HOW TO CARE FOR CURLY HAIR
Have you already found the ideal routine for your curls? A personalized routine is key to embracing your natural curls and showcasing the natural hair you love. Curls come in all shapes and sizes, from loose waves and bouncy curls to gorgeous curls. No matter what type of curl you have, curly hair basically requires a little extra attention and we’ll help you along the way. …
Have you already found the ideal routine for your curls? A personalized routine is key to embracing your natural curls and showcasing the natural hair you love. Curls come in all shapes and sizes, from loose waves and bouncy curls to gorgeous curls. No matter what type of curl you have, curly hair basically requires a little extra attention and we’ll help you along the way. When you know your curl type, you actually need a little more information to give your curls what they need.
hair elasticity
The elasticity of the hair provides information about the balance between moisture and protein that your hair needs. This can then be reflected in the products you use. You determine the elasticity of your hair using the elasticity test. You perform this test by taking a wet hair and pulling it through an extended lock. Here you are not looking at how a curl bounces back, but at the elasticity of the hair as you slowly part it. It is important not to pull the hair from your head, but to cut it, otherwise you will get an incorrect result.
Low elasticity – too much protein and too little moisture
When you separate the hair, the hair breaks immediately and it is difficult to grow. Other features may be that the hair breaks quickly and/or feels dry and rough.
What should you do:
Add moisture to your routine.
Avoid (temporarily) protein or use less.
When your hair is dyed and/or damaged, for example, use minimal protein in your intensive conditioner.
Normal flexibility – a good balance between protein and moisture
The hair is slightly stretched and returns to its original state. Not easily broken. So you’re doing well!
What should you do:
Make sure you strike a good balance between products with and without protein.
High elasticity – too little protein and too much moisture
When the hair is stretched, it continues to stretch and does not return to its original form. So you actually make the hair longer and thinner. The tension seems to have disappeared from the hair and it just breaks off late. Other features are that your hair is limp and lifeless, and you suddenly have a looser curl shape.
What should you do:
Add protein to your routine.
Porosity of the hair
Hair is made up of hair cuticles. These flakes are responsible for allowing moisture to pass through and retain. When evaluating porosity, you look at how moisture is absorbed by the hair and how long it stays in the hair. How did you do this? By testing on clean, product-free hair!
You can test this by taking a few loose, washed hairs and placing them in a glass of water. If your hair sinks to the bottom, it is porous (it absorbs water quickly and therefore sinks). If your hair is wavy it is low porosity and if your hair is floating in the middle of the glass it is normal porosity.
But what does this actually say? The porosity of your hair is very important if you want to choose the right products for your hair. If your hair has low porosity, it will be difficult for it to absorb moisture. Hair with high porosity absorbs moisture easily. “Perfect!” I can hear you say but unfortunately that is not entirely true. Hair with high porosity absorbs moisture easily, but hair has difficulty retaining moisture. A normal porosity therefore involves the right balance of absorbing and retaining moisture.
Tips for low porosity
Use heat! The heat causes the hair cuticle to open, allowing it to absorb more moisture.
Apply moisturizer to damp hair instead of soaking wet hair.
Use light water-based products.
Tips for high porosity
Seal your hair! It is to apply a small amount of oil (a light oil such as jojoba or argan oil) over your moisturizer.
Do not blow dry your hair or use the cold setting.
Finish your shower ritual with cold water to seal the hair cuticles.
Sometimes give a protein treat.
Use a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt to wring your hair dry.
Now that you know the elasticity and porosity of your hair, you can start your routine with the right products. Every hair is different and a routine can be different for everyone. The only solution: start and gradually you will understand whether a product or routine is perfect for your hair.
You can choose a shampoo or conditioner (or both) to wash your hair.
1 a. Shampoo
You don’t have to use shampoo, but if you want, it is recommended to use it once a week at the most and then only on your scalp. Do you have an oily scalp and want to use shampoo more often? No problem. Just do what works for you. After using the shampoo, use a deep conditioner or conditioner.
1b. Cowash
It is a cleaning alternative that means washing with conditioner. Co-washing cleans the scalp in a way that conditioner cannot clean on its own, as long as you focus on massaging the scalp with your fingertips and rinsing thoroughly. After doing a wash, you don’t necessarily need to use a conditioner. It can be a savior technique for those with curly and thick hair.
2 a. Hair conditioner
Have you used shampoo and don’t want to use a mask? Then use conditioner for your curls.
2b. Deepening conditioner (mask)
Could your hair use a little extra moisture again? Then use a deep conditioner (once a week at the most) after washing it with shampoo (or possibly in the dishwasher). A deep conditioner is a mask. This will be able to penetrate and condition the hair more deeply. You apply the deep conditioner to wet hair lengths. Let it sit for a few minutes and detangle the hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Rinse off after about 30 minutes.
3.Leave in conditioner
A leave-in conditioner provides extra hydration and storage of moisture in the hair (= sealing). If desired, you can use the leave-in conditioner after washing your hair on wet hair. Check if your hair needs moisture/protein.
4.Style
The right styling gives more definition to your beautiful curls, and the right gel can help with that! When choosing the right styling products, make sure the product meets your hair’s needs. So look for a nice and light product or a heavy product with extra moisture. What does your hair need? There are countless styling products for curls (gel, mousse, curl conditioner, oil, etc.) Apply styling products to wet or damp hair and tighten (pull) the curl. Once you are satisfied with the curl, you can start the drying process!
5.Drying
Use a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel to squeeze excess water/product from the hair. You will immediately see that you are squeezing the curl even tighter. A normal towel is very aggressive and causes fluff, so this is undesirable. Then let your hair air dry or use a hair dryer with a diffuser. When you blow dry the hair upside down and from all sides, you create the greatest volume!
