Curly hair care is often a neglected aspect of our daily beauty regimen. We tailor our skincare to our unique skin type, match our foundation to our exact shade, and pair our earrings with our nails. So why is it that our hair tends to take second place? We're so used to complaining about the "woes of curly hair" that we miss the exquisite beauty of Type 3 and Type 4 hair. A lackluster curly hair care routine makes enjoying our luxurious locks a challenge when half of our get-ready-with-me time is spent fighting our hair.
Time to call a truce. There's no such thing as bad hair, just bad habits all curly-haired goddesses need to break ASAP. To prevent hair damage to Type 3 and Type 4 hair, improve shine, radiance, and the overall health of your locks, check out these habits to break for stunning curly hair.
Stop Using the Wrong Brush
Find yourself wincing more than styling? Even the most flawless beauty gurus may be surprised to discover they're using the wrong brush. Relying on brushes that aren't meant for curly hair is more common than you think. For instance, many at-home hair stylists still use a round brush for Type 3 and Type 4 hair. The wrong brush can cause breakage and damage curls. Options like sandalwood combs, wide toothed combs and paddle brushes are way more curly hair-friendly.
Take the hairbrush meets hair type assessment and discover the best brush for your unique curls. Next, "brush up" on styling techniques that help your hair stay healthy. Always work with your curl pattern, not against it. Brush in the direction of your curls and avoid over-brushing and touching your hair too much during the styling process. Embrace simplicity and effortless curly hair trends!
Stop Using the RIGHT Brush on Wet Hair
Curly hair should never be brushed wet. Resist the urge to step out of the shower and run your comb, brush, or fingers through your freshly washed locks. Unlike Type 1 and Type 2 hair, tightly coiled hair is more prone to breakage when wet. Water weighs down each delicate strand, causing frayed ends and a lackluster appearance.
The best approach to a post-shower routine for curly hair is to give your curls time to dry. Pamper your hair by taking a moment to catch your breath, grab a coffee, and nourish your curly hair with moisture-enriching serum before touching that brush. Once your hair has had a moment to relax, you can begin your brushing routine. Keep a spritz bottle of coconut water on hand. Divide your hair into sections and rehydrate with a gentle mist each time you brush.
Avoid Tight Styles
Quit pulling your hair out (literally) with tight hairstyles. Curly hair tends to be more brittle and prone to damage from high ponytails, tight buns, and upswept bangs. Tension alopecia can also occur from long-term styling, causing hair loss for curly hair and general stress on your delicate roots.
If this sounds like a style headache, don't abandon your daily workout hairstyle just yet. Tight hairstyles are great for keeping your lovely locks neat and out of the way. Protect your hair from stress while in a tight style by opting for silk scrunchies, non-elastic hair ties, and headbands to hold your style in place. Let your hair down when you're relaxing at home and get creative with your curly hairstyles to avoid rocking the same look multiple times a week.
Don't Over-Shampoo
The more we cleanse our hair, the more radiant and healthy each lock will seem, right?
Wrong!
When it comes to embracing the simplicity of natural hair, less is more. Over-washing Type 3 and Type 4 hair is one of the main ways we can inadvertently cause hair damage. Water strips away moisture from the hair follicle, causing dryness and a brittle texture to form. Implement a natural hair calendar so you can stay in rotation with your hair's needs. Plan roughly three wash days alternating with co-washing and clarifying for a truly brilliant approach to curly hair at-home care.
Don't Settle for Any Old Products
Your hair is as rare and radiant as your unique beauty. Treat your curls with exclusive product lines designed to maintain natural hair. This means avoiding the wrong shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. Steer clear of ingredients that strip away your hair's natural hydration like sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrances, and phthalates. Instead, focus on maximizing moisture with rich argan oil, coconut oil, rose extract, and clarifying aloe.
When it comes to styling products, avoid heavy pastes, clays, and hairsprays that weigh your curls down. Chemical residue can linger on your roots for months, damaging hair and causing style havoc. Opt for lightweight gel instead designed to sit on the surface of your curls. Gels allow curly-haired goddesses to sculpt and shape to create textured looks and endless dimensions, without sacrificing your hair's health.
Many curly-haired ladies and gents also invest in a water softener or use bottled water when shampooing. Hard, mineral-dense water is another enemy of healthy curls and tends to strip away color and shine.
On days when your hair deserves a little extra luxury, add a dollop of coconut oil to the end of your shower routine. You'll be amazed at the holistic beauty powers of this all-natural deep conditioner for curly hair.
Never Go to Bed Angry－or With Bad Hair
Rage detangling is a concept many natural hair beauties know too well. The rush of "I just don't have time for this" followed by a furious brushing and lots of "ouches" along the way is one of the worst ways we can damage our hair. If you're feeling the urge to rage style, take a breath. Back away from the comb. Remember to have patience with yourself and your hair as you reach for moisturizing products and sit down for dedicated hair care time as part of your self-care routine.
In too much of a hurry? Throw your hair up in a loose, protective style until you're able to properly detangle. A half-up, half-down style is a great way to leave your hair loose and allow tangles to settle before brushing out each strand.
Avoid going to bed with wet hair. Tossing and turning with damp curls is a sure way to ruin your wave by morning. Further, consider investing in silk pillowcases to minimize overnight frizz. Many Type 4 hair naturalistas also wrap their lovely locks in a silk scarf to maintain their style overnight. This will save you a lot of extra work the next day and eliminate the need to rage detangle.
Don't Skip a Trim
Growing out natural hair can be a labor of love. It's important not to skip a trim during your curly hair journey. Even short haircuts require regular upkeep to stay on point. Cutting away split and frayed ends is key to promoting natural hair. If you don't think you can manage a regular salon routine, never fear! Many natural hair beauties trim their locks at home. Take a look at a few simple tips for trimming away flyaways and baby curls, then set a monthly reminder to visit your at-home salon.
Maintaining natural hair empowers naturalistas to create amazing styles, try bold new trends, and experiment with all-over color and subtle highlights－all without running the risk of damaging your hair. Think of trimming your curls as your hair's monthly refresh. With the old stray ends tucked away, you and your hair are ready to start a new journey.
No More Frying Your Hair
Curly hair is extremely sensitive to heat. Unfortunately, most beauty gurus are still drying their curls the old-fashioned way.
It's time for a change. Ditch your mama's hair dryer and never subject your naturally gorgeous hair to heat styling again. RevAir's unique reverse air design proudly allows our curly-haired goddesses to be their "most me" by enhancing the beauty of natural curls in an innovative, heatless design. Our amazing reverse air dryer straightens and smooths for a sleek finish that's totally customizable to your degree of curl.
Want a little wave to your tresses? Or maybe something smoother?
No matter your preference, RevAir delivers stunning style in a fraction of the time it takes for a traditional hairdryer to work through your curls. That means it's schedule-friendly and will have you flawlessly out the door in no time. Best of all, these compact instant stylers can be taken anywhere your hair goes. Pack a vacation bag, take your RevAir to your next big work conference, or simply enjoy at-home hairstyling with salon-quality results for all hair types.
Have a few curly hair care tips of your own? Tell us your favorite way to style your curls and connect with our curly hair community for more style inspiration.
