Table of Contents Show
I. Introduction
Oh, I wish I also had straight and smooth hair and not frizzy curls. This is the thought that passes the mind of all those who deal with rough curls, day in and out. Some can embrace the beauty of curls while most of them are unable to.
Being a person with curly tresses, I understand the pain of handling curls, and here are some easy ways to handle the curly haircare challenges.
The Unique Beauty of Curly Hair
Curly hair has its unique texture and style which sets it apart from straight hair. They can make you look apart from several people who have similar straight and shiny hair.
The beauty of curls lies in their unique texture and look.
Common Misconceptions
Just like the springy texture of curls, the way to manage curls is not so straight and simple. So, let us together solve this curly mystery and conquer the curl conundrum.
Just like others, I have also been heavily influenced by multiple ads and commercials and resorted to trying out several hair products and DIY techniques in an attempt to smoothen my curls. Though I have to honestly admit, being the lazy person I am, I either lose the motivation to keep up a regular hair routine or any kind of hack fails to keep my curls in control.
Embracing Your Natural Curls
Over the years, I have realized that the beauty of hair lies in embracing my curls rather than finding ways to straighten them.
What all curly heads need is patience to understand the texture of our hair and accordingly plan our hair-care routine.
II. Understanding Curly Hair
The first step is to understand the nature of our curls. Are they Type A- wavy or typical Type C- which are coily or hard curls?
Before investing in expensive hair-care products, I advise you to go for samples of shampoos and conditioners and even co-wash to check their impact on your hair.
A. The Science of Curls
Let us begin by understanding why some people have curly hair and why some of them have straight hair. If you are tired of managing your curls, blame it on your hair follicles.
Yes, as they determine the shape of our hair, whether they will be straight or curly.
1. Hair Structure and Shape
The hair structure is made up of multiple layers. The hair root grows deep into the skin on the scalp and extends down to the deeper layers of the skin.
The hair follicle is a sheath of skin that connects the hair to its roots. The shape of the hair follicle determines the shape of your hair whether it will be straight, wavy, or curly.
Talking of curly hair, let us understand why some children inherit curly hair from their parents. Hair, skin, and mucus are part of our DNA, which means we inherit it from our biological parents hence some of our traits are bound to resemble that of our parents.
When it comes to hair, curls are a dominant trait which means if one parent has curly hair while the other parent has straight hair, then the child is likely to inherit curly hair.
2. Types of Curly Hair
In total hair are of 4 types with the first type being straight hair. The rest of the three hair types are based on different degrees of curly texture. Let us take a deep dive into different types of hair from wavy to curly based on the diameter of the curls.
Type 2 Hair
The texture of wavy hair falls is somewhere between straight and curly. They are straight at the roots and form a loop as they go down.
They often are in a lazy S-shaped pattern with slight curls. Wavy hair is often a bit lackluster as compared to straight hair. They are more prone to frizz.
Type 3 Hair
Type 3 hair is curly hair with super defined and springy curls and form ringlets. They have a huge volume.
They often restrict the flow of oil leaving them drier as compared to Type 1 and Type 2 curls.
Type 4 Hair
Often referred to as coiled or kinky hair, Type 4 Hair is the most difficult to manage.
B. Curly Hair Myths Debunked
While curly hair is difficult to handle, there are multiple self-help books and guides to help you manage your curls.
Sometimes, too much information can confuse and also lead to the spreading of lies and misinformation.
1. Natural Oils and Curly Hair
- There are theories that curly hair does not allow the oil to transfer from the scalp to hair roots. Applying oil at hair roots and massaging properly will have to moisturize hair.
- Applying oil to wet hair will help to seal the moisture but it is not scientifically possible as oil and water do not mix.
- Applying hair oil will help to straighten the curls and help in growth. Hair oil and massage help to nourish the scalp and curls, but it will not cause your hair to grow.
- Curly hair can’t be washed in the same way as straight hair. Curly hair should be washed less because it is naturally weaker than other hair types and its texture doesn’t allow your natural oils to travel as easily to the ends.
2. Curly Hair and Washing Frequency
Those with curly hair are often afraid of washing their hair frequently due to fear of post-wash breakage and frizziness.
Hence, the frequency of washing curly hair is often less than straight and silky hair which deals with the issue of oiliness and greasiness if not washed frequently.
So, let us address the queries about how often to wash curly hair.
There are some guidelines for washing curls –
- Type-B, loose curls can be washed two or four times a week.
- Coiled hair can be co-washed weekly, occasionally cleansing shampoo can be used for some deep cleaning.
- If your hair is oily, you can shampoo it every other day. If you have dry hair, you can go even longer between washes – perhaps once a week.
