TheGirlsLife
Ten years ago, I put down my hair straightener for the last time. Only I didn’t realize it would be the last time. But after years of battling my naturally very curly hair and trying to force it to be something it’s not, I finally had enough. My hair wasn’t growing; straightening it took hours and hours (terrific arm workout, though), and I was simply over it. So I finally took the plunge and delved into the world of curly hair care tips, only to realize that embracing my natural hair wasn’t as simple as I thought.
The amount of curly hair advice out here on Beyonce’s internet is, quite frankly, overwhelming. When you add that no two curls are created the same (even if they’re on the same head), it’s easy to feel like giving up on your curly hair journey before it even begins. If you’ve watched countless TikTok tutorials trying to find one featuring a person with hair just like yours to no avail, I know exactly where you should start. Ten years into my curly hair journey, I can confidently call myself an expert. I’ve been through the highs and lows of bringing back my curl pattern, getting bad haircuts, finally finding a stylist I trust, and then reaping the benefits of the long, healthy curls I’ve lusted after my entire life. Below are my six golden rules for curly hair care that everyone should follow, regardless of curl type.
1. Style your hair when it’s soaking wet
If you feel like you’re using the right products and have nailed a technique but are still struggling with frizzy, undefined curls that don’t last, it’s time to reexamine your styling process. I assume it looks something like this: you shower, towel off, scrunch some water out of your hair, do your skincare, get dressed, and then start in on your hair. Here’s where you’re making a mistake: you must be styling your hair either while in the shower or right after you leave.
Curly hair needs moisture, and if your hair isn’t soaking wet when styling it, you’ll always experience some frizz. Your styling products help lock in moisture, define curls, and hold everything in place. If you apply said products on hair that has already started to frizz and dry up after your shower, that’s precisely what you’ll be locking in.
If your hair starts to dry while styling it, use a misting spray bottle to rewet your curls. This will give you the best chance at creating beautiful, defined waves or ringlets.
Amazon
This is the spray bottle I use. The continuous mister fully saturates my hair when I need to add moisture during the styling process. I also use it on non-wash days to refresh individual curls or help start the slicking back process on updo days.
2. Protect your hair when you sleep
When I started wearing my curly hair, I changed nothing about my sleep habits and always woke up with my hair a frizzy, tangly mess. I then felt like I had to rewash my hair daily to make it look right. The key to curls that last? Protecting them at night. When I introduced a silk pillowcase and bonnet to the equation, my curls lasted three, four, or even five days.
I’ve found the most success putting my hair up in a loose ponytail at the top of my head with a satin scrunchy, covering it with a bonnet, and sleeping on a silk pillowcase. If that seems like a lot, start by switching to a silk pillowcase and building from there. This change will make a huge difference, as your usual cotton pillowcase creates friction that messes up your hair at night.
Quince
This is the silk pillowcase I use. It’s the most affordable 100% mulberry silk option I’ve ever found, and I would repurchase it repeatedly.
Kitsch
I’m not saying you should throw out all of your non-satin hair ties, but it’s a good idea to use satin scrunchies whenever possible, as they help protect your hair from breakage. At the very least, ensure you’re using them to hold up your hair (loosely!) at night.
Glow by Daye
Sleeping with a satin bonnet will take some getting used to, but once you get over the initial change, you’ll barely notice it. There are tons of varieties on the market, and it may take some time to find one that fits comfortably on your head and covers your curls, but this option from Black-owned business Glow by Daye is a great place to start.
10+ colours available
3. Use hair products with hold
Fellow millennials, I’m looking at you for this one. We grew up thinking that gel equalled crunchy, ramen noodle-like curls. The truth is, we weren’t using the products right. Your styling products must have hold (whether light or extra vital, depending on your curl type) to define your curls and lock in your style for days and days. Whether you choose a mousse, gel, or cream product is up to you. The key to soft, well-defined curls comes after you let your product of choice dry. After styling, diffuse or air dry your hair until you achieve that crunchy cast gel and other products with hold are known for. Then, put some of your favourite hair oil on your palms and scrunch your curls. This will break up that cast (goodbye ramen noodles!) and give you a perfect hair day.
And one more thing while we’re on styling products: You do not need to spend money on expensive, salon-quality hair products to style your curls. I’ve used all of the high-end brands and a fair share of drugstore options, and this drugstore variety from As I Am is the best gel for my hair. That said, every curl will react differently to different products, so try everything you can get your hands on until you find the best products.
4. Never detangle your hair when it’s dry
Does anyone remember sitting in front of the mirror holding back tears while their mom forced a brush through their hair? Trying to detangle curls when they are dry is a recipe for disaster. If you haven’t gotten the point by now, moisture is the key to pretty much everything with curly hair. Trying to detangle your hair while it’s dry will only result in frustration and breakage. Instead, use a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your curls after putting conditioner in your hair in the shower; if you’ve got a particularly stubborn knot, work a little more conditioner and water into the strands and comb through it. I promise this is a 100% better experience than the combination of brush and barely concealed tears.
5. Never dry your hair with a towel
Friction is a curly girl’s biggest enemy. Like sleeping with satin or silk products, you want to be extremely gentle while drying your hair. Rather than rub and scrunch your curls with a regular towel, use a microfiber cloth or cotton t-shirt to gently scrunch excess product out of your hair when you’re done styling. Then go in with your diffuser or leave your hair to air dry, depending on your preference.
Curly Girl
Remember, you should be styling your hair when it’s soaking wet, so don’t break out this microfiber towel until after you’re done styling. Once all your products are in, flip your head over and gently scrunch out the excess product and water to aid in drying.
Dyson
I’ll recommend a drugstore or affordable option at pretty much any opportunity, but the Dyson hair dryer is That Girl. I’ve used many different diffusers, none of which compare to my Dyson. I have a lot of hair that takes a very long time to dry, and the Dyson has to be done in about 30 minutes without the excessive heat damage other dryers cause.
6. Only get your hair cut by a curl specialist
When I was about six, my mom took me to a hairstylist and asked for help to control my curls. That person shaved the bottom layer of my hair so that there was less hair overall to manage. That was the first of many traumatic haircut experiences I’ve had throughout my life. Getting your hair cut by a curly hair specialist is the best thing you can do for your hair. Curly haircuts are pricier than the ones our straight-haired friends get, but we also get to go a lot less frequently.
Curly hair cannot be cut the same way as straight hair, and specialists work with your curls in a way that will help bring back your curl pattern and make sure your curls are shaped and laying nicely. In addition to that, they’ll walk you through exactly what you need to do to care for your specific curls in a way that scrolling through endless TikTok videos simply can’t.
