Table of Contents Show
I. Introduction
Hey curly ladies, how are you? And how are your curls? These are the two question which are very rarely asked to the curly ladies. Curly hair have never been too welcoming in the society. And if this curly hair is in Indian society then there are more negative comments about your curls then positive. So, How to take care of Indian Curly hair?
I can say that, because I too am Indian with curly hair. I used to face a lot of comments on my curly hair. And every salon I visit, they would just recommend me one thing, straighten your hair.
But a hair strand is not just a hair on your head or scalp, they mean more than that. A hair strand represents our personality, they give us a unique look and I believe we should embrace them the way they are.
Curly hair is divided into three categories and every category is sub divided into other three categories. You might feel that since curly hair is frizzy, people are not able to manage. I agree, but frizz is one of the main characteristic of curly hair. And it can be tackled with right steps and right tools.
So, today in this blog you will unlock the beauty of Indian curly hair and how to embrace natural curls.
II. Understanding Indian Curly Hair
A. Hair Typing and Curl Patterns
Type 2: Wavy-
This is a natural wavy hair. The main characteristic of wavy hair is, it remains straight when wet and curls back when hair gets dry. It is not all curly, it gives your hair a wavy look.
This section is further classified into type 2a, 2b and 2c.
Type 3: Curly-
Curly hair makes your hair into corkscrews. When your hair is wet, it will give you a curly feeling and after it is dried, it will swirl up. This hair type is frizzy and needs product to keep the curls defined.
Curly hair is further classified into type 3a, 3b and 3c.
Type 4: Kinky-
If you have seen coil like hair structure, then it is the kinky hair for you. This hair type has tightly shaped curls. When they are wet, you will see them longer and as they dry up they coil up and make your hair look shorter.
Its further classification is into type 4a, 4b and 4c.
B. The Science of Curly Hair
Hair Structure
When I was small, I used to wonder why some hair is straight and some curly. What could be the reason, and used to be imaginative. Well, now I know. The reason is the shape of fiber and follicle.
Basically, all hair structure is same be it straight hair or curls. The change comes in the distribution of keratin. Curly hair becomes curls due to uneven distribution of keratin.
Now, we know that curly hair is divided into three types- wavy, curly and kinky. This classification is due to the distribution of keratin and hair porosity.
Growth Cycle
All my curly ladies and girls will agree with me in this, when I say that curly hair has to grow a lot to see any visible change. Yes, the reason we cannot see small growth in curly hair is due to the swirled up characteristics of hair.
A curly hair has to grow up to 30% to see any visible changes and this percentage varies according to the hair type.
There are four phases of hair growth and each phase has its own timeline-
• Anagen or Growing phase– This phase lasts upto 3-5 years and it mostly depends on your genes. At any time, you can find most of your hair into anagen phase.
• Catagen or Transition phase- This phase can last upto 10 years. Hair growth is very slow in this phase.
• Telogen or Resting phase- Your hair comes at rest in this phase. Resting phase lasts for upto 3 months.
• Exogen or Shedding phase- When your hair has matured its growth cycle, then it’s time to shed. You can lose upto 50-100 hair per day, and it is normal.
C. Historical Perspective on Indian Hair
Traditional Haircare Practices
Well, if we look into past then traditional haircare practice for any type of hair was very different from today. Our ancestors or our grandma’s used to believe in natural things.
• They used to wash their hair from the natural ingredients available like reetha, shikakai and black soil. All these ingredients have their own benefits and works to strengthen your hair and promotes hair growth.
We can see how beautiful our dadi and nani’s hair used to be and they are still long and healthy.
• Oiling was their best remedy, and it is even now. They used to oil their hair properly once or twice a week. Oil helps to moisturize hair and take care of hair roots.
Well, we cannot forget the homemade remedies they used to do. And I believe, that this DIY hair treatments has come from our ancestors. Or else, in today’s time we have got readymade hair masks.
• Traditional remedies used to nourish hair and condition them.
Well, we can agree that traditional method of hair care was very good, as they used to rely on natural ingredients. But, I also believe that during those days environment was clean and there was not much stress.
But in today’s time, we just cannot rely on these ancient techniques, we need to use products and have a different approach for our hair care.
Cultural Significance
In India, hair has a lot of cultural significance.
