Whether you have loose curls or tight ringlets, defined curls are irresistible and a goal many with natural curls desire to achieve. To help you, I've put together 10 ways to define your natural curls and keep them looking their best!
1. PICK A GOOD PRODUCT FOR YOUR HAIR TYPE
When it comes to product selection your curl type is one of the most important factors in helping to identify the right products. I don’t mean in the sense of 3a, 4b and so on…
Just for this topic, I would breakdown curls into three main categories:
· Coils: tightly coiled curls that are often in need of more moisture. Sealing in moisture becomes crucial for preventing frizz
· “S’ Curls: this curl type is wavier in nature and although its texture is looser than coils the use of serums and frizz-free products aid in smoothing the cuticle and are usually lighter inconsistency.
· Combination Curls: it's not uncommon to have tightly wound curls and loose, wavy curls on the same head of hair. In this case, focusing on combining products that moisturize and define is best. Taking the time to “cocktail” or mix products to see what gives you the best results
2. DON’T WASH YOUR HAIR TOO OFTEN
You should wash your hair every week or every other week. Depending of course on your hair’s needs. Curly hair is more porous than straight hair and therefore traps dirt and oil in the strands quickly. This can make curly hair feel greasy and flat if you aren't washing it enough.
It’s just as important not to overwash. Overwashing can cause dryness, hair damage (from manipulation), or moisture overload, which all contribute to frizz. Finding the right wash day frequency and adjusting your hair routine when needed is vital.
3. USE CURL-SPECIFIC SHAMPOOS AND CONDITIONERS WHENEVER POSSIBLE
To help your hair and scalp thrive, it's best to use a shampoo and conditioner that is specifically tailored to curly hair. Curly hair loses moisture quicker than straight hair, so you want to make sure your products have moisturizing agents humectants, and maybe some oils. Top stylists generally recommend sulfate-free products that are also paraben-free and silicone-free.
Good curly girl products should be moisturizing without weighing the hair down making it look greasy. If you're unsure whether your products are curl friendly, then one helpful online source to visit is CURLSBOT.COM. The site is designed to make analyzing product ingredient labels easy as copy +paste.
4. NOURISH YOUR CURLS WITH DEEP CONDITIONING MASKS AND TREATMENTS
You should be using a deep conditioning mask once or twice a week, depending on how often you wash your hair. A hydrating mask is great if your hair is dry, while a protein-based mask will help strengthen damaged hair. Your hair mask’s goal should be to nourish the hair which helps leave it smooth and shiny.
5. WHEN APPLY PRODUCTS, MAKE SURE THEY’RE EVENLY DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE HAIR
Make sure to apply products evenly throughout your curls. If you don't, it won't be as effective in defining them and could weigh them down. To help distribute products evenly, start by applying it to the ends first and then work up toward the roots. Use as many sections as needed. You can also use a wide tooth comb, or your hands to work the product in evenly.
6. DON’T USE TOO MUCH PRODUCT WHEN STYLING
The most important thing to remember when styling your curls is to use the right amount of product. Too much product will weigh down your hair and make it look lifeless. When applying products, avoid the roots. If You normally apply product to your roots make sure to do so sparingly so that you're not weighing them down; which also can create frizz.
7. AVOID BRUSHING AND COMBING CURLY HAIR WHEN WET
Ever notice when your curls are the most hydrated that they form perfectly defined clumps, clusters or ringlets? Well, if curl definition is the goal, it's best to avoid brushing or combing your hair for that frizz-free defined curl look. If combing is a part of your normal hair routine then it's much better to gently use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush while your curls are wet. This will ensure you're not tearing through your curls, causing unnecessary frizz, breakage, and damage.
8. SLEEP ON A SILK OR SATIN PILLOWCASE INSTEAD OF COTTON TO MINIMIZE DAMAGE FROM NIGHTTIME ROLLING AROUND AND RUBBING OF THE FABRIC AGAINST CURLS
Cotton pillowcases can cause the curls to tangle, and encounter friction that will take away much-needed moisture for your curls. A satin or silk pillowcase will help reduce the friction the hair normally encounters; preserving moisture and reducing frizz.
9. USE A MICROFIBER TOWEL TO DRY CURLS, LET THEM AIR DRY, OR USE
MINIMAL HEAT.
Making sure your curls are dried completely before styling or stepping outside will prevent and reduce frizz. This is a common mistake when taking down braid-outs, twist-outs, or any style that needs time to set.
The use of minimal heat is also known to reduce the amount of frizz because of the lack of damage that occurs to the hair's cuticle. Those with heat damage often complain of frizz; this is due to the raised hair cuticle caused by excessive heat styling. Another way to prevent too much heat is to avoid washing your curls with hot water.
10. CURLY HAIR REQUIRES MORE MOISTURE THAN OTHER HAIR TYPES, SO YOU MAY NEED TO CHANGE UP YOUR ROUTINE
Keep in mind that a curly hair routine is never a “set it and then forget it” situation. This means that you may need to change up your routine when using certain shampoos, conditioners or other frizz-controlling products and practices when needed.
Which one of these was most helpful?
Leave me a comment below.
Comments