How To Take Care Of Curly Hair

Written by Anjali Sayee, BTech • Sep 14, 2021

Image: Shutterstock

Anyone with curly hair will know how difficult maintaining it is. Carving out the right hair care routine for curly hair can be a tad bit tricky. This hair type is more prone to frizz and is often coarse. But here is the good news – the right techniques and products can make caring for your curly hair an absolute breeze.

Here, we have discussed the methods you can follow (and what you must avoid) to ensure your curls are shiny, smooth, and intact!

In This Article

How To Take Care Of Your Curly Hair

1. Hot Oil Massages

Hot oil massages will deeply condition your hair and repair it from within. A massage also makes your hair smooth, manageable, and easy to detangle. You can massage with oils of coconut, olive, or almonds. Leave the oil bottle in a bowl of hot water for a few seconds to heat it. You may then use it to massage your hair.

2. Hair Masks

A hair mask helps repair curly hair. It also prevents hair damage and helps define your curls. A store-bought hair mask can be ideal. You may also prepare your own mask at home with eggs, bananas, and yogurt. Mix the ingredients (an egg, a banana, and a bowl of yogurt) and apply the mixture to your hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes and shampoo as usual.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

The acidity of apple cider vinegar closes and flattens out the hair cuticles. This makes your hair smoother and much easier to detangle. Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of lavender oil in a mug of cold water. Pour the mixture over your hair after shampooing. Leave it on for a couple of minutes and rinse with normal water.

4. Deep Conditioning

Curly hair requires extra moisturization. Deep conditioning can help. You can deep condition your hair once every two weeks to add nourishment and moisture. Any deep conditioner with keratin is ideal.

5. Co-washing

Co-washing (skipping the shampoo and washing your hair with a conditioner) can also work wonders. It is also called the ‘no-poo method’, and requires you to condition your hair whenever you wash it. You may use a mild, clarifying, sulfate-free shampoo once a week. Avoid conditioners with silicones (avoid any ingredient that ends with ‘-cone’) as they will merely coat your hair and cause build-up.

6. Air Drying

Blow dryers rob your curly hair of its moisture. You can instead apply some leave-in conditioner after stepping out of the shower, dry your hair with a microfiber towel, and let it air dry.

7. Moisturize

Moisturizing regularly keeps your curls healthy and shiny. It also makes detangling easy.

8. Less Product

Be it a serum, gel, mousse, or a leave-in conditioner – try to use as little of the product as possible. Applying too much of any product will weigh your curls down and lead to product build-up.

9. Less Use Of Heat Styling Tools

Flat irons, curling irons, and blow-dryers dehydrate and damage your curls. Frequent use of these tools can ruin the shape of your curls and cause split ends. Do not use them more than once a month.

There are a few specific products that work magic on curly hair. The best part is that once you find the products that work best for your curls, you do not have to change them for a long time. We have listed a few such products below.

What Are The Best Products For Curly Hair?

1. Satin Pillowcase

Cotton pillowcases cause excess friction and cause hair breakage. Satin pillowcases, on the other hand, are smooth and eliminate frizz from your hair.

2. Diffuser

Blow-drying curly hair is not ideal. But if you still want to proceed, use one with a diffuser attachment. A diffuser helps maintain the shape and definition of your curls.

3. Wide-toothed Comb

A wide-toothed comb is preferable for your curls to a hairbrush. Hairbrushes can mess your curls and disturb their definition. But a wide-toothed comb will keep your curls intact and even ease the detangling process.

4. Mild Shampoo

Shampoos free of sulfates, silicones, and parabens work great for curly hair. But shampoos with these ingredients can keep the natural hair oils from penetrating your hair shaft, leading to hair damage. Opt for a mild, natural shampoo for your curls.

5. Microfiber Towel

Regular towels are not ideal for curly hair. They may amp up the frizz and cause breakage. A microfiber towel is much gentler and is a suitable alternative. You may also use a cotton T-shirt.

Certain habits can damage your curly hair, and you are better off without them. We have listed the same below.

What Not To Do If You Have Curly Hair

1. Avoid Washing Your Hair Every Day

Washing your hair every day can strip its natural oils. You may wash your hair twice or thrice a week.

2. Avoid Ponytails

Constantly pulling your curly hair into a ponytail may strain it and cause breakage. You can instead try hairstyles that put less stress on your curls.

3. Avoid Taking Down Your Style Until Dry

Wait for your hair to go completely dry before you take down a hairstyle. Your hair may become frizzy otherwise.

Curly hair is a blessing! But it sure does come with its own unique challenges. However, with the right habits and products, maintaining it does not have to be a task anymore. Start taking care of your curly hair today. Being a little proactive can go a long way in boosting your hair health (and your self-esteem).

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you wash your curly hair?

Washing your curly hair 1 to 3 times a week is ideal. Use a natural, moisturizing shampoo to wash your hair.

How to dry curly hair?

Air drying is always preferable. However, if you are in a hurry, a blow-dryer with a diffuser should be fine.

Should you detangle curly hair every day?

No, detangling your curls every day is not a good idea. You can detangle them once a week.

How can I sleep without damaging my curls?

Using a satin pillow will protect your curls from damage.

What does a mousse do for curly hair?

A hair mousse helps define your curls and eliminates frizz.

How To Take Care Of Curly Hair