How to Style My Natural Curly Hair

1. Use a Conditioner and Moisturizer

Caring for natural curly hair requires more than just shampoo and water. In order to keep your hair healthy and strong, you should use a conditioner and moisturizer on a regular basis. To keep your curls soft and manageable, look for products specifically designed for curly hair. Products that contain natural ingredients, such as shea butter, are especially beneficial. Conditioners should be applied to wet hair after shampooing, and left in for a few minutes before being rinsed out. Moisturizers should be applied a few times a week, or after shampooing.

2. Choose the Right Styling Products

The right styling products are essential when trying to style natural curly hair. Styling products that contain alcohol or silicones should be avoided, as they can cause dryness and damage. Instead, look for products that contain natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter. You can also use a leave-in conditioner to protect your curls from the heat of styling tools. Additionally, you should use a heat protectant before styling with heat tools to prevent damage.

3. Use the Right Styling Tools

When styling natural curly hair, it is important to choose the right tools. For best results, you should use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to detangle wet hair. If you’re styling your curls with heat, opt for a ceramic or tourmaline curling iron or a flat iron. These tools are gentler on hair than metal ones and are less likely to cause damage. Additionally, you should use a diffuser to help reduce the risk of frizz when using a blow dryer.

4. Avoid Over-styling

It can be tempting to style your natural curly hair every day, but this can be damaging in the long run. Heat and other styling products can cause damage if used too often, so it’s best to give your hair a break every few days. Instead of using heat or styling products, you can use a leave-in conditioner or curl-defining cream to give your curls a boost. Additionally, avoid brushing your hair when it’s dry, as this can cause breakage.

5. Protect Your Hair

Finally, it is important to protect your natural curly hair from damage. When possible, wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair from the sun and wind. Additionally, you should use a satin or silk pillowcase to prevent your hair from becoming dry and brittle. If you plan on swimming in a chlorinated pool, make sure to wear a swim cap. Chlorine can damage your hair, so it is important to protect it when swimming.