• First, the birth hair is removed or cut down to free the child from the past birth.
• Hair holds a cultural significance, you must have heard people give their hair in some of the temple, as a sign of devotion.
• Long hair is preferred in India.
• Like in Sikh culture, it is forbidden to cut hair both for men and women, they cherish their hair and wear the turban with utmost proud.
• When there is a death in Indian family, in some culture to express their grief and sorrow, they shave their head.
III. Common Hair Challenges– How to take care of Indian Curly Hair
A. Frizz and Humidity
Curly hair being frizzy is a normal thing. The reason for curly hair to be frizzy is the dryness they have to deal with, which results in frizzy hair.
Humidity is another factor, which affects curly hair a lot. It is difficult to predict Indian weather, but one thing is for sure that is humidity. You face a lot of humidity in India, and humidity worsens the hair quality.
Due to humidity, moisture gets absorbed in the hair, causing it to swell and difficult to style.
B. Dryness and Hydration
Another haircare challenge in India is to deal with dryness and hydration. Due to the restrictive flow of natural oil to the bottom of hair and roots, curly hair tend to be dry.
Hydration is a very common problem, which I feel is faced by every type of hair. You hair lacks hydration, when they come in contact with environment pollution, sun rays or sweat. All these things make your hair dry and dull. To overcome this dryness, it is necessary to provide enough hydration to your hair.
C. Heat Damage
Well, we all love styling curly hair. Getting an amazing hairstyle, is sure to back you up with lot many compliments. But have you ever thought, about the after effects of styling.
Yes, heat damage is one of the reason for unruly and coarse hair. When we apply any heating tool to our curly hair, be it for styling or for drying your curls, it affects the hair cuticles a lot. And the end result being split ends or dryness of hair.
D. Hair Loss and Thinning
Hair loss or hair fall causes thinning of hair. In India, weather changes too frequently. Like sometimes, it gets hard to understand the weather. And weather has a great effect on curls. Due to frequent change in weather, hair becomes weak leading to hair fall and hair fall results in hair thinning.
E. Product Buildup
Well, we do not think about this a lot, but it is true that whatever products we apply a part of it is left in hair. If we do not cleanse our hair properly, then it leads to product buildup. And slowly the product build-ups causes the hair to weigh down.
IV. Curly Hair Care Routine
A. Shampooing and Conditioning
Co-Washing
Co-washing is one amazing trending technique these days. It helps your curls to stay soft and smooth for long time. The basic meaning of co-washing is conditioner only washing.
With this method you stay away from shampoo chemicals totally.
If you have frizzy and dry hair, then you should try co-washing. It is a way to cleanse your hair, without stripping any natural oil from the scalp.
Deep Conditioning
Deep conditioning simply means to hydrate your hair and help your curls to be defined. If you have drier and frizzy curls, then deep conditioning will help them to keep them moisturized and more manageable.
Now, you might be thinking that one more thing to do, to keep curls soft and smooth. Well, deep conditioning is not that difficult. It just means to leave your curls a little longer than regular conditioner.
P.O.V.- Make sure deep conditioning has ingredients which have enough moisture.
B. Detangling Techniques
I can understand that detangling curly hair is one of the difficult task. But with right tools, right techniques and right product usage you can detangle your curly hair.
• First is to pick up the right detangling shampoo.
• It is better not to scrub or massage your hair.
• A perfect and a good balance of protein and moisture is the key for curly hair.
• After applying conditioner, let it sink for at least 5 minutes.
• Detangle your hair with the help of fingers.
• Use a wide toothed comb to detangle.
• Always start detangling from the end of curly hair.
C. Styling Tips
Protective Styles
There are some hairstyles, which helps to protect the curls and keep them defined. Having a protective styling is very necessary to avoid frizz and hair damage. Top 3 protective hairstyles are-
• Pineapple Updo
This is one of the best hairstyle to protect the hair from frizz and damage. In this, grab all your hair up at the crown of your head and tie them up at the top of your head.
• Long CornRows
Cornrows hairstyle is in great trend right now. It protects your curls and keep them defined. You can modify them by twisting the cornrows into a bun. The open hair are made into braids and this protects your hair from harsh weather even.
• Braids and Buns
This is very easy and manageable hairstyle. Braids and buns are always in trend and make you look super confident. Make section in your hair and tie them up in a braid. Tie up all the braid in a bun.
