Having curly hair and taking care of it is like a job. It’s truly a lot to deal with and I feel like you’re always learning something new about your hair. At least, in my experience. I’m always learning something new about my hair and the methods to taking care of + styling curly/natural hair.
First, I want to get off my chest that you don’t have to invest in all types of products because they’re advertised as better for your hair. This is something I saw repeatedly on Twitter. You can easily buy that $4.99 bottle of Sauve instead of splurging on that $55 hair product that is recommended due to your hair type.
I think many got lost in the hype of the natural hair care movement and oversold some products like DevaCurl which is really not good for your hair. Trust me, or google it.
Nonetheless, I’m here to drop three easy steps that you can take to maintain your hair. Honestly, you don’t need curly hair for these tips. Overall, here’s how to keep your hair healthy and flourishing. Especially in these cold, winter times.
Deep Condition
My best friend is my deep conditioner. No joke. My hair needs a deep conditioner, at least once a week. The outside forces are harsh on my hair — I live in Ohio, so one can never predict the weather 100%. When it comes to making sure that my hair shines and feels soft, it’s definitely my deep conditioner doing its work.
There are benefits to deep conditioning. One, it strengthens your hair and helps you avoid breakage. I feel that my hair is prone to breakage when I skip them for a while. My hair goes through a lot with ponytails, buns, and being straightened once a month (if that). Two, deep conditioning helps me with moisturizing my hair. No joke, it’s like two different people if my before and after pictures were compared.
For my natural girls, I suggest Mielle Organics and their deep conditioners. That is the one brand that I will go out of my way to find and buy in bulk.
Trim Your Hair
If there’s one thing that I didn’t do right and had to learn, it’s trim your hair. Many people frown at the idea of taking an inch or two off, but your hair will love it. A trim is not the big chop, let’s not get crazy about the idea. I’m not going to lie, as someone that regularly wears her hair in its natural curly form, I would take trimming scissors to my ends and chop where I saw fit. Not the best plan.
Unless you know what you’re doing, then continue to do it. But, I was going off articles and what I saw other people doing and it wasn’t working for me.
So, I got a regular trim in 2021 and my hair bounced like it hasn’t bounced in a while. And I got an Olaplex Bonding treatment, but we can talk about that on a different day. Nonetheless, I got my trim and my curls were even after I shampooed and conditioned my silk press. I’m definitely feeling myself and working on fitting those into my schedule multiple times throughout the year.
Use the Right Tools
If there is a poster child for the wrong tools, it’s me. I don’t know, I think I can just wing things and get it done. That’s what I was going with my hair and the only way I noticed a difference was when I started doing things the right way. It’s crazy because I do things the right way on my son’s hair, but shortcut my own. Virtual palm to face.
The right tools are necessary — the correct brush like a Denman Brush, Crave Brush, or Detangling Brush made specifically for curly hair. You want to use the right oils if you’re going to start implementing those on your ends or your scalp. Oh, and make sure you’re going to sleep with a satin pillowcase, satin bonnet, or satin hair tie to keep the frizzies away.
One thing that I haven’t tried out is a steam treatment which is on my list this year. I’ve sat under a dryer with deep conditioner on my hair, but I want to try out either a hair steamer or steam cap to get the full effect.
These simple tips have been how I’ve maintained my hair and its integrity. If you’ve been reading my blog for the past six to seven years, then you were around for the hair disaster that fried my curls. My hair got to the point where it was so dehydrated that when it was wet, it was like a sponge. The porosity was low and I had to repair it with different treatments and chop my ends all the time.
It’s been a long time coming and I’m glad my hair is in a position where it’s flourishing and thriving. The best way to start flirty, thirty, and thriving, right?!
Here are some other blog posts where I talk about hair care: 4 Tips For Your Hair Transformation, Simple Winter Hair Care Routine for Curly Hair, The Day I Wish I Could Take Back aka the day my curls were ruined.
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