3. Heat Styling vs. Natural Texture
With people having straighteners, curlers, and rollers in their homes, heat styling has become a norm.
Whether it’s a party or just a bad hair day, the heat sets it all fine. Those with dense curls often use straighteners to set their hair right.
Being curly-headed, I often use straighteners to smoothen my curls and then use curlers to give a defined curl look.
While straighteners are a savior to curly-headed, some people prefer to don their natural look. The curls can accentuate your look if you style them right.
Heavy curls falling on both sides of the face can be a dream look for many. However, curls are not always that much in control forcing people to resort to heat-styling which often includes straightening, curling, crimping, and even hair-blowing.
Many times we are concerned about the harmful impact of heat on our hair but often end up doing that to get a perfect look.
In my opinion, heat styling must only be done for those extremely bad hair days or when you need to step out for a party and need a different look.
The rest of the time, you must embrace your curls and look for ways to stylize them as is.
III. The Top Challenges of Curly Haircare
While curly hair comes along with multiple challenges such as dryness, constant entangling, and risks of breakage, one of the major concerns faced by the curly-headed is frizz which comes after shampooing, during humid or moist weather, or due to over-use of hair products.
A. Frizz Management
Many curly-headed people including me often deal with the issue of proper management of curly hair and here is a deep dive into the causes of frizz and its management.
Causes of Frizz
All people have to deal with frizzy hair at some point or other including those with straight hair or those with wavy hair and of course those with curly hair. Let us know what is the reason behind frizzy hair.
Humidity – One of the core reasons is climate. If your hair is exposed to extreme humidity or dryness, even the most straight and silky hair can turn frizzy as both lack of moisture in the air and abundance of it can react with your scalp and alter the proportions of oil in your scalp and also on the surface of hair.
Lack of hair care or over-washing – While it is healthy to keep your hair clean over-washing them using chemical-laden products such as shampoos and conditioners can turn your frizzy. Once must understand the requirements of their respective hair and accordingly use the hair products decide on the frequency of your hair wash.
Towel-drying hair or use of a dryer – Both ways of drying out your hair can turn it frizzy. Wet hair, especially curls is fragile and is prone to breakage or loss their natural oil if rubbed vigorously using a towel.
Hence, it is advised to mildly dry out your hair and let the water dry off in natural air. Excessive use of hair dryers can further turn your hair frizzy as they apply excessive hot air at one go, removing much-required natural moisture on the surface of your hair.
Excess use of hair products – If you are fond of using excess hair products or have to apply too much heat to stylize your hair, then in the long run, your hair can turn frizzy and dry and the use of harmful chemicals hurts your hair.
2. Anti-Frizz Products
While you can control the use of hair dryers and chemicals, you have no control over the exterior conditions such as humidity. Here are my top picks for anti-frizz products.
Frizzy hair requires more than just a decent anti-frizz shampoo. It requires a proper anti-frizz routine including some good oil, shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in cream
Hair Oil – What better fix for frizzy hair than a hot oil massage? If you feel that your hair is acting frizzy a day before an important event, invest in a nice natural element-based oil maybe an olive oil or a coconut oil.
Almond and argan-based oils are also good for hair. What I usually do is, put some drops of all the above oils and make a concoction, heat it a bit, add a sweet fragrance maybe a drop of rosemary oil, and then apply it on the scalp lightly across my curls.
Sulfate frizz-free defy shampoo with Marula Oil – This product by L’oreal Paris is perfect if you are looking for a quick fix for your frizzy hair with some natural elements in the hair product.
If you have frizzy curls and top of that you have dyed them into different colours, then look no further as this can be the best offering for you. It is free of sulfate and paraben, components that often fade out the hair color. Marula oil is known for its antioxidant properties.
Sulfate frizz-free Defy Conditioner by Loreal is a perfect match to the above shampoo. It again consists of Marula oil and is perfect for color-treated hair. It comes along fresh aromatic fragrance leaving a good after-wash smell in your hair.
Leave-in cream – The last step to prep your hair before you go for styling is to apply a good leave-in cream that can keep your hair in place and moisturize and protect it from harmful chemicals present in the hair sprays etc.
You can pick any good leave-in cream whether it is Dream Lenghts Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In or other hair creams available that suit your hair.
B. Moisture Balance
Our hair has a natural layer of moisture. Due to exposure to dirt and air, the natural layer of moisture can get eroded leaving hair rough and dry. Hence, it is important to form a balance of moistness on the surface of hair.
Hair can be both over-moisturized and under-moisturized. Excessive use of leave-in creams in the presence of moisture in the air can lead to oily or frizzy hair and extreme cold weather can lead to frizzy hair.
