How To Style Naturally Curly African American Hair

Choose the Right Hair Care Products

It’s essential to choose the right hair care products when styling naturally curly African American hair. This type of hair is usually dry and prone to breakage, so you need to choose products that are designed for curly hair. Look for products that have hydrating ingredients such as glycerin and aloe vera. These ingredients will help to keep your hair moisturized and healthy. When selecting a shampoo, look for one that is sulfate-free. Sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Additionally, use a deep conditioner once or twice a week to keep your hair nourished and hydrated.

Detangle Hair in the Shower

Detangling curly African American hair can be difficult, so it’s best to do it while your hair is still wet. Use a wide-toothed comb and start at the ends of your hair, working your way up to the roots. This will help to minimize breakage. You can also opt to use a detangling brush, which is gentler on the hair. Avoid using regular brushes, which can snag and pull the hair. You can also apply a leave-in conditioner to help with detangling. Once you’re done detangling, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to shape your curls.

Air Dry or Use a Diffuser

When it comes to drying your hair, it’s best to let it air dry if you have the time. If you’re short on time, use a diffuser. This type of attachment gently dries your hair while helping to define your curls. It’s important to avoid using a regular blow dryer, as this can cause your hair to become dry, brittle and frizzy. If you must use a blow dryer, use the lowest heat setting and apply a heat protectant beforehand.

Apply Styling Products

Once your hair is dry, it’s time to apply styling products. A leave-in conditioner is a great option to help keep your hair hydrated and to help fight frizz. You can also use a curl-defining cream or a styling gel. If you’re using a cream or gel, apply it to your damp hair and then use your fingers to shape your curls. Once you’re done styling, you can use a light hairspray to help keep your curls in place.

Protect Hair Overnight

If you’re planning to keep your curls in overnight, use a silk or satin scarf or bonnet. These fabrics are much gentler on your hair and help to prevent frizz and breakage. Additionally, you can use a satin pillowcase to help keep your curls looking their best. If your hair is particularly dry, you can also opt to apply a light oil or serum before you go to bed. This will help to keep your hair hydrated and soft.