My mindset changed when I planned a three month holiday in Europe. To save money, I stopped colouring my hair and let the natural colour grow out. I fought the urge to spend $350 on highlights. The re-growth was insane. Hello, mousy brown! When I left for Europe, I did not take a straightener, curler or hairdryer. No more tools, only au-natural air-dried results.
My top 8 tips for mastering your curl
Tip 1. Find a good hairdresser!
It's a scary thought to break up with your hairdresser. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do! I realised my hairdresser wasn't cutting my hair to accentuate the curl pattern. The number one tip I can offer is to ask your current or future hairdresser if they know how to cut curly hair. My new hairdresser said the trick is to cut your hair dry first. It allows them to see the natural curl pattern and work with it, not against it. They then do a touch up of the ends when wet. You can find hairdressers who specialise in curls, but they can be exxy $$$!
Tip 2. Use a hydrating shampoo, conditioner & treatment.
It's important to consider what type of curly hair you have. Mine ranges from a 2C to a 3A and is not super thick. I find really heavy conditioners drag my curls down and make them oily. You have to find what works best for your curl type and thickness. Find out more about curly hair types & the curly girl method here.
My go-to is SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo & Conditioner.
After washing, I put the smallest amount of the SheaMoisture Treatment Masque. Every couple of weeks, I'll apply more for a deep treatment.
Tip 3. Only use a wet brush and/or comb.
I used a regular hairbrush that would tug and pull on my hair when wet. Sometimes I could hear my hair snap off! I highly recommend investing in a wet brush. It's so much better!
Tip 4. Massage scalp
I use the Apotecari 5-in-1 Scalp Brush. It feels as good as a hairdresser massaging your scalp - so relaxing! Massaging the scalp can help stimulate blood circulation and promote hair growth.
Tip 5. Dry hair with a microfibre towel and/or use a diffuser.
Say farewell to your heating tools. You won't be needing them anymore! I like to use a microfibre towel to lightly dry my hair. I scrunch my hair with the towel then let it air dry. Another popular method is using an old cotton t-shirt and wrapping your hair. These two methods are more gentle than using a regular towel.
If I'm in a hurry, I'll use a diffuser. Put a section of hair on top of the diffuser at a low speed with COLD AIR - hot air can make it frizzier. Then turn it off, move to the next section of hair, and turn it on again.
Tip 6. Wash less! Aim for every three or more days.
I bet you're thinking, "eek my hair is so oily after one day!". I thought the same too. However, if you stick to it, eventually, your scalp will adjust. How often you wash depends on your curly hair type and personal preference.
Tip 7. Give your hair a quick spritz in the morning.
When I need to refresh my curls between washes, I simply spray my hair with water. Then scrunch your hair with the microfibre cloth & air dry. You can use a cheap travel spray bottle from the grocery store or chemist.
Tip 8. Use a satin or silk pillowcase.
An absolute game-changer. Your hair won't look flat and frizzy in the morning, plus it's great for your skin!
That's it! You'll be amazed at how much time you'll save by embracing your curls. Once you start, you'll never look back!
For more tips and curly hair product recommendations check out our blog on natural products for curly hair.
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