We understand that making those curls look nice and defined while upholding hair health can be challenging. Not to mention, the sea of myths or misinformation around curly hair care can throw you off your game. Lucky for you, we have cracked the code. Scroll to learn the science behind curly hair and how to care for them using the best formulas.
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In This Article: Decoding The Science Behind Curly Hair |
Decoding The Science Behind Curly Hair
The key to an infallible care routine is understanding hair science. What you might not know – curly hair isn’t different in texture from other hair types. Its differentiating factor is the shape of the fiber and follicle. A curly hair strand is the result of a curved bulb in the scalp and twists (in a specific manner) due to a non-uniform distribution of keratin, which is the building block of your hair.
What Are The Challenges Of Curly Hair?
Since curly hair is ‘born different’, it brings forth a unique set of challenges.
- Curly hair is innately dry: The twists and turns in curly hair hamper the flow of oils to the tips, resulting in dry, dull-looking hair.
- Tangled hair: Since curly hair strands have a weakened moisture barrier, they often cling together a.k.a. get tangled.
- More prone to damage: Curly hair is also thinner and more brittle. Their fragile strands need intense nourishment and hydration to withhold damage from styling and more. As a matter of fact, using a heavy hand to brush your curls can also cause damage.
Understanding Different Curl Patterns
If you want to foster a healthy relationship with your curls, start by understanding its type. Curls can be divided with three broad categories, ranging from type 2 to 4. These curly hair types further carry subcategories A, B, and C. Here’s how you can understand where your hair falls.
Type 2: Wavy hair with an S pattern
A to C varies on the tautness of the wave.
How to care for it: Wavy hair is better moisturized than religiously curly hair. It tends to get oiler, demanding a meticulous yet gentle shampoo.
Type 3: Tighter S or corkscrew
A to C varies on how tight these coils are.
How to care for it: Since these curls have more structure and are tighter as compared to type 2 hair.
Type 4: Kinky hair
A to C varies on the texture of cuticles.
How to care for it: Kinky curls require the utmost love and hydration. These strands are more prone to become parched.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
In order to maintain curly hair, here are some mistakes you should avoid at all costs
- Overwashing: We know that curly hair is innately dry. Its coils hinder the flow of oils from the roots to the tips. Furthermore, repeatedly washing curly hair (over the week) dislodges every last trace of oil, making it dry and lifeless.
- Dehydration: Curly hair cannot hold moisture for long periods. This leads to damaged cuticles, rough texture, breakage and hair fall. To prevent these problems, use a conjunction of hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Pick formulas that are free from drying sulfates.
- Not using the right comb: Use only a wide-toothed comb to brush curly hair. Since curly hair strands tend to cling together, using a regular comb creates a boatload of stress on the mane. Results? Breakage or hairfall.
- Using excessive heat: Regular application of heat using flat irons, curling wands, etc. zap moisture from the strands, making it look frizzy.
- Skimping on leave-in conditioner: A leave-in conditioner is non-negotiable for a curly hair care routine. The formula makes the coils look defined, prevents frizz, and shields the tresses from harmful UV rays.
The Best Curly Hair Routine
Now that you are well-versed in the science of curls, here’s an effective routine for maintaining them. This guide is beginner-friendly, so no more dreading wash day!
- Comb out: Use a wide-toothed comb to brush your hair. Start from the roots and work your way down to the tips. Repeat till there is no friction between the comb and your tresses.
- Cleanse thoroughly: Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your mane. Look for formulas infused with humectants like Coconut Water and Jojoba Oil to improve your hair’s water-retaining capacity.
- Condition much: To replenish the strands, curb frizz, and make your hair look shinier – follow up with a hydrating conditioner. Pro tip: Use cold water to rinse off as it helps ensure maximum hydration to the parched strands.
- Curl cream: Now for that definition. Use a curl cream for those gloriously defined curls. The right formula also creates a protective shield on your hair, averting free radicals, harmful UV rays, and menacing pollutants.
- Defining gel: Layer your curl cream with a defining gel to maintain the shape of your curls for longer.
The Hair Care Products For Curly Hair
Build your curly hair wash routine with these stellar products that are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, sulfate and paraben-free that are an act of love for your hair.
1. Rice Water & Angelica Seed Oil Shampoo
Formulated with Rice Water and pure Angelica Seed Oil, this shampoo ensures long-lasting hydration for the strands. All you need is a coin-sized amount of the shampoo to tame frizz, reduce flyaways, and dwindle episodes of breakage or hair fall. The best part? The shampoo is sulphate free and super safe for regular use.
2. Rice Water And Angelica Seed Oil Hair Mask
Double down on hydration for your hair with this mask. The exquisitely rich yet lightweight formula helps replenish the cuticles, ensuring your mane’s soft and smooth appearance. Use a coin-sized amount from the mid-sections of your mane to the tips.
3. Rice Water And Angelica Seed Oil Silicone Free Leave-In Conditioner
Conditioner plays a pivotal role in maintaining those curls. Since your hair deserves only the best, try our silicone-free leave-in conditioner. The formula makes your curls look fresh and fabulous while bestowing them with a gorgeous shine. Coconut Oil prevents moisture loss from the cuticles and fermented Rice Water reduces frizz and gives you defined curls. Moreover, the scent of Angelica Seed Oil wraps you in all its glory all day!
Takeaway
With the right products and techniques, maintaining curly hair is a cakewalk. Since the hair type is naturally dry, this routine will help treat damaged strands, smoothen cuticles, curb frizz, reduce flyaways to make your curls looks soft, bouncy and healthy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:1 How to properly take care of curly hair?
A. Stick to a hydrating hair wash ritual containing shampoo, hair mask, conditioner, curl cream and defining gel. This will keep your curls looking fabulous.
Q:2 How do you get perfect curls with curly hair?
A. Apply leave-in conditioner and layer it with a curl defining gel to make your curls look fresh, tight, and fabulous.
