Table of Contents Show
I. Introduction
Hey my curly ladies,
I can very well understand the struggle you face every day, to take care of your curls. I too have curly hair, and it took me so many years to understand, how to care for the curls and embrace its natural texture. Curly hair people often keep getting comments and suggestions on their curls. And this makes us feel, that our hair is not good. The best thing is to use Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner.
But believe me, when I am saying that we curly women are blessed with curls. First of all, we can style our curls into straight and can also leave them as it is. On the other hand, straight haired people, have tuff time styling into curls.
With the perfect curling products like curly haired shampoo and conditioner, serum, leave-in conditioner and styling crème. You can style your curls the way you want. Using good, chemical free product on your curls helps you to moisturize and keep your curls hydrated.
So, follow with me to understand the curly hair and how to take care of them-
II. Understanding Curly Hair
Today, I am here to celebrate the natural wonder of curl. It is very necessary, that you understand your curl pattern. Curly hair comes in a wide spectrum, according to the diameter of your curls. Your curls can range from wavy (type 2) to curly (type 3) to tightly coiled spirals (type 4).
It is good to take care of your curls according to your hair type. Many times we see that curly hair people, style their curls always. But, if you let loose your curls in their original form, it will give you an amazing look.
Apply a leave-in conditioner or leave-in crème to define your curls and then let loose your curls to flourish.
The Science behind Curly Hair
You might be wondering, that why are some hair curly and some straight. Technically all the hair structure is same, curls and straight are being decide later on.
Each hair is made up of three layers- the medulla, the cortex and the cuticle.
Hair grows out of follicles and then the distribution of protein decides the hair structure. If the distribution of protein is even, then it will be a straight hair. But, if the distribution of protein is uneven, then it becomes a curly hair.
The curly hair also depends a lot on genetics also. Your genetic code plays a great role in shaping the cortex.
Since the protein does not reach till the end hair, curly hair tends to be drier, which makes it frizzy.
III. Choosing the Right Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner
Well, we all know how necessary shampoo is for removing dirt and impurities from our hair. But, it is also necessary to understand the actual role of shampooing our curls.
Most people, believe that shampooing everyday will help to keep their hair clean and prevent build-up. But it is also true that shampooing daily, will make your curls look lifeless and dull.
Therefore, it is better to shampoo your hair once or twice a week. So that, the natural oil from your hair does not get strip away. Also, if you wash your curls more frequently, they cause a tight feeling on the scalp.
And if you do not wash them at all, the curls will appear greasy and limp. So, it is very necessary to maintain a balance between washing of curls.
A shampoo designed specifically for curly hair will always benefit your curl. It will keep the scalp clean, make your curls soft, shiny and smooth too.
Let’s understand what type of ingredients should we and what ingredients to avoid look in curly hair shampoo-
- Sulfates-
Sulfates are the chemicals found in detergents and soap. They have a great cleansing property. Sulfates provide rich lather, when you wash your hair. But at the end, it leads to dryness, and roughness in the hair.
Therefore, Sulfates are a strict no-no when it comes to curly hair shampoo. They get stick in the hair strands and do not let it breathe.
- Formaldehyde-
You must have heard about this ingredient. It is used in beauty products, to increase its shelf life. Formaldehyde, can cause irritation in the scalp and also result in hair loss. Curly hair is already on drier side, using this chemical ingredient would make it more dry.
- Parabens-
Another harsh chemical Paraben, is a preservative which causes irritation. They are mostly used in cosmetics to avoid any microbial contamination. Curly hair is very fragile. Using paraben loaded shampoo will result in hair loss and irritation in the scalp.
- Silicones-
Silicones are mostly found in conditioners. They form a coating on the hair strands and make it soft and smooth. Silicones are helpful in locking moisture and preventing frizz. But using too much of Silicones, can cause too much of coating on hair and finally making it dry.
- Alcohols-
There are two types of alcohols-drying alcohol and fatty alcohol. Fatty alcohols are good and make the hair strands soft and smooth. On the other hand, drying alcohol irritate the scalp and damages curly hair cuticles.
- Salicylic Acid-
Yes, I know what you might be thinking, that salicylic acid is used to treat acne. You are right- Salicylic acid not only treats acne, but is also effective in treating dandruff. It helps to remove excess oil from scalp and hair. But in curly hair, it can make it drier.
