Anyone with curly hair knows that it takes a lot of work to keep your curls looking great; there’s so much more to it than simply running a brush through your locks and heading out the door. Unlike straight or wavy hair, curls need some time and effort to keep them lush and healthy. You have to have an excellent everyday routine in order to make them volumized, soft, defined, and frizz-free.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help get the best from your curls. Most of them require changes to your routine, but it’ll will be well worth it. Curly-haired men and women alike can benefit massively from some simple changes and see incredible results.
Get a Cut
The first thing you have to think about is getting a cut. You can do it at home, but remember to use professional hair-cutting shears, like these from ScissorTech. Regular kitchen scissors are blunt, and they can do more damage than good.
If you struggle with split ends, the only remedy for them is cutting them off. If you don’t, weak ends will continue to break and make your hair worse and worse. Unhealthy ends can also prevent your natural bounce and curl.
The same rule applies to the shape of your cut. You can find various shapes designed for curly hair. They will loosen it up and allow your natural curl pattern to come out. It is always best to choose a professional stylist with training in dry cutting. Straight hair is easy to shape, as it looks the same dry and wet, but when it comes to curls and waves, a damp haircut may result in an entirely uneven, bushy, and triangular coif.
Skip The Shampoo
It may seem weird at first, but washing your hair too often can strip it of its essential oils. Because most products use sulphates to make more foam, your hair can become drier or weaker. Shampooing your hair every day may make it frizzier and more susceptible to breakages.
Over-shampooing will damage the skin’s protective oily layer, which will cause dryness and dandruff. The layer itself will have to refill, so your skin will produce much more oil than it should. That’s why your hair can be so oily. The best thing you can do is to start washing your hair twice a week. At first, you may be uncomfortable, and your hair may be a little oily, but over time, your hair will adjust. After two or three weeks, you will see an improvement.
Loosen Up Your Hairstyles
If you have longer hair, it’s important to ensure you’re not causing damage when it is tied up. Tight hairstyles can lead to breakages and hair loss. When tying up your hair, make sure that you use proper bands or scrunchies that are gentle on your hair. Rubber bands and metal clips cause too much friction and lead to breakages.
Wearing your hair up can cause serious strain on the scalp. If you love braids, ponytails, or cornrows, make sure that they are not too tight. Go easy on products like mousses and sprays and select options that are safe to use on curly hair.
Use a Wide-Tooth Comb
A wide-tooth comb will help you detangle your hair without damaging the curls. Curly hair grows in units, and it’s essential not to separate them, or else you will lose the twist. It would be best if you rethought the way you are brushing it. Start at the bottom and go up, not the other way around. Remember that you shouldn’t use any force when detangling your hair. If you encounter any troubles, try using oil or conditioner instead. It will reduce the tension between the strands and help you smooth it.
Use Hair Masks
Most of the time, unwanted hair frizz is caused by a lack of moisture. To fix it, you need to incorporate a proper routine. If you want your hair to look healthy and beautiful, you should use hair masks at least once a week. They will restore the moisture and strengthen hair shafts, decreasing the chance of split ends.
If you want to achieve the effect of deep conditioning, you can try making your own DIY mask using honey, coconut oil, argan oil, etc. You can find many simple recipes for hair masks on the Internet that you can make using products you probably already have in your kitchen.
The Bottom Line
Taking care of your hair may seem like a challenge, but honestly, it’s not that hard once you get used to it. Haircare can be an easy and enjoyable process as long as you know what to do. Sure, in the beginning it might be hard, but after a while, you won’t be able to withstand a day without your routine, especially when you see the difference it makes.
If you live with someone who likes caring about their body, you can make a schedule and help yourself. Massaging the scalp will be great for your skin and can also strengthen your bond. Try to make your routine fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment!