The Ultimate Guide to Kinky Curly Hair Maintenance
Whoever came up with the phrase ' the struggle is real ' was probably in the middle of wash day with their arms burning and another broken comb. If you have Kinky Curly Hair or had to manage it, you know this scenario all too well.
We know that your kinky curly hair maintenance is not on the top of your to-do list. It does not matter if you're rocking your natural curls or hair extensions, the process for keeping those curls looking moisturized, shiny, bouncy and fresh is necessary and generally the same. If you want to know how to take care and effectively maintain your curls keep reading! We've created the Ultimate Guide To Kinky Curly Hair Maintenance.
How Do I Properly Wash My Hair?
Washing your curls properly plays a monumental role between your coils becoming matted or not. Make sure that you properly detangle the hair before washing, first gradually detangle your hair from the tip up to the root to avoid snagging and knots in your hair.
Steps To Properly Washing Your Coils
Step One: Pre-Poo Your Curls
' Pre-Pooing ' before your full-on wash-day routine helps prepare the hair for washing. It is suggested to use a deep conditioner and oil on your hair first. Although it is an extra step in your wash-day process, it softens and smoothes the cuticles, allowing detangling much more comfortable, and enabling extra nourishment to your hair in the dry state.
Allow your pre-poo to sit for about 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing out with water.
Step Two: Detangle, Detangle, Detangle
Start by finger detangling your hair, this is much gentler on the hair and will give you a bit more control when detangling the knots that you come across. You can then move on to a wide tooth comb to finish the detangling process.
Step Three: Shampoo
First, shampoo with a clarifying shampoo while focusing on your scalp.
Began on your roots, the soap running down will clean the midshaft and ends.
A sulfate-free shampoo will clean your hair without stripping your natural oils.
Step Four: Condition
Conditioning your kinky hair restores your hair by adding the extra hydration. Conditioning also allows for easier detangling and final styling.
To properly condition your hair part into four parts, dispense your conditioner from tip to root detangling as you go. Continue throughout the other three sections.
Rinse with lukewarm water, and now it is time to move on to drying.
Is Co-Washing Good For Kinky Curly Hair?
Yes, it is! Sometimes you do not need to wash your hair with shampoo. Some women and naturals avoid using shampoo altogether and choose co-washing instead.
Opting to use a conditioner allows a mild wash and provides shinier, bouncier, softer curls. Hair that is not completely stripped from shampoo tends to retain more of its oils when cleaned, which is why some opt to co-wash.
How Should I Dry My Curls?
Finish strong by taking the proper steps to dry your curls the correct way! Whether you towel dry, blow dry, or even air dries your kinky curls, you should make sure you are doing so without causing damage to your hair.
Towel Dry
Towel drying is not our first option, but if you do decide to use this method, make sure to use a microfiber towel when drying your hair.
First, try squeezing or shaking out all excess water to make the process easier. Do not rub your hair, dab it to avoid friction and static.
Blow Dry
As long as you are not drying your hair out, a few blowouts won't hurt.
Air Dry
Whatever method you choose during air drying does not touch those curls! Once your hair is not thoroughly wet anymore, you should start styling your curls on damp hair and go about your day, easy peasy!
How To Keep Your Curls Moisturized?
Breakage, slow growth, dryness, and unmanageable hair, all of these can be remedied by adequately and regularly moisturizing your hair daily.
LOC Method
The LOC method stands for Liquid, Oil, and Cream; this is for locking in the moisture for your hair.
For liquid use
Water
Leave-ins
Leave in oils
Jojoba
Almond
Castor
Coconut oil
Cream
Shea butter
After you apply the moisture, your oil holds, and your cream seals everything to your hair shaft.
You can also use water-based hair moisturizers. Find products with water as their first ingredient.
Steam
Hot steam raises the cuticles, so the products you apply are absorbed quickly into your hair shaft. This method is especially excellent for girls with low porosity.
Is It Bad To Wash Curly Hair Everyday?
Washing your curls may seem like a simple task, but you'd be surprised by how many people are doing it completely wrong.
Deciding on how often you need to wash your hair is totally dependant on your curl texture and lifestyle. Although a common standard can be used across the board, you can wash your curls every two weeks and try co-washing weekly to give your curls a nice refreshing cleanse.
For thick, coarse, kinky curls washing your hair once every two weeks is just fine. Daily washing is not a good idea and will dry out the hair.
If you feel the need to refresh your curls, try co-washing your hair with conditioner and water.
Can I Sleep With Wet Curly Hair?
Yes, sleeping with wet curls are a thing; however, it's all dependant on how you do it, and we are here to guide you.
Loose Bun While Wet
When you choose to opt to sleep with wet hair, try a loose bun to reduce frizz. Make sure you apply a leave-in conditioner and gel into your hair before securing your bun. Find a happy medium between loose and tight, so your curls aren't stretched entirely too much, but also has some stretch to them. Now get some shut-eye, and let your curls air dry!
Two Strand Twist While Wet
A two strand twist is as easy as it can get. This method allows you to manipulate your curls to ensure they won't flatten as you sleep.
Pineapple
Many girls with the curls like to "pineapple" their hair as they sleep. Flip your hair over, and secure it in a high, loose ponytail. You can use a fabric covered tie or scrunchie to avoid breaking your hair while wet or making a dent.
(CLOSING)
We know it seems like a lot to manage your kinky curls, but remind yourself of the benefits your curls will reap in the end!
Try different methods and schedules to see what works out best for you and your curls!
Share with us some ways you maintain your kinky curly hair!