Mastering Curls: The Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Healthy Curly Hair
Mastering Curls: The Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Healthy Curly Hair
Curly hair is amazing - full of bounce, personality and movement. But if you’ve got curls, you’ll know they can sometimes have a mind of their own. One day they’re perfect, the next day… frizz city. The good news is that with a few simple habits, you can keep your curls healthy, defined and much easier to manage.
Here are some of the biggest do’s and don’ts when it comes to caring for curly hair.
Don’t Comb Your Hair Dry
Brushing or combing curly hair when it’s dry is one of the quickest ways to create frizz and break up your curl pattern. If your hair needs detangling, do it in the shower with conditioner in your hair using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
Don’t Wash Your Hair Too Much
Curly hair tends to be naturally drier because the natural oils from the scalp don’t travel down the curls as easily. Washing every day can strip away those oils. Most curly hair types are happier being washed two or three times a week.
Do Diffuse, Don’t Blast with the Hairdryer
If you’re using a hairdryer, attach a diffuser. It spreads the airflow more gently so your curls can dry without being blown around and turning into a frizzy mess. Keep the heat and speed low for the best results.
Don’t Buy Hair Products Without Reading the Ingredients
Not all hair products are curly-hair friendly. Products full of harsh alcohols or heavy silicones can dry curls out or weigh them down. Look for hydrating ingredients like natural oils, shea butter and proteins to help support your curl pattern.
Don’t Sleep with Wet Hair
Going to bed with wet curls might seem harmless, but it can lead to tangling, breakage and flattened curls in the morning. Let your hair dry fully before sleeping if you can.
Do Start Deep Conditioning
A weekly deep conditioning treatment can make a huge difference to curly hair. It helps restore moisture, improve shine and keep curls soft rather than dry and brittle.
Do Try the Plopping Method
Plopping is a great trick for enhancing your natural curl pattern. After washing and applying your styling products, wrap your hair in a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel. This helps encourage defined curls while reducing frizz.
Do Use Satin or Silk
Cotton pillowcases can rough up the hair cuticle overnight. Switching to a satin or silk pillowcase (or wrapping your hair in a silk scarf) helps reduce friction and keeps curls smoother.
Reid, one of the stylists at Chalk Hair Salon, is particularly brilliant when it comes to cutting and caring for natural curls.
The biggest secret with curly hair? Work with your curls, not against them. Once you understand what your hair needs, your curls can become your best feature.
Ready to Love Your Curls?
If you’re not sure what your curls need, the best place to start is with a professional consultation. We can look at your curl pattern, hair condition and styling routine to help you get the very best out of your natural hair.