Mastering Natural Curly Hair: Tips, Tricks, and Care Guidelines

I. Introduction

It is said, that curly hair people are different from others. And I can’t agree more to it. Well, being a curly haired girl myself, I know and remember all the names I have been called by. I always use to just blow-dry my hair or straighten it, but slowly I have realized that the beauty of natural curly hair lies in embracing it.

I agree that curly hair needs special attention, and the reason for it is the dryness that comes with curly hair. Curly hair are prone to be dry and coarse. It gets difficult for the scalp’s natural oil to travel down the curly hair.

Dryness of curly hair makes it frizzy and easily breakable. The secret of having healthy curls is to keep them moisturized and hydrated. Having a proper curly hair routine will add beauty to your curls as with the right product usage and right guidance, your curls will be more defined and frizz free.

Let’s understand ways to master your natural curly hair-

II. Understanding Natural Curly Hair

A. Hair Types and Curl Patterns

Identifying Your Curl Type

It is very necessary to understand your curl type. Depending on your curl type, you can plan the care of your curls and can also decide which products to use.

Your curl type is determined by the shape of your follicles. The curl can be wavy, curly or coily.

There are 4 types of hair texture, from which 3 types are just for curls.

Type 2 – Wavy hair. These type of hair are bendable, they lie from fine to coarse. According to their pattern from scalp, they are further divided into Type 2a, 2b and 2c.

Type 3 – Curly hair. Curly hair can range from loose coils to tight. These type of hair are more prone to frizz. They are further divided into Type 3a, 3b and 3c.

Type 4 – Kinky or Coily hair. They are often called as afro-textured. These are very small curly hair which look more like corkscrews. They are also further divided into Type 4a, 4b and 4c.

Embracing the Diversity of Natural Curls

Every type of curly hair have a beauty of their own. No matter the style, pattern and texture, curls are unique in their natural state and it also enhances the beauty of the person.

Embracing your natural curls, makes you prepared for the perfect curly hair routine and DIY curly hair treatments according to your curl type. The beauty of every curly hair lies in keeping them in their natural state.

No matter whether the curls are loose, wavy or coil like, they suit an individual’s personality. You should try to style your curls as minimum as possible, this way you can keep your curls healthy and properly defined.

B. Common Challenges

Frizz Control

Frizziness in curly hair is caused due to lack of keratin and moisture. Also, frizz is one of the nature of curly hair. You can try to control frizz by following steps-

• Do not over wash your curls. Over washing will rip away the natural oil from your scalp.
• Use co-washing once in a week, to stay away from shampoo chemical and harshness.
• The more your hair has moisture, the less it will be frizzy. So, always use conditioner.
• Try leave-in conditioner to reduce the hair dryness.
• Go to a hair stylist and ask for dry cut. Dry cut will help you understand how your hair will actually look.
• Always use a microfiber towel.
• Try using diffuser, it will keep your curls defined.
• Avoid brushing your hair.
• Regular trimming is a key to stay away from split ends.
• Use minimal heating tools.
• Satin pillowcases is a must.

Curl Definition

What is the benefit of having curly hair when you can’t define it properly? The beauty of curly hair lies in embracing it naturally. With the following curl definition techniques, you can style your curly hair with confidence.

• Try to limit the frequency of shampooing your curls. And whenever you shampoo either use a moisturizing shampoo or a co-wash.
• Always dry your curls gently. This way you reduce the chances of hair breakage and frizz.
• Avoid brushing your hair. Or always use a wide-toothed wooden comb.
• Use curl-defining products when your curls are still wet.
• Once your curls are dry, do not touch or disturb them by running your fingers. This will make your hair frizzier.

There are three ways to define your curls at home-

• Finger coiling method
• Bantu knot out method
• Heat styling method

Hydration and Moisture Balance

Giving your curls a touch of hydration and moisture, helps to define them and keep them intact reducing frizz. It is necessary to have a hydration and moisture balance in your hair. Too much moisture will leave your hair limp and too little will make them lifeless.

Therefore, it is necessary to have a good hydration and moisture balance.