The right combination of shampoo and conditioners can help you tackle the moisture in your hair.
1. Hydrating Shampoos and Conditioners
Curls tend to restrict the flow of scalp oil from the roots of hair to the ends of hair leaving them dry and brittle. Hence, the use of a hydrating shampoo followed by a hydrating conditioner becomes of utmost importance.
They provide moisture and nourishment to hair while cleaning them. Those with damaged hair can use such products to replenish the lost moisture and luster.
The advantage of hydrating shampoo over cleansing shampoo is they are milder and with an added proportion of moisture, it prevents your hair from getting dry and frizzy post the wash.
If you are concerned about adding more synthetic products to your already damaged tresses you can go for some sulphate-free options.
2. Leave-In Treatments
Damaged hair can’t be repaired in a day or two and requires constant care and protection. The best time to do some hair protection and repair measures.
Leave–in conditioners help to nourish the hair after the wash and ensure less frizziness. In case, you are skeptical about using more chemicals, here are some organic leave-in treatments for hair.
Some of the easy leave-in treatments are –
Coconut oil and herbs – Make a concoction of mildly hot coconut oil, marshmallow root, and some aloe vera and apply it and leave it overnight
Leave-in sprays – Pour aloe vera gel, water, and vanilla extract into a spray bottle and mix. Add sweet almond oil and the coconut oil and honey mixture and mix again. Your leave-in conditioner is ready
C. Curl Definition
How do we define curls? There can be no single definition of curls as they differ in shape and size.
Anything wavy or springy can be mistaken as curly hair but that is not completely right as curls in themselves are of 4 main types
1. Styling Techniques
It is very necessary to style your curls the way they are. Curls are categorized into 3 parts- wavy, curly, and kinky. To style them, you need to first understand your curl type. Also, it is necessary to use some curl-enhancing products to keep the curls defined.
2. Curl-Enhancing Products
While properly stylized curls can give you a dreamy look, not everyone is lucky to get some well-defined curls, hence come the curl-enhancing products. From shampoos to leave-in creams and conditioners, here are some curl-enhancing products.
Davines Love Curl Enhancing Shampoo – This is more of a creamy shampoo that provides elasticity to hair and curls. They also enhance the volume of hair including loose curls.
MoroccanOil Curl Defining Cream – This can be used as a leave-in cream after the hair wash. It can help you enhance the curl pattern manage frizz and enhance shine and smoothness on the surface of your hair.
Wella Eimi Boost Bounce Curl Enhancing Mousse – Once you have stylized your hair, apply this mousse on your loose curls to ensure that they stay in shape till the end of the event.
D. Detangling Curls
Curls mean mess, curls mean roughness, and curls mean dryness. Isn’t it? Hence the major battle for curly-headed like me is to smoothly detangle curls without breakage or pain. Here are some ways to gently detangle your messy curls.
1. Gentle Detangling Methods
Let us start with one simple process to ensure that the tangling of curls can be minimized to a greater level. It is the Pineapple Method which has been explained below.
Use some mild conditioner after the wash, apply them along the lengths of the curls, and slowly detangle them using your fingers and slowly they will get separated.
Some detangling sprays can be applied after unwinding the hair after a tough hairdo.
2. Wide-Toothed Combs vs. Brushes
Another way to detangle curls is by using a wide-toothed comb or brush. When your hair is extremely wet and tangled, always use wide-toothed combs as they will ease out the curls smoothly. They are useful for those with dense curls which cannot be managed by those with fine-toothed combs.
Brushes on the other hand are more suitable while stylising your hair as they give you a nice bounce and fluff to the curls. The bristles help to distribute natural oils throughout the hair, making it shinier and healthier.
IV. The Curly Haircare Routine: Curly Haircare Challenges
If you want healthy curls, then it is important to adopt a regular hair-care routine as curls can’t become healthy and beautiful in a day.
- Regularly use herbal oil before shampooing, to minimize the impact of chemicals.
- Trim hair regularly to avoid split ends.
- Start using curl-specific products including sulfate-free shampoo for curls, conditioners for curly hair, and leave-in cream after the hair wash.
A. Washing and Conditioning
1. Shampooing Strategies –
Many people struggle with frizzy hair following a wash via shampoo. Some of the shampooing strategies that can save you are:
- Use coin-sized shampoo.
- Wet your hair with warm water.
- Rub the shampoo between the two palms to form a thick lather.
- Then starting from the nape.
- Start moving towards the crown.
