Taking care of your curly hair can be a real challenge. Between the difficulty of keeping curls in place and choosing the right products, it’s sometimes difficult to know where to start. But what would you say if a simple routine could help you find beautiful, well-defined curls? In this article, let Centifolia guide you through six essential steps for an effective hair routine dedicated to curly hair.
Step 1: Carry out a treatment before washing
Before washing, it is crucial to pay special attention to the health of your hair. This first step consists of carrying out preliminary treatment, especially if you have dry and dehydrated curly hair (tips and tricks for taking care of dry hair). To do this, opt for moisturizing masks or natural oils which will revitalize your dry hair. Argan oil, coconut oil and jojoba oil are renowned for their ability to intensely nourish and hydrate. Do not hesitate to reread our advice to find out which oil to apply to damaged hair.
For optimal application, distribute the oil over all of your lengths and ends, making sure to massage well to promote its absorption. Next, wrap your hair in a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to create a heat effect, allowing the oil to penetrate deeply. Leave the treatment on for at least an hour, but if possible, leave it on overnight for even more beneficial results.
This pre-wash treatment plays an essential role in preparing your hair for the wash to come. By deeply hydrating, it helps restore the elasticity and suppleness of your curls. It is recommended to carry out a treatment with natural oils twice a month. You can also use Aloe Vera Gel as a moisturizer which has multiple benefits and properties.
Step 2: Wash your curly hair with suitable products
To take care of your curly hair, how you wash it is important. Proper washing technique can make all the difference in the health and appearance of your curls.
First, opt for cold or lukewarm water when washing. Curly hair is sensitive to heat and water that is too hot can damage it, making it more prone to frizz. Then tilt your head forward in the shower to allow the water to fully penetrate the roots. This position also makes it easier to wash the roots and promotes the natural formation of curls.
The choice of products is just as essential. Opt for gentle curly hair shampoos, preferably without sulfates or silicones (learn more about sulfates). These ingredients can dry out curly hair and make it more brittle. Shampoos specially formulated for curly hair are ideal, as they often contain moisturizing ingredients that help define and maintain curls.
Step 3: Moisturize your curly hair
Hydration is a fundamental pillar in the curly hair routine (know everything about hair nutrition and hydration). Once you’ve finished shampooing, it’s essential to provide your curls with the moisture they need. This crucial step helps prevent the dreaded frizz and defines your hair’s natural waves.
To do this, we recommend using a conditioner or hydrating mask specially formulated for curly hair. These products are designed to penetrate the hair fiber and provide intense hydration. When applying, do not hesitate to focus on the lengths and ends, as these are often the areas most prone to dryness. After applying the product, leave it on for a few minutes. This break time allows the hydrating ingredients to do their job and deeply nourish the curls. Then take the time to rinse your hair well to completely remove all residue.
Step 4: Detangle your curly hair
Detangling is an essential step in the curly hair routine. For gentle detangling, it is recommended to do it in the shower, while the hair is still wet. After letting your mask or conditioner act for a few minutes, this special moment allows you to detangle the hair without damaging it or pulling it (how to choose the right detangler?). Insisting on dry detangling can lead to unwanted breakage and frizz. When detangling, two options are possible:
- Gently run your fingers through your hair to gently detangle it
- Use a suitable comb for effective detangling. Opt for a comb with wide teeth which is recommended for curly hair, thus leaving aside pin brushes which can attack the curls (all our tips and tricks for brushing your hair properly).
For optimal detangling, it is recommended to start at the ends and gradually work your way up to the roots. This method helps prevent the formation of knots and preserves the natural structure of the curls. By following these tips, the detangling stage will be transformed into a moment of softness and well-being.
Step 5: Shape your curly hair
Once your hair is clean and detangled, the next step is to shape the curls. This phase not only defines the curls, but also protects them from frizz and maintains their shape over time.
For this, the use of specific products such as mousse, cream or gel is recommended. Apply these products to your wet hair to allow it to take on a beautiful shape as it dries. It is important to be careful not to apply too much product at the roots, as this risks making the hair greasy. A small amount of product is generally enough for lengths and ends.
One of the essential techniques for shaping your curls is scrunching. THE scrunchingit’s what ? This simple and effective method allows you to naturally accentuate curls. After applying the styling product to your wet hair, take a small section of hair and gently scrunch it upwards towards the scalp using your hands. Repeat this action throughout your hair to define your curls evenly.
Another popular technique is plopping. THE ploppingit’s what ? This method involves wrapping your hair around a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt, then letting your hair sit for 15 to 30 minutes. This allows curls to dry naturally while still being held, which helps define their shape and reduce frizz.
Step 6: Dry your curly hair
The last step of this curly hair routine is to dry the hair. Several possibilities are available to you depending on your time and means. The first option is to let your hair air dry. This method helps preserve natural curls and reduce frizz. In addition, it does not damage the hair unlike using a heating device. The second option is to use a diffuser. There are several benefits to using a diffuser. First of all, it saves time by speeding up the drying process. It then helps prevent the appearance of frizz by distributing heat evenly. Finally, it helps define curls for a more structured and aesthetic result. Whether you choose to air dry your hair or use a diffuser, it’s important to handle your curls gently to avoid breakage or distortion. By following this step carefully, you will get beautiful curls and healthy hair.
