By Ilaria Jones
With all the things you have to prepare for in the morning, a bad hair day should not be one of them. Between trying new products, combatting frizz, and reviving curls, the journey to your ultimate curly “Crown of Glory” can seem too timely (and expensive) to achieve. Luckily, the curls you have been longing for can be accomplished while still fitting into your schedule and your budget.
Products, Products, Everywhere!
New products for curly hair seem to be on the shelves daily, and finding ones that work for your hair can be tedious and costly. These tips can help you better utilize the products you already have and suggest new ones that might work with your hair’s specific texture.
- Apply product when your hair is still damp. This allows your hair to retain the moisture of the water and really absorb the product.
- It is important not to overdo it. Sometimes, a quarter or nickel-sized amount is sufficient. Using too much product causes buildup, which, in turn, leads to frizz.
For Starters…
When looking for products, there are many things to consider, but one of the most important is ingredients. Some products claiming to have hydrating properties ultimately dry your hair even more with harsh chemicals, parabens, and sulfates. Moisture is key to many of your hair’s problems, from split ends to breakage, and a moisturizer with natural ingredients is most effective at combating these issues.
Shea Moisture
The Shea Moisture line of products is specifically targeted for curly hair and uses all natural ingredients. From thickening shampoos to deep conditioners, these products are effective on a wide variety of hair types. The line is sold at most drug stores, is inexpensive, and lasts even with daily usage. Some favorites are their Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie for styling and their Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque for deep conditioning.
Curls.biz
This brand, Curls, is very versatile as well. Formulated with organic ingredients, natural botanicals, and exotic extracts, this product can be effective for many different types of curl patterns. Aside from also being inexpensive and easy to find, they have specific products for hair that is fine, medium, thick, or kinky. A good product to try is their Pure Curls – Clarifying Shampoo, which cleanses hair without leaving it feeling dry and stripped. An added bonus is they have a line, Curly Q’s, specifically for kids!
Kinky Curly
This line offers products made with natural ingredients and are free of alcohol and silicones, which can cause drying. Specializing in hair that is wavy, curly, and kinky, this brand has products that target problems most curly girls face, like shrinkage and lack of shine. A product to try is Knot Today, a conditioner used for detangling with the option of also being a leave-in.
The Heat Factor
Who doesn’t love a bit of variety? When straightening your hair it is important to remember to protect your hair from heat. If possible, deep condition each time you straighten so you can prevent heat damage and your hair can retain moisture. Straightening is much easier when you section, detangle, and blow dry your hair first. You should never straighten your hair without some form of heat protectant. Heat protectant adds shine to your hair as well as protecting your curls from irreversible heat damage.
Conair Curl Secret
This tool curls hair without having the exposed barrel of a curling iron, resulting in effortless looking curls. With time and temperature settings, you have the option of creating wave-like or tighter curls. The one of a kind tool draws small sections of hair in and after a series of beeps, you are left with a defined curl. This tool is convenient for someone worried about the safety of curling irons around children or someone who has trouble with curling iron techniques.
Curly Tips:
- When flat ironing hair, use a tension brush first and trace it with the iron. This allows you to use less heat and achieve a straighter section by smoothing the hair before it goes through the irons.
- When wearing wool in colder months, try to line wool coats with a silk scarf to avoid breakage and drying.
- Protective styles are styles that last longer than regular styles but require minimal hair manipulation.