Ingredients to Look Curly Hair Shampoo
- Shea Butter-
We all know how moisturizing and hydrating shea butter is. It helps to lock the moisture in hair and works on overall dryness of hair.
- Jojoba-
Jojoba oil is very effective for both oily and dry scalp. It helps to balance the oil production in scalp. Jojoba helps to nourish the scalp and lock the moisture in hair.
- Aloe Vera-
Since centuries, aloe vera has been used for healing purpose. It helps to condition the hair and enhance the blood flow in the scalp. Aloe vera helps to offer natural conditioning in hair.
Argan oil is an essential oil, which helps to lock the moisture in hair, reduce frizziness and give your curls an extra glow.
- Hyaluronic Acid-
This ingredient is very effective both in skin care and in hair care. Hyaluronic acid helps to deal with frizziness. It softens the hair cuticles and increases water absorption.
- Coconut Oil-
Well, since childhood we know how effective coconut oil is. Its anti-inflammatory property, helps to moisturize and smooth the curls. Coconut oil helps to condition the scalp and give your dry hair a super glossy look.
- Glycerin-
Glycerin helps to bind with water, which is present in air. It reduces frizz and gives you a shiny curl.
IV. Picking the Perfect Conditioner
Conditioner is one of the most important curly hair product. No curly hair woman should wash their hair even once without conditioner. Curly hair are tend to be coarse and brittle. Their natural texture is of drying. Therefore, keeping your curls moisturized is one of the most important thing.
You should apply conditioner to your hair 20-30 minutes before washing your hair with shampoo. Yes, I agree this will be a different technique. But doing so, will protect your hair from getting dry and will form a covering on your hair strands.
After applying conditioner before shampoo, you can wash it and then apply shampoo and conditioner in the same old way. This will help to keep your curls soft and smooth.
Deep Conditioning for Deeper Curls
Once in a while deep conditioning is good for your curls. It helps to quench and hydrate your curls, and also keep your curls bouncy and fresh. Deep conditioning is done every once a week, or every fortnight. This helps to keep your curls defined and also repair your hair cuticles.
Wondering how deep conditioning is done? It simply means, to leave your conditioner longer than your regular conditioner. Leaving conditioner for long, means more moisture and goodness to your hair.
For deep conditioning, it is good to use clarifying shampoo, so that the conditioner is easily penetrable and gets absorbed properly. Use a deep conditioning product, which is rich in moisturizing ingredients like glycerine, shea butter and natural oils.
You should apply a considerable amount of conditioner when it comes to deep conditioning.
V. The Curly Hair Care Routine
Finding a good shampoo and conditioner brand for your curly hair is ok, but shampooing your hair properly is very necessary. Half of the hair problem arrives, because the hair is not cleaned properly.
- First wet your hair properly.
- Take the chemical free, curly hair shampoo and put some water in it. Do not apply shampoo directly on your scalp.
- Once your shampoo is mixed with water. Apply it on your scalp, do not apply it on your end hair. Massage shampoo properly on your scalp.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Remove the excess water from hair. Take conditioner in your hair and apply it on your hair strands. Do not apply conditioner on your scalp.
- Entangle your hair with the help of comb.
- Leave the conditioner on your hair for 5 minutes.
- Wash it off with cold water.
- After you have towel-dried your hair, apply leave-in conditioner on the sections of your hair. This will keep your hair moisturized.
Also, it is necessary to know about the frequency.
- Shampooing your hair once or twice a week is good.
- Applying hair mask once a week.
Bonus points-
- Blotting your hair after washing, so that, excess water is removed.
- Do not rub your hair excessively, this leads to friction and then to hair fall.
- Always use a wide-toothed comb to de-tangle your hair.
- Whatever products you wish to apply, apply it when your hair is wet.
VI. Brands for Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner
1. SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Shampoo-
Another super hydrating and super moisturizing shampoo which is loaded with shea moisture and coconut oil. It stays away from all the chemical ingredients like sulfates, parabens and mineral oil. Using this shampoo will give you soft, smooth and hydrated curls. It adds shine to the curl and make them frizz-free.
Features:
- Helps to enhance elasticity
- Repair damaged hair
- No chemical ingredients
2. Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo-
This brand very well knows what curly hair needs and that is hydration and moisture. And it works only on that. The product is designed to clean the scalp and leave all the unnecessary ingredients like sulfates, paraben, silicone and mineral oil away from the curls.
