People with curly hair need to give their locks extra T.L.C. This is because the scalp’s oils have trouble spreading down the hair’s strands due to their textured shape. When curly hair lacks the lubrication of oils and moisture that it needs, the result is dry and brittle hair leading to matting, split ends or even breakage.
The best remedy for this issue is prevention and the best prevention is a basic curl-specific tool kit like the one detailed below. It will include items to address not only the health of your hair but its style, too.
Curly Hair Care
- Moisturizing shampoo- This will work best if it is free of harsh detergents such as sulfates. Curls need to be cleaned so they aren’t weighed down by product buildup; the scalp needs to be clean so that it does not become irritated (just like any skin on the body). Beauty Without Cruelty Moisture Plus shampoo is just one of the choices.
- Moisturizing conditioner-On a daily basis, it helps keep the strands’ friction to a minimum and combats porosity, allowing them to retain moisture better. The best conditioners have fatty alcohols such as stearyl, and are thick with natural extracts included. Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisturizing conditioner is considered a light product. A heavier product is Herbal Essences Color Me Happy conditioner.
- Protein conditioner- Keeping the balance between moisture and protein is a must; without adequate protein the curls will become weak and snap easily. Audrey Sivasothy explains this in more detail in her article titled “The Fine Art of Protein and Moisture Balancing for Black Hair Care”. This rule doesn’t just apply to African American curly hair, though; it applies for all curls. Try Samy Beyond Repair Professional Intensive Hair Masque.
- Deep treatment mask-In order to combat heat, sun, and chemical damage a mask is essential. A light mask is Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery. Pantene Pro-V 5 Minute Strengthening (formerly known as Nourishing Moisture Replenishing) is a bit heavier.
- Leave in conditioner- Apply this in order to tame curls and keep them soft throughout the day. Infusium 23 Moisturologie Leave-In Treatment is one choice.
Curly Hair Style
- Wide toothed comb-When detangling curls, especially wet ones, this is key in order to avoid breakage. A plastic coated and slightly flexible comb with ½” between each tooth will be gentle.
- Natural boar bristle brush (or combination of boar and plastic bristles)-When a sleek style is in order for more coarse curls, a brush like this will make the task easier. The boar bristles help distribute the scalp’s natural oils down the hair shaft which will combat friction. They are also often more gentle than plastic toothed brushes. The Ace Club Brush is one option.
- Blow dryer diffuser—Don’t blow dry curls around wildly. Use this attachment to control the air flow and prevent frizz. The Conair Euro Style Diffuser is available for purchase.
- Satin textured pillowcase-A plain cotton case will absorb the hair’s moisture.
- Shine/antifrizz serum-Try Citre Shine Shine Mist Anti Frizz Spray Laminator, Highly Laminating; it will help keep curls frizz-free, give them a polished shine, and also includes UV protection from the sun.
Drugstore Hair Products
For thin, fine, or loosely curled hair the “light” products work best. Thicker, tightly curled, or coarse hair will appreciate the “heavier” products. Each of these products is available at local drugstores; at Drugstore.com each is less than $10.
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