“Curly hairhas endless patterns, densities, and textures,” hairstylist Justin Toves-Vincilione says.
However, we asked a few expert stylists to share tips that will make maintaining your curly hair easier.
Ahead, find everything you better know about caring for curly hair.
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Meet the Experts
What Is Curly Hair?
Curly hair is far from monolithic.
“It includesloose waves, soft curls, tight curls, and ringlets,” she adds.
But whatactuallymakes hair curl?
Angelone explains that “straight hairhas bonds evenly distributed on each side of the hair shaft.
The distance from scalp to ends isn’t a straight road for curly hair, either.
What Are Common Curly Hair Challenges?
Dryness
Curly hair is prone to dryness.
Angelone says using adeep conditionercan also help greatly.
“[Individuals with curly hair] should be doing deep conditioning treatments weekly,” she says.
She also suggests usingmoisturizing oils, like Trademark Beauty’s Jojoba Oil Daily Elixir and Argan Oil Daily Elixir.
Frizz
Dryness is often accompanied by frizz.
You cansmooth frizzand flyaways by using enough product in your styling routine.
He adds that you should always “allow time for [these products] to do their thing.
Rinsing products out too soon is counterproductive, especially onlow porosity curl types.”
Shrinkage
Shrinkage is a natural occurrence with curly and coily hair.
We recommend Melanin Haircare’s Twist Elongating Style Cream and Aunt Jackie’s Don’t Shrink Curling Gel.
Once you’re ready to wash, you might want to considerpre-shampooingfirst.
you’ve got the option to use a dedicated pre-shampoo or opt for aco-washinstead.
Once it’s emulsified, you could begin todetangle your curls.
Our pros always advise detangling when hair is wet and has a moisturizing product in it.
Work your way up to the mid-strands and finally finish at the root.
If using a brush, he recommends the Olivia Garden Fingerbrush.
Angelone prefers the RPZL Polisher Brush for detangling.
Once you’ve detangled and rinsed out your pre-treatment, move on to shampooing and conditioning.
Angelone says always to use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner.
When shampooing, Toves-Vincilione says it’s important to work slowly.
“Focus on the scalp rather than the ends,” he explains.
“Working in sections will help ensure the scalp is completely cleansed.”
After moisturizing, it’s best to use a curl enhancer.
This can include a curl cream, gel, or mousse.
One of Toves-Vincilione’s favorite curl definers is the Curlsmith Bouncy Strength Volume Foam.
“The natural, aerosol-free styling foam helps keep the curls voluminous and healthy looking,” he says.
you could choose to let your curls air dry or speed up the process with ahooded dryerordiffuser.
If you decide on the latter, ensure you’ve applied aheat protectantto shield your curls from damage.
However, there are a few ways to preserve your natural hair.
Sleeping with asatin or silk pillowcasecan reduce friction and moisture loss.
It can also help your curls keep their shape.
Alternatively, it’s possible for you to wear abonnetor wrap your hair in a scarf.
The Final Takeaway
Maintaining curly hair requires intentionality at every step, from washing to styling.
They also suggest protecting your hair while you sleep.
