Have you been struggling with your curls? Everyone with curly hair texture knows that natural curls can fall limp and lifeless just by looking at them wrong. So how do people get those firm and bouncy curls that spring back when you pull them?
Defined curls aren't out of reach. More and more people are figuring out their perfect haircare routines to get those tight and shiny curls that they've been wanting.
Regardless of your curl texture, there are a few things that you can do to give your curls the best possible chance of reaching their full potential. Once you change up your routine, you'll discover that defined curls are within reach.
Keep reading to learn more.
Ditch Your Brush
This might come as a surprise, but don't panic. One of the first things you should do when switching to a curl-friendly routine is ditching your brushes and tight combs.
You might be wondering how you're supposed to tame your tangles. Keep in mind that there may be a brief transition period. If you have a lot of knots now, take some time to remove them.
When you must use a comb, use one with wide teeth. This will give you less breakage and help you avoid damaged and frizzy hair.
The best thing to do is to comb your hair with your fingers. This is much more gentle, and it should still be effective if you're doing the rest of the steps in the curly hair method. You'll discover that you don't have as many tangles to take care of.
It's best to finger-comb your hair when it's dry unless you're doing so to pull apart curls and condition.
Avoid Sulfates (Most of the Time)
Sulfates are not your friend. Sulfates are common in shampoo, but they're bad for every hair texture. They strip your hair of its natural oils and leave it dry and limp.
Instead, swap to sulfate-free shampoos and other curl-friendly products. There are plenty of sulfate-free shampoos available even at your local pharmacy. Always read the labels.
That said, there is a time where these shampoos are appropriate. It's common to have buildup when you use a routine for curly hair. Your sweat, thick conditioners, and other hair products can leave a film even if you're careful.
Every so often, it's appropriate to give your hair a clarifying wash. Make sure that you treat it well afterward.
Avoid "Cones"
Shampoos aren't the only risk. Many conditioning products contain silicones.
These silicones coat the hair and give it the feeling of being moisturized while they're actually just making your hair slick and smooth. There are several different types of "cones" that you should look out for.
Check your product labels for these ingredients and remove anything in this category.
Wash Less Often
This will be a hard transition for many people, but you can't wash your hair every day if you want defined curls.
Depending on your hair texture, you're going to have different washing schedules. You may experience some pushback from your hair at first (it could look greasy for a short transition period), but don't give up.
People with wavy hair can wash it once or twice per week with shampoo and conditioner. People with moderate curls should stick to once per week and use a co-wash method, meaning that you only use water and conditioner.
People with tight or kinky curls should wash as little as possible. It's best to co-wash when you do wash your hair. When your hair feels dry, wet it with water to re-form your curls.
Condition the Right Way
While you're conditioning, make sure that you're getting deep into your hair.
There are mixed opinions on whether or not you should condition your scalp. Many people prefer to condition by putting conditioner in their palms and scrunching from the hair's ends and upward. This should prevent your roots from being weighed down.
If you have a looser curl texture, you can experiment with leaving a small amount of conditioner in your hair after your shower. With tight curls, it's better to leave the conditioner in for a longer period but wash it out completely.
Dry Without Damage
When you dry your hair, avoid using any heat (even the hairdryer). Instead, use gentle drying methods.
While it's okay to use a standard towel to soak up excess water as soon as you get out of the shower, don't use it to rub your hair. Scrunch from the ends of the curls and go up. Use something soft, like a microfiber towel wrap, to get rid of the rest of the moisture.
If you want to air dry the rest of the way, try flipping your hair back and forth every few minutes. This allows air to circulate your hair.
Style Your Curls
Styling is the final step. There are plenty of great gels, sprays, and creams that you can use to style your hair, but the overall method is the same.
If you're using gel or cream, put a small amount into your palms and scrunch your curls. If you have long hair, go up the curls by using your fingers to comb.
If you're using a spray, you're still going to scrunch. Spray the styling product all over, avoiding the roots, and work through your hair to make each curl "bounce."
It's best to style while your hair is still damp.
Defined Curls are Within Reach
Getting defined curls is easy when you take the right steps. By changing your washing methods and switching up your products, you can keep your curls bouncy, healthy, and stylish.
Are you looking for great products that can help you keep your curls defined? Our Turbie Twist products are perfect for keeping your curly hair safe and free of breakage. Check out our shop and find your hair's new best friend.