Curly hair has always been a battle then I decided to give my curls a fighting chance by starting a new hair routine.
My hair always seemed to have a mind of its own. Some days I’d wake up with flawless curls — all I needed was a quick flip, a little comb through with my fingers and I was good to go. Other days, not so much, and I’d end up with a big pile of frizz. The frizzy days seemed to outnumber the good hair days, so I turned to my very hot 230-degree straightener. I straightened my hair day after day for a couple of months until I saw the toll it was taking on my hair. The split ends started multiplying, my curls seemed to be loosening and my hair wasn’t growing as quickly as it used to. I panicked and realized I needed to suck it up and give into the curl.
I began reading up on how to best maintain curly hair and started experimenting with different products until I found the one that worked best with my hair. I also spoke to Kitu and Ritu Gill, the owners of Pure Elegance Artistry, a company that provides hair and makeup services in the GTA so I could get a professional opinion about dealing with curly hair. And thanks to their expertise and some of the lessons I learned along the way, I now live by five tips that I hope will help my fellow curly-haired friends.
Don’t Wash Your Hair Everyday:
Many people think washing their hair everyday will keep it clean and healthy. But that common misconception actually ends up stripping the hair of its natural oils and results in the hair becoming dry and brittle over time.
Kitu and Ritu recommend washing your hair only two to three times a week.
Avoid Combing Your Hair When It’s Dry:
Since curly hair is already dry, excessive combing results in breakage. So try to comb your hair when it’s wet and easier to manage.
Photo Credit: www.fabfashionfix.com
Let Hair Air Dry:
Avoid towel drying your hair because it can cause breakage due to its rough texture, while using a blow-dryer — with its excessive heat — dries out the hair.
Kitu and Ritu recommend attaching a diffuser to the mouth of the blow dryer if you need to style your hair quickly.
Find The Right Curly Hair Products:
Avoid buying the cheapest shampoos and conditioners because those products often have harsh chemicals that strip the hair of its natural oils and make it more brittle. Instead opt for a sulfate-free line of products. I use Marc Anthony’s Strictly Curls line, which helps me create frizz-free and shiny curls that don’t feel too heavy.
Kitu and Ritu recommend John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-Up Cream, which they say reduces frizz, locks in shine, and provides the hair with a smoother texture. They also recommend Pantene Silky Moisture Whip Moisturizer + Styler, a light moose that doesn’t make the hair crunchy compared to other products on the market.
Photo Credit: www.torontobeautyreviews.com
Treat Your Hair Weekly:
It’s important to include a weekly treatment to your hair care routine to keep it healthy and shiny. These treatments can also help with hair growth. Most of the products can be bought in your local drug or grocery stores. I use amla oil on my hair as its been proven to promote hair growth and increase thickness.
Kitu and Ritu recommend using coconut oil or avocado as part of a weekly treatment to help with shine and hydration. The avocado can be combined with two to three tablespoons of yogurt to create a paste, which you should keep in your hair for 45 to 60 minutes before rinsing.
Yes, it’s true, curly hair can be difficult. But once you are able to master the art of dealing with your curls you’ll end up the envy of all the straight-haired girls. So stop running from them (trust me your hair will thank you) and start embracing your curls!
Main Image Photo Credit: www.youtube.com
Neetu Seupersadsingh
Author
Neetu Seupersadsingh has loved writing for as long as she can remember. That's why Carleton University’s journalism program was her clear choice for post-secondary studies. In Ottawa, she was able to further develop her skill in arts, entertainment and lifestyle reporting. So...