HOW TO STYLE CURLY HAIR: 15 TIPS FOR CURLY HAIR 

If you have curly hair, you certainly understand that curly hair possesses distinct characteristics compared to straight or wavy hair. Curly hair strands are often unpredictable and challenging to manage, sometimes leaving you feeling unable to control their wild nature. Proper hair care can make a noticeable difference between a good hair day and a less-than-desirable one. The key disparity lies in the daily hair care habits—whether you approach your curls with a battle mindset or one of affection. In this article, you’ll explore simple tips designed for curly hair. 

Keep Your Curly Hair Type In Mind

Curly hair varies widely, encompassing loose waves to tight, kinky curls. Wavy hair tends to lay flatter on the crown, providing an ideal canvas for shaping your wavy hairstyle. When dealing with kinky hair, it’s crucial to cut it without causing undue tension on the strands. Opting to trim the hair while it retains its natural curl formation is the most straightforward method to achieve the desired shape.

Wash Your Hair Before You Go

Arrive at your haircut appointment with clean and dry hair. Cutting curly hair is most effective when the hair is dry, so it’s advisable to ensure your hair is clean before the appointment. Prioritize having your hair well-moisturized; you might want to consider applying a deep moisturizing treatment in the week leading up to your appointment. This approach allows your stylist to observe your natural curls in their healthy, optimal state, providing them with a clear vision to sculpt your hair with precision.

Cut Before You Color

In contrast to straight hair, it’s recommended to cut curly hair when it’s dry before undertaking any coloring or highlighting procedures. The application of color or dye can potentially leave the hair damp, altering its natural curl pattern and not reflecting its typical level of curliness.

Layer Your Hair

When curly hair is all one length, it tends to become weighed down, resulting in a flattened top and a bottom that flares out in various directions. The layering doesn’t need to be too drastic, but for longer hair, incorporating more layers is beneficial. Long layers, in particular, can be considered, focusing on the bottom section of your hair from the mid-strand to the ends. This approach assists in preserving your hair’s curly texture without succumbing to frizz.

Find A Shampoo And Conditioner With Keratin

Curly hair naturally has lower levels of keratin, the key “ingredient” in straight hair that imparts a frizz-free and straight appearance. To minimize frizz and enhance shine, opt for a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for curly hair. Ensure you check the label and prioritize products where keratin is listed as a prominent ingredient. If a keratin-infused shampoo is not available, seek alternatives labeled as smoothing and moisturizing, as curly hair tends to be prone to dryness.

Leave A Little Conditioner In Your Hair

During your shower, avoid rinsing your hair too thoroughly after applying conditioner. It’s acceptable to leave a portion of the residue on your hair to maintain conditioning throughout the day. Another excellent choice is leave-in conditioners, especially beneficial on excessively dry days. Consider carrying a leave-in conditioner with you to help retain moisture in your hair throughout the day.

Dry Your Hair With A T-Shirt

Avoid using a towel, as it can generate excessive friction and static, potentially leading to frizz in your hair. Instead, after showering, put a shirt on over your head. Position your forehead through the neck opening of the shirt, allowing your hair to rest within the body of the shirt. This method minimizes friction and helps prevent static, promoting a smoother finish for your hair.

Check The Forecast

Prior to determining your hairstyle for the day, it’s wise to check the daily weather. The day-to-day shifts in the outdoor dew point can significantly influence your hair, affecting the potential amount of frizz you should be prepared to manage.

Have A Backup Plan

Headbands, updos, and braids offer convenient solutions when you’re pressed for time or your hair isn’t cooperating. For those with curly hair, exploring different hair accessories or mastering various braiding patterns can be a smart approach to manage and style your hair effectively.

Avoid Brushing Your Hair

     If you want to tame curly hair, don’t brush it. This may seem like the opposite thing to do when trying to eliminate frizz, but it really works. When you brush naturally curly hair, the brush is essentially splitting apart those curls and turning them into individual hair strands, which can result in exaggerated volume. If you take a shower, then let your hair air dry without brushing it, those curls will stay compact and less frizzy.

    Select Your Hair Product

    Choose a humectant product for dry weather to combat frizz and an anti-humectant for damp conditions. Keep alternative products handy for unpredictable weather. Dew points strongly affect curls, dropping below 30 degrees in winter. Avoid humectants in low dew points; opt for leave-in conditioners. Experiment with products in the 30-40-degree range. The ideal dew point for manageable curls is 40-60 degrees. Use regular moisturizing treatments and consider humectants. In high dew points (60+ degrees), skip leave-in conditioners and use firm-hold products like pomades, avoiding additional humectants due to high moisture levels.

    Apply The Curl Cream, Gel, Or Mousse.

    When your hair is damp, take a small amount of product and apply it to the back of your head, where the hair is thicker. Then, work your way towards the sides and top, adding small amounts of product as needed. If you have longer hair, consider draping a towel over your shoulders to prevent any product from getting on your clothes.

