Routine For Smooth Curly Hair
October 18, 2021-
Suggestions for Naturally Smoothing Curly Hair
All hair follicles share a fundamental structure, yet their shapes differ among individuals. Straight hair follicles yield straight hair strands, while S-shaped and curved follicles produce elliptical or wavy hair strands. This variation results in the formation of curls, coils, kinks, or ringlets in our hair.
These differences primarily stem from genetics, evolutionary factors, and our ethnic backgrounds or geographical origins. For instance, many women of African descent typically have curly or coily hair, while a majority of East Asian women tend to have straight hair.
In contrast to straight hair, curly hair is more susceptible to dryness, breakage, and frizz. Therefore, it requires more protection and consistent care. Let’s explore the various challenges faced by individuals with curly hair and discover how to care for our curls naturally to achieve smooth, soft, and shiny locks.
WHY IS IT ESSENTIAL TO CARE FOR YOUR CURLY HAIR?
Consistent care and maintenance of curly hair are crucial for keeping hair strands nourished, preventing dryness and split ends, and ensuring that hair appears healthy and vibrant. Additionally, it helps maintain cleanliness for both hair and scalp, promoting good hair hygiene and supporting a healthy scalp microbiome, which in turn encourages robust hair growth.
FREQUENT ISSUES WITH CURLY HAIR
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It tends to be dry and frizzy
Curly hair is more prone to dryness and frizz than other hair types. Frequent washing and challenging grooming routines can lead curly hair follicles to produce less sebum, resulting in curls that appear even more dehydrated and frizzy. -
Combing can be challenging
The density of curly hair makes it difficult to comb or brush through. Additionally, aggressive combing can cause friction, leading to hair loss and breakage. -
It tangles easily
Compared to straight hair, curly hair tends to be drier, which contributes to the formation of knots and tangles. Therefore, using softening and moisturizing products is essential in curly hair care to keep hair hydrated, free from knots, and easy to detangle.
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It tends to be dry and frizzy
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Curls are ever-evolving
As time passes, curls continuously alter their shapes and patterns. This can be seen as both a blessing and a challenge, particularly for those who desire consistent and well-defined curls. -
Styling requires patience
Because of the density and texture of curly and coily hair, it demands additional time for washing, drying, detangling, and styling. Maintaining curly hair is a daily commitment to ensure it remains smooth and manageable at all times.
WHY DOES CURLY HAIR REQUIRE ADDITIONAL ATTENTION?
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It is more susceptible to dryness
The unique coiled and spiral configurations of hair follicles in curly hair hinder sebum from effectively reaching the tips of the hair. This results in hair strands being unable to absorb the natural oils produced by our bodies. Consequently, deeply hydrating conditioning products are essential to soften and nourish curly hair. -
It is more vulnerable to breakage
Research shows that curly hair is at a higher risk of breakage due to grooming habits, aggressive combing, and the use of heat and styling tools. Therefore, a consistent hair care regimen is crucial for maintaining the health and strength of curly hair. -
It is easily damaged
Curly hair tends to be more fragile than straight hair due to the structure of the hair fibers. The spiral configuration of these fibers makes their cuticles more susceptible to damage, leading to increased breakage and hair loss. -
Straightening renders it fragile
Many individuals with curly hair choose to undergo treatments to temporarily or permanently straighten their hair. Research indicates that the relaxers used in these treatments can weaken hair, potentially causing inflammation of the scalp and, in severe cases, alopecia. -
It rapidly loses amino acids
A study found that individuals who transitioned from curly to ‘relaxed’ hair exhibited lower levels of amino acids such as cystine, citrulline, and arginine in their hair. The depletion of these amino acids can hinder hair growth over time and increase susceptibility to damage and oxidation. -
It is more prone to greying
Frequent heat styling can lead to a loss of melanin—the natural pigment responsible for the black or brown color of our hair. This ultimately makes curly hair more susceptible to aging and premature greying.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE YOUR CURLY HAIR CARE REGIMEN
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Cleansing method
Select a shampoo that effectively cleans your hair and scalp without stripping away their natural oils and moisture. Opt for shampoos or shampoo bars formulated with saponified oils and butters for a gentle cleanse. These products are created using the cold process method of saponification, where the shampoo is enriched with nourishing plant oils to benefit both the scalp and hair. -
Pre-shampoo conditioning
- Always remember to apply oil to your scalp and hair prior to washing. Oiling helps to loosen dirt, sweat, and product buildup, allowing your shampoo to cleanse more effectively. Massaging your scalp with oil not only stimulates the scalp but also promotes blood circulation and encourages hair growth.
