Taking care of your curly hair can be a challenge if you don't know what products and tools work best for your hair type. A good conditioner and homemade remedies can be essential for curly hair.
Step 1
Find a good conditioner that adds moisture to hair. You can find them at drugstores, health food stores (organic conditioners are often very good), or specialty stores (such as Ulta or Sally's Beauty Supply).
Step 2
Distribute conditioner throughout all of your hair and untangle gently. Use your hands or a wide-toothed comb. Start by untangling bottom sections of your hair and then gradually move upwards. Let the conditioner sit in your hair for five minutes or so for extra moisture.
Step 3
Do the final rinse of your hair with cool or cold water. This will decrease frizz and add shine. Leave some conditioner in your hair, especially in dry sections like the ends and if you are not adding styling product. You can also opt to use a thick conditioner as a leave-in.
Step 4
Add a leave-in cream or conditioner to wet hair. Distribute gel as well and scrunch the hair.
Step 5
Protect your hair from the sun. You can wear a large floppy hat or a scarf on top of your hair. Otherwise look for a conditioner that has a sunscreen in it and leave some in your hair if you're going to be outside in the sun. You can also leave normal conditioner mixed with sunscreen in your hair.
Step 6
Realize that curly hair has different needs during different seasons. In the summer use more liquid-like products so as to not suffocate the hair. It's also helpful to leave less conditioner and leave in cream in your hair to prevent frizzing and increase definition. It's sort of the opposite in winter. You should use heavier, creamier products and more conditioner or leave-in to combat dry, wintry air.
Tips
- It is especially necessary to do this during the colder months, when hair can become dry and brittle. It's also important during warm months when swimming and chlorine can wreak havoc on curls.
- Trim the hair every two to four months to get rid of split and dry ends. Ask your hair stylist not to use a razor as it will leave your ends ratty.
- Sulfates- ammonium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, etc.- are found in most shampoos and can be drying and damaging to curly hair. Consider not shampooing and washing with only conditioner. However you will have to avoid silicones. Also consider purchasing non-sulfate shampoos and using them sparingly.
Warnings
- If you are using essential oils, always remember to dilute them first before using them on any part of your body - whether hair or skin.
Things You'll Need
- Conditioner
- Wide-toothed comb
