Truly both a blessing and a curse... if you know, you know!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The underlined text on this page contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you click on a link and make a purchase.
Most of the struggle that curly haired individuals endure is because of not knowing how to care for their curls. Unfortunately, everyone has to go through a process of trial and error to find the method that gives them the best results. Once you find a routine that works for you, life is good... but it may need to be adjusted at some point because of changes in texture, density, and color over time!
There is so much information out there, and it can be overwhelming to try and take it all in.
This page was designed to condense information from curl experts, and paired with the experiences my clients have had, plus my own experience with thick, curly, frizzy gray hair, perhaps you will find the best "for now" methods to keep those textured tresses looking their best!
If you have any additional questions or concerns about your curls, feel free to email me at azaleacolorbar@gmail.com,
text me at 210-940-1629, or message me through the PocketSuite app!
While I am a professional, there are others out there who know much more than I do when it comes to certain subjects. Regarding curly hair, I defer specialists and educators. Something to consider when looking at all the information out there is that opinion is sometimes worked in with facts. Furthermore, sometimes after learning a new piece of hair advice that just makes so much sense, we'll find that information to be disproven elsewhere. It's like medical and diet advice- ever-changing- and it can get pretty tiring! The best advice I can give you is to shop around for advice, listen, learn, take what information works for you and leave the rest- and most importantly, be open and accepting if (or when) that information (or your hair) changes!
THE CURLY HAIR REFERENCE LIBRARY
Below is a list of web pages and YouTube channels where I have found some really solid curly hair advice. Rather than plagiarize or parrot this information, I'll lead you right to the source:
Manes by Mell- a Youtube channel belonging to a curly hair specialist who also has curly hair.
Curly Silvers- a Facebook group where you can share with and learn from others with curly hair that is also gray.
The Curly Girl Method- While I have heard about this method, I had a hard time finding an official website that details the steps. There is a book out there somewhere...
The Curl Maven Method- Details the Curly Girl Method, but also why you shouldn't follow it, plus their own method.
Curly Girl Movement- education and video tutorials based on different curl types.
FAQ: SHOULD I GET A CURLY CUT?
There are specialized cutting methods for curly hair, but how do you now if it's worth the search for a specialist and the money you're going to spend for such a cut? In essence, a curly cut (such as a Devacut), is a lot like pruning a shrub. Curls are left in their natural state and cut one strand at a time. In the article above, it is stated that if you wear your hair both curly and straight, a curly cut is not advised- when you straighten a curly cut, it can look choppy and uneven because it was cut to enhance the curl only.
-
Normally, for hair that has been chemically processed, I recommend washing only once per week to help the color last longer. For curly hair, washing is going to depend on which curly hair method you choose, as well as how often you wear it curly, up, or straight. Just keep in mind that you may need to try a few different methods before you find the one that makes you the most satisfied with the result. If your hair is curly, colored and/or highlighted, I would still recommend washing less.
-
Cool to lukewarm water helps smooth the cuticle and lock in your color or toner, if your hair has been processed. I know its harder in the winter months not to step into a piping hot shower, but try your best!
-
San Antonio has some pretty hard water... If you don't already have a water-softening system in your home, I recommend investing in a shower filter to soften at least your shower water. There are many benefits to your skin, hair, and even your shower/bathtub! Here are links to shower filters:
​AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter
-
Using professional shampoos and conditioners- preferably those designed specifically for curly hair- is a good choice. Professional brands may cost more than the drugstore variety (but not by much these days) and they are higher quality- meaning you use less to get the same or better results.
-
If using a clarifying shampoo to remove styling product buildup (used in most curly hair methods), make sure to follow it up with a good conditioner. If the hair is particularly dry or dull, a chelating (pronounced "kee-lay-ting") system of products will really help restore shine and softness!
-
Regular deep conditioning treatments are your best friend! Try to get one in at least once a month. If your hair is fine and curly, try a deep conditioning mask that is lightweight yet still nourishing.
-
Even after you use regular conditioner or a deep conditioning mask, it's a good idea to apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair after towel-drying to add more moisture. A leave-in conditioner for fine hair sounds counterintuitive, but will help prevent over-drying, which leads to breakage (and thinning of the hair). A leave-in conditioner for thick or textured hair helps to detangle and reduce frizz. On hair that is going to be heat-styled, whether diffusing or straightening, a leave-in conditioner with heat protection is a must!
-
Swimming... it's hard not to try to cool off in Texas, but chlorinated water and salt water can do terrible things to curly hair! Keep your head above water if possible, but if you're going all in, wet your hair first, saturate it with conditioner and braid it, or wear a swimming cap. These won't 100% prevent the negative effects, but will definitely reduce them.​
-
​Brushing is normally recommended daily in between washes, because it helps disperse the oils on your scalp to the ends where it's needed (plus, it feels great and is good for blood circulation). For curly hair this is more challenging, because brushing curls leads to craziness, but don't forget about your scalp altogether! If you're not going to brush regularly, or use a brush at all, at least use your fingertips or a head massager to move oil away from the scalp and prevent buildup. If you will be brushing, use a brush that doesn't snag or tug on the hair.​
-
Every time you use heat to style, whether blow-drying or ironing, be sure to apply a heat protectant beforehand, even if it only happens occasionally.
-
Some styling products can dry out curly hair, such as those that contain larger amounts of alcohol or acidity. Opt for professional brands of oils, creams and serums, or natural, pure oils that mimic natural scalp oils and sit on the surface of the hair to seal in moisture, such as argan oil or jojoba oil.
-
If using mousse or gel, remember to use a little more than what you think you need! Feel free to finish with a little more oil as needed.
-
Gently comb, brush or finger-comb from mid-lengths to ends, to distribute all of your products evenly. Then, DO NOT mess with those curls until they are cast (this happens when the product sets and creates a light shell around your strands) and is fully dry. After your curls are dry, you can lightly "break the cast" by finger-combing to separate your curls and add volume and body. The more you jostle your curls, the frizzier they will get, so do this in moderation!
-
Use a diffuser to dry your hair more quickly, taking care not to disturb the cast. Diffuse with your head upside down or tilted to the side to create lift off of the scalp. You can also plop to dry, or plop first for 15-20 minutes, then diffuse or let air dry.
-
Have you ever heard of plopping? It's the worst name for a great method that can help volumize and reduce frizz while your curls are cast. You can use a specialized towel, or an old (clean) t-shirt.
​
-
It can take some time, sometimes up to a few months, to get your curly hair routine to show results. Don't be discouraged, because it will be worth the wait.
-
If you're reading this before visiting my salon, and still aren't sure which curly care method will work best for you, book a consultation and I'll be happy to help you figure it out!
-
Be sure to trim your hair at least every 2-3 months to keep your ends from splitting, and to keep those beautiful curls in shape!
I know life gets busy, and sometimes remembering when to book an appointment can get put on the back burner, but no worries! I will be sending you a standard reminder, based on your individual services and preferences discussed upon your initial visit. You are welcome to book sooner or later than that at your leisure, of course. I look forward to seeing you, or seeing you again!