Secrets to Keep Your Curly Hair Healthy

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Kristina in Hair Care

Enlisting in the rank of women who embrace their naturally curly hair is intimidating, but there are some tips I’ve found over the years to help keep naturally curly hair healthy.

The first of these secrets to keep your curly hair healthy is washing it. Cold showers, although they are the healthiest for your hair, are, well, cold! What I’ve found helpful is taking a warm shower, then rinsing my hair in cold water right before I finish. Cold water closes the hair’s cuticle, preventing frizz and increasing shine. Another benefit to this is that cold water closes your pores, which helps prevent acne.

Because of its tendency to frizz and dry out, one should use moisture-intensive shampoo and conditioner on curly hair. In my experience, washing curly hair every day tends to dry it out. Washing it around three times a week helps preserve its luster (I’ve found every other day works well). Not washing hair every day allows it to retain more of its natural oils, which reduces the ever-dreaded curl frizz. I’m not insisting you don’t shower every day, just refrain from washing your hair every day. Queen Elizabeth I only washed her hair once a month, and have you seen the paintings of her beautiful curls?!

After washing your hair, it is best to let it air dry. If you absolutely cannot stand air drying your hair, blow drying it using a diffuser is the next best thing. When using a diffuser, (and after applying a heat damage prevention product), scrunch hair with one hand and blow dry from beneath the scrunch. This technique enhances curls and gives them a more defined sheen.

Finally, ditch the cotton pillowcase in favor of a silk one. Not only does this make you feel fancier, but it is also healthier for your hair! Even if your hair is not curly, sleeping on a silk pillowcase decreases friction on your hair when you sleep, helping prevent breaks and split ends (read more about Hair Care Tips in the Winter)

Eternally Beautiful & Healthy