2. Co-Washing –
While many people follow the routine of washing their hair using shampoo followed by conditioner, co-washing is also gaining popularity among people which involves washing the hair just using conditioner.
B. Styling Tips
1. The Importance of Gel
The gel is important in setting the hair and keeping the hairdo intact. Gel can hold moisture protect the hair and help enhance the shape and texture of hair.
It will also help you to achieve well-defined curls. For those who are struggling with keeping long hair lengthen the hair, wash your hair properly apply some hair gel, and then comb through.
2. Plopping Method:
Plopping is a hair-drying technique that uses a cotton T-shirt, pillowcase, or microfiber towel to dry wet hair. It is a better way to dry out curls than using a towel.
Step 1 – Once the hair is cleaned using shampoo, use some conditioner at the loose ends of the hair
Step 2 – Take a short-sleeve T-shirt or a microfibre towel and place it on a countertop
Step 3 – Gently rest your hair over the towel or shirt
Step 4 – Pull the shirt or towel over the nape of your back cross it towards the front of your head and then flip it gently
Step 5 – Let the towel absorb excess water
Step 6 – After some time, the hair will be dried out without any frizz or entangled curls
3. Diffusing vs. Air Drying
Let us address the elephant in the room. The curls oven end up being frizzy after we air dry them at home and we end up rushing to the salon to get them diffused.
Let us break down the pros and cons of the two methods.
Diffusing: It helps to define curls, gives hair more volume, and is faster than air-drying
Air drying: It helps to give hair a natural finish and eliminates the use of excessive heat on hair
C. Nighttime Care
As much as it is important to take care of hair during this time, it is as important to ensure hair care during the night before you sleep off.
1. Silk Pillowcases – The smooth texture produces less friction against hair and keeps the curls safer at night. It can reduce tangling, frizziness, and breakage.
2. Pineapple Technique – It includes tying our hair into a pony, slipping up a crunchie, and letting the loose hair lose on top of it, resulting in detangled curls in the morning.
V. Overcoming Environmental Challenges
We have discussed ways to handle frizzy hair when exposed to extreme conditions, but what about the environmental challenges that adversely impact the hair?
A. Humidity
Both lack of humidity and excess humidity can damage the curls. Too much humidity can lead to oily hair and even frizzy hair. You can look out for some oil-based products that can add the missing moisture in the hair.
B. Heat and Sun Exposure
Whether you stay indoors or outdoors, you can never escape the impact of heat and sun which can turn your tresses dry and brittle. In the case of curls, it is even worse. There are several sun-protection hair creams, gels, and oils that must be applied before going outdoors. It will help to protect your hair from the impact of heat.
C. Cold Weather
We all dread the cold weather as it lacks moisture in the air, making our hair dry and brittle. Go for some oil-based therapies, avoid over-use of shampoo, and ensure to apply conditioner post the wash.
VI. Growing Healthy Curls: Another curly haircare challenges
Curls are more prone to breakage hence it becomes difficult to maintain the length of hair. Regular oiling and use of curl-friendly shampoos and conditioners can help to grow healthy curls.
A. Trimming and Maintenance
As curls are frizzy, long curls can even turn drier as compared to shorter curls.
1. Preventing Split Ends
To prevent split ends, ensure that you regularly get a haircut or trim your hair to remove dead ends.
Oil your hair regularly to ensure moisture.
Split ends can also occur due to a lack of protein. Incorporate a protein-rich diet
2. How Often to Trim
People often get their hair trimmed when the hair starts growing unevenly but it is recommended to get a haircut every two months to ensure that the curls are well in place.
B. Hair Growth Tips
Despite all the expensive hair products, your curls can become dry and unhealthy.
1. Scalp Health
The most important thing is to focus on scalp health. Ensure a hot oil massage regularly where you apply pressure at the pressure points on the scalp to aid hair growth.
You can also opt for some cleansing shampoos or co-wash to deep clean your scalp.
2. Diet and Nutrition
One thing that we often ignore is having a rich diet full of protein and other required elements. Hair is made up of protein, hence products like curd, fish, and spinach help to fulfil the protein requirement in the body and aid aide the growth of hair.
VII. DIY Curly Hair Treatments
People often are mistaken when they think that curly hair means more expense on hair care and more visits to a salon when they can easily do a hair-care routine right at home.
From making homemade hair masks to extracting some natural oils, here are some quick DIY curly hair treatments.
A. Homemade Hair Masks
It is not required for you to run to a salon as soon as you have to go to a party or you are dealing with a bad hair day. Here are some easy, homemade hair masks to your rescue.
