Many of us dream of having perfect curls—including people with naturally curly hair. This hair type is misunderstood surprisingly often and having a head of full of healthy and attractive curly, wavy, or kinky-coily hair remains a difficult but not impossible goal.
If your hair gets frizzy and “big” in humid weather or when you brush when it’s dry, it is very likely that your hair is naturally curly or wavy.
Curly hair tends to be dry because the scalp’s natural oils cannot distribute themselves smoothly and evenly. Curly hair is also much more sensitive to external factors such as heat from blow dryers and other styling methods.
Hormonal changes, for example during puberty, pregnancy or menopause, can also affect the way your hair behaves. It is very convenient to track the level of hormones and the symptoms of your body using WomanLog app or a reliable online menstrual cycle calculator.
Curly Hair Routine
Changing your hair care routine may reveal that you have natural curls or return a more natural curl pattern to your existing curls.
A curl pattern is the way in which a hair spirals. One person can have several different curl patterns simultaneously and even different types of curly hair.
In curly hair, frizziness means that the hair needs moisture—not that it is damaged or unkempt. The misconception that kinky hair is uncared for has been used to discriminate against people with curly hair in workplaces and elsewhere.
Basic Hair Care
If you haven’t been taught to properly take care of curly hair you may need to rethink some ideas about basic hair care. For example, curly hair should only be brushed when wet, preferably with a wide-toothed comb, detangling brush, or even just your fingers.
The curly hair has unique properties and needs special hair care techniques such as scrunching and plopping.
The Curly Girl Method
The Curly Hair Method, also known as the Curly Girl Method, is a hair care technique designed specifically for individuals with curly or wavy hair. It emphasizes the use of gentle, sulfate-free products and techniques to enhance and embrace natural curls while minimizing frizz and damage. The method was popularized by Lorraine Massey, author of the book “Curly Girl: The Handbook,” and has gained a dedicated following among those seeking to achieve healthier, more defined curls.
The Curly Hair Method revolves around a few key principles. One of the main tenets is avoiding harsh sulfates and silicones found in many commercial hair products, as these can strip the hair of its natural oils and lead to dryness and frizz. Instead, the method encourages the use of sulfate-free cleansers and conditioners that help retain moisture. Additionally, the technique promotes gentle handling of the hair, such as avoiding brushing or combing while dry and opting for wide-toothed combs or fingers to detangle when wet. It also emphasizes the importance of regular deep conditioning treatments and the use of styling products that enhance curl definition without weighing the hair down. By following the Curly Hair Method, individuals can embrace and celebrate their unique curls while maintaining their hair’s health and vitality.
