Curl Problems
The curly hair dilemma. You either LOVE it or you hate it!!! Curly hair is both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because it’s quite lovely and a curse because it is generally accompanied by frizz.The major culprits that contribute to the dreaded frizz are dehydration and friction. Unfortunately, curly hair is naturally dry. The first line of defense is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Using the wrong products can cause potentially luscious locks to become parched. Dry, thirsty hair will reach upward and outward to try and quench its thirst from moisure in the air which causes it to become big and frizzy.
Friction is another no-no for curly locks. If you have lived with curls your whole life, you know that the more you touch your hair, the more frizz you create. There are other sources of friction that you probably don’t realize you are creating, however. Eliminating some of these sources will result in smoother curls. So without further ado, here are five major habits to adopt that will fully transform your hair and take those curls from frizzy to fabulous in no time.
1. Use only sulfate-free shampoos
What are sulfates? Sulfates create suds. They are found in detergents, oven cleaners, engine de-greasers and sadly, in most shampoos. Sulfates are very effective for cutting grease but are too harsh for curly hair because they strip it of lubrication. Invest in a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo and cleanse your scalp in circular motions. Do not scrub your hair, concentrate only on your scalp. As the shampoo runs through your curls during your rinse, that will be enough to cleanse your midshaft and ends.
2. Detangle curls with conditioner in the shower
After cleansing your hair, apply conditioner. Leave it in while you take the rest of your shower, shave your legs, exfoliate, etc. Before you rinse, comb through your hair with with your fingers or a wide tooth comb. This way, you will not tug roughly on the hair and break it. After you have conditioned and detangled, stand upright under the shower head and allow the stream of water to flow through your hair and rinse out the conditioner.
3. NEVER use a terrycloth towel to dry your hair
Use a microfiber towel (or even a t-shirt) to dry your precious curls. Terry cloth towels act like velcro and really rough up the cuticle. Instead of vigorously rubbing to remove moisture from your hair, gently scrunch sections of hair with the microfiber towel in an upward motion, blotting the water into the towel. This way, you are drying and helping to coax your curls at the same time.
4. Sleep on a satin or sateen pillowcase
If you own flannel pillowcases, please give them to a friend or Goodwill! Tossing and turning at night in your sleep in unavoidable. The smoother your pillowcase is, the less friction you are creating and the prettier your curls will be.
5. Get your hair cut by a stylist who specializes in cutting curly hair
There is a revolution happening in the curly hair world. Deva Curl and Ouidad are the two leading companies that specialize in curly hair care. There are now (finally!) independent classes for stylists to take so that they can learn how to cut curly locks. Cosmetology schools do not teach this and as a result, unless stylists pursue this type of education on their own, the chances of them NOT knowing the proper way to cut natural curls is extremely high. Do your homework. Go to www.naturallycurly.com for tips and recommendations. You can also find curly hairstylists at www.ouidad.com and www.mydevacurl.com.
The days of not knowing how to care for your curls are finally over! The curl revolution is here. Start researching and find out more ways to rock your gorgeous, natural curls. Find the right stylist and throw out those sulfate shampoos and rough pillow cases. Treat yourself and your tresses to a microfiber towel. You are the caretaker of a gift. The gift of curls. Set them free and hold your head high. You are beautiful!
Craving a new curly style? Find your new look here.
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