If you have curly hair, you’re well aware of the challenges that this hair type brings. Curly and wavy hair types require time, dedication, and tons of moisture. Moisture is one of the key things that makes the Curly Girl Method possible. But what is the Curly Girl Method? This method has been in use since the early 2000s and has been practiced in several variations. The main goal of the method is to define curls and provide them with the moisture and protein they need for healthy hair growth.
If you have curly hair and want to learn more about how to take care of your curls, you’ve come to the right place. We provide key tips to think about as you practice the Curly Girl Method.
Getting the Haircut You Need and Cutting Off Dead Ends
Most people who decide to take up the journey of the Curly Girl Method have to understand that getting a haircut is absolutely important. If your hair is rather healthy, you might be able to skip this step, but that’s not the case for every curly girl.
Most curly girls find themselves starting from the very bottom: repairing damaged hair. If your ends don’t create a natural curl anymore, then this means they need to be cut off. This damaged hair simply cannot be repaired. Getting a haircut doesn’t have to be a drastic change! Even a two or three-inch trim could be a major step forward to healthy hair.
Specially-Designed Products
Now that you have gotten your haircut, it’s time to look into products. It is recommended that those who have curly and wavy hair deep condition their hair once a week. As such, you can use a daily conditioner every time you wash your hair and use a deep conditioner at least once a week. You can also deep condition more than once a week, especially if you are trying to repair your hair.
It is important to look for shampoos and conditioners that are designed specifically for curly hair. Some popular products are Bounce Curl, Ouidad, Shea Moisture, and Curlsmith! It is also recommended that you avoid shampoos and conditioners that have sulfates and silicones as they can damage your hair.
Wash Day Haircare
The amount of times you should wash your hair during the week depends on how much sebum your scalp produces. Sebum is the natural oil that comes from hair follicles. Sebum is actually good for you because it promotes moisture in the roots of your hair. Some curly girls go three days between washes, some do four, and so on. As long as you give at least two days between washes, you should be good!
When you do wash your hair, first start with shampoo, as you normally would. When you condition, it is best to consider leaving it in your roots for at least five to ten minutes that way it softens the hair, detangles, and locks in moisture. After you are done washing your hair, it is important that you avoid bath towels. Towels cause breakage and encourage frizz. You can opt for a 100% cotton t-shirt or a microfiber towel to ring water out of your hair.
For styling your curls after washing them, you can start by running your fingers through your hair with a leave-in conditioner, to make sure your hair is hydrated throughout the day. You can finish off with a styling gel, butter, or cream for definition. You can apply the gel evenly and scrunch your hair until you begin to see your curls or waves forming.
Preventing Further Damage
This is probably stating the obvious, but curly girls who are trying to repair their hair must avoid heat styling tools. Heat is the number one culprit of damage and split ends. There’s nothing wrong with a little styling here and there, but applying heat regularly will induce even more damage. All that hair care is thrown out the window when you heat style your hair.
It is also good to avoid hairsprays considering most of these products have alcohol in them, which, of course, is bad for your hair. It is okay to use hairspray sparingly, but it is recommended to stay away from it as much as possible.
Get a Haircut Designed for Your Hair Type at Selah Salon & Spa!
If you’re ready to completely recreate your hair, Selah Salon & Spa has all the tools and products you need! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your hair health goals.
