Ever since i can remember i used to get my hair chemically straightened because my curly hair was always too much to deal with. There was only a year in high school where i left my hair untouched and i loved it, but i got tired of it pretty quickly so i went back to chemically straightening it. Lately i’ve decided to start embracing my curly mane. I did some research before starting my No-Poo journey and these are some tips that i love and some i’ve been meaning to try.
1. Change your shampoo/conditioner. I decided to go into No-Poo and after doing it for 6 months i’ve changed into a Co-washing regimen, which basically means you wash your hair with a cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo. If you’re not into this just start by changing your shampoo for one without sulfate or suds. I use L’Oreal’s EverCreme Intense Nourishing Conditioner for my super dry hair.
2. Deep conditioning your hair. If you’ve chemically straightened your hair (like me) or if you use a hair straightener every day, or every week this step is a must! Also, I bet there’s tons of masks and serums you can buy at the store to deep condition your hair but my favorite is coconut oil, because it’s 100% natural plus it’s free of silicones, alcohols and other chemicals. Research other natural ways to deep condition your hair!
3. Learn how to dry your hair. After getting out of the shower do not put your hair up with a towel, instead scrunch up your hair using a microfiber towel to absorb all of the excess water; then apply a leave-in conditioner. I have to admit this one is always hard for me to do because i like putting my hair up in a towel and then watch tv until it dries, but when i’m planning on wearing my hair curly i just do it.
4. Forget the moose, find a good styling cream. Because i haven’t worn my hair curly in a while i did not know this, before everybody used moose but i guess times have changed. When you find the perfect styling cream for your hair just remember to not apply it on your roots, just your ends.
5. Diffuse hair with blowdrier. I personally have never tried this before i like letting my hair air dry and because i never have time to do it in the mornings (i like sleeping in as long as possible), but i’ve heard it does wonders especially if you’d like more volume, also use a volumizer hair spray or hair spray to seal it up. After seeing a couple of Youtube videos i will definitely be giving this one a try.
6. Dry Shampoo. You can also find these in any neighborhood pharmacy or store, but i like this recipe of DIY Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair, because my hair is really dark and normal dry shampoo is white and is not easy to blend, also because it makes your hair smell like chocolate! HA! Just apply the dry shampoo with a makeup brush, let it sit for a couple of minutes and brush it off.
7. Embrace YOUR curls. Remember curls are supposed to be wild and free, they will never be “perfect” and that’s the fun part. All curls are different, you just have to find the best way to wash/style that works with yours. The only way you will find the one that works with you is by experimenting with different techniques. I say it’s time to put that flat iron down and give your hair a break from the heat.
Follow these steps and flaunt those curls!
Q: Do you have any personal tips on how to style natural curls?