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Navigating life with curly hair can be a challenge. Many individuals with 3b and 3c curls, like myself, often try various methods to manage their beautiful but sometimes unruly locks. During my younger years, I regularly turned to heat styling tools such as flat irons and blow dryers. Initially, these seemed like quick fixes, but after nearly a decade of routine salon visits, I found my curls losing their original shape, suffering from heat damage instead. What I believed was simplifying hairstyling ultimately complicated my natural hair care experience.
After making a commitment to embrace my natural curls through a big chop at the age of 20, I embarked on a journey to restore their health. Unfamiliar with the best practices for curly hair care, I started exploring various products and routines. Since then, I’ve gathered valuable insights and learned about essential products that enhance hair health. If you’re also on a path to reviving your curls, consider these expert-backed tips for nurturing and maintaining vibrant, luscious curls.
How long does it take to restore curly hair?
The journey to reclaim healthy curls is not instantaneous, despite the claims of many haircare products. The timeline for recovery is highly individual, influenced by factors such as the degree of previous damage and genetic traits. According to stylist Anilsa Sanchez, noticeable improvement can often be observed within four to six weeks with diligent care. However, for full recovery, experts like curly hair specialist Candace Witherspoon indicate it may take up to a year, emphasizing the importance of patience and consistency in your haircare routine.
Does trimming hair help curls?
Regular trims are a vital component in fostering healthy hair for all types, including curls. Over time, hair can develop split ends or become brittle. Witherspoon suggests that whether it’s a small or major cut, regular trims—ideally every four months—keep the ends healthy and can enhance curl definition. Sanchez adds that consistent maintenance through trims can lead to bouncier, more vibrant curls.
Is it okay to use heat on curly hair?
Transitioning away from heated styling tools may be tough, but it’s a worthwhile shift for curl health. Although drying with a diffuser is permissible, it’s advisable to avoid hot tools like curling and flat irons, as they can inflict damage on curls, even at low temperatures. According to Christine Hall, vice president of research and development at Aveda, using a diffuser at the lowest setting with a heat protectant can minimize risk.
Tips for reviving curly hair
1. Use a bond-building treatment.
Curly and coily hair often requires more care, as it tends to be fragile. Damage from heat styling, color treatments, or UV exposure adds stress to vulnerable curls. Bond-building treatments, as defined by Witherspoon, work by repairing the internal chemical bonds in hair, thus strengthening it against potential damage and reducing breakage. Hall recommends using such treatments every four to six weeks for optimal results, although seriously damaged hair might call for more frequent applications.
2. Try a new shampoo.
Investing in two types of shampoo—moisturizing and clarifying—is crucial for curl health. Moisturizing shampoos hydrate, while clarifying shampoos eliminate residue from the scalp. Alternate between these two every two weeks for balanced hair care. Look for shampoos infused with beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, while steering clear of sulfates and parabens, which can dry out curls.
3. Find a nourishing conditioner.
The right conditioner should focus on replenishment. Coconut oil, known for its hydrating properties, helps restore lost moisture, especially after washing. Other ingredients that aid in hair repair include citric acid for shine, and hydrolyzed proteins for strength. Those with coarser curls may benefit more from richer formulas that include shea butter or avocado oil.
4. Stock up on masks.
Hair masks are essential for hydration and strengthening. If you notice your curls drying out, moisturizing masks are crucial, while those dealing with breakage should opt for protein masks. Hall advises using a mask consistently if your hair is particularly damaged, and alternating types based on its condition to maintain balance.
5. Invest in the right styling products.
For styling curly hair, it’s vital to have a moisturizing product and a defining one. Properly curated products can vastly promote curl definition, shine, and overall health. When shopping, choose products tailored to your specific curl type to achieve the best results, and do not hesitate to consult your stylist for personalized recommendations.
Embarking on your curl recovery journey may require effort and time, but the rewards of well-nourished, healthy curls are undoubtedly worth it.
Source
www.whowhatwear.com