For all the hairstyles, it is advisable to use satin pillowcase and satin bands.
Natural Hair Products
Apart from protective hairstyle, you should also use hair products. Hair products helps to tame frizz and keep the curls defined. Some of the natural hair products which can be used are-
• Sulphate free shampoo-
Using a sulphate free shampoo helps to keep your hair healthy and away from chemicals. It very gently removes the hair build up and extra oil from your hair, keeping your scalp and hair clean.
• Moisturizing spray-
Giving your hair a moisturizing treatment by spraying on your hair strands is good. It helps to replenish the natural oil balance in the hair. Also, great for reducing frizz and detangling.
• Leave-in crème’-
Leave-in crème is very beneficial as it helps to smoothen out the frizz and define the curls. When it comes to styling your curls, nothing is better than applying leave-in crème.
• Hair growth oil-
Well, you must know there are two types of oil heavy and light. Using an oil on your scalp helps to remove dryness, manage shine and also add moisture in the hair.
• Moisturizing deep conditioner-
Using a moisturizing deep conditioner helps to strengthen, moisturize and adds shine in the hair. If the conditioner is loaded with aloe vera, it will help to promote hair growth.
D. Night-time Haircare
Just like you follow night time routine for your skin. It is also, necessary to follow night time routine for your hair. Taking care of your hair during night time helps to keep curls defined in the morning.
For night time haircare-
• Dry massage your scalp with your fingers.
• Grab all your hair and tie them up with a satin band.
• Wrap up your hair with satin bonnet.
• Sleep on satin pillowcase.
Using everything satin helps to reduce friction and dryness of hair is avoided.
E. Scalp Health
Oiling
You all know that natural oil does not travel down to the end of the curls, and this makes them dry and frizzy. Oiling helps to keep the curls soft, smooth and properly defined.
Now, let’s see what oil can be applied on the curls to keep them soft and smooth.
Moisturizing oil- This oil helps to provide moisturization to hair. They have small particles which can travel easily to the hair shaft. Some of the moisturizing oil are coconut oil, avocado oil and olive oil.
Sealing oil- This oil has got the ability to seal moisture from water. It keeps the curls bouncy and soft. Sealing oil are jojoba oil and castor oil.
Scalp Massages
Scalp massages help to stimulate the blood vessels. It promotes the hair growth and give beautiful relaxation to mind. Also, you cannot deny the fact that scalp massages are very calming and soothing.
It is necessary to give yourself scalp massages at least twice a week or once a month.
How to Scalp Massage Properly
• Run your fingers through your hair- Before doing this, make sure your hair is not in a ponytail or a bun. Gently press the tips of your fingers and apply the pressure downward.
• Now, rub your fingers in a circular motion from the back of your scalp to front. Do this for 4-5 minutes.
• Massage along the side of your scalp. With the help of your fingertips make small circle near your temples.
• In the final step, press behind your ear.
V. How to take care of Indian Curly Hair Naturally: DIY Hair Masks and Treatments
A. Homemade Recipes for Curly Hair
- Moisturizing Masks
• Yogurt and Banana Mask-
Both yogurt and banana are super hydrating and provides hair immense moisturization. Banana and yogurt both provide deep conditioning to hair and makes them soft, smooth and manageable.
Hair Mask:
Take one banana and mash it fully.
Add 1 tbsp. of yogurt
3-4 tbsp. of honey
And 4 drops of lemon juice.
Mix all the ingredients together.
Apply the mask on your hair strands.
Leave it for 30 minutes.
Wash it with lukewarm water.
• Mayonnaise and Coconut oil Mask-
This hair mask is very beneficial as it is made up of mayonnaise and coconut oil. Mayonnaise are rich in fatty acids, that deeply conditions and moisturize the hair. It helps to repair the damaged hair.
Coconut oil helps to provide a natural shine to hair and also controls the frizz.
Hair Mask:
Take ½ cup of mayonnaise
Add 2 tbsp. of yogurt.
2 tbsp. of coconut oil
And 1 tbsp. of honey.
Mix all the ingredients together.
Apply the mask on your hair strands.
Leave it for 30 minutes
Wash it off with lukewarm water.
