Having curly or coily hair is like owning a unique masterpiece. The versatility is unmatched—you can style it sleek and straight or embrace the beauty of natural curls, waves, and coils. However, while curly hair is stunning, it requires extra attention, especially when it comes to keeping it moisturized and healthy.
Unlike straight hair, where moisture can travel down the hair shaft easily, curly hair presents a challenge. The bends and turns in the hair make it harder for moisturizing products to reach all parts of the hair strand. But don’t worry! We’ve gathered expert tips from two celebrated hairstylists to help you keep your curly hair hydrated and in top shape.
Meet The Experts
- Vernon François is a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Vernon François Haircare. His clients include A-list stars like Lupita Nyong’o, Willow Smith, and Natasha Lyonne.
- Karen Miller is an Afro-Latina celebrity stylist and educator. She has worked with icons like Solange, Quinta Brunson, and Tinashe.
Both experts share insights into how to keep your curly hair moisturized and healthy, even on the driest days.
Use Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner
The foundation of good hair care for curly hair begins with using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Washing your hair is a must, but it can strip your curls of their natural moisture. Since curly hair is more prone to dryness, using a moisturizing formula is critical to avoid further damage.
If you’ve got a lot of product buildup, it’s a good idea to start with a detoxifying shampoo to clean your hair thoroughly. After that, always follow up with a moisturizing shampoo to replace the lost hydration. To enhance this process, Vernon François suggests using a deep conditioning treatment once a week to give your curls an extra boost. For the best results, Karen Miller recommends wearing a processing cap during the deep conditioning session to lock in moisture.
Apply Leave-In Treatments For Extra Moisture
Moisturizing curly hair isn’t just about shampoo and conditioner—it’s a process that extends through the entire routine. After shampooing and conditioning, reach for a leave-in conditioner or treatment designed to combat dryness and lock in moisture.
Karen Miller explains that a good leave-in treatment does more than hydrate. It also makes the hair more manageable when detangling and helps protect it from damage during styling. Opt for lightweight leave-ins that won’t weigh your hair down. If you’re looking for bond repair, use a treatment that helps keep your hair healthy and strong.
Be Ingredient Conscious When Choosing Products
When it comes to curly hair, the ingredients in your hair products matter a lot. Certain ingredients can cause more harm than good, especially when you’re trying to keep your curls moisturized. Avoid products with parabens, sulfates, and synthetic colors, as they can dry out your hair.
Instead, look for natural ingredients that hydrate and nourish your hair. Both Vernon and Karen recommend ingredients like coconut oil, sunflower oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter. These ingredients are rich in moisture and can help seal it in.
Additionally, humectants like glycerin and honey attract moisture from the air into your hair. Natural oils like argan oil and jojoba oil seal the moisture inside, keeping your curls hydrated. Butters like shea and cocoa butter are excellent for locking in moisture and providing nourishment. For a strengthening boost, small amounts of hydrolyzed proteins can also be helpful in preventing moisture loss.
Refresh Your Curls Between Wash Days
Even on non-wash days, your curls need some TLC. Whether you’re wearing a wash-and-go or a braid-out, refreshing your curls is key to keeping them hydrated. You can use a curl refresh spray, or mix a bit of leave-in conditioner with water in a spray bottle for your own homemade refresher.
Vernon suggests refreshing your curls two to three times a week, but you can adjust based on how your hair feels. For added hydration, Karen Miller recommends applying a serum from the mid-lengths to the ends and finishing with a few drops of oil. This helps maintain moisture and extends the life of your curly styles.
Protect Your Hair While You Sleep
While you rest, you can prevent your curls from losing moisture by ensuring they’re properly protected. Vernon François advises using a silk or satin pillowcase, or wrapping your hair in a silk scarf or bonnet. Unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture and causes friction, silk and satin help keep the moisture locked in and reduce friction, which prevents hair breakage and frizz.
Lead a Balanced Lifestyle For Healthy Curls
Moisturizing your curls goes beyond just using the right products—it’s about creating a lifestyle that nourishes your hair from the inside out. Vernon François emphasizes the importance of drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and healthy fats, all of which contribute to healthy, hydrated hair.
Regular exercise is also beneficial for improving scalp health and circulation, which in turn supports hair growth and moisture retention. Stress can negatively affect hair health, so managing it through mindfulness and relaxation practices is key to keeping your curls in great condition.
Lastly, both experts stress the importance of regular trims. Dead ends contribute to dryness and frizz, so make sure to trim your hair every few weeks. Karen explains that trimming helps remove the dry, damaged ends that no amount of product can repair.
Final Takeaway: Moisturizing Your Curly Hair
Curly hair is beautiful and full of personality, but it does require special care to keep it moisturized and healthy. Start with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and don’t forget to deep condition when needed. Use a leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture, and be mindful of the ingredients in your hair products.
Refreshing your curls with a curl refresher spray or leave-in conditioner mixture is a great way to maintain hydration between wash days. Protect your curls while you sleep with a silk pillowcase or silk scarf to preserve moisture.
Finally, maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes hydration, a balanced diet, and stress management, as this will reflect in the health of your curls. With these expert tips, your curly hair will stay hydrated, nourished, and looking its best—every day!
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