It's summertime! Which means it's time to start rocking flirty outfits and big, luscious curls!
Scared to give it a go after hearing all the curly weave horror stories? Curly weaves often get a bad rap because of their reputation for knotting, matting, tangling and the uncontrollable frizz. While this type of hair texture does require a higher level of care, it is possible to keep your curls big and bold as long as you take care of it.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered on everything you need to build a healthy, curly weave regimen! Here's your guide on how to take care of curly weave:
Detangling
Before you do anything, it is imperative that your hair is properly detangled. Use a wide tooth comb or detangling brush on slightly damp hair and gently work through in sections from the tips to the root. Proper detangling will make everything from shampooing to styling significantly easier.
Recommendations:
Daily Moisturizing
Moisture is key to keeping your curls intact. By keeping your curls moisturized, they're better able to keep their form and less prone to frizz, which helps prevent tangling and cuts down on detangling time.
Spritz your hair daily with water to help with product absorption and follow-up with a leave-in conditioner designed for curly hair. Avoid products with harsh alcohols and silicones, which can make hair extremely stiff and dry.
Recommendations:
- DevaCurl Styling Cream
- Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Cream
- Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-In Conditioner
Shampoo/Conditioning
Never underestimate the importance of clean hair! To keep curls refreshed, shampoo your hair at least once a week with a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo. Take care to wash hair in a downward motion to avoid tangling. Next, follow-up with a moisture-rich conditioner, working it in with the same downward motion. To ensure each curl gets the moisture it needs, use your fingers or preferred detangling tool to evenly distribute the conditioner throughout.
Recommendations:
- Maui Moisture Healy & Hydrate + Shea Butter Shampoo + Conditioner
- Proganix Quench Shampoo + Conditioner
Co-Washing
If you find your curls in need of a mid-week boost, co-washing is a great way to bring hair back to life and infuse extra moisture. As you did with shampooing, be sure to work your conditioner of choice in with a downward motion, using your fingers to gently detangle.
Recommendations:
Deep Conditioning
Deep conditioning can be a major game changer in increasing the longevity of your curly weave. Look for hydrating hair masques and/or oils like argan or babassu for hot oil treatments. Coat hair in sections, twisting those sections to avoid tangling before putting on a plastic cap for approximately 30 mins. To boost result, sit under a hooded dryer to increase moisture intake.
Recommendations:
- TGIN Honey Miracle Mask
- One ‘n Only Argan Oil Treatment
- Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner
Styling
The beauty of curly hair is that it is a style on its own, but if you do want to manipulate your curls via styling you must be gentle. This means careful detangling before styling to minimize unnecessary tension and pulling whether blowing out, twisting or bantu-knotting your weave.
Sleep
To preserve your curls overnight and avoid tangling, it is imperative to protect them from friction. And enemy number-one of frizz-free hair? Cotton pillowcases. Two common methods to prevent being a morning frizz monster are creating plaits or doing a pineapple on dry hair then wrapping it in a silk or sating head scarf at night.
If you’re not familiar with the pineapple technique, check out this video from Actually Ashly.
What are your fave curly weave products and best practices? See any tips you’ve been missing and ready to usher into your routine? Let us know in the comments below!