• Sugar and Honey Mask-
This hair mask offers variety of benefits to your hair. Sugar acts as a natural exfoliant and helps to remove dead skin cells. It also, improves blood circulation and support hair growth. Honey is a natural humectant which helps to moisture the hair and makes it soft and smooth.
Hair Mask:
Take 2 tbsp. of sugar
Add 2 tbsp. of honey
3 tbsp. of coconut oil
And 2 tbsp. of almond oil.
Mix all the ingredients together
Apply the mask on your hair strands and scalp
Wash it off after 30 minutes.
- Protein Treatments
• Egg and Yogurt Hair Mask-
Both of them are rich in protein. Using this hair mask, helps to give hair protein and keep the tames secured.
Hair Mask:
Take on egg and whisk it properly
Mix 2 tbsp. of yogurt in it.
Beat them together until a paste is formed.
Apply the mask, on your hair strands.
Leave it for 30 minutes.
Wash it off with lukewarm water.
• Avocado and Coconut Milk Hair Mask-
We all know how beneficial avocado is for hair. It is rich in vitamins A, B and E. Coconut milk on the other hand is a rich source of protein, it helps to promote hair growth by boosting hair collagen.
Hair Mask:
Take 1 ripe Avocado and mash it.
Add 1 tbsp. of coconut milk and 2 tbsp. of olive oil in it.
Mix all the ingredients until you get a smooth paste.
Apply the paste on your hair.
Leave it for 30 minutes.
Wash it off with lukewarm water.
• Coconut Milk Treatment-
Coconut milk is packed with vitamins B, C and E. It is best to use, to combat hair dryness and get rid of dandruff.
Hair Mask:
Take 3 tbsp. of coconut milk.
Heat the coconut milk on a low flame.
Massage the coconut milk on your scalp and hair strands.
If possible, leave the coconut milk in your hair for overnight.
Shampoo your hair next day.
- Growth-Boosting Mixes
• Rice water and Avocado Hair Mask-
An amazing growth boosting hair mask. This hair mask is very healthy for curly hair. Rice water is very effective for hair, it helps to repair any damage and also helps in hair growth.
Avocado on the other hand, is extremely moisturizing. It is filled with vitamin B-complex, which protects hair from any damage and also keeps the curl defined.
Hair Mask:
Take 1 cup of rice and soak it for 2 hours.
Mash half an avocado.
Strain the water from rice.
Mix mashed avocado in rice water.
Apply the mask on your scalp and hair strands.
Leave it for 2 hours and wash it with lukewarm water.
• Baking Soda Hair Mask-
You recently learned above, how product build up weakens hair shaft. Product build-ups makes up a layer on your curly hair and weighs it down. With the help of baking soda, you can get rid of excess of product build ups and oil.
Hair Mask:
Take half a cup shampoo
Add 1-2 tbsp. of baking soda
Mix them properly
Apply it on your damp hair.
Massage the mixture properly.
Let it stay for few minutes.
Wash it off with cold water.
• Castor Oil Hair Mask-
Castor oil is very beneficial when it comes to strengthening of hair strands. It also helps to reduce hair fall and take care of dandruff and itchy scalp. Castor oil is rich in fatty acid that help to moisturize the scalp and hydrate the hair strands.
Hair Mask:
Take 1 tbsp. of castor oil.
Heat it for 10 seconds.
Apply the oil using finger tips.
Massage for 15 minutes.
Wash it off with lukewarm water.
B. Application and Results
Applying the above homemade hair masks will give you amazing result. Choose the one, which you feel is needed by your hair.
• Applying moisturizing mask will help to tame the frizz, and remove hair dryness.
• Growth boosting mixes will help in hair growth.
• And Protein treatments will remove the protein deficiency from your hair and keep them strong.
VI. Styling Indian Curly Hair
A. Everyday Hairstyles
Sky High Ponytail-
This is one amazing hairstyle. It not only keeps the hair away from your neck, but also give your hair a bounce.
Grabbing all your hair and tying them in a ponytail.
Messy Half Bun-
Well, I am confident that this hairstyle many of you must have already tried. This hairstyle can be done in not time and it looks super casual.
Take a chunk of your hair, and tie them up on the centre of your head.
B. Special Occasion Styles
Double Buns-
These are popularly known us space buns. You will find this hairstyle in almost all the hairstyle blog, considered as one of the cutest hairstyle, double buns protect your curls and give you a stylish look.
