Let's Talk Curly Hair Care :-)

Six (6) Steps to Attaining Healthy, Strong, Natural, Unaltered, Highly-Textured, Curly Hair 

(According to Charity) 

I hope you can take away a tip or two.

Step 1: Proper Washing, Detangling, Rinsing and Deep-Conditioning

Washing: Apply shampoo ONLY to the ROOTS and wash SCALP, then work shampoo to the tips of hair. Use FINGER PADS to gently message scalp while washing hair. NEVER EVER use fingernails! Messaging the scalp with the finger pads promotes growth as opposed to the fingernails which tears the hair and tangles it more--giving us additional work when detangling.

Detangling: Before detangling the hair, apply an oil to the hair (oil makes the hair soft) and then put hair into sections (ex: 5-9) for easy detangling. Apply conditioner of choice to each section one at a time making sure that the conditioner has completely saturated each section of hair for manageability. Gently begin to detangle with a WIDE-TOOTH comb beginning from tips of hair and gradually progress to the roots of hair. After a section of hair has been completely detangled, carefully two-strand twist it to keep it from getting in the way of detangling the others.

Rinsing: After sections of hair have been entirely detangled, it’s time to rinse out the conditioner (if not planning to ‘deep-condition’). This part requires that COOL WATER be used when rinsing out the conditioner (Luke-warm, warm-cool water may be used). That is because the hair cuticle (the outermost part of the hair shaft) needs to lay flat in order for the hair to be protected and to not be striped completely of its moisture. This also imparts sheen and extra manageability.

Deep-Conditioning: This is needed for the hair to be durable. A simple conditioner (ex: Herbal Essences Hello Hydration or Suave Professionals Almond and Shea butter Conditioner) and an oil such coconut (my fave!) or olive can be used in conjunction with the conditioner for extra conditioning. One also needs to set how often they deep-condition (ex: every two-week, once a month, etc). Also, note that the purpose of deep-conditioning is to allow the hair to sit with the conditioner in the hair for about 30 minutes to an hour or longer to really allow the conditioner and oil to penetrate the hair shaft; thereby making the hair strong.

Step 2: Moisturizing

Maintaining moisture has been the single most important thing that I have learned in order to retain length and for my hair to be at the stage that it is now. It is a simple yet essential method that if learned properly will contribute to the health of one’s curly hair. Applying moisture to highly-textured, curly hair goes as follows: water=>oil=> and or cream-based product. Water is the hair's number one moisturizer. But water isn't enough. One has to 'seal-in' the moisture obtained from the water which is the reason you apply an oil or a cream. These agents act as a protective barrier that ultimately keeps the moisture (water) in the hair. I typically moisturize my hair after I have washed it by following the method mentioned above. 

Step 3: Protective Styling

What protective styling means in my definition is styling the hair in a way that will protect the tips of the hair without exposing it to the air; especially in the harsh winter season. Why the ends/tips of the hair? The ‘tips’ of the hair is one of the most delicate parts of the entire head of hair and that is because as our hair grows from our scalp, whether or not we will retain length solely depends on how strong the tips of our hair is. If it has not been ‘protected’ well enough for it be resilient to retain length, our hair begins to break, which leads us to believe that ‘our hair is not growing or that it doesn’t grow at all’. Therefore, in order for the ends of the hair to be strong enough to retain the growth that we get from our scalp, we must pay very close attention to the ends by moisturizing, and‘keeping them away from the ‘outside world.’ 
Some examples of protective styling include: pinned up do’s, buns, etc—it is very important that buns and pony-tails be kept to a minimum (if we must please make sure you don't pull the hair too tightly back)--because we want to keep the edges/hair line of our hair protected as that’s another area of the hair that is highly susceptible to balding and unfortunately the balding often can be permanent!

Step 4: Heat Avoidance

Applying direct heat (ex: blow-dryers, flat/curling-irons, etc) too often CAN cause breakage and heat damage to one’s hair. It is important to let our hair air dry after washing as often as possible in order to avoid unnecessary damage from any form of hair heat appliance.
How can one tell if their hair has been heat damaged? When after adding water to their hair it can no longer revert to its naturally curly state. If this happens we're in trouble. Sadly, the only thing we will have to do in this instance is cut the part of the hair that has been damaged and permit it to grow again. Because it will grow back :)

Step 5: Hair Accessory Caution

There are so many hair accessories out there that we often use but are oblivious to the dangers some carry. Yes, Dangers! Some headbands for example have these metal attachments on/in them. These metals will break and pull the hair unnecessarily if used frequently. Try to avoid any type of hair accessory that has metal on/in it. Try to find satin headbands, scrunches, etc—this kind of material (satin) will keep the hair from snagging, pulling, absorbing moisture from the hair and breaking. Also, NEVER EVER use rubber bands on hair. It pulls, breaks and snags on the hair--causing us to loose hair that we're trying to get more of!

Step 6: Nightly Hair Protection

Every curly-haired woman who desires to have healthy hair ought to have a satin bonnet, satin scarf and or satin pillow case. Again, satin protects the hair at night while we are asleep. Especially if you’re not one to sleep like a log like myself. Try to avoid cotton scarves & hats as a nightly head gear.

Note: I am just sharing methods and tips that I have learned which has aided in my being able to care for my curly, highly textured hair.

Hope it is helpful!

*Questions? Comments? Concerns? Please leave them in the comment box provided below*
Thank you.

God bless,

Charity