Published 23/10/2024
Caring for curly hair: a guide to the curly method
Curly hair looks incredibly impressive if you provide it with proper care and styling. The structure's features require increased attention from the owners of curls. Quite recently, the curly hair washing method was developed, which significantly simplified styling and allowed for voluminous, bouncy curls of beautiful shape. All the nuances and details of curly hair care will be revealed in this article.
Features of Curly Hair: Why They Require Special Care
Curly hair differs from straight hair due to its more porous structure along the entire length. They often have raised cuticles, which is why curls tend to frizz and get damaged quickly with mechanical impact. Curls require intensive care along their entire length, as they can lose their beautiful shape and elasticity, and also become brittle.
What Affects the Health of Curly Hair?
Many factors influence the health of curly hair:
- Frequent heat styling: curling iron, flat iron, straightener, blow dryer with hot air. Due to high temperatures, the hair is instantly damaged, and the ends begin to break off.
- Too intense combing with a fine-toothed comb. The teeth can damage and pull out the hair.
- Incorrectly chosen hair care products. Shampoos with a lot of aggressive components easily penetrate porous curly hair and damage it.
- Lack of vitamins. Improper nutrition prevents beneficial substances from reaching the hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out intensively.
Main Problems of Curls: Dryness and Brittleness
A common problem for curly hair owners is dryness of the scalp and ends. The porous structure leads to increased brittleness with mechanical impact, and products with alcohol and silicones dry out the ends and damage the structure. The main way to solve the problem of dryness and brittleness is intensive moisturizing.
How to Properly Wash Curly Hair?
Caring for curly hair starts with choosing the right shampoos and washing techniques. Experts recommend using warm and cool water, as hot water strips away natural moisture, and curls become dull.
Choosing a Shampoo and Frequency of Washing
Shampoos should be chosen without parabens and sulfates. For dyed hair, light silicones are acceptable. It is recommended to wash curly hair no more than once every 5-7 days.
Hair Washing Methods: Curly Girl Method and Co-Washing
The Curly Girl Method involves washing twice with a mild shampoo, applying conditioner generously, and allowing the hair to air dry. Co-washing involves washing without shampoo, only using conditioner.
Moisturizing and Nourishing Curly Hair
Products like oils and leave-in conditioners help retain moisture and nutrients. They are suitable for both moisturizing and restoring the hair structure.
Using Leave-In Conditioners and Oils
Leave-in conditioners are applied to damp hair and keep it moisturized. They usually contain natural oils and vitamins.
Masks and Deep Conditioning for Curls
Masks should be used once a week. The products should not contain paraffins, waxes, silicones, or mineral oils.
How to Dry and Style Curly Hair?
It is recommended to use diffusers for styling, or manual techniques to shape the curls.
Styling Techniques to Preserve Curls: Scrunching and Plopping
Scrunching and plopping methods help create beautiful curls. Scrunching involves gently squeezing the strands with your hands, while plopping uses fabric to form the curls.
Avoid Common Mistakes in Curly Hair Care
- Do not use combs with fine teeth.
- Do not sleep on cotton pillowcases, replace them with silk or satin ones.
- Avoid products with heavy silicones and alcohol.
- Protect your hair from the sun, cold, saltwater, and chlorinated water.
- Use heat protectants when styling with a blow dryer or curling iron.
