Curly hair tips for beginners
So you've decided to embrace your natural curls. Congratulations! And welcome to the curly girl world. If you haven't already, you're about to discover LOADS of conflicting information about what you should and shouldn't do to your curls.
That's why I've pulled together this beginner’s guide to managing and enhancing your curls without overwhelming you!
Start with the right cleanser
A great curly hair routine starts in the shower. Use a curl cleanser or a sulphate-free shampoo that gently cleans without stripping your hair of its natural oils. These products help maintain the moisture balance in your hair, which is crucial for keeping your curls defined and healthy. Shampoos with sulphate can dry out your curls which leads to frizz. Check out the Clever Curl Cleanser or Crown Curly Shampoo.
Give your curls the moisture they crave
After cleansing, use a conditioner or hair treatment. I swear by the Clever Curl Treatment. Start at the ends and work your way up. Try to avoid your roots and scalp so you don't weigh your curls down. Comb or brush the conditioner through your hair to evenly distribute it. Then scrunch it in to make sure it gets in there real good. Rinse well.
Apply products on wet hair
One of the golden rules for curly-haired beginners is to apply products to sopping wet hair. This technique helps the products distribute more evenly and enhances curl definition. After you rinse out your conditioner, apply a curl cream while you're still in the bath or shower. Again, comb or brush it through to make sure it goes everywhere. Then scrunch it in.
Apply gel
Yep, gel. If you're like me, you grew up believing gel made your hair look hard and crunchy. But it turns out, gel is the secret weapon of curly girls & guys all over the world. Start off by applying gel after curl cream. A couple of pumps distributed through your hair should do the trick. Scrunch it in. When you're ready to get fancy, check out how to brush style.
Scrunch with a microfibre towel
Now you can gently scrunch your curls with a microfibre towel. This type of towel is much gentler on curly hair than regular bath towels, which can rough up the hair cuticle and create frizz. Scrunching with a microfibre towel helps to enhance the natural curl pattern while removing excess water.
Let your curls set
After you’ve applied your products and scrunched with a towel, it’s important to give your curls time to set. Avoid the temptation to touch or play with your hair during this time. This will help your curls dry without disturbance, maintaining their shape and volume. And avoiding that dreaded frizz!
Avoid common mistakes
As a beginner, there are several habits you should avoid to ensure your curls stay healthy and look their best:
• Do not dry brush your hair: Brushing your curls when dry can disrupt the natural curl pattern and lead to frizz and breakage. Always detangle and style your hair when it’s wet.
• Do not use a normal bath towel: Regular towels can be too harsh on delicate curls and might lead to frizz and damage. Stick to a microfibre towel for the best results.
• Do not touch your hair until it is dry: It can be tempting to touch your hair while it dries to check on its progress, but this can cause the curls to lose their definition and become frizzy. Let your hair dry completely before touching it to achieve the best results.
Be patient and experiment
Every curly head is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. Be prepared to experiment with different products, techniques, and routines until you find what works best for your unique hair type. Patience is key –learning to care for your curls is a process, but it’s also an opportunity to discover more about yourself and your personal style.
Looking for more curly hair tips and tricks?
Check out more of our advice here.
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