Growing up with curly hair was a struggle. I had plenty of days where I wished I was like the other girls in class with effortless shiny waves or straight hair. It sometimes felt like I was the odd one out. I had no idea how to properly care for my hair at a young age. I always wished I could just blow dry my hair straight and it could stay like that forever (except straightening my hair was at least a 2-hour process). As I’ve grown older, I finally understand the proper care and products my hair needed all along. Every curly girl (or boy) is different, so products and hair care may differ from person to person!
Learn Your Curl Pattern!
All curls are different! There are different curl patterns and textures that can go from tight curls to loose curls, kinky curls, wavy curls and more. Curl patterns go by number: 1/2A hair is on the straighter side, 2B & 3A curls tend to be wavy, 3B curls are a mix of wavy and curly, 3C hair is tight curls, and 4A/B/C hair are considered kinky, super tight curls! My curls are pretty thick and heavy, but sometimes fall into loose waves. Therefore, I would consider my curl pattern to be between 3B and 3C. It is important to learn your curl pattern so that experimenting with products are a bit easier!
EXPERIMENT WITH PRODUCTS!
Finding the right products for my hair helped me immensely during my hair journey. I found that some brands did not work as well as others. I learned that certain ingredients are NOT good for your curls! For example, sulfates! Sulfates dehydrate curls and strip them of natural oils. Since curly hair dries out much faster than straight hair, sulfates tend to create an increased amount of dryness. Damage from sulfates, silicones, and parabens can lead to breakage or split ends! Next time you’re at your local drug store or beauty supply, try out some sulfate-free products!
Some products are more lightweight than others, so those might work better for looser, less heavy curls.On the other hand, a product with thick, moisturizing agents may not work on loose, wavy or straight hair as it could weigh down the hair. For my hair, leave-in conditioners and moisturizing creams/gels tend to work best for keeping my curls maintained throughout the day. Using deep conditioners or hair masks in the shower are great for all hair types as well!
There are lots of natural products and remedies that are beneficial towards curls. Coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, mayonnaise, and even egg whites can be beneficial to all hair types. Coconut oil and olive oil can provide deep moisture and prevent breakage. I like to apply coconut oil to damp hair and leave it in for about 30 minutes to an hour, rinse it out and continue to wash with shampoo and conditioner like normal.
SATIN IS SEXY!
Discovering satin was a game-changer! I used to always wake up with major “bed head”, and it wasn’t until recently that I realized that there are ways to manage your frizzy morning curls. Satin bonnets, hair scarves or even pillowcases are so beneficial for curly hair! Fabrics like cotton pillowcases tend to cause curly hair to frizz, whereas a soft and silky material like satin actually does the opposite. The softness of satin retains the moisture in curls, leaving them less unruly in the mornings. I recently invested in a satin pillowcase, and not only does it help my curls stay soft, but it also improves my skin in the morning! There are also satin sleep bonnets and hair scarves that can be worn during the night.
It’s hard to figure out the right path to go on in your hair journey, since all hair types are so different. Some prefer to blow dry their curls to keep them managed and out of the way, which is also a great option! Finding what works for you is important towards gaining that self-love and care your hair deserves.