Admit it, we’ve all dreamed of having luscious, beautiful curls like the ones displayed on the billboard ads or catwalks. However, the reality doesn’t always look like that Photoshopped image. We have different curl patterns and hair textures that are uniquely ours, but that doesn’t make them any less attractive. It’s time to embrace those gorgeous curls of your natural texture and show them off!
1. The Beauty of Natural Curls
A diverse range of hairstyles, from naturally curly to sleek and straight, is a way to express who you are. Natural curls, however, offer something more: they’re embraced, existing in all shapes and sizes and across all ethnicities. There’s beauty and poetry to them, like an unspoken language.
Like different hues of a rainbow, natural curls can be bouncy, loose, and wavy. They can be structured, tightly curled, or somewhere in the middle. Their texture nurtures our locks giving them volume and shine, adding a unique definition and individuality to our hair, and that’s something every woman should appreciate.
Caring for our natural curls is not difficult, and the following tips ensure they look vibrant and lush.
- Hydrate often. Keeping them nourished and moisturized with natural oils goes a long way.
- Use the right products that suit your hair type. Read the labels to make sure they’re natural and sulfate-free.
- Protect your curls from the sun by wearing a brimmed hat when you’re out and about.
- Routinely trim your hair every 3-4 months to keep the tips healthy and reduce split ends.
Our natural curls can be a source of pride, for we are the slaves of our own ingenuity, and natural curls are the perfect finishing touch! We no longer need to hide or do away with them completely — simply embrace and adorn our natural, beautiful curls.
2. Off with the Straighteners and On with the Curlers
Curls make a huge difference to a hairstyle, and what is more a modern way to add some pizzazz, shape and body to your hair is to embrace the wondrous curler. At the same time, beware – curling is a delicate skill, and can produce dramatically different results. The following are some pointers to help make your curled styles look much better:
- Choose the Tip Size Appropriately: Pick a curling iron or wand that is right for the length and thickness of your hair. The size of the tip should match the size of the curl you’re looking for.
- Use Heat Protectant: To stop curls from over-frizzing, it’s important to invest in a heat protectant styling product for your curls.
- Start in the Right Direction: When curling your hair, it’s important to keep your curl going in the same direction to help create that coiled look. This tip means you should curl away from your face, not towards it.
Before you start using a curling iron, make sure the device is properly in place and switched on, as well as adjusted to the correct temperature for your hair – usually the lower number for thin and fragile hair; and the highest number for thick hair. This is a really important point, as using a curling wand on too high a heat will damage and fry your locks!
Put the curler at a ninety degree angle, and place a strand of hair in between the clamps of the wand. After a few seconds, slowly unclamp and gently pull out the curl. Then finish off with hairspray or a gloss spray to help set your curls in place.
3. Unlocking the Power of Curly Hair
Though often a finicky affair, working with curly hair can be a treat for both the hair and the persons wearing it if the proper care is taken. The following three tips will help unlock the true power of curly hair by simplifying the maintenance.
- Apply A Mask or Overnight Oil Treatment: The most important part is to keep the hair hydrated. mask or oil treatment applied overnight will do just the trick. Choose products containing natural oils like jojoba, almond, or emu oil.
- Be Gentle: Remember, the hair is already tightly coiled, so don’t go in for any roughness. Opt for a wide-toothed comb instead of a brush, and go easy. If you can, use your fingers to work products through the hair.
- Try Different Styles: The beauty of curls is that they don’t have to be shaped the same all the time. If your hair is usually worn straightened or loose, why not change it up? Try a ponytail, braid, half-top knot, or whatever works best for you.
From taking care to keep it hydrated, to being gentle while detangling, to experimenting with different styles, the power of curls can be unlocked with the right care. With a little effort, you can show off your curls in all its glory.
4. Crafting a Curly Hair Care Routine
Caring for curly hair requires a tailored routine that takes into account both the type and texture of your curls. In general, curly hair tends to be more dry and prone to breakage than other hair types, so it’s important to take extra care of it. By incorporating the following steps into your daily and weekly hair care routine, you can maintain healthy, strong curls.
- Shampoo your hair 1-2 times a week.
- Upon shampooing, use a deep conditioner with plenty of slip to keep your coils hydrated and protected from damage.
- To lock in moisture and prevent frizz, use a leave-in conditioner throughout the day and a lightweight styling cream before you style.
- If you’re looking to add extra volume and shine to your curls, consider a spritz of hairspray or mousse. For an extra serious hold, try gel.
At night, wrap your hair in a silk bonnet to protect the strands from friction. Use a wide tooth comb to gently detangle your hair in the shower before you shampoo. Doing so will prepare your hair for the conditioner and protect it from damage. Lastly, limit your use of heat styling tools and instead opt for going natural as often as possible. When you do have to use heat, be sure you have a good heat protectant.
5. Revel in Your Natural Curliness!
When we talk about curls, it’s easy to feel pressure to straighten or use excessive styling products. But one of the best ways to really rock your natural curls is to do as little as possible!
If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, now is the time to embrace its fullness and freedom. Here are some tips on how to do just that:
- Detangle with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb while in the shower, to avoid excessive breakage.
- Use a sulphate-free and light conditioner, focusing particularly on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.
- After rinsing out the conditioner, don’t dry your hair with a towel; just let it air-dry.
- To keep frizz at bay and define your curls, apply a curl-defining product while you’re hair is still damp.
Say goodbye to hours of heat-styling and goodbye to money spent on products that are trying to tame your natural texture. Celebrate your curls and let them flow out in their curls glory!
Embrace your gorgeous curls! Whether it’s with a simple braid, a low bun, or curled to perfection, you can be confident that your locks will always look their very best. Make sure to show your natural texture some extra love and care – it’s certainly worth it! Congratulations on your newest journey to curly goodness!