Pinned Back Curls-
Another hairstyle made for special occasion. Pinned back curls helps your curls to stay away from your face. This hairstyle can be done in no time and it gives you an amazing look also.
Take a small section of your hair and pin it back. Fasten these sections together by using different decorative pins.
C. Hair Accessories
Some of the hair accessories which are important for your curls are-
Satin headband- To tie up your hair back.
Satin bonnet- Necessary when you sleep at night. It helps to protect your hair against dryness.
Satin scrunchies- They are smooth and doesn’t pull back your hair. Also, reduces hair breakage.
Satin scarves- To give your hair a new look and tie them up together.
Microfiber towel- To soak extra water after washing your hair.
Unique clips- To try different hairstyles.
VII. Embracing Your Natural Curls
Gone are the days when curly haired people used to straighten their hair, in order in hide their curls or people used to call their hair as noodles. Now, the curls are trending and people are respecting the curly hair.
Well, I agree that curls are frizzy and difficult to manage. But there’s nothing on this earth which does not have a solution.
• Using good quality leave-in crème and hair defining gel helps to keep your curls sorted and smooth.
• Get a haircut every three months, to give fresh look to your curls.
• Do not brush your hair much, it tends to get frizzy.
• Let your curls flow naturally.
Above are some ways through which you can keep your curls defined, soft and moisturized. And by doing this you can embrace your natural curls.
VIII. Product Recommendations
Shampoos and Conditioners
Well a hair wash is not complete without shampoo and conditioner. Using a good shampoo and conditioner is must. Make sure the shampoo you use is specifically made for curly hair and is free from harmful chemicals.
There should be no hair wash without the use of conditioner. Conditioner helps to lock in the moisture in the hair and keeps the curls tangle free. The conditioner you use for your curls should have all the moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, honey, coconut milk etc.
Some of the good shampoo and conditioner for curly hair are-
• Dove Beautiful Curls
• Cadiveu Brasil Cacau Anti Frizz Shampoo
• Fix My Curls
• OGX Coconut Milk
Styling Products
The story of curly hair does not end in shampoo and conditioner only. You need to use some other products to keep your curls defined and sorted.
• Leave in crème- It is used after hair wash on damp hair. Leave-in crème helps to lock in the moisture and keep the curls soft and smooth.
• Hair defining gel- If you wish to style your curls the way you want, then it is necessary to use hair defining gel.
• Diffuser- This is one of the best curly hair product to use. It defines the natural curls and also makes them dry.
Tools and Accessories
This section helps you to understand, some of the hair tools and accessories which you can use to define and style your curls.
• Satin scrunchies
• Embellished clips
• Satin headband
• Wide toothed wooden comb
• Satin bonnet
• Microfiber towel
• Satin scarf
IX. Overcoming Hair Challenges
Expert Advice and Dermatologist Consultation
Handling curly hair is one big task. You need to take care of lot many things for your curls to be defined and sorted. But before all this comes knowledge, yes it is very necessary to understand your curls and also have knowledge about your hair.
Let’s understand what experts and dermatologist advises us about curly hair-
• Do not brush your hair regularly.
• Use good quality shampoo and conditioner.
• Always sleep with a silk bonnet.
• Try to keep your hair moisturised by using moisturizing products.
• Detangle your hair with the help of fingers.
• Protect your curls from sun.
• Embrace your natural curls.
• Sleep on satin pillowcase to reduce friction.
Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle has a great impact on our hair quality. It is necessary to sleep on time and eat healthy food. Doing yoga or exercise also helps to promote hair growth and increase blood circulation of scalp. Eating healthy and nutritious vegetable helps to keep scalp healthy.
X. Conclusion
Gone are the days when people used to hide their curly hair by straightening them or using a different hairstyle. But these days, people have started gaining right knowledge for their curls, and with this knowledge they embrace their curls and do not hide them anymore.
And this is what every curly hair girl needs, confidence to carry their natural curls and embracing its natural beauty. Indian curly hair are very beautiful but the fact that not all people understand it has made people to hide their curls and not understand its worth.
But now no more, curls are in trend and with expert hair advice and natural curly hair tips you can keep your curls tangle free, defined and manageable.
