curly hair tips

Image: Mike Fox/Unsplash

Maintaining curly hair is a full-time job on it’s own.

Seriously, our straight-haired sisters don’t know how easy they have it. Making curly hair look presentable is no easy feat.

My mom rolls her eyes whenever I come home laden with more hair products, but I swear, it really is necessary!

BUT I also feel that I am blessed with curly hair. It makes you unique and sets you apart from the crowd. I believe that people are born with what makes them look the best, so if your natural hair is curly, rock it!

curly hair

My curly hair.

There’s so many tips and tricks for every curl pattern under the sun, so I’m going to focus on the things that work for my curls:

1. DON’T BRUSH YOUR HAIR – LIKE EVER

Never ever EVER brush your hair. I made this mistake when I was younger and my hair would look like a giant cloud surrounding my head. I know this isn’t scientific, but I have a theory that your hair has to KNOW that you want it to be curly. If you’re brushing it out, it thinks you want it to be straight and just turns into frizz and fluff. Call me crazy, but remembering this theory has served my curls well. Don’t even rake your fingers through your tresses. Of course, you must get the tangles out somehow, so detangle in the shower after you’ve put in conditioner and with a wide tooth comb only.

curly hair tips

Image: Tanja Heffner/Unsplash

2. FIND A PRODUCT LINE THAT WORKS FOR YOU 

My hair texture changes completely depending on which curl product line I use. I personally love DevaCurl products (which unfortunately I can’t find in South Africa!) but I can find it easily back home in the States. Even if you don’t use DevaCurl, look for products without sulfates or silicones. I follow the LOC method for curly hair, which stands for Leave-in, Oil, Cream. For my hair, the DevaCurl One Condition conditioner is my leave-in, followed by a few drops of jojoba oil, a bit of DevaCurl Supercream Coconut Hair Styler, and then I finish with DevaCurl Light Defining Gel. After that, I scrunch my hair with an old t-shirt and wrap it up to get it out of the way.

curly hair tips

Image: Jonas Svidras/Unsplash

3. BE MINDFUL OF THE MATERIALS THAT TOUCH YOUR HAIR

Although you of course need to consider about the products that are IN your hair, it also matters which materials that are TOUCHING your hair. For example, many girls put their tresses in a towel after showers, which leads to damage and split ends. Gently scrunch and wrap your hair with a soft cotton t-shirt, and try to sleep on a silk pillowcase if possible. Also, too many high, tight ponytails or braids will put stress on your hair follicles and ruin your curl pattern, so be gentle with your hair.

curly hair tips

Image: Averie Woodard/Unsplash

4. MAKE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES

My hairdresser once told me that she can tell when girls aren’t eating enough because their hair is brittle and falls out easily. You are what you eat! Seriously, if you follow a healthy diet and drink enough water, it will show in your locks. Stress also causes hair loss and in some cases baldness, so take a deep breath and know that it will benefit your beauty.

curly hair tips

Image: Dc Lovensky/Unsplash

5. SWITCH UP YOUR PART BEFORE BED 

Switch up your part when you sleep so the top of your hair won’t be flat. This works wonders for any volume problem, as well as for keeping your hair follicles strong.

curly hair tips

Image: Ayo Ogunseinde/Unsplash

CURLY HAIR BONUSES:

  • Fun formal hair – let those Keira Knightly-esque wispies out, do a man-bun, or braid your waves. Curly hair was made for creative hairstyles.
  • It’s easier to straighten curly hair than it is to curl straight hair and make it look authentic.
  • Your friends are obsessed with your hair and always want to pull the curls down so they bounce back up.
  • When you’re late for a dinner with friends, you can blame it on your hair regimen and other curly-haired girls will back you up.

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AUTHOR: Nina Duffy