Tips for Perfecting Naturally Curly Hair

Ever since posting a few BTS instagram stories with my naturally curly hair, I’ve been asked by a number of friends and followers for the low down on my new curly locks. The truth is though that my curly hair isn’t exactly “new”, and instead its the mane that I’ve always had, but chose to hide.

Since I was a teenager, I was always under the impression that long, sleek straight/beach wavy hair was the “thing” and it was the idea that most women look more put together when their mane is tamed. From a young age, I used to stand under my ironing board, crouching into an uncomfortable position to iron my hair straight. Yes, you heard that right – IRON! The 30-something I am today absolutely cringes at the idea of a super hot iron coming anywhere near my locks, but alas, that was the thing, and I was committed.

Fast forward to 2018 and my hair has really come a long way over the last few years. I religiously take care of my locks, I apply hot tools (and NOT irons) to it far less than ever in my life, I get trims often and I apply treatments like a boss. With that being said, my hair is the healthiest its been in well, a very long time, but at this point, my main concern was still that I never liked my natural hair.

With this summer’s humidy at an all time uncomfortable, I was dedicated to reviving my locks and really appreciating what I was born with!

And you know I had to share everything I know and learned!

Know Your Curls 

This may be a no brainer to some, but knowing exactly what kind of curls you have really helps with styling and knowing what works especially for you. For the longest time, I just assumed that that I could use the same products as my sister, but my hair never reacted to them the same way. Whether you hair is tight ringlets, thick or thin and even the amount of density your hair has all contributes to deciding what products you use and the way you form your curls.

Moisture! Moisture And More Moisture!

Of course, dry and brittle hair doesn’t work for any hair style, but if you have naturally curly hair, moisture will especially be your bff. It will be the only thing that will help form your curls instead of making it a frizzy mess. When choosing a shampoo and conditioner, opt for curl-focused ingredients so that your hair is properly moisturized even before you get to styling!

• Apply a deep conditioner to your hair before getting in the shower and tuck it into a shower cap to help lock in moisture.
• If you have extra-dry hair, skip shampoo completely and only use conditioner once a week or as often as needed.
• Don’t completely rinse out all the conditioner when washing your hair.
• If possible, avoid washing your hair on rainy days. Spray with a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner instead to avoid frizz.

If You Heat, Protect

Of course there will be moments when you actually want to straighten or blow out your hair, and there is no reason not to go ahead and do it, but just be smart about it. The more you fu** with your natural curls, the harder it is to get them back and looking healthy, so just remember that. My biggest suggestion is that you don’t do it often, and when you do, be sure to use a heat protector before applying hot tools to your locks.

Chop! Chop! Chop!

Just like any healthy mane, a regular trim is important, however if wearing your hair naturally curly is the vibe you are going for, then I encourage you to see a curl specialist who can really bring out your best curls. In some cases, the best way to maintain your curls in a style that frames your face and flatters you is to get a dry cut or cut wet, but concentrate on  increasing definition by cutting hair with clean, blunt ends. First things first through, be sure to discuss your hair with a professional stylist before you go ahead.

Create A Styling Routine

Now no matter what, your curls will not look good if you don’t style them correctly. I have to admit that until this year, I never really nailed down a proper curly hair routine and since I have, I can’t stress how vital it is to help achieve that fresh, bouncy curl that we all know and love. Here is a rough step-by-step that I’ve been perfecting with a little practice.

1. Before I’m out of the shower and after applying my conditioner, I rinse out my hair with cool water to help lock in moisture, and then take a wide tooth comb and start at the ends and gently comb through tangles. This helps combat frizz.
2. After the shower, I pat my hair dry with a towel and lightly ring out the water. You don’t want to scrub your head or vigorously shake your hair because this will create frizz.
3. I then apply leave-in-conditioner and a dab of hair oil wrap my hair on my head in an old t-shirt for about 10-15 minutes or until my hair isn’t dripping wet anymore.
4. I follow up by applying my styling products and slowly work it into my hair. I do this by bending over and scrunching areas of my hair bit by bit and then i alternate sides by flipping my hair to each side and scrunching more until I feel that all the product is worked into my hair from root to ends. It is important to apply a generous amount of styling product until you reach your desired texture. This will of course be perfected with time and you will soon understand the amount of product that is needed. (See photo above for reference)
5. I then take my go-to KISS diffuser and put it on either cool or warm depending on how much time I have. I work my way around my head with the diffuser, using its prongs to lift and dry my curls around the scalp to help lift the roots. I also scrunch some pieces with my hands as I work through my curls. Continue until your hair is slightly moist, rather than completely dry. (See photo above for reference)
   

Products I’m Currently Loving

Like I mention above, what works for me may not work for you, but do your research, speak to your stylist and practice makes perfect. However, there are a number of products that I’ve been on and off with and I absolutely love them!

• Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Defining Shampoo + Conditioner – Aside from the fact that this line smells AH-MAH-ZING, this shampoo and conditioner dup leaves my hair tangle free, smooth and ready to bounce once I begin applying leave in products.
• Cantu Coconut Curling Cream – this curling cream is literal magic and I use this parodic about 75% of the time. If you have any type of curly hair, I urge you to give this a try because it’s also so inexpensive and you can also purchase a small travel size to test out
• Cantu Natural Leave In Conditioning Cream – Use this before applying the curling cream and you’ve got the best duo around. I didn’t know about Cantu until it was suggested to me and I quickly went on Instagram to research some photos and wow its actually so popular!
• Marc Anthony Strictly Curls 7-in-1 Treatment Foam – I never used to like mousse and foams, but this foam is great for when I’m on the move and just need some added moisturize
• Ouai Curl Jelly – Ouai is a brand that totally surprised me. While I love all their serums and texturizing products, their curl products are bomb also and I love how my locks feel when I use their curl jelly
• Ouai Matte Pomade – A pomade is necessary for me because I have a lot of baby hairs that can look a little crazy unless I manage them. I use a very small amount of pomade to work into my hair line, baby curls and even a few ends that look a little dry
• KISS Tornado Pro 2000 – A good diffuser is an essential if you want to rock your curly hair and this brand hasn’t let me down!

Dress – Forever 21 Plus / Bag – Faithful the Brand / Sunnies + Earrings – Le Chateau 

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