How to Take Care of Your Curly Hair

Caring for naturally curly hair is no easy feat. Common ingredients–and age-old practices like brushing your hair–can wreak havoc on your ringlets. 

In fact, it isn’t uncommon for people to discover their hair is actually curly later in life when they finally learn to treat it properly. 

But here’s the good news: we’re in the golden age of curly hair care! You have your choice of fantastic products made specifically for twisty tendrils and wavy locks. If you’re looking for expert advice for managing your curls, you’re in the right place!

Common tips to take care of your curly hair

Naturally curly hair requires special treatment to maintain a healthy, frizz-free look. Many factors can affect your luxurious locks. Here are some of our best care tips for managing curly hair.

Avoid excessive sun exposure

UV exposure can strip your hair of its natural oils and dry out your curls. While some hair care products contain UV-repelling properties, it’s best to cover up with a scarf, hat, or umbrella if you spend a significant amount of time outdoors. 

Once sun damage occurs, you may need a trim and extra hydration to get it back in shape. Additionally, be sure to only wash your hair with cold water, never hot. 

Moisturize often

Moisturizing hair treatments are essential for healthy curls. Deep conditioning masks, leave-in conditioners, and protein-enriching products are necessary elements of any curly hair care routine. 

Remember, curly hair dries out more easily than other hair types, so supplementing will help ensure your locks maintain their form. For the best results, apply products to soaking wet hair after washing and allow it to air dry. 

Trim regularly to avoid split ends 

Split ends can disrupt your curl pattern and make any mane look frizzy. Regularly trimming your ends can help keep your ringlets sleek and shiny, as well as promote hair growth. 

Between trims, you can use serums and oils to reduce the formation of pesky split ends. Both friction and excessive heat can damage your ends, so avoid blow-drying and tying your hair as much as possible. You can also use bobby pins instead of elastic bands to keep your hair in place. 

Maintain your hair care routine, even when sleeping

If you haven’t already invested in silk pillowcases, it’s time to make the change! Since friction is a major cause of frizz and split ends, the time you spend in bed can result in dry, damaged hair. Consider purchasing silk or satin pillowcases and bonnets to reduce friction and encourage healthy curly hair.

Keep your scalp healthy

For luscious, bouncy curls, you need to ensure your scalp is healthy. You probably already know that overwashing your hair isn’t great for your locks. However, not washing your hair enough comes with its own set of problems. Going too long between washes can cause excess oil on your scalp, as well as dandruff. 

Get yourself on a schedule that works with your curl type and hair texture. Then, be sure to massage your scalp on wash days to promote proper blood circulation, which will keep your hair full and curly. Consider starting your routine with a gentle scalp massage using olive oil or castor oil. 

Don’t brush your hair before washing it

One of the golden rules of curly hair is to avoid dry brushing. When you dry brush curly hair, you risk breaking up your curl structure and damaging the shaft. Instead, pick up a wide-toothed comb and only detangle when your hair is wet and well-lubricated with plenty of conditioner. 

While we’re on the subject of washing, we should mention that pre-shampoo treatments can be a great addition to your hair care routine. These products range from serums to masks, and help remove built-up impurities while also maintaining moisture throughout the cleansing process. If you’re not ready to shell out for a pricey new product, consider trying castor oil or coconut oil as a test run. 

Harmful ingredients for curly hair

In order to maintain good hair with bouncy, healthy curls, it’s essential to eliminate certain ingredients from your routine. Here are a few to avoid using at all costs. 

Alcohol-based treatments

Drying alcohols are detrimental to curly hair. However, they help products spread through your mane evenly, so many manufacturers add them into styling products.

To control frizz and encourage luscious, healthy curls, it’s imperative to stay away from these dehydrating ingredients.

That being said, fatty alcohols like Cetyl-, Cetearyl-, Lauryl-, and Stearyl alcohols are fantastic for curly hair! So, read labels carefully before throwing out your products or buying new ones. 

Shampoos with sulfates

Sulfates are a common ingredient in shampoos because they can effectively remove impurities from your hair and scalp. Although this product is great at cleansing, it’s far too harsh for delicate curls, and will leave them limp, lifeless, and dehydrated. 

Fortunately, mild, sulfate-free shampoos are more popular than ever. When you use these products, focus on your scalp and gently massage to work up a lather. Then, thoroughly rinse your strands before conditioning. 

Mineral oils

The use of mineral oil is hotly debated in the hair-care industry. While some believe it can give locks a lustrous shine, others don’t think the side effects are worth it.

This common ingredient can cause residue to build up on the shaft of the hair. Over time, it can even disrupt hair growth. And, despite the name, mineral oil doesn’t offer any nutritional benefits to your lovely locks. We suggest opting for other products like castor oil and shea butter. 

Too much silicone

Silicone can weigh down your curls, causing bouncy ringlets to fall flat. Check your products to make sure nothing contains over 50% silicone. Or, better yet, opt for silicone-free shampoo, conditioner, and hair masks for optimal results. 

B/Bauer Hair Lounge can treat any style of hair!

At B/Bauer Hair Lounge, we’re committed to helping you achieve the best hair of your life! From shaping and styling to extensions and hair-loss solutions, we do it all. 

Visit us in Tinley Park or Des Plaines to start your hair care journey. We can’t wait to help you achieve the results you’ve been dreaming of!