How to Take Care of Curly Hair

Curly hair is, by nature, fragile and more prone to dryness and damages. So if you have naturally curly hair, then first of all you have to understand the fact that the requirements of this type of hair are quite different from that of straight hair. Curly hair needs more care and attention, as compared to other types of hair. Otherwise dryness, problematic frizz as well as split ends would be the common problems.

A hair shaft contains three layers, the cuticle being the outermost layer. The cuticle protects the two inner layers from harsh conditions like heat, sunlight and chemicals. If sufficient care is not taken, the hair cuticle may get damaged, which in turn can also make the inner layers more prone to damages like breakage. Therefore, one has to be very cautious to protect hair cuticles from harsh chemicals and environmental factors. Here are a few tips on how to take care of natural curly hair.

How to Take Care of Curly Hair?
The most essential step to manage curly hair is to moisturize or condition it regularly. Cleaning is also important, but people with curly hair should avoid frequent shampooing. Shampoos usually contain many chemicals, including alcohol and sodium lauryl sulfate, which dries out the hair follicles by robbing them of the essential oil and moisture. Therefore, frequent shampooing can lead to development of frizz and break-aways. So, wash your hair with a mild shampoo, preferably one with conditioner only once or twice a week. Though shampoos are not meant for daily use, conditioners can be used frequently in order to maintain the level of moisture.

Do not brush or comb wet hair, and always use a wide toothed comb instead of hair brushes to remove tangles and knots. It is better to let your hair dry naturally instead of regularly using a blow dryer. Blow drying can cause dryness of the hair strands leading to split ends and hair breakage. Many people who are not satisfied with their naturally curly hair use flat irons or hair straighteners to get straight hair. But in the long run, the heat generated by these equipment can weaken the hair follicles, thereby giving rise to problems like thinning of the hair shaft, hair breakage, etc. So it is better to restrict their use.

Using natural oils to moisturize your scalp and hair once or twice a week can help you to manage curly and frizzy hair, and also to stop hair breakage. You can use either virgin coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil to massage your scalp a day before shampooing your hair. These natural oils provide moisture and the much needed vitamin E for hair growth. Also talk to your hairstylist to find out a perfect hairstyle for naturally curly hair. Sometimes, a proper haircut would help to a great extent in maintaining curly hair. As far as the use of hair styling products, like gels or hairspray are concerned, avoid their excessive use. The same point also holds true for hair styling. Avoid overstyling your hair with hairstyles that put much pressure and stress on your hair.

Homemade Products for Curly Hair
Instead of relying too much on commercial products, you can make some excellent hair care products at home, by using some readily available substances. Mayonnaise not only has a great taste, but can be used to take care of your hair as well. It is available in almost every household and is the simplest product for hair care. If you are wondering how to take care of curly frizzy hair using mayonnaise, you need to apply a coat on your hair and leave it for sometime, though not more than 15 to 20 minutes. Then rinse with clean water and feel the marked difference in the quality of your hair. Your hair would look amazingly shiny and soft.

Even eggs can be used to nourish your hair, as they are rich in protein. Just take the yolk of an egg and mix a few drops of olive oil with it. Now wet your hair and apply this mixture. Keep for 5 to 10 minutes, and then use a mild shampoo to wash off. This is an excellent conditioner for dry curly hair. Similarly, milk and honey can also be applied for moisturizing and nourishing your curly hair.

Curly hair is not problematic, but it needs some extra care and protection to look healthy. If maintained properly, this type of hair can give you a glamorous look with those lovely curls. Hope these few tips on how to take care of curly hair guide you in this regard and help you get that stunning look that you have always dreamed of.