Effortless Cures for Crazy Curls
Many people of color struggle with their naturally textured strands. It doesn’t matter if you have hair type 2, 3, or 4 (wavy, curly, or kinky respectively). The hair care industry still doesn’t put as much effort into ethnic beauty as it does into caucasian care, yet 60% of people have some curl in their hair! Unless you have family in the business of all things hair, chances are that your hair isn’t getting its needs met. Sure, there are products meant for coiled locks, but 9 times out of 10 they do not promote strong, healthy hair! Take control. Know thy hair, and become your own expert on your true texture because it is fashionable, professional, acceptable and lovable!
Mainstream stereotypes have classified curly hair as problematic, rough, and lacklustre. These misconceptions were due to the market only offering relaxers and grease to deal with textured tresses. Heavy styling products were not water-soluble, and water was considered to be the enemy anyway. This huge mess of mistreatment has caused many curly heads to become fragile and unhealthy. It’s time to raise the standard.
Start with soaking wet hair. Your mane looks best when it’s full of hydration, so don’t towel dry. Plus, it’s easier to tame and style in a wet state. Take a quarter dollop of leave-in conditioner if your hair is long and a nickle-sized amount if your hair is shorter. Viscous creams work best for thicker and curlier manes, and sprays work best for thinner and wavier hair that’s weighed down easily. Keep adding a small amounts of the fixative until your hair is evenly coated from roots to ends. It’s easier to work with hair that’s flipped upside down so that the product stays on your hair. You don’t want it to accidentally come off onto your clothes or skin! Finger-comb after applying the leave-in. This helps to define your curls. If you have thick hair, use a wide-toothed shower comb to create more definition. Do not brush your wet hair!
To get rid of the excess water, the next step is to gently squeeze and scrunch the hair with your hands and/or a microfiber towel. Try to avoid bath towels and terry cloth turbans! They cause frizz. Plopping is another technique for longer hair. You can use a long-sleeved t-shirt if your microfiber towel isn’t large enough to cover your entire head. Bend over and lower your hair onto the towel or shirt and wrap it around your head. You can leave it on for as long as you want, even overnight. This is an alternative to hair dryers, and if the wrap is really absorbent then you can take it off after about 20 minutes. If your hair is crunchy, just scrunch it all over again until it softens to your liking.
In addition to your choice leave-in conditioner, you should add whichever natural botanical that addresses your current concerns and complaints. For example, you can customize your conditioner by adding jojoba oil, avocado oil, and aloe vera to combat hair loss; shea butter, castor oil, and apricot oil for dryness; witch hazel, eucalyptus, and lemon oil for oily scalp; papaya, coconut oil, and rose hip for roughness; and olive oil, tea tree oil, and garlic for dandruff.
Whatever you choose to do, keep it as simple and natural as possible. Nature’s way is the best way.
How to Deal With Unruly Curly Hair
Dealing with the Unruliness of Curly Hair
Is your hair naturally curly? This can be a very difficult hair type to manage. It can decide to be difficult one day and cooperative the next. But what’s the best and most efficient way to tame and maintain this type of mane? Your best bet to get your unruly hair under control is to consult the advice of a hair specialist and see him/her regularly. They will be able to instruct you on the best proven ways to care for your hair. They will already know which hair care products work the best for your unique hair type. They will also have the skills to impart to you on how to maintain your hair between visits.
Many people envy people with natural curls. But, did you know that curly hair is more fragile and prone to damage than straight hair? This hair type typically is drier and can break easier than straight hair. It is also more easily tangled than straight hair. In fact there have been several cases of women with curly hair using the wrong hair care products or misusing a hair care product which has resulted in them losing their hair all together. You may think you hate your hair now but what do you think of the bald look? They say you never really truly appreciate something until it is gone. The good news is that you don’t have to go bald or struggle with hair drama for long. You may even achieve a more gorgeous look than you could’ve ever imagined!
The first step to caring for your curly hair is to get the right brush. Using the proper brush will allow you to detangle your curly tresses, which tends to tangle easily. If you used a regular comb you may just remove the tangle by its roots rather than leaving the hair in place and taking the tangle out. Once a hair is pulled out by the roots it can take months to regrow back into place and the hair will always be shorter than the other hairs around it leading to the unbalanced look of a cut. The right type of brush is one with plastic ball tips; this is also known sometimes as a wig brush.
The second step in caring for curly hair is to replenish and retain moisture. Shampoo often strips all of the natural moisture from the hair. These natural oils are what protect the hair and allow for easier brushing. Washing the hair only every other day and using a leave in conditioner can keep the hair moist and tangle free. Next, you need to thoroughly condition the hair after each shampoo. As you condition your hair, evenly distribute the conditioner throughout by combing with a big tooth comb. Detangle the hair while it is wet, as it much easier to deal with when your hair is tangled. The less tangles in the hair the less chance of breakage and pulling.
The third step has to do with the type of style you choose. Many people with curly hair choose a shorter hair style, but this can often be more unruly than a longer style. A longer curly hair style can be braided or placed in a pony tail, but shorter hair will almost always lay right next to the head. Hair clips and hair barrettes can help to make hair more refined, as well. If you choose a shorter style, be sure to maintain it by keeping the ends trimmed and well kempt. Use as little heat as possible. Heat causes irreparable damage to your hair.
It is very important to use the correct hair brushing tools for your hair type. There are also special clips, barrettes and hair bands for each type of hair style. Curly hair is usually thick and heavier, so it requires clips, barrettes and hair bands that can hold larger amounts of hair. Be sure to use accessories that claim not to break the hair. Scunci products are great for this hair type. Remember when using hair care products that the goal is not only to tame the wild mane but to also make it more beautiful and healthier at the same time. If your hair is naturally curly, wear it with pride as it is a beautiful asset