How to understand what our hair needs-

• Take a strand of your hair and stretch it, If it feels a tad mushy and then come back, you hair is over-moisturized. You need protein treatment to take care of your hair cuticles.
• If by stretching your strand you feel it is dry and frizzy, then your hair needs moisture.
• If the hair is getting stretched smoothly till a point, without getting break. Then your hair has a good balance of protein and moisture.

III. Building Your Curly Hair Care Routine

A. Shampooing and Cleansing

Choosing the Right Shampoo

It is very necessary that you choose right shampoo for your curls. Well-being of curly hair is dependent a lot on your product selection. So, let’s understand the process for choosing the right shampoo-

• Understand your scalp type i.e. whether your scalp is dry, oily or sensitive.
• Choose a clarifying shampoo, which deeply cleanses your scalp.
• Next understand your hair type for e.g. Whether it is type 2, 3 or 4.
• Choose a moisturizing shampoo for your hair strands.
• Try sticking to one shampoo for longer time, to understand the result.
• For dry scalp, choose shampoo with moisturizing ingredient.
• If you have sensitive scalp, having aloe vera as one of your ingredient will be a better option.
• Always use shampoo by mixing it in water, this way you can avoid dryness in your hair.
• Too much protein in the shampoo, can dry and stiff your hair. Therefore, always look for protein level in the shampoo.

Co-Washing: A Game-Changer

Have you ever tried Co-washing? Well, it is true that Co-washing is a total game changer. It gives best result when it comes to curly hair. If you have curly and frizzy hair, and the shampoo weighs it down, then it is best to use co-washing technique.

Co-washing is an alternative cleansing method, where you do not use shampoo and instead use conditioner or a co-wash in its place. Basically, removing shampoo from your curly hair routines.

Now you might be wondering, what will happen to the dirt in the scalp? Well, let’s understand how co-washing works-

•  Apply co-wash or conditioner in your hair roots.
• Massage it very well.
• Wash off the conditioner.
• This way all your dirt will be removed from the hair.
• Now, apply second round of conditioner.
• This time apply the conditioner on your hair strands only.
• Leave the conditioner for some time.
• Wash it off with cold water.
• You can leave some of the conditioner in hair to keep them moisturized.

Bonus point: A co-wash is different from conditioner. Co-wash is like a cream cleanser that does not contain any chemical. It only focuses on moisturizing the hair strands.

B. Conditioning and Detangling

The Magic of Conditioners

Well, I feel this is the perfect title for conditioner. Conditioner no doubt has magical effect on curly hair.

It moisturizes hair, helps to detangle them and also keeps the curl healthy. Conditioners are applied on hair strands, they help to lock the moisture in the hair strands and keep them soft.

Leave-in conditioner on the other hand, stays in the hair and protects them from external damage. It takes care of the hair cuticles and does not let hair become frizzy.

Conditioner is a hair care product, which is especially designed to nourish and moisturize the curly hair. It is formulated with nourishing ingredients like natural oil, shea butter and proteins to improve hair health.

The use of conditioner for curly hair is must, it seals the hair cuticles and make hair soft, shiny and smooth. Regular usage of conditioner, will strengthen the hair shaft and will protect it against wear and tear.

Gentle Detangling Techniques

Detangling your curly hair does not have to be tricky. With right product selection and technique, you can easily de-tangle your hair. Just follow these steps-

1. De-tangle your hair with fingers first-

Using your fingers to de-tangle your curls is a good option. This way you prevent hair friction and hair breakage also gets reduced.

2. Use a mist to keep your hair soft and smooth-

Before you start de-tangling, it is necessary to keep hair soft and smooth. For this after you have washed your hair and they are towel dried, use a hair mist.

3. Use a de-tangling comb or hair brush-

To comb your curls or even to de-tangle them, use a wide-tooth detangling comb or de tangling brush with soft bristles.

4. Start the process from end-

Start de-tangling your hair from end, and then move up towards your roots. Do the front hairline at the end. Divide your curls into small sections, and start de tangling process from the end.

5. Be patient while detangling your hair-

De-tangling curls take time, so you have to be patient about it. Take time to de tangle your hair, this way you are keeping them healthy and embracing your natural curls.

