Whether you have naturally curly hair or have been trying to get your curls under control, know that there are several things you can do to smooth down the waves in your hair. Your curly mane will become more manageable and less frizzy with patience and perseverance. In this post, I’ll share four tips for a trouble-free curly hair routine so you can achieve great curls and avoid the worst styling mistakes.
Prep Your Hair Before Washing
Before you start washing your hair, you need to prep it. This is important because shampooing will only remove the natural oils from your hair. Wash away any dirt and debris from your scalp and any excess product buildup from styling tools like curling irons or blow dryers.
Before you even think about washing your hair, ensure it has been thoroughly conditioned. This will prevent dryness and damage to your curly strands and ensure that you can do a full wash and conditioning after the shampooing.
Shampoo Smarter
The first step in a curly-hair routine is shampooing, but only some shampoos are created equal. If curly hair is prone to frizz, use a sulfate-free shampoo to reduce frizz and help detangle curls. If your curls are voluminous and frizzy but manageable, choose a shampoo with protein or argan oil to moisturize while protecting against moisture loss. If your hair feels dry after washing, try switching to a gentle sulfate-free option (like VO5).
If you’re going to shampoo your curly locks, try not to use sulfate-based shampoos. These types of shampoos can strip moisture from your hair, which can cause breakage or tangling. Instead, look for a sulfate-free formulation that nurtures your curls without stripping them of their natural oils. If this is your first time using a sulfate-free formula, start with an inexpensive drugstore brand and slowly work your way up as you find what works best for your hair type.
Condition the Right Way
Conditioner is essential for healthy-looking curls — especially those with coarse or unruly textures. Choose one with protein or keratin ingredients like aloe vera or keratin protein treatments that help strengthen strands while sealing in moisture. For added protection against heat damage, apply conditioner while wetting down wet.
Conditioning is just as important for curly hair as straight hair! When you don’t condition your curls regularly, they tend to become dry and brittle over time, leading to breakage and split ends. The right product should contain moisturizing ingredients such as coconut oil or shea butter to keep those layers soft and healthy while adding shine with Vitamins B5 and C.
Conclusion
Have you ever tried to do something with your hair only to find that the result made you want to pull your hair out? It happens often, but not just with curly hair. Anyone with curly or kinky hair knows what a struggle it can be to get it how you want it.
