Coarse Curly Hair

For many of us, coarse curly hair is difficult to manage, since it takes too much of time and effort. If you have thick and curly hair, chances are that it becomes dry, frizzy, and unmanageable, no matter what you do with them. There are so many commercials on television and magazines telling us what products to buy for certain types of hair. When you're at the supermarket, walking down the hair care aisle, there are hundreds of products that claim to work best for your hair. But how do you know which of these products will help you tame your very, very curly hair? Let's see if we can help you solve this mystery.

Shampoo to Use for Curly Hair

A shampoo's primary job is to remove residues from hair, including excess oil and pollution. Certain shampoos sold in supermarkets have sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, which are base surfactants (foaming agents). They lather when you wash your hair with it. However, in time these surfactants make your hair extremely dry and can break down the hair shaft. Selecting the right shampoo for your hair type makes a world of difference. It's the difference between having a great hair day and a bad hair day.

Shea Butter Shampoo
A mild shampoo formulated with Shea butter, protects and restructures hair by restoring the natural pH, leaving hair fresh and shiny. Hair fibers get smooth and the scalp's natural oil balance is protected. Use of shea butter for hair is recommended to protect them from pollution and the ever-changing weather.

Creamy Shampoo
Use creamy shampoos instead of clarifying or clear shampoos. It keeps hair healthy and strong. Creamy shampoos have more moisturizing agents than clear shampoos, which is needed for dry, curly hair. Clear shampoos have the disposition to make your hair dry.

Organic Shampoo
Organic shampoos leave very little residue in your hair and maintains their natural softness. These shampoos repair the damage done to your hair with years of straightening, coloring, and blow drying. Organic shampoos have ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, jojoba oil, organic shea butter, etc.

Unrefined coconut oil is good for strengthening dry coarse hair. It's one of the best heat treatments, that can also be used as a leave-in conditioner. After shampooing, don't use a blow dryer to dry your hair, let it dry naturally. Take a cent-sized drop of coconut oil on your hand, rub it and massage it thoroughly in your hair. This will prevent the hair from getting dry and frizzy after shampoo.

Hairstyles to Try

Never brush curly hair when it's dry, as it will encourage frizz and harm the cuticle. Use a wide-tooth comb to gently disentangle the hair. Never use styling products that contain alcohol. This will make your hair weigh down. While styling, blow dryers should be used only when it's absolutely necessary, as the heat will steal the moisture from your hair.

• Style your hair when it's wet and then leave your hair to air dry; try not to scrunch or retouch them.
• Wear your hair with a side parting, middle parting, or angle parting. This will change the way you style your hair everyday and also give new dimensions to your face.
• To get a smooth texture for your curly hair, try using a flat-iron once in a while. But don't overdo it.

One of the easiest ways of protecting hair from damage and reducing frizz, is moisturizing. For years I've been using a simple at-home tip to moisture and condition my curly locks. Combine 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of almond oil, olive oil, and half a cup of mayonnaise. Blend the ingredients together, apply to your hair, and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Remember to wash your hair properly as the smell of mayonnaise and eggs can be very strong. If this recipe works for you, follow the procedure twice a month.

Haircuts to Try

Cut or trim your curly hair every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your hair growth. This practice will keep your locks in great shape, and will stop the ends from losing their natural curls. Give your thick hair some length to weigh the beautiful curls down. To get the best cut possible, keep the length from medium to long, with layers cut in, to lessen some of the fullness. Avoid blunt cuts as they would appear heavy at the bottom. For better results, ask your stylist to make layers starting at your upper lip, and gradually following the length.

Some stylists insist that anyone can cut curly hair, although I beg to differ. Stylists who themselves have coarse curly hair or have clients with dry coarse hair, become experts at managing them. Ask your friends or co-workers with curly hair about their choice of products or if they follow certain hair care regimes. This will prevent you from using bad products, and can guide you towards good ones.