Got Curly Hair? 5 Ways to Manage Your Gorgeous LocksCredit : Image by Rodger Shija from Pixabay

People with curly hair know it can be both a blessing and a curse. Sure, it's better than having completely flat hair that can never hold a style. But taming your curls can sometimes feel like taming a lion's mane. They seem to just have a mind of their own.

When it's difficult to manage your curly locks, here are five tips you can use to keep them under control.

1. Switch Out Your Pillowcases

The hair products you use every day can have a huge impact on the way your hair behaves. However, they aren't the only external factors you should be worried about. Think of everything your hair touches throughout the day. It can be exposed to everything from the sun and wind to fabrics and accessories.

One thing your hair touches every night is your pillow. All that friction between your head and the pillow can mean waking up with bedhead and tangles galore. Switching out your cotton pillowcases with silk pillowcases can make a huge difference. Silk helps your hair retain moisture since it isn't as absorbent as other fabrics. This helps with dryness and frizz, two big problems for people with curly hair.

2. Use the Right Shampoo and Conditioner

Using the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type is key to maintaining healthy locks. Not just any shampoo and conditioner will do the trick. If you use the wrong shampoo and conditioner, it can be detrimental to the health, look, and feel of your hair.

Curly hair, due to the shape of the strands, tends to be drier than straight hair. Natural oils can't travel down the strand of hair as easily. Additionally, if strands of hair haven't bonded together to make a defined curl, it can make the hair appear frizzy. Because of this, it's best to find a shampoo and conditioner that is both hydrating and can help with frizz.

3. Find the Right Hair Care Products

Taming your wild locks is going to take a lot more than just the right shampoo and conditioner. A good hair care routine should go beyond the shower. What are you using when your hair is damp? What about the days in between washes? The products you use play a part in taming your hair and ensuring that it looks beautiful all day.

Here are just a few products you may want to consider adding to your arsenal if you have curls:

Hair Oils

To moisturize curly hair, hair oils are a great option. After a shower when your hair is damp, apply an oil. It will promote healthy hair growth, add shine, and hydrate.

Pre-Wash Treatments

If you struggle with frizz, a pre-wash treatment could be a miracle worker for you. It will add shine and leave hair silky soft after a wash.

Deep Conditioner

Not only are deep conditioners meant to strengthen your hair and make it healthier, they're also extremely hydrating. For those who suffer from dry hair, deep conditioners can keep your curls in top shape.

Scalp Treatments

If you have curly, dry hair, don't forget to show your roots some extra love. A scalp treatment can be extremely moisturizing. It also exfoliates any dead skin cells on the scalp and gets rid of any buildup or dandruff.

Curl-Defining Creams

One of the biggest issues people with curly hair experience is styling their hair. You want to use minimal heat so that you don't damage your hair or dry it out more. At the same time, there has to be a way to tame those wild locks. A curl defining cream may be the answer. Not only does it define your curls, it gets rid of frizz and nourishes your hair.

Leave-In Conditioner

Leave-in conditioners offer so many benefits. They protect the hair from damage, detangle, and moisturize. While they're great for all hair types, the benefits are especially attractive for people with curly, dry, untamable hair.

Curl Primer

There are many primers out there that exist for the sake of protecting hair from heat. But some products are specifically formulated for curly hair. Curl primers can give your hair an extra boost and define your natural waves. They can also prevent heat-related frizz.

 

Once you find the right mix of products, you'll be able to tame your curls with ease. Start adding things based on your hair needs to see what works best for you.

4. Don't Wash Your Hair Too Often

Since curly hair is typically drier than straight hair, washing every day is not a good idea. Daily washing will strip your hair of natural oils and make it even drier than it already is. If you have curly hair, limit the number of times you wash it each week.

Try washing your hair every other day or even every three days. If you're worried about your hair not feeling clean, incorporate a dry shampoo into your routine. You can even wet your hair a bit using a spray bottle. This will activate the products from your last wash and help you style it.

5. Break Out the Diffuser

No matter what type of hair you have, it's best to avoid heat as much as possible. Letting your hair air dry is always a good option. For curly hair specifically, try not to towel try, as that will only cause your hair to become frizzy.

If you must dry your hair faster, there is a way to do so that doesn't cause as much damage: use a diffuser. A diffuser distributes heat evenly, which reduces frizz. If possible, try to not dry your hair completely. Just dry it enough so it's not soaking wet. Regardless of how long it takes you to dry, just know that a diffuser is gentle and less damaging.

Managing your curls doesn't have to be hard. With the right products and hair care tips, you can have locks that are both curly and easy to manage. When you give your hair the love it deserves, it'll love you back.