Having kinky, curly hair can be a real pain iif you don’t know how to work with it. When your hair is sleek and smooth, everyone loves it, but they aren’t quite so nice when your hair’s on its second day without washing. This is often the problem that comes along with some curl types. The answer? There isn’t a single answer. What works for me might not work the same way for you. That’s why I’m here to give you tips on how to style your kinky curly hair so that you don’t end up damaging it.
Applying heat to kinky curly hair can cause it to dry out, thin out, and frizz up. Follow these simple techniques from Paul Labrecce, author of the book Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America, to style your hair without damaging it.
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Use the right products.
The first step in learning to style kinky curly hair is choosing the right products for your hair type. You should always use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, as these products are gentler on the scalp and less likely to strip natural oils from the hair shaft.
You may have seen commercials for products like mousse and gel, but those aren’t going to work for your type of curls. Instead, try using moisturizing creams and gels, giving you more control over your curls without weighing them down or making them look greasy.
Deep condition
If there’s one thing that kinky curly hair needs more than anything else, it’s moisture. This hair type is naturally dry and lacks the shine and luster that other types of hair possess. To combat this problem, deep condition once a week with a moisturizing product. You can use a deep conditioner or overnight mask — make sure it’s sulfate-free, as sulfates can strip away the moisture from your curls.
Set your hair when wet
Curls tend to shrink and dry frizzy if you don’t take steps to prevent that from happening. One way is to use a product with a high-hold rating on damp hair before drying it completely. That helps the curls retain their shape while drying, so they don’t shrink and get frizzy.
Protective styles
Protective styles are your friend. Protective styles include buns, braids, weaves, passion twist and more. They help keep your curls in place while protecting them from the elements like sun and rain. The best part about protective styles is that they don’t negatively affect your natural curl pattern. They enhance it by keeping your hair moisturized and protected from harsh weather conditions that can damage your curls.
Moisturize and seal regularly
Moisturizing leave-in conditioners will help keep your curls hydrated and manageable throughout the day or night. Look for products with added proteins if your hair lacks strength or elasticity, which helps prevent breakage. A good product will also contain ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter that seal in moisture while adding shine and softness that make your curls more manageable.
Moisture is essential for keeping your curls healthy and shiny, especially if your hair tends to dryness or frizziness even after washing with conditioner (which happens often). Try using an oil-based serum at night before bedtime to seal moisture deep into each strand of your hair during sleep time when it’s most open.
Conclusion
It may seem counterintuitive, but many of the products widely available for curly hair can be detrimental to the overall health of curls. With some education about what’s in certain styling products and how it can cause problems for your hair and scalp, you’ll learn to provide a better environment for your curly extensions curls and improve their appearance.