- Opt for organic and cold-pressed oils for your oiling treatment to maximize benefits. These oils are sourced from ethical and sustainable farming practices and are extracted using methods that preserve the heat-sensitive compounds, ensuring their effectiveness throughout their shelf life.
- Alternatively, you can use a nourishing hair mask instead of hair oil, or combine both masking and oiling as an overnight conditioning treatment the night before shampooing. This approach allows your hair roots and strands sufficient time to deeply absorb the oils and butters.
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Conditioning After Shampooing
Apply a leave-in conditioner enriched with luxurious seed oils and butters to damp hair after your bath to lock in moisture and prevent hydration loss from your hair strands. -
Optimal Water Conditions
It is advisable to use soft water rather than hard or chlorinated water for rinsing your scalp and hair. To minimize dryness and frizz, opt for lukewarm water instead of extremely cold or hot water when rinsing your hair. -
Selecting Appropriate Hair Tools
Curly hair is prone to breakage during combing or brushing. Utilize a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your hair following your hair care routine. Alternatively, consider investing in a high-quality hairbrush to reduce the risk of hair breakage. -
Ideal Sleep Habits
Aim to sleep on your side rather than on your back to avoid placing excessive pressure on your hair. Protect your curls by covering them with a soft scarf while you sleep to keep them from becoming tangled. -
Hair Styling Techniques
Refrain from frequent hair treatments that involve coloring or heat until your hair regains its health. Use a diffuser for styling your curls instead of resorting to heat treatments. Allow your hair to air-dry naturally rather than using a blow-dryer.
CURATED CURLY HAIR CARE ROUTINE WITH JUICY CHEMISTRY
- Step 1 – Dispense a few pumps of Juicy Chemistry Sacha Inchi, Argan and Mango Butter Hair Mask based on your hair's length and thickness. This nourishing hair mask contains Mango Butter, Sacha Inchi, Hemp Seed, and Argan Oils to soften and nourish your hair strands.
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- Step 2 – Apply the mixture to your scalp and gently massage in circular motions for a duration of 5 minutes. Carefully distribute the mask from your scalp down to the hair strands and tips using your fingers.
- Step 3 – Allow it to remain in your hair overnight, and afterward, cleanse your hair with a gentle shampoo like Juicy Chemistry Apple Cider Vinegar, Argan and Ylang Ylang Organic Shampoo. This shampoo is crafted with Apple Cider, Argan, Coconut, and Castor Oils, along with Vitamin E, to gently cleanse your hair while ensuring it remains nourished and soft.
- Step 4 – Once you have rinsed your hair, gently pat it dry using a soft t-shirt.
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Step 5 – While your hair is still damp, apply our Camellia, Amla and Apricot Leave-In Conditioner to the ends of your hair to lock in moisture and further soften the strands. This conditioner is made with organic plant oils, including Camellia Seed, Jojoba, Argan, and Amla Oils, to hydrate dry hair, along with Cedarwood and Petitgrain Essential Oils to manage frizz and enhance shine
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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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How frequently should we cleanse our hair using Juicy Chemistry shampoos?
Washing your hair too often can lead to dryness on both your scalp and hair, while not washing enough can result in product build-up. For those with curly hair, it is advisable to wash your hair once a week or twice within a 10-14 day period, depending on the season. -
What can we do to enhance our oiling experience?
To maximize the benefits of our organic hair oils and masks, allow them to absorb into your hair for a few hours prior to shampooing, or leave them in overnight for optimal results. Additionally, wrapping a warm towel around your head for several minutes after applying the oil can create a steam treatment that helps the oils penetrate more effectively.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Each ingredient reacts differently depending on hair types. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a patch test with any new product or treatment on a small area of your inner arm before applying it to your scalp or hair.
SOURCES –
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20159306/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26207659/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6894537/