12 Proven Methods to Maintain and Care for Curly Hair Effectively

Currently, there are numerous options available in the market for curly hair shampoo, specifically designed to preserve curls for longer durations. Curling hair often leads to dryness, roughness, and damage. Shampoos infused with acidic properties help maintain the pH balance of the scalp, which proves to be highly beneficial. Apart from selecting a shampoo tailored for curly hair, it's crucial to choose one that suits your hair type and scalp condition. For individuals with oily scalp prone to greasiness, products with a pH level higher than 5.5 are recommended, as they effectively cleanse excess oil from the scalp.

In essence, dry conditioner functions similarly to regular conditioner: It seals the hair cuticle to prevent tangling after washing. However, the key difference between dry conditioner and regular conditioner is that you don't need to rinse it out with water after use. Therefore, besides keeping the hair from tangling and enhancing its shine and health, dry conditioner is also used to maintain curly hair and style it. After using dry conditioner, you'll notice your hair falls into its natural waves, with clear water ripples if styled correctly. Moreover, since you don't need to rinse it out, the conditioning agents in dry conditioner stay on your hair longer, reducing damage and effectively repairing it. It can be said that this is a worthwhile investment in the process of caring for curly hair.

Washing your hair too frequently, even 1-2 times a day, not only does not benefit your hair, but also makes it more tangled and straightens curls faster. The ideal time between two hair washes is 2-3 days. However, if your scalp is too oily, you should use dry shampoos to remove excess oil from your hair. When washing your hair, the water temperature is also crucial. You should use lukewarm water to avoid damaging your hair. However, if it's cold weather, then use warm water, avoiding hot water as it can dry out your hair and lead to more dandruff.

Maintaining hair texture should be done right after you wash and blow-dry your hair. Once your hair is completely dry, you should pour a little bit of soft gel onto your palm, rub it evenly, gently squeeze and lift waves

up. However, if you prefer not to use gel at home, you should use a hair roller. A hair roller not only helps keep your hair tidy at home but also helps you achieve beautiful curls when going out. Additionally, in some cases, you can use curling irons, triple-barrel irons to quickly style curly waves. However, you shouldn't overuse them because they will damage your hair much faster than you think.

When creating curls and waves, blow-drying after washing is considered the most crucial step. Blow-drying will determine the volume of your hair in the following days. The hair drying process is divided into two steps: Towel drying and blow-drying.

Step 1: Towel Drying:
After shampooing, you shouldn't immediately blow-dry your hair, as doing so will make your hair dryer and more damaged. What you need to do is take a dry towel, gently squeeze the hair from bottom to top, avoiding rubbing, as it will cause more tangles and frizz. This process should last for about 5-15 minutes.

Step 2: Blow-Drying.
Firstly, you should determine whether you want to create large waves or small waves.
- Small Waves: For small waves, you shouldn't blow-dry your hair but let it air dry naturally. After towel drying, what you need to do is apply a little hair serum to the ends and mid-lengths of your hair (avoid direct application to the scalp as it may cause greasiness).

- Large Waves: Creating large waves requires a more complex drying process. Firstly, you should apply a heat protectant to reduce heat damage to your hair. Next, depending on the thickness of your hair, you should divide it into 3-6 small sections on each side, twist each section into a coil in the same direction, and blow-dry each section individually. Repeat this process until your hair is completely dry.

A thick comb is not suitable for curly hair, frequent brushing can cause split ends and frizz. If your hair is tangled, start with your fingers and then finish with a wide-tooth comb. Never start brushing your hair at the roots, as this can cause pain and hair loss.

Start the detangling process at the ends of your hair and work towards your hairline. The wide-tooth comb should be able to separate hair into sections. You may need to use your fingers along with the comb to tackle more stubborn tangles.

If not careful, regular pillows with rough and abrasive fabric can cause friction with the hair. This not only disrupts the hair's texture and causes tangles but also damages the hair. Using a silk pillowcase plays an extremely important role in maintaining the curls and waves of the hair while sleeping. To protect the hair, reduce shedding, and minimize oil production, you only need to use a silk pillowcase. Considered one of the 7 useful ways to maintain curly hair overnight beautifully at home.

If you have wavy or curly hair, you shouldn't wash your hair every day. Because both short and long curly hair tends to be dry, it doesn't need to be washed as often as straight hair. Washing your hair too frequently can dry out your hair and make it look even more curly and prone to tangling.

Typically, hair stylists advise washing your hair no more than twice a week. When washing curly hair, it's easy to cause tangles, so brush gently to avoid damaging your hair. Washing your hair frequently is not the way to maintain the curls and waves of your hair.

Similar to putting curly hair in a bun on the top of your head, wrapping your hair with a silk scarf while sleeping is very beneficial for wavy or curly hair. This helps prevent your hair from touching the pillowcase, experiencing less friction as the hair is securely wrapped in the scarf. Simply leave your hair to dry and wrap it in the opposite direction of the hair's natural curl pattern, securing it with bobby pins while sleeping.

Gel products can effectively style both short and long wavy hair, and they can also prevent hair from becoming overly dry. If your hair feels coarse, apply gel before styling or brushing. For thin and beautiful hair, gel spray can work wonders. To maintain the integrity of your wavy hair style, choose a suitable gel type.

If you don't want your hair to be too stiff, opt for light-textured creams and gels. However, be sure to select the right type of gel to maintain your wavy hair style. Avoid counterproductive effects or purchasing counterfeit products.

Before choosing a conditioner, read the product label carefully, and avoid products containing silicone-based ingredients. Rinsing your hair helps it become stronger, softer, and better moisturized, which is essential not only for curly hair but also for overall hair health. Wait a few minutes for it to penetrate the hair strands before rinsing thoroughly with water. Pay attention to apply the conditioner only to the ends of your hair; applying it to the scalp can lead to dandruff.

To maintain shiny, undamaged hair, it's not just about daily care like shampooing or conditioning; protecting hair from harmful factors is also crucial, especially for curly hair. To preserve the original texture and health of curls, consider the following:

• Limit Chemical Usage: Regularly using natural ingredients is a perfect suggestion for achieving bouncy, shiny hair. Alternatively, opt for natural hair care products to ensure your hair isn't affected by harmful chemicals.
• Avoid Overuse of Appliances: If you want your hair to maintain its shape, it's best to follow some of the suggested natural methods. Limit the use of electrical appliances that involve heat, as excessive use can cause hair to become dry, brittle, and severely damaged.
• Environmental Factors: Avoid exposing your hair directly to smoke, dust, glaring sunlight, etc. Regularly restore and provide enough moisture to your hair to keep it healthy.