1. Ingredients and Recipes
Banana and olive oil–
Mash the banana in a way that no lump is left. Mix two spoons of extra virgin oil. Depending on the texture of your hair you can also mix coconut milk or coconut oil. Thiswilll turn your hair mask creamier.
Apply the pack using a brush, leave it for around 30 minutes, and cover the hair using a shower cap. Rinse it using cold water, then clean it with a mild shampoo and then a conditioner.
Aloe Vera–
Aloe Vera has moisturizing and refreshing qualities in it. It helps to lock in oil on the surface of the hair and keep it shiny. It is a perfect hair pack ingredient to fix frizzy hair. Take 2 tablespoons of aloe vera and mix it with some honey and curd.
Hibiscus and Fenugreek Hydrating Hair Mask –
The power of this beautiful flower and cooking ingredient fenugreek can do wonders for your hair.
Method:
- Soak the fenugreek seeds overnight in water and blend them with some hibiscus petals.
- The next day blend it along with some yogurt and form a thin paste.
- Take a brush and apply it from the roots to the hair ends.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water after one hour.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Tea Tree Oil Mask
If you are dealing with dry hair and an itchy scalp caused by dandruff, then this hair mask is perfect for you.
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal and disinfectant properties which stimulate dead skin cells and disrupts yeast growth. Further, tree tea oil has its own set of disinfectant properties that deep-clean your scalp and nourish your hair.
Method
- Wash your hair using a shampoo and conditioner and dry them.
- Then take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and add three drops of tea tree oil.
- Enhance the properties of hair masks by using almond oil.
- Dilute the hair pack using a cup of water.
- Then take some mix on your finger and apply it on the scalp and along the length of the air strand.
- Let it stay for 20-15 minutes and then rinse it off.
B. Natural Oils for Curls
Here are some key benefits of applying natural oil on the hair and easy recipes to make them.
1. Benefits and Application
Oil has moisturizing qualities which keep the hair soft and avoid breakage.
Some of its key benefits are –
- Oil can strengthen hair and avoid breakage
- It helps to easily detangle the curls
- Oil helps to protect curls from dust and pollution by enhancing the natural layer of oil
- It gives extra shine to hair
- Sometimes oil is also used for hair styling, and no-grease oils are often used to set the hairdo and give it that extra shine
Tips to apply oil to curly hair –
Curls are often frizzy and entangled, hence making the process of oiling them difficult. Here are quick tips to apply oil to curly hair.
- Curls tend to turn frizzy during nighttime, hence it is the best time to apply oil and then wash them the next morning
- It is advisable to apply oil before shampooing your hair as it would protect them from frizz and dryness caused by shampoos and conditioners
- Especially during the winter, you can apply some leave-in cream before putting oil to the hair for that extra smoothness and shine on the surface of the hair
- You can heat the oil a bit so it gets easily absorbed by the scalp and hair
VIII. Styling Your Curls with Confidence
Don’t worry if you are curly-headed, as some quirky hairstyles suit the curls pretty well.
A. Everyday Curly Hairstyles
If you are an officer-goer, the curls can prove to be an additional task. Here are some easy everyday curly hairstyles.
1. Quick and Easy Looks
Curly Updo – Detangle your curls, then pull them up into a bun and secure them using pins or a band. It helps to add volume and texture to your hair. In case of a party, you can use a jeweled pin.
Curly ponytail – It is a perfect look for the office. Spend some time detangling your curls, then hold the hair and pull it back into a ponytail using your fingers. Secure it using a rubber band.
Curly pixie look – If you have a short pixie look, then brush them lightly and you can add some clip to accentuate the look.
B. Special Occasion Styles
Party time but your curls are just not in the mood to get in shape? Ask me how frustrating it can be. Don’t fret as you have come to the right place.
1. Glamorous Curly Updos
You can opt for a half-up, half-down style, by pulling in some hair and securing it with some clips and letting the other curls stay loose on the shoulders.
Is it a beach party, don’t worry. You can opt for a high bun look, tie some of your hair into a bun, and let the other hair lose
IX. Embracing Your Curls
Now it is time to embrace your curls, don’t run away from them instead accept them the way they are and try finding ways to make them better.
A. Self-confidence and Self-Love
Your hair plays an important role in defining your mood and personality. A good hair can enhance your self-confidence and make you fall in love with you.
B. Connecting with the Curly Hair Community
The curly-headed must make an effort to become a part of the curly-headed community as that would help them to understand the good hair practices followed by others, learn from their mistakes, and share their own experiences with others.
X. Conclusion
Mastering the Art of Curly Haircare
Now that we have learned about various forms of curly hair, tips to maintain their health, and ways to stylize them, we call ourselves a master of curly haircare in the making.