Ways to prevent tangled curly hair

• Sleep on silk pillowcase.
• Use conditioner
• Try leave-in conditioner
• Avoid using heating tools

C. Styling Your Curls

Product Selection

It is true that you should use home remedies for taking care of your curls. But using good products is equally important. Products help to keep your curls tangle free and properly defined.

Let’s understand what all products should be used-

1. Sulfate-free clarifying shampoo-

Using a good chemical free clarifying shampoo, helps to remove all the dirt and product build up from your scalp. Keeping your scalp neat and clean helps to keep your curls healthy and soft.

2. Moisturizing shampoo-

After using a clarifying shampoo, using a moisturizing shampoo is must. Moisturizing shampoo helps to keep your curls hydrated and moisturized. It makes your curls soft and smooth and protects them from external damage.

3. Co-wash-

If you do not wish to use, shampoo, then co-wash is there for you. Co-washing technique is the new trend in the curly hair world. It keeps your curls defined and away from any chemicals.

4. Conditioner-

Never ever forget this magical product. Conditioner helps to keep your curls properly defined. It protects the curls from losing moisture and keep them soft and smooth.

5. Leave-in crème-

Leave-in crème is applied on towel-dried hair. It provides moisture to your curls and softens them.

6. Styling gel-

Not many of you believe in this. But styling gel for curly hair, is not same as the other gel. Styling gel helps to style your curls the way you want without damaging them.

Now, you know which products to use for your curl definition techniques. There are some factors to keep in mind while selecting the products-

Ingredients

What ingredients are being used in the products, like if you have dry curly hair then it is necessary that you look for moisturizing ingredients.

Moisture-

Curly hair tend to get dry and frizzy, so the products you use should be moisturizing. Providing adequate moisture to your hair, helps to make hair manageable and hydrated.

Techniques for Enhancing Curls

Even if your product selection is right, you should know the technique to enhance your curls.

• Ditch the shampoo and start with co-washing your hair.
• Sleep on satin pillowcase
• Use a good conditioner
• Once in a week, try deep conditioning
• Always comb your hair from bottom
• Get regular trimming every 6-8 weeks, to avoid split ends.
• Use microfiber cloth or towel to dry your hair.
• Apply leave-in conditioner to keep your curls soft and smooth.
• Use pineapple trick to keep curls defined overnight.
• Diffuser will help to enhance your curl.

D. Drying Methods

Towel Drying vs. Air Drying

You must have heard and read a lot about how to dry your hair. The way you dry your hair, defines your hair structure and hair texture. In general, air drying is recommended for hair, as it does not strip the natural oil. And keeps the scalp calm.

Towel drying is little harsh than air drying. It mostly damages the hair cuticles and make the curls dry and frizzy. But if you want to towel dry your hair, I recommend using microfiber towel, which is soft and does not dry your hair.

 Using Diffusers

You must have heard many times, that curly hair people should use diffuser. Diffuser helps to keep the curls defined without drying them out. But do you know how to use diffuser?

Well, it is hard to achieve a perfectly defined curls. Apart from using home remedies, it is necessary to use right products. A combination of right products helps to make your life easy.

One such thing is Diffuser. Diffuser is nothing but an add on attachment in your drying machine or blow dryer, to reduce the amount of air and disperse it. Using diffuser on curls helps to reduce frizz and keep the natural wave from disrupting.

IV. Maintaining Healthy Natural Curly Hair

A.    Night-time Routine

We do not think much about the night time routine for our curls. But, having a good night time routine is must. While sleeping our hair, keeps on getting here and there, which causes them to tangle and result in hair breakage.

Therefore, make sure you follow the below steps for night time routine of your curls-

• Use a silk or satin pillowcase.
• Tie up your hair above your head as a pineapple hairstyle.
• Nourish your hair with Argan and Jojoba oil.
• To tie your hair use a satin scrunchie, so that each hair strand remains intact.

B. Trimming and Maintenance

Regular trimming is very important for your curls. It helps to maintain the curls, and boost hair growth. Make sure that you trim your hair every 6-8 weeks, this way you can get rid of split ends.

Split end dries the curls and makes them frizzy. Trimming helps to style your hair and define your curls properly.

C. Heat Styling and Coloring

Curly hair are not fond of heating tools. Using too much of heating tools, makes them dry and frizzy. Still if you want to style your hair, I would recommend using heat protectant.

