Water is everything! So many people stress the importance of consuming water to maintain a healthy body, skin, and hair– but I think just as much emphasis should be placed on water ON your hair. I’m not implying that you should soak your hair everyday. Simply spritzing your hair with a water-filled spray bottle on a daily basis gets the job done. Water is the ultimate moisturizer and nothing can come close to replacing it for that purpose. Think of your hair like a plant– it needs water to grow!
Treat your hair with love. Even the roughest and toughest, most resilient hair is fragile, so treat it that way. Finger detangle as often as possible. Alternate your styles to prevent stress on your hairline or other areas of your hair. Trying going without hair accessories and just let it grow and flow.
Know your ingredients. When you know what works for your hair and what doesn’t, it makes it easier to choose products that your hair will like. I avoid sulfates and harsh alcohols because they are drying and strip my hair. I don’t use products that contain mineral oil or silicones because they coat hair strands, and I don’t need anything that’s going to encourage product buildup. Research, experiment, and research some more to learn about safe/unsafe ingredients, and how to care for your hair. I love this guide by Live Curly, Live Free for understanding ingredients.
Towel< T-shirt. This is one of the easiest changes to make. Its simply a matter of reaching for a t-shirt instead of a towel to dry your hair after washing. Towels (unless you are using a microfiber towel) can be so abrasive and harsh on curly (or any texture) hair. Try using a t-shirt for drying, and see what a difference it makes in your frizz reduction and moisture retention.
Keep your hair covered at night! My satin pillowcase, satin scarf and satin bonnet were the best investments I’ve made for our hair. You don’t need all 3, but having a variety doesn’t hurt. Don’t bother spending your precious coins on those $20 options either; the scarves at Walmart or the beauty supply store work just as well!
I love protein for my hair. And that is saying a lot considering I lived through 3 previous hair journeys fearing it. Now that I understand the importance of protein for my fine hair, I know that I have to regularly incorporate it into my hair regimen, in order to maintain a balance for healthy hair. Just as there is a such thing as protein overload, over moisturizing can be a problem as well. Of course there’s always the question is how often you should use protein or when to deep condition, and my answer is always simple– listen to your hair. I know its easier said than done, but when you get to know your hair, you will pick up on signs of what it needs, or understand how it responds to certain things. As a guide, however, if your hair is mushy, limp, and lacks elasticity– you may need protein. If it is hard, dry/brittle, and doesn’t hold moisture– you may need moisture. Here is another awesome guide on how to tell what your hair needs.
I’m not an expert, and I will never claim to be. I’m just a girl who loves to learn, research, and share her experiences through trial and error. I have a little knowledge in my arsenal, but there is still so much to learn about hair care. Even as a hair care blogger I have bad hair days, and so does my daughter. We are human, and we are still learning and understanding our hair.
Do you have any curly hair tips? Do share!