How to Take Care of Dry, Curly Hair
Though natural curls are gorgeous, if neglected, you might find yourself with a dry, damaged, frizzy mess. Following these easy tips will keep your curly hair looking and feeling healthy, smooth and beautiful.
How to Wash Curly Hair
Some people in the curly hair revolution have reverted to not washing their hair at all! If you're familiar with the Curly Girl method, they recommend something called "No-poo." No-poo shampoo is meant to nourish your hair without drying it out, which causes more frizz and breakage.
If you have dry, curly hair and currently wash your hair a few times a week, consider reducing that to once a week or less. It might be surprising, but curly hair is naturally dry and brittle and really needs the hair natural oils that are washed away by shampooing. You might be surprised at how healthy your hair looks instead of greasy.
Frequent conditioning is also important in caring for your curly hair. Conditioning will keep your hair manageable and tangle-free, in addition to providing an extra boost of nourishment to your hair.
If you work out, rinse your hair after workouts, but don't shampoo it. If you hair starts to look greasy or has a build-up of styling products, go ahead and wash your hair with a gentle shampoo, free from laurel/laureth sulfates, which can dry your hair even more. Or go ahead and try the No-poo hair cleanser made specifically for curly hair.
The Curly Girl Handbook
Quick Tips in Caring for Curly Hair
- Use a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles to help prevent breakage.
- Reduce how often you wash your hair, which can deplete your hair or natural oils that keep your hair nourished and healthy.
- Avoid heat styling products when possible. When you need to blow dry, use a diffuser on a low heat setting.
- Dab and pat your hair dry using a towel, do not rub vigorously.
- Brushing your hair after it's dry will leave you with frizzy, undefined curls. If you have serious tangles, brush your hair when it is dry before your shower and allow your hair to curl naturally after the shower.
Styling Tools for Curly Hair
Your new favorite hair styling tool for your curly hair is going to be....
.... your finger!
How to Style Curly Hair without Heat Products
Besides a de-frizzing serum, the best styling tool for your curly hair is going to be your finger. You don't need heat styling tools which can actually damage your already naturally brittle hair.
If you need to blow dry you hair, use a diffuser on a low setting and use it just to get rid of excess moisture. Gently work into wet hair a curly hair serum that smooths and protects the hair. Start at the ends and work your way to the roots to evenly coat hair.
After apply product to your hair, divide the hair into sections and scrunch the hair to help promote curls. After scrunching the hair, use your finger and curl small sections of hair around your finger to define the curls around the crown of your head.
These easy steps will give you beautiful curls in no time with minimal product necessary!
So, to reiterate, the styling tools you need for curly hair are:
- a wide-tooth comb,
- a diffuser for your blow dryer (use only when necessary),
- anti-frizz serum formulated for curly hair, and
- your finger.
Homemade Recipe for Dry Hair
A few times a month, give your hair and extra boost by using a dry hair treatment. The video above is an excellent example of a natural, easy, homemade recipe for dry hair. These treatments will leave your hair simply shining.