Whether you have loose, beachy curls or tight coils, it is incredibly important to take care of your hair! However, those with curly hair, in my opinion, have to take more care of their hair to keep their curls shiny and healthy. Knowing what works best for your hair is usually a case-by-case basis, so I wanted to provide some opinions and options for those who are looking for extra care. For reference, I have type three hair. You can find your hair type here!
- Hair cap
The first on the list that is the most important to me and my hair is a hair cap. It covers your hair when you go to bed so that friction while sleeping doesn’t ruffle your curls. They prevent frizziness, thinning, and breakage (including split ends). You can also use a satin pillowcase for your hair if that’s more your jam, or combine the two.
- Satin or microfiber towel
Following the theme of protecting your hair, a satin or microfiber towel is great for when your hair is wet. Using a regular towel, such as a cotton one, can ruin your curls and cause frizziness or breakage, which we don’t want. There are also some towels that hold a small hook where you can wrap your hair and have it sit atop your head as your hair dries. To make your hair extra bouncy, scrunching your hair with a towel is also great for creating defined curls. If using a towel isn’t your thing, you can also use a diffuser.
- Hair diffuser
A hair dryer diffuser is a pronged addition to a normal hair dryer that is usually meant for curly hair. Instead of drying your hair directly, scrunch your hair into the diffuser. This allows your hair to dry around the prongs and form curls that sit in place!
- Miss Jessie’s
My new favorite product that I have found for curly hair staying in place is Miss Jessie’s. Their Jelly Soft Curls soft gel is perfect for setting your hair and reducing frizziness. Only a small dollop is enough to make your hair shiny and soft. If you think the gel might be a bit too heavy for your hair, I also recommend Miss Jessie’s Multi-Cultural Curls hair lotion. If your hair is anything like mine and isn’t uniform in curl patterns, this hair lotion is great for defining any curl type you have and is less heavy than the gel. This lotion is especially great if you have mixed-heritage hair and it doesn’t align with a specific type of curl type.
- Shea Moisture
Shea Moisture has a wide range of products for your hair, face, and body, but I’m going to be focusing on their shampoos and conditioners. There are many different types of shampoos and conditioners specifically for curly hair, but Shea Moisture is the company that I find works the best for my hair. Their hair care products are usually deeply moisturizing, don’t strip your hair of its natural oils, and aren’t too heavy. My favorite shampoo and conditioner duo is their Coconut & Hibiscus Shampoo and Conditioner as well as their Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo and Conditioner.
This is only a simple list for curly hair care. Another important aspect to think about is hair masques, treatments, oils, etc. Since everyone’s hair is different and products work differently for different people, I won’t be diving into these products, as there are a multitude of them, and it’s best to research them individually to find what works best for you and your hair. I hope this list is helpful and that your hair is healthy and happy!