How to help keep natural curls looking healthy and defined

Keeping hair moisturized

Nothing is more important for curls than proper hydration. Damtew’s biggest tip for curly haired people: “Moisture, moisture, moisture!” Curls can get dry easily, so steps that promote more moisture are “imperative in order to have beautiful, bouncy curls.”

But hydrating hair goes beyond just using moisturizing products. It also means utilizing methods that don’t strip away hair’s natural moisture.

There are two tactics that can help keep curls happier:

Shampooing less

How often should people wash curly hair? While other hair types might respond well to being washed frequently, cleansing curls too much can leave them dry, frizzy and difficult to manage. People can discover their shampooing sweet spot by trial and error, but according to the AAD, thick, curly hair doesn’t need to be washed daily — or even weekly. Washing a minimum of every two to three weeks is optimal for scalp and hair health.

Conditioning deeply and thoroughly

Those with straight and wavy hair should usually aim to condition the mid-lengths and ends. But those with curly hair should give the full length of their strands some love. Condition all the way from the roots to the ends, notes the AAD.

While fine hair can be weighed down with heavy conditioners, most curls (fine or thick strands) will enjoy a deeply hydrating conditioner and perhaps even a reparative hair mask. After taking a shower, aim to apply moisture-rich products, such as leave-in conditioners or oils.

Finding the best products for curly hair

In addition to being dry, curly hair can be incredibly fragile and difficult to detangle. Here are some of the best types of products to help tame curly hair.

• Shampoo. When it’s time to wash those strands, try using a hydrating shampoo that is specifically formulated for curly hair. Additionally, if a curly haired person likes to style with creams, gels, oils or pomades, using a clarifying shampoo before the moisturizing shampoo can help, according to the AAD. Focus on the scalp, massaging the shampoo into every inch.
• Deep conditioner. Look for a curl-friendly conditioning product, like a deep conditioner or a hair mask. It is even better if these products contain argan oil, glycerin or a fatty alcohol like cetyl or stearyl alcohol, according to the AAD.
• Detangler. Carefully detangling hair is key, explains hair stylist Evie Johnson, who is on the board of the International Association of Trichologists. Simply ripping knots out with a hairbrush can lead to more damage. “Always use a detangling product, starting from the ends of the hair and working up,” says Johnson.
• Curl cream. A curl cream coats hair with an extra layer of moisture and helps give strands definition and hold. Each hair type will dictate the thickness and hydration intensity of the cream needed.

How to comb curly hair

Using a wide-tooth comb is particularly helpful for wavy and curly hair. It allows people to gently rake through their strands without tugging on them, which can cause damage and flatten natural curls.

Some wide-tooth combs are also made with delicate, rounder teeth so as not to snag or pull curly hair. For thick, curly hair, a “detangling brush works best,” says Johnson. “It takes a lot of unnecessary tension away.” Consider a brush that is dedicated to thick and/or curly hair.

When to use a heat protectant

Blow-drying is a great way to bring out the bounce and volume of curls. That said, don’t forget to use a heat protectant. “I always recommend using a heat protectant on any hair that heat is being applied to,” says Johnson. Without one, considerable damage can be done to hair, especially curls, which are already more fragile and prone to dryness.

How to diffuse curly hair

Speaking of blow-drying curls, “a blow-dryer diffuser works wonders on curly hair,” says Johnson. “It really sets the hair and helps calm down frizz if done properly.”

Diffusers work by evenly distributing hot air over a wider section of hair, preventing a disruption in a curl’s natural pattern. To use one, prep hair with a heat protectant. Then attach the diffuser to a hair dryer. Hover over sections of hair for 30 seconds at a time, moving between each section of the hair until the entire head of curls is completely dry.

Using a diffuser attachment can take longer, but it’s great if someone has the time, adds Damtew. Many hair dryers come with diffusers, so be sure to explore all options before making a purchase.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.