Features:
- Helps to rehydrate the curls
- Gently cleanse the curls
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Adds moisturization
3. Kérastase Curl Manifesto-
Every curly hair woman, has heard about this expensive but totally worth it Curl Manifesto shampoo. It provides deep hydration to curls along with maintaining the texture of it. Infused with the goodness of Manuka honey and ceramides, the shampoo gently clarifies the impurities and provide long lasting hydration.
Features:
- Made with plant based protein
- Nourishes hair strands
- Smoothens and softens hair
- Replenishes moisture in the curls
4. Moroccan Oil Hydrating Shampoo-
As the name suggest, it is filled with Moroccan oil which provides immense hydration to the hair. The shampoo provides a perfect balance between hydration and cleaniness. Along with Moroccan oil, the shampoo is packed with argan oil which takes care of hair smoothening.
Features:
- Provides immense moisturization
- Helps to softens cuticles
- Promotes healthy looking hair
Budget-Friendly Options for Curly Shampoo
1. Fix My Curls Shampoo-
As the name suggests, this shampoo helps to fix your curls and make it defined, tangle-free and soft. It has designed a full 5 step fix my curls process- where you start with using clarifying shampoo, then moisturizing shampoo, followed by conditioner. After you have towel-dried your hair, you apply leave-in conditioner and then styling gel.
Believe me, following the above steps will make you fall in love with your curls.
Features:
- Helps to promote curls
- Gives hair a shine
- Helps to prevent dandruff
- Moisturizes dry scalp
2. Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Curl Care Shampoo-
Best budget-friendly option for curly hair. Formulated with keratin amino acid, rice and enzymes this curly hair shampoo helps to define the curls properly and keep it soft and smooth. It helps to moisturize the hair and also smell nice.
Features:
- Enhances curls
- Lightweight
- Controls frizz
- Chemicals-free
3. OGX Quenching + Coconut Curls Shampoo-
I have used this shampoo, when I first started taking my curls seriously. The best thing about the shampoo is its coconut fragrance and the way it keeps your curls soft and smooth. This sulfate and paraben-free shampoo is gentle on hair and removes all impurities.
Features:
- Helps in easy detangle of hair
- Gives curls full bounce
- Enhances hydration
- Makes curls soft and smooth
4. Maui Moisture Curl Quench Shampoo-
This clarifying shampoo is a perfect blend of magical ingredients like aloe vera, papaya extract, coconut oil and coconut milk. They help to enhance the beauty of curls and provide the strands a dose of nourishment. Being sulfate-free, it helps to hydrate and keep the curls frizz-free.
Features:
- Anti-frizz shampoo
- Protects curls
- 100% vegan shampoo
- Helps to hydrate curls
VII. DIY Curly Hair Care
Homemade Shampoo and Conditioner Recipes
1. DIY Shampoo Bar-
Well, making homemade shampoo bar is a bit trickier than making a liquid shampoo. But this is also true, that shampoo bar is much travel-friendly.
How to make:
- Take 1 cup castile melt and pour soap.
- Put it in boiler, to melt the soap.
- Add 1 tsp. of olive oil
- ½ tsp. of castor oil
- 15 drops of vanilla essential oil
- 15 drops of patchouli essential oil
- Mix the ingredients properly.
- Pour the solution into mold and wait for 24 hours.
2. DIY Clarifying Shampoo-
Clarifying shampoo are made for deep cleans. They help to remove all the product build-up which is caused by using hair care products like hair spray and hair mousse.
How to make:
- Take 2 cups of water
- Add 3-4 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar
- Mix them in a bottle
- Add few drops of essential oils like tea tree oil and lavender oil.
- Pour all the ingredients into a shampoo bottle.
- Shake it well before use.
- Use the shampoo on your wet hair.
3. Natural Shampoo-
This is a very simple recipe, and you can make it with your own favorite scent.
How to make:
- Take ½ cup liquid Castile Soap.
- Add ½ tbsp. of grapeseed and jojoba oil.
- And mix all the ingredients in ¼ cup distilled water.
- Store the shampoo in a bottle.
- Use it by tilting the bottle.
4. Moisturizing Shampoo-
As the name suggests, the ingredients of the shampoo will be the one which helps to moisturize the hair and keep it hydrated.
How to make:
- Take ¼ cup liquid Castile Soap
- Add ¼ cup of aloe vera gel
- 1 tbsp. of glycerin
- ¼ tsp. of jojoba oil
- Mix all the ingredients together and store it in a bottle.