     Allow The Hair To Dry Completely. 

    After applying the product, your hair might still look wet and feel a bit crunchy. Avoid touching it, as this can create friction between the hairs and lead to frizz. Opt for a diffuser to speed up the drying process. Choose high heat and low speed settings on the diffuser – the high heat aids quick drying, while the low speed prevents excessive movement of the hair.

    Scrunch The Curls

    Once the hair is completely dry, scrunch curls to break the gel layer. Grab and handful of your curls and scrunch them using the same motion you would to crumple a piece of paper. Do this until the hair feels soft again then stop. Excessively touching the hair will be more likely to give you frizz.

    Use A Curling Iron To “Fix Up” A Few Curls If Needed

    If you notice a single curl not behaving as desired, grab your curling iron to make adjustments. However, keep in mind that heat can be detrimental to curly hair, so it’s crucial to use a heat protectant and minimize heat usage whenever possible.

    Use A Curl Refresher Throughout The Day

    If it seems like your product is losing its effectiveness, consider spritzing a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner onto your hair. This can help reinvigorate the product and maintain the bounce in your curls throughout the day.

    CONCLUSION

    In conclusion, styling curly hair can be a delightful and creative process with the right techniques and products. The key lies in understanding your unique curl pattern, adopting a suitable hair care routine, and selecting products that enhance your curls. From choosing the right haircut to navigating the challenges of different weather conditions, the journey to well-styled curly hair involves a combination of care, experimentation, and embracing the natural beauty of your curls

    12 BEST PRODUCTS FOR 4C HAIR

    Not every type of curl is made equal, despite the fact that all curly hair is gorgeous. Moisturization, definition, and hold are three of your main hair worries if you have 4C curls, as you are aware that your tightly coiled strands are more delicate and prone to breaking than any other curl type. We’ve put together a list of best products for 4c hair from online reviewers to help you navigate the thousands of curly hair products available on the market.

    CAMILLE ROSE NATURALS SWEET GINGER CLEANSING RINSE

    Finding a cleanser that doesn’t deplete hair of its natural (and essential) oils is crucial for kinky hair types, as sudsy shampoos and excessive cleaning can cause more harm than good. This is the reason why fans adore Camille Rose’s moisturizing shampoo. Curls adore the deep conditioning impact that the formula’s energizing combination of ginger and essential oils offers while nourishing hair.

    SHEAMOISTURE CONDITIONER

    Shea Moisture’s leave-in conditioner manages frizz and mends broken strands while softening and detangling hair. This Jamaican black castor oil and shea butter-infused formulation is perfect for people who frequently color or heat style their hair, as well as those with kinky, curly, or wavy natural styles. It nourishes, hydrates, and supports elasticity. Additionally, a small amount of peppermint extract stimulates the scalp and provides a revitalizing feeling on wash day. This is also an amazing leave-in conditioner for high-porosity hair.

    NOT YOUR MOTHER’S CURL TALK DEFINING CREAM

    This is probably one of the best curling creams for 4c hair that you can find out there as this curl cream is formulated with a blend of rice, keratin, amino acids, and enzymes. Try this formula even if your hair doesn’t normally retain moisture since we adore how softening and moisturizing it is. Users claim that it makes curls feel incredibly soft.

    NATURALL CLUB ICE CREAM DEEP CONDITIONER

    It may not seem worth the effort to deep condition, but we assure you that the results of this NaturAll treatment are so calming and hydrating that you will sense the difference. This recipe calls for raw avocado—a hair-drying, thirst-quenching hero—to be preserved in the freezer with other ingredients that are so fresh. Advice: Thaw the mask for approximately half an hour before rubbing it through your hair.

    MIELLE ORGANICS SCALP & HAIR STRENGTHENING OIL

    Remember to give your scalp the required attention when you’re taking care of your hair. With its nutrient-rich mix that comprises 30 essential oils (including mint and rosemary), a convenient dropper applicator, and most importantly, the potential to promote hair growth, this product has developed a cult-like following. On the other hand, you may find the perfume overpowering if you have a sensitive nose.

    CAROL’S DAUGHTER CURL QUENCHING DEEP MOISTURE MASK

    Dry and thirsty curls will thank you for this mask. Deeply penetrating the roots, this blend of coconut oil, coconut milk, mango butter, and murumuru butter makes hair smoother, glossier, and stronger. It also doesn’t hurt that it smells like mango coconut nirvana. However, the container may become a little filthy after a few uses.

    CREME OF NATURE 7-IN-1 MIRACLE TREATMENT

    Despite its updated appearance, the tried-and-true Cream of Nature 7-in-1 Miracle Treatment is still a favorite among 4C hair types. The creamy yet non-weighting product contains vitamin B-5 and Moroccan argan oil. It’s a reasonably priced multipurpose solution that may be used to detangle, condition, and protect your hair from heat. This is an excellent hair product for 4C hair if you’re the type who prefers not to have a bathroom full of them because it will moisturize, manage frizz, and leave your hair looking shiny.

