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How to keep your natural curls looking healthy and defined

Published: September 8, 2023 |7 minute read

Written by: Kristin Limoges

Illustration of a woman with beautiful, natural curly brown hair blowing in the wind.

Definition. Full body. Bounce. Help give life back to your natural curls with these tips and products.

For those blessed with a luxurious head of natural curls, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to care for and maintain them.

Frizz, shrinkage and tangles are common frustrations. And thick, curly hair is more prone to breakage and dryness than other hair types, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).1 So what’s a curly headed individual to do?

Fortunately, with the right routine — and a good supply of tools and products — you, too, can keep curls healthy looking, bouncy and voluminous.

En este artículo:

How to take care of curly hair

When it comes to taking care of your locks, knowing the types of curls you have is key. But identifying your curl type can be tricky: “Everyone’s hair has multiple types of curls and textures,” says salon owner and hair loss practitioner Yene Damtew2 — who also serves as the hairstylist for the Obama family.

Generally, curls will fall under one of the following categories: type 2 (soft waves, wavy and deep waves), type 3 (soft curls, curly and ultra curly) and type 4 (coiled, zig-zag and tightly coiled).

The types of curls you have will depend on your hair follicles. For example, oval follicles tend to produce wavy hair while twisted oval follicles tend to produce curly hair. The thickness of the follicle can also affect how thick your curls are.3

While knowing your curl type can help you narrow in on the products you need, Damtew explains that most curls are challenged by two main issues: frizz and definition. And both problems can be tackled with … drumroll please … moisture.

What type of curls do you have?

Type 2 wavy

This type includes:
2A soft waves
2B wavy
2C deep waves

A lock of hair for each of the following hair types: 2 A soft waves, 2 B wavy and 2 C deep waves.

Type 3 curly

This type includes:
3A soft curls
3B curly
3C ultra curly

A lock of hair for each of the following hair types: 3 A soft curls, 3 B curly and 3 C ultra curly.

Type 4 coily

This type includes:
4A coiled
4B zig-zag
4C tightly coiled

A lock of hair for each of the following hair types: 4 A coiled, 4 B zig-zag and 4 C tightly coiled.

Keeping hair moisturized

Nothing is more important to curls than proper hydration. Indeed, Damtew said her biggest tip for curly peeps would be "moisture, moisture, moisture!" Curls can get dry easily, so steps that promote more moisture are "imperative in order to have beautiful, bouncy curls."

But hydrating hair goes beyond just using moisturizing products. It also means utilizing methods that don't strip away hair's natural moisture.

Two tactics that can help keep curls happier include:

1. Shampooing less

How often should you wash curly hair? While other hair types might respond well to being washed frequently, cleansing curls too much can leave them dry, frizzy and difficult to manage.4 You'll discover your shampooing sweet spot by trial and error, but according to the AAD, thick, curly hair doesn't need to be washed daily - or even weekly. A minimum of every two to three weeks is optimal for scalp and hair health.5

2. Conditioning deeply and thoroughly

Those with straight and wavy hair should usually aim to condition the mid-lengths and ends. But those with curly hair should give the full length of their strands some love. Condition all the way from the roots to the ends, notes the AAD.6

While fine hair can be weighed down with heavy conditioners, most curls (fine or thick strands) will enjoy a deeply hydrating acondicionador - perhaps even a reparative hair mask. After taking a shower, aim to apply moisture-rich products, such as leave-in conditioners or oils.

Best products for curly hair

In addition to being dry, curly hair can be incredibly fragile and difficult to detangle. Here are some of the best types of products to help you tame and train it.

  • Shampoo. When it’s time to wash those strands, try using a hydrating shampoo that is specifically formulated for curly hair.

Some options that fit the bill include the frizz-defying Mielle Avocado & Tamanu Anti-Frizz Shampoo and the nourishing Love Beauty and Planet Curl Defining Shampoo.

Additionally, if you like to style with creams, gels, oils or pomades, using a clarifying shampoo before the moisturizing shampoo can help, according to the AAD. Focus on the scalp, massaging the shampoo into every inch.

How to comb curly hair

Using a wide-tooth comb is particularly great for wavy and curly hair. It allows you to gently rake through strands without tugging on them, which can cause damage and flatten natural curls.

Some wide-tooth combs are also made with delicate, rounder teeth so as not to snag or pull curly hair, like the Wet Brush Go Green Mini Detangling Comb.

For thick, curly hair, a "detangling brush works best," says Johnson. "It takes a lot of unnecessary tension away." Consider a brush that is dedicated to thick and/or curly hair, like the Wet Brush Custom Care Ultimate Treatment Brush.

Why you should use heat protectant

Blow-drying is a great way to bring out the bounce and volume of curls.8 That said, don’t forget to use a heat protectant. "I always recommend using a heat protectant on any hair that heat is being applied to," says Johnson. Without one, considerable damage can be done to hair, especially curls (which are already more fragile and prone to dryness).

Try the weightlessly moisturizing Nexxus Prep & Protect Leave-In Spray and the frizz-fighting Tresemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protect Spray.

How to diffuse curly hair

Speaking of blow-drying curls, "a blow-dryer diffuser works wonders on curly hair," says Johnson. "It really sets the hair and helps calm down frizz if done properly."

Diffusers work by evenly distributing hot air over a wider section of hair, preventing a disruption in a curl's natural pattern. To use one, prep your hair with a heat protectant. Then attach the diffuser to your hair dryer. Hover over sections of your hair for 30 seconds at a time, moving between each section of the hair until the entire head of curls is completely dry.

Using a diffuser attachment can take longer, but it's great if you have the time, adds Damtew. Many hair dryers come with diffusers, like the highly rated InfinitPRO by Conair Smoothwrap Dryer o la InfinitiPRO by Conair Frizz-Free Pro Dryer.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements, and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.