Tight curls require special care, or else they dry out and become fragile and damaged. Dry tight curls are more susceptible to breakage. There is a lot of expertise on what not to do to damage your hair further.
Steps to taking care of curly hair
1. Use a formulated shampoo
Your hair needs a weekly wash. Formulated shampoos don’t contain harsh ingredients. Studies show that shampoos contain sulphates that remove natural oils and dry our hair. Washing hair at least once a week helps get rid of dirt. However, if you have dandruff, you may need to wash it more often.
2. Condition intentionally
Don’t leave the conditioner sitting on the hair for too long. Using a conditioner adds moisture to your hair. You can also use an oil treatment once a month. Choose brands that melt at body temperature, like emu or jojoba oil. When conditioning, smooth it down your strands like shampoo and add water.
Read also: 5 Benefits Of Co-Washing Your Hair
3. Detangle
Detangling helps reduce the risk of breakage and damage. The more tangled your hair is, the more it breaks when you comb it. Detangling also preserves moisture in the hair. Use a soft brush or wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair. Start from the bottom and work your way up to the roots to reduce breakage. You can also use your fingers if your hair isn’t completely tangled. This also preserves the shape of your curls.
4. Use appropriate styling products
After rinsing and detangling, ensure you use a styling foam for hairstyles that need to hold. Choose a mousse that won’t leave your hair crunchy. Mousse for tight curls should be lightweight and airy for a strong hold, volume, shine, and bounce. It also controls frizz and retains moisture. Avoid mousse with a high alcohol percentage if you have highly porous hair. The best styling foams for tight curls have coconut or shea oil.
5. Use heat, don’t air dry
If you need to apply heat to your hair, use the lowest heat and wait until the hair is dry. Ensure you apply heat protectants. Using a diffuser may be better than blow drying because it causes less heat damage.
If you must air dry, use a microfibre towel until all the moisture is gone. Using a normal towel adds frizz and leads to damage over time.
Read also: How to Maintain Hair Health While Using a Straightener
6. What to do at night
You can wear bonnets or silk wraps. You can also sleep with your hair free if your pillow doesn’t have fabric that can damage hair like wool. Don’t sleep with tight bands.
To keep your hair moisturized, stay hydrated. If you work out regularly, you may get dry hair more often. Follow the routine every three to four days. Seek advice from your stylist to better understand which products are best suited for you.
Check out:
How To Wash Kinky Hair The Right Way
The Best Foods For Healthier Hair And Nails
Beauty: 10 Common Myths About African Or Black Hair
