types of products are not suitable for all. Experiment and read the sections of the forums dedicated to hair care of sites like Hair of Fairy or Lola's Corner.
- Showering in the morning and styling your hair before school or work can make you lazy. Try to wash them the night before and wrap your hair in a microfiber towel before going to bed. Upon awakening, your hair will be dry. Moisten them, apply some gel and shake them from bottom to top.
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Hair clipping 7315 Use clip to increase the volume of the hair at the root. Divide the hair into small sections and cross them while holding them in place with the clips. Also try washing the hair, shaking it from bottom to top and drying it upside down.
Warnings
- Do not comb or brush dry curly hair. Not only will you inflate them making them look like a bulging ball, you will also partially damage them. If your hair is more than wavy, avoid using your fingers to go through it as well. Instead, move each lock of curls carefully to undo any knots. (Of course, if you prefer the afro style, don't follow these tips.)
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Image Most of the popular supermarket hair product lines (Pantene, Garnier, etc.) contain silicones. These ingredients can be easily recognized because they almost always end in –cone, -conol or –xane. If possible, avoid mineral oils as well. In the short term, silicones seem to work because they coat the hair giving it a healthy, shiny appearance. However, in the long run, they turn out to be really bad for your hair. Sulfates eliminate silicones, but also remove natural sebum from the scalp. The problem can be solved by eliminating sulfates And silicones. However, there is an exception to the rule: silicones with PEG are water-soluble and, therefore, do not create a sheath on the hair.
- The silicones that do not dissolve in contact with water and that coat the hair are the following: Cetearyl methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Stearyl Dimethicone, Amodimethicone (e) Trideceth-12 (e) Cetrimonium Cetrimoni and Trimethylsilylamodimethicone. Please note: Trideceth-12 and Cetrimonium Chloride are considered silicones only when combined with Amodimethicone.
- The silicones that melt slightly in contact with water and which tend to coat most types of curly hair are the following: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone and Stearoxy Dimethicone.
- The silicones that dissolve in contact with water are the following: Dimethicone Copolyol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Hydroxypropyl Polysiloxane and Lauryl methicone copolyol.
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Make sure your shampoo doesn't contain any sulfates. If you go to the pool, use a mild cleanser. Sea water, on the other hand, brings benefits because the salt tends to define the sea urchins.
- Among the most common sulphates we find the following: Alkylbenzene sulfonate, Ammonium laureth or lauryl sulfate, Ammonium or Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, Sodium laureth, myreth, o lauryl sulfate, Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, TEA-dodenzylate, Ethyl PEG-15 cocamine sulfate and Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate
- Among the most delicate cleansing substances, we find the following: Cocamidopropyl betaine, Coco betaine, Cocoamphoacetate, Cocoamphodipropionate, Disodium cocoamphodiacetate or cocoamphodipropionate, Lauroamphoacetate and Sodium cocoyl isethionate.
- If you've always used the straightener and switch to the method illustrated by the Curly Girl book, you will feel like you are losing a lot of hair while untying the knots in the shower. Do not worry! Losing around 100 hairs a day is normal. In fact, when the hair is smooth, you don't notice the fall. Meanwhile, wearing it curly and untying the knots will give you the feeling of losing more hair than usual.
- Illnesses, medications, diet changes, and high stress levels could all cause more hair loss. If you think you have severe falling problems, see a doctor.
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First day hair 324 ] You will see, by following these tips, everyone will compliment you on your lovely curls. Sure, there will always be someone who won't like your hair, but that's not your problem. Set aside straighteners and straightening creams and learn to love your hair for what it is.