Heat protectant protects your hair from getting damaged. It avoid split ends, and does not let hair cuticles get damaged.

Curly hair can be styled in many ways. Even coloring your curly hair, gives them a new life and attracts many eyes towards your curls.

But keep following things in mind while coloring your curls-

• Do not over process your hair. Keep in mind your base color before coloring the strands.
• While coloring your curls, wrap them up in silver foil. It will help to keep your curls fine.
• Understand the porosity of your hair, because hair porosity can change the way your hair color looks.
• Try to stick to natural-looking hair color techniques like balayage, ombre.

V. DIY Treatments for Natural Curls

A. Homemade Masks and Deep Conditioners

Taking care of your curls is important. But giving them goodness of natural ingredients is more important. Around us there are many ingredients which help to take care of the curls.

1. Aloe vera-

Aloe vera, as we all know is a magical plant. It’s profoundly hydrating and moisturizing property helps to keep curl defined and in place. Using aloe vera is DIY hair mask or any product helps to keep the frizz away.

2. Coconut oil-

Coconut oil helps to make your hair denser. It locks the moisture in hair, and protects it from environmental damage. Coconut oil is perfect for type C hair, it helps to detangle the hair.

3. Shea butter-

Shea butter is loaded with natural fat, its moisturizing property helps to soften the curls and keep it nourished and hydrated. Using products made up of shea butter will help to keep your curls well defined.

4. Jojoba oil-

Derived from jojoba plant, this ingredient is an amazing addition to take care of your curls. It works according to your scalp texture, if your scalp is oily then jojoba oil will help to nourish your scalp. And if you have dry scalp, then it helps to keep your scalp hydrated.

5. Rice Amino Acid-

This ingredient is helpful to add shine to curls and smooth out the hair frizziness. Rice amino acid knows very well, how to tame the curls. It also helps in strengthening the hair cuticles.

DIY Treatments

1. Egg Mask-

Egg is very useful for hair. It helps to repair the damaged hair cuticles and moisturizes dry hair. This protein rich egg mask helps to hydrate the curls and tame the frizz too.

DIY Hair Mask:

• Take 1-2 eggs and whisk it properly.
• Add 2 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil.
• Mash ½ avocado and mix it with other ingredients.
• Blend all the ingredients together
• Apply the mask in small section of hair.
• Allow it to rest for 20 minutes.
• Wash it off with lukewarm water.

2. Yogurt Hair Mask-

Yogurt is very helpful in reducing hair breakage and increasing hair growth. When you hair get weak, it becomes brittle and break. Applying yogurt hair mask helps to provide protein to hair and strengthens hair.

DIY Hair Mask:

• Take 1 cup of yogurt
• Add 2 tbsp. of ACV
• And 1 tbsp. of honey
• Mix all the ingredients together
• Apply the mask on your hair
• Let it stay for 20-25 minutes
• Wash it off with lukewarm water.

3. Rice Water and Avocado Hair Mask-

You must have heard about rice water for skin. Rice water is also beneficial for hair. The nutrients of rice water helps to penetrate in the hair deeply and repair any cuticle damage.

Avocado is rich in vitamin B-complex, which helps in hair development. This ingredient is extremely moisturizing.

DIY Hair Mask:

• Take 1 cup rice and soak it for 2 hours.
• Mash ½ avocado.
• Strain the rice water from rice.
• Mix mashed avocado in rice water.
• Apply the mask to your hair.
• Let it stay for 20-25 minutes.
• Wash it off with lukewarm water.

4. Yogurt and Banana-

What amazing hair mask it will be, when these two magical ingredients combine together. Yogurt is rich in nutrients, which helps to fight dandruff and remove the dead skin cells.

Banana with its amazing hydrating and moisturizing property, helps to tame frizz and add shine in the hair.

DIY Hair Mask:

• Take 3-4 tbsp. of yogurt
• Add 2 tbsp. of honey
• Mash one banana
• Mix all the ingredients together
• Apply the mask on your hair
• Let it stay for 30 minutes
• Wash it with lukewarm water.