- Use it on your hair and rinse it with cold water.
5. Dandruff Shampoo Recipe-
Dandruff can affect the strength of hair. It makes the scalp very dry and itchy. To remove dandruff, try this DIY Dandruff Shampoo.
How to make:
- Take ¼ cup liquid Castile Soap
- Add ½ tbsp. of jojoba and grapeseed oil
- 1 tbsp. of ACV
- 3 tbsp. of apple juice
- And 6 finely ground cloves.
- Mix all the ingredients in a small grinder
- Store it in a bottle.
Homemade Hair Masks for Curly Hair
1. Yogurt and Banana Hair Mask-
Yogurt is very effective for dry curly hair. It nourishes them with protein, fight against dandruff and clears the scalp. Banana on the other hand, moisturizes the hair strand, provides shine and help in hair growth.
DIY Hair Mask:
- · Take 1 banana and mash it.
- · Add half a cup of yogurt.
- · Few drops of lemon juice
- · And 2 tbsp. of honey.
- · Mix all the ingredients together
- · Apply the mask on your hair.
- · Let it dry for 20 minutes.
- · Wash it off with lukewarm water.
2. Coconut milk and Egg Mask-
You must have seen many hair mask with coconut oil. Well, coconut milk too has several potential benefits. It is loaded with minerals, fatty acids and vitamins. It helps to moisturize and hydrate the hair and also prevent hair loss.
DIY Hair Mask:
- Take 1 egg yolk and whisk it properly.
- Add 1 tbsp. of honey.
- 1 tbsp. of olive oil and
- 1 tbsp. of coconut milk.
- Mix all the ingredients together.
- Apply the mask on your hair strands
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
3. Milk and Egg Mask-
A simple yet a magical mask. Milk is rich in iron, potassium and fats. It helps to nourish the scalp and hair follicles. Milk helps to moisturize the curls and keep it soft and smooth.
Egg is loaded with vitamin A, E and folate. It keeps hair healthy.
DIY Hair Mask:
- Take 1 Egg and whisk it properly.
- Add ½ cup of milk in it.
- If you do not like the smell of egg, you can add few drops of essential oil.
- Mix the ingredients together and make a hair mask.
- Apply the mask on your hair strands and roots.
- Wash it off with cold water.
4. Avocado and Olive Oil Mask-
Avocado and Olive oil both are natural ingredients, which give immense benefit to curly hair. Olive oil provides immense moisture, reduces hair breakage and split ends too.
DIY Hair Mask:
- Take 1 ripe avocado and mash it.
- Add 1 tbsp. of olive oil and honey in it.
- Also, add ½ cup of coconut milk.
- Mix all the ingredients
- Apply the mask on your hair and let it dry.
- Wash it off with normal water.
VIII. Troubleshooting Common Curly Hair Issues
Some of the common curly hair problems are-
- Frizz-
This is one of the major problem for every type of curly hair. Be it type 2a,3a or 4c every curly hair type is dry and frizzy. The slight humidity in weather, and the hair will become unruly and frizzy.
- Tangles-
Well, this seems to be a very simple problem, but tangled hair is a nightmare for curly hair. It is very difficult to untangle curly hair. Therefore, to avoid tangles, brush them up when you apply conditioner.
- Roughness-
Curly hair which is dry and frizzy, will end up becoming rough too. Hair cuticles get open due to humidity. Using a moisturizing shampoo will keep the hair strands soft and smooth.
- Not Enough Growth-
Curly hair grows at a slower rate than normal hair. Or we can also tell, that due to curls one is not able to see the proper hair growth. Giving your curls hot oil massages before washing your hair, will keep them hydrated and moisturized which will lead to good hair growth.
Dealing with Dryness and Damage
1. Always use a wide toothed wooden comb to avoid friction and frizz.
2. One of the easiest thing to do is to deep cleanse the hair and condition it properly.
3. If you are not satisfied with a product, it is a suggestion that try one new product per wash, so that you can easily analyse which product does not suit your hair.
4. Do not use too many products on your curls. Just the one which are extremely necessary like shampoo, conditioner and leave-in conditioner.
5. Give yourself time, means every product will take some time to show result on curly hair. So, you need to be patient and let the products do their work.
6. To avoid frizziness and define your curl properly, try using diffuser. Diffuser will dry your hair, without making frizzy. It will also define your curls properly.
