Tips for healthy curls

It's not easy to care for curly hair. It takes a lot of work to produce the desired results, and even then, there's a lot of trial and error to learn what works best for your specific hair type. (Are you 3a? 4b? What does that even mean? Do you have low porosity hair? High density? If you're at the beginning of your curly hair journey, find an intro here.) But there are a few things that all curlies need to keep in mind so they can keep their hair healthy:

-Moisturize: Curly hair is naturally dry because the curls make it difficult for your hair's natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. So: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. If your hair is dry, try incorporating a leave-in conditioner into your routine with ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and shea butter. You can also lock moisture in on the mids and ends of your hair with a lightweight oil or cream.

-Don't over wash: Washing your hair too often will strip the natural oils in your scalp and leave your hair even drier. Aim for washing your hair once or twice a week, and use moisturizing products that are sulfate free. (You should also treat your scalp. Consider a scalp facial for a deep cleanse and customized treatment for your scalp and curls.)

-Refresh: Wrap your curls in a silk bandana or scarf overnight, or pineapple them by putting your hair up in a loose ponytail in a silk or satin scrunchie on the very top of your head so it doesn't break the curl pattern while you sleep. On non-wash days, spray some water on your curls in the morning to refresh them with a little gel if needed. Give your scalp a co-wash if you need to.

-Trim your hair regularly: Curly girlies (and guys) need regular trims to keep their hair healthy. Not only does this encourage growth by minimizing split ends and breakage, but it also keeps the curls healthy and won't drag them down. Applying extra moisture (like a little bit of hair oil) to the ends can prolong your cut and keep them healthy.

-Detangle the right way: It's a nightmare to detangle curly hair, and if you do it the wrong way, it can be very painful and damage your curls. Lots of curlies find it helpful to detangle their hair when it's soaking wet and slathered with conditioner. Try to detangle while you're still in the shower using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb or brush made specifically for curls, gently working from the bottom up. Patience (and arm strength!) are key. If it helps, detangle while your head is under the shower.

-Use heat safely: If you plan to blow dry your hair, use a diffuser. For hair straighteners and curling irons, always use a heat protectant first. It's usually best to use heat tools sparingly and save them for special occasions.

Getting to know your curls can be daunting, but finding the best routine will have them looking fabulous. Need some advice? Give Salon Patrice a call at (815) 223-8643 for a hair cut, color, or scalp facial.