VI. Tackling Common Curly Hair Issues

A. Solutions for Frizz

Frizz and curls are forever buddies. No matter the type of curls, they will be frizzy and dry. So, how to reduce the frizz-

• Do not over wash your hair.
• Use products which have ingredients like shea butter, glycerin.
• For drying your hair either let them natural dry or use a cotton t-shirt.
• Deep condition your hair once every week.
• Always use wide-toothed wooden comb.
• Avoid heating tools.
• Use hair serums to seal your cuticles.
• Apply leave-in conditioner to add moisture to hair strands.

B. Enhancing Curl Definition

You have now understood, how to tame frizz. Let’s see how you can enhance your curls.

• Using curl-cream helps to moisture your curl and keeps them defined.
• Leave-in conditioner reduces tangling.
• Curl cream helps to reduce frizz.

Finger coils are helpful to define curl and keep them intact. Using finger coil method are helpful to keep the coils tight and smooth when you sleep.

C. Dealing with Dryness

Well, just like frizz and curls are buddies. Dryness also gets along with them. Dealing with dryness is very important. Follow these steps to combat dryness in curly hair-

• Wash your hair with curly haired shampoo.
• Apply a deep conditioner.
• Boost your hair strands with extra moisture
• Dry your curls properly either by towel drying method or by using diffuser.
• Apply hair oil before washing your hair to moisturize and hydrate your hair.
• Use satin pillowcases to reduce friction.

VII. Styling Inspiration for Natural Curls

A. Everyday Hairstyles

1.     Messy Topknots-

One of the easiest and most common hairstyle. The hairstyle is so easy to make, that it is considered as everyday hairstyle.

2.     Side Braid-

If you feel, that your curls are difficult to manage, then try this side braid hairstyle. In this, your curls will be manageable and braiding will give you a stylish look.

3.     Messy Pony-

Curls and messy hairstyles go hand in hand. It is not only an iconic hairstyle, but it also helps to keep the curls in place.

4.     High and Low Ponies-

Well, high and low ponies are by default the hairstyle which every hair type people follow. If you are going out, you go with high ponytail, to give it a bouncy look. And if you are at home then you go with low ponytail.

B. Special Occasion Styles

1.     Tapered Volume-

This hairstyle helps to increase volume to your hair. By giving your hair tapered volume hairstyle, you will not only give a bouncy look to your hair, but your curls will look more defined.

2.     Curly Bangs-

Curly bangs looks amazingly glamorous. If you have seen Zendaya, then you must know how beautiful and eye catching curly bangs look.

3.     Double Buns-

If you wish to try something else from a regular hairstyle. Then try this double bun hairstyle popularly known as space buns. It is considered as one of the sweetest hairstyle and I don’t doubt it.

4.     Pinned Back Curls-

This is a simple hairstyle, yet amazing. If you are running late for the function, then just bring your hair at the back and pin them with a clip. Pin only half of the curls, let other curls stay open.

This is the hairstyle that go with almost all the outfits. And the best thing, you can decorate your hair with any embellished pins too.

VIII. Embracing Natural Curls with Confidence

Self-Care and Self-Expression

I know you must have heard a lot about you having curly hair. Not many people have got the eye or view to look at the beauty of curly hair. Curly hair is unique in its own way, and for people to like it, the first thing you need to do is to like and embrace it yourself.

With the above blog, you have now understood how to master naturally curly hair. From messy updos to braided ponytail, curly hair won’t ever let you down in any hairstyle. All you need to do is use the right product and take certain steps to define the curls properly.

Connecting with the Curly Hair Community

Being in contact with curly haired people, will give you confidence in your curly hair. When we are together with the like-minded people or people with same personality, we tend to love our self and bloom like a flower.

Sometimes, when we feel low, we tend to our friend for comfort. Similarly, if you have any doubt about your curly hair, you should turn to your curly hair community or to a good hair stylist who will help you.

IX. Conclusion

In the end, I would just like to conclude saying that curly hair is a blessing. With right guidance and proper care you can embrace your natural curl and love them. Every curl type is different, you need to understand its texture and care for them accordingly.

There’s something magical about the curly hair, they tend to give positive vibes and enhance the person’s personality.

How do you take care of your curly hair?