Many of our customers ask for advice when transitioning to healthier, more natural hair care routines, especially those who’ve recently embraced their natural curls after quitting straighteners, perms, or relaxers. They often want to learn how to care for their new coily, curly, or wavy hair in the best way possible.
That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide full of practical tips to help you maintain healthy, thriving curls. We believe caring for your curls shouldn’t be complicated, which is why our product range is straightforward, and so is our method. Hair care is about progress, not perfection—your primary goal should always be healthy hair.
To begin your hair care journey, there are two key emotional ingredients you need:
- Love: Embrace your hair as it is, with a genuine desire to see it healthy and vibrant.
- Patience: There’s no magic solution for rapid hair growth. Hair typically grows about half an inch per month. The key is to maintain healthy ends and consistently care for your curls.
Remember, longer hair starts with healthy hair. Here’s how to get started:
- Understand Your Hair Type
Knowing your hair type can guide you in choosing the right products and techniques. Generally, the tighter the curl, the drier and more prone to breakage your hair may be. Hair types are typically classified into four categories: Type 2 (wavy), Type 3 (curly), and Type 4 (coily), with subcategories A to C based on the diameter of the curl or coil.
- Keep Your Hair Moisturized
Moisture is crucial for retaining length and maintaining healthy hair. Water gives hair its elasticity, allowing it to bend without breaking. Sebum, your scalp’s natural oil, acts as a conditioner, forming a barrier that locks in moisture. However, with textured hair, especially coily hair, sebum has a harder time traveling down the hair shaft, leading to drier ends prone to breakage.
2a. Moisturize Effectively
Water alone isn’t enough, as it evaporates, leaving hair dry and brittle. To keep your hair properly hydrated, combine water-based products (like leave-in conditioners or hydrating creams) with oil or emollient-based products (such as styling gels or natural oils). This combination helps lock in moisture, especially in your hair’s fragile ends.
Consider using the LOC/LCO Method to combat dry hair. This method layers products to create a protective shield that keeps hair moisturized for 2-3 days. Consistency is key, so establish a regular routine and adjust it during drier or windier weather, particularly in winter.
- Choose Quality Ingredients
The ingredients in your hair care products make a significant difference. Unfortunately, the textured haircare market often contains harsh or harmful ingredients. Avoid products with ingredients ending in -fates or -cone, and instead, opt for those with high-quality natural oils and butters like almond, coconut, or shea. Be cautious of products marketed as “natural,” as this term isn’t regulated. Always scan the ingredient list to make informed choices.
- Be Gentle
Gently detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb, or consider finger detangling, especially if your hair is tightly curled or dense. Always detangle when your hair is slightly damp, never dry, to minimize breakage. Start from the tips and work your way up to the roots to reduce the risk of breakage.
- Protect Your Ends
Protective styles like buns, twists, or braids help minimize breakage by shielding your ends from dry air and manipulation. Incorporating these styles into your routine can also save time and add versatility to your look.
- Work in Sections
Handling your hair in sections can make detangling, moisturizing, and washing easier, especially if your hair is thick or tightly curled. Working in smaller sections ensures thorough care and reduces the chance of tangles.
- Condition More, Wash Less
Shampooing too frequently can strip natural oils from your hair, leading to dryness. Aim to wash your hair every 1-3 weeks, using a gentle, curl-friendly shampoo that cleans without stripping moisture. After shampooing, use a deep conditioner to replenish nutrients, followed by a leave-in conditioner and your preferred styling product.
- Minimize Heat Styling
Heat styling can damage hair, especially when done frequently. If you must use heat, apply a heat protectant spray and use the lowest setting. For healthier hair, try to air dry whenever possible and limit heat styling to once every three months.
- Trim Regularly
Regular trims every 4-6 months help prevent split ends, which can travel up the hair shaft and stunt length retention. Always trim with sharp, professional hair scissors to ensure a clean cut.
- Nighttime Routine
Protect your curls at night by wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf or using a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials reduce friction and help maintain moisture, so your curls look their best in the morning.
- Stay Hydrated and Maintain Wellbeing
Hydrate your curls from within by drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Managing stress is also crucial, as high cortisol levels can lead to premature greying and hair loss.
- Love Your Hair!
Finally, embrace your natural hair in all its forms. Whether it’s curly, coily, or wavy, your hair is beautiful and versatile. Avoid negative terms like “tame” or “unmanageable”—your curls don’t need control, just understanding and care. Love your hair for what it is and allow it to express your unique identity.
Enjoy the journey of discovering and loving your natural hair!