    CAROL’S DAUGHTER HAIR MILK CURL REFRESHER SPRAY

    Your 4C hair may occasionally require a mid-week boost. With Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Curl Refresher, your locks will be redefined without feeling heavy. A few mists of the agave nectar-enriched mixture will replenish your curls and ensure that your hair remains stylish throughout the week. Those who are seeking wavy hair care products can also try out this one.

    DARK AND LOVELY PROTECTIVE STYLES TENSION TAMER

    You still need to provide your 4C hair with the required support even when it is styled in a protective manner. Because 4C hair is delicate, use Dark and Lovely Protective Styles Tension Tamer to relax your scalp if your bantu knots or braids seem too tight. The lotion’s recipe, which includes avocado, aloe, and peppermint oil, will provide you with comfort right away. Because it’s lighter than oil, it won’t leave any residue on your scalp. Applying it between your braids, straight on your parts, or even under a wig or weave is made simple by the small nozzle.

    AS I AM JAMAICAN BLACK CASTOR OIL SHAMPOO

    As I Am Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo leaves your hair smelling good and feeling nourished, unlike other shampoos that deplete your hair of its natural oils. The lotion adds hydration to your hair without drying it out in the winter and is light enough for summer use without weighing it down. The creamy shampoo creates a lather, penetrates the hair, and leaves it shining for low-porosity 4C curls. You don’t even need to wait for the conditioning process to disentangle because it offers excellent slip.

    DEVACURL NO-POO DECADENCE

    Although using standard shampoos on curly hair isn’t completely off-limits, using a mild cleaner has many advantages. With coily hair in mind, DevaCurl’s no-suds hair cleanser removes dirt, filth, and product build-up without drying out your strands. Every time you rinse, your curls will remain soft, hydrated, and well-defined. Although it is pretty expensive, we assure you, it is well worth every cent you spend.

    PATTERN HEAVY CONDITIONER FOR COLLIES

    Pattern has created a conditioner, especially for 4C hair types. Your curls will feel as smooth as silk after you shower thanks to this creamy, thick formula that applies like butter. Shea butter, safflower, and avocado oils are added to the conditioner’s recipe to hydrate hair deeply and prevent dryness. Some customers claim that there is insufficient slip for detangling, though.

    ANN JACKIE’S LA LA DEFINING CURL CUSTARD

    With Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard, wave goodbye to unmanageable curls. Mega-moisture humectants in this product give your coils and spirals more definition. Simply use your fingers to style your hair after liberally applying this product. Stretch your hair lightly while applying protective styling to elongate your curls, or use a diffuser. After letting the product air dry, you’ll have gorgeous curls that you may style however you choose. 

    KINKY CURLY KNOT TODAY DETANGLER

    Are recurring knots damaging your hair and stressing out your curls? Alright, Knot Today! Look at what we just did! Unlike our puns, this herbal conditioner works every time for kinky hair types. If you have 4C tightly coiled hair that is hard to detangle, this is just what you need. Apply as soon as you remove the shampoo, then use a wide-tooth comb to work through your knots. It makes the texture of the hair more manageable and smoother. However it could take longer to get the desired outcomes.

    TGIN HONEY MIRACLE HAIR MASK

    Your curls may be drying out. To keep your hair smooth, you might want to start using less harsh chemical-containing products and instead try this Tiny Honey Miracle Hair Mask. The olive and jojoba oils in this solution nurture and mend damaged hair. This product, which is enhanced with raw honey, leaves your hair feeling smooth and shiny while deeply conditioning it. 

    MESSEN DETANGLE BRUSH

    It might be challenging to find hair items for 4C hair, particularly something as simple as a comb. Is the brush for your hair your biggest nightmare? One of the most difficult things about having curly hair is trying to untangle your tightly coiled hair. Well, with this Messen untangle Brush you can untangle hair without straining your curls. Its eight rows of divided bristles promise less shedding and soreness when combing your hair. Your hair will dry faster thanks to the top’s hollowing down shape, which promotes airflow. A secure and comfortable grip is guaranteed by the non-slip rubber handle. There is a size control bar attached to this product.

    FINAL TAKEAWAY

    Nothing is more curly and collier than the 4C hair type when it comes to curls. The type 4 group includes the majority of Afro hairs. However, the zigzag pattern and tight coils of the 4C hair type set it apart. The majority of 4C hair is extremely dry in texture and packed tightly. gaining the reputation of having terrible and troublesome hair as a result. But relax! We are here to provide you with advice on 4C hair care. With the perfect upkeep and care, you may get the ideal 4C haircut.