7. You need to understand the importance of homemade hair mask and also which ingredients are necessary for your curls.
8. Try using sample sizes of the product you want to try.
9. It will be good if you could get an analysis of your hair type.
IX. Beyond Shampoo and Conditioner
Styling Tips for Curly Hair
There are some tips, through which you can style your curly hair-
- Comb your hair, when they are wet and comb them from bottom to up. Always use wide-toothed wooden comb.
- It is necessary to deep condition your hair once a week, this will keep your hair hydrated and moisturized.
- Dry your hair with t-shirt or microfiber towel to avoid frizz and dryness,
- Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks, will give your hair a new fresh hair growth and will also reduce split ends.
- Protect your curls in night by tying them up loosely. Also, it is good to use satin pillowcases, to prevent tangles and frizz.
- Use a hair diffuser, to add volume to your curls and make them bouncy.
With the above tips, you will be able to control your curls and style them the way you want. You can style your curls in following hairstyles-
1. The Classic Updo-
One of the most common and easy hairstyle for curly hair.
- Let your hair dry. Apply a serum and then tie your hair into a ponytail.
- Make two sections of ponytail. Wrap the sections around the base of the hair to tie them into a bun.
- If you find any flyaways, you can use a hair spray to settle them down.
2. Side Braid-
Another amazing hairstyle, braids have always been in the trend.
- Deep part your hair into two sections.
- Start braiding your hair by doing three sections of your hair.
- Braid your hair one end till other.
3. Ultra-High Ponytail-
Ponytails are very common hairstyle, but trying ultra-high ponytail will give you a different look. It will make your curls look more defined.
- Get your hair together at the crown of your head.
- Tie the hair with the rubber band.
- Use bobby pins to secure the flyaways.
Additional Products to Enhance Your Curls
Wella Eimi Boost Bounce Curl Enhancing Mousse-
This is one of the best mousse for 2b hair. 2b hair are wavy and frizzy types, this mousse with a nourishing formula help to moisturize and hydrate the hair. It makes the curls well defined.
Moroccan Oil Curling Cream-
Moroccan oil curling cream is one of the best brand when it comes to curls. It is lightweight and nourishes the curls very effectively. The cream also helps in getting rid of split ends.
Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie-
Above you must have seen how effective shea moisture is for your hair. With this curl enhancing smoothie, you can style your hair in any way you want. It nourishes the tresses and helps to repair any cuticle damage.
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Feather Light Styling Cream-
Another amazing styling cream, for wavy hair. Whenever you try to style a wavy hair, it becomes frizzier. By applying this styling cream, which is rich in glycerine, soybean oil and olive oil you tame the frizz and add moisture in the hair.
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-in Defining Crème-
This is one of the best defining curl crème, it helps to define the curls and also moisturizes the hair. The crème also keeps the curls humidity-proof. Formulated with rice amino acids and avocado oil, the crème is lightweight and does not feel sticky.
AG Care Curl Re:Coil Curl Activator-
This is one of the best styling gel for curly hair. It helps to moisturize the hair and also strengthens it. Just apply a small amount of gel on the damp hair and then you can style your curls the way you want.
X. The Curly Hair Community
Curly hair people has a world of their own. Due to their unique characteristics and charm, they tend to make everyone fall in love with them. No matter you have bouncy curls, tight coils or curly hair, you should embrace your hair and cherish them.
We all know the main difference between curly and straight hair is about their texture. Straight hair is sleek, while curly hair has a S or Z shape. You can style your curls the way you want. Each curl has a unique characteristic and adds a unique look to your personality.
Styling your curl is totally different from styling your straight hair, frequent use of styling tools on your curls can make them dry and frizzy. So, always use heat resistant cream and styling cream to protect your curls.
Understanding and embracing your curl texture helps to celebrate the uniqueness of it.
XI. Conclusion
So, above are some of the ways through which you can take care of your curls. Curly hair are difficult to take care off, but once they are taken care off there is nothing more beautiful than your curly hair.
Using right products and right methods, you can easily embrace your curly hair and enhance its natural texture. Every hair is different, there is a scientific reason behind why curly hair is dry and frizzy. Applying products like leave-in conditioner, leave-in crème and styling gel, you can easily take care of your curls and style them the way you want.
Celebrate with us the unique beauty of curly hair and let’s come together as curly hair community and empower every curly hair individual.
How do you take care of your curly hair?
