Great Advice for managing Curly Hair
Natural curly hair is one of the most sensual and exotic hairstyles, so embrace this fabulous gift. Curly hair can be an immense struggle if you don’t know how to properly manage it. Here are a few pointers and some useful advice for you.
Effects of Moisture
Moisture is the most important factor. Curly hair is much more porous than straight hair so it tends to absorb a lot of moisture, which is good but you have to feed your hair this moisture. These pores also make it difficult to rinse out all excess, then in turn causing frizz.
Importance of using the correct Shampoo
Using just any shampoo is also a problem; try to avoid the following ingredients in your shampoo:
- Alcohol
- Silicones, because they are difficult to remove and your hair will have no volume.
- Surfactants, this is the main ingredient in a shampoo and consists of hydrophilic which attracts water and lipophilic which attracts the oil.
When you shampoo your hair, use one specifically for curly hair and which is packed with moisture and only use a small amount of shampoo. Inquire as to which shampoo would be suitable for curly hairstyles at your local beauty salon.
Using Conditioner
An even better option would be using only conditioner to wash your hair. When selecting your conditioner look for the following ingredients:
- Protein: it has a coating action and will give hair body, don’t use this too much because excess may become a problem. Perhaps mild protein content will serve a better purpose. Protein has a brown color, thus the darker the shade the higher the concentration. Protein temporarily closes the split ends.
- Humectants: moisture moisture and more moisture this is undoubtedly a must in any conditioner. Humectants promote the retention of moisture.
- Emollients: this substance softens and smoothes the hair.
Home Remedies for healthy hair
To keep your hair healthy here are some inexpensive home remedies :
Olive oil can be used as a leave in conditioner. Avocado oil is rich in vitamins such as A, E and D. If you are brave mix an avocado with honey and apply it to your hair as a mask, leave it on for approximately one to two hours. For some shine use shea butter. Aloe Vera is great for hydration. With the application of the abovementioned ingredients concentrate on the hair ends rather than the roots. Remember you still have to rinse out these oils.
Washing and Drying your hair
While you are washing your hair be gentle and rather use a massaging action than a rubbing action. Rinse with cold water and comb your hair with a wide comb while your hair is wet with conditioner. Hair is much more elastic while it is wet and will thus be less prone to breakage. Curly hair breaks at its weakest point and extremely curly hair usually breaks at the twists.
Never brush your hair and don’t rub your hair dry with a towel. Use your fingers to manage your hair. Remember to deep condition at least once a week. If you don’t wash your hair every day put your hair up in a twit while you sleep and use a satin pillow, this will result in less friction.
Caution when hair is exposed to Heat
Another important fact is to avoid heat on your hair. Let your hair dry naturally and don’t frat with your hair while it dries. If you choose to blow dry your hair use a diffuser.
Haircut Advice
You need a trim every two months and when you’re going to a salon get good referrals. It is interesting that curly hair apparently changes every seven to eight years. Remember that after curly hair strands are extended they may shrink back to between half an inch and two inches, so please get a good consultation before you decide on anything.
Straightening Tips
Some people will obviously decide to undergo a change from curly to straight. When straightening your hair don’t do it daily. Using ceramic plates instead of metal plates causes less damage. Always use thermal protectant products before you straighten your hair. For further information please read our article on Japanese Hair Straightening.
|
