Let’s face it: Curls are not only in, but they’re also awesome. If you’re lucky enough to have curly hair, I urge you to embrace it. There’s nothing more authentic and stylish than your natural look. That said, sometimes our curls can be a handful tame. I’ve learned a lot throughout my natural hair journey and that’s why I want to share my best curly hair tips with you. Follow these four tips — your curly hair will thank you. Check them out now:
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THE PERFECT TRIFECTA
Leave-in conditioner + curl activator + diffuser. First, use a leave-in conditioner and then a curl activator to keep your coils and spirals in place. Next, dry your hair with a diffuser. Then, apply your styling product of choice to wet hair and help texturize and bring out the curl pattern. I notice I get the most definition when I follow these steps, as opposed to attempting to style when my hair is just semi-wet.
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GET THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE TRADE
What’s in your tool(hair)box? The right tools are crucial to a good ‘fro day. I’ll usually use my hands and fingers to shape my hair, but my hair cabinet has a solid selection of brushes and combs too. These are essential to helping you get that perfect look. It’s also great to bring your hair tools on the road with you when you travel. Be prepared because you never know how different water, or new climates, will affect your curls!
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HYDRATION IS EVERYTHING
This may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many icky ingredients are in our everyday hair products that lead to serious overdrying. Try to use hydrating products to ensure that your hair is getting the utmost moisture it needs. Avoid harsh surfactants, like sulfates, and drying ingredients, like alcohol, at all costs!
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DITCH THE WAXY, OILY PRODUCTS
To avoid too much build-up, try not to use products that contain waxes, silicones, and mineral oils. I’m personally left with sticky, icky hair whenever I use products that are heavy with oil — don’t get weighed down!