Curly hair offers a distinctive look, but caring for it can sometimes be confusing, especially with the sheer number of tips available online. Some tips may work for other hair types, but they can also harm curly hair, leading to frizz or loss of its natural curls. In this article, we'll walk you through the most important right and wrong steps for caring for curly hair, so you can keep your curls healthy and shiny after every wash.

Mistakes to avoid when caring for curly hair

1- Do not comb your dry hair with a comb or brush.

Brushing curly hair while it's dry can cause breakage and loss of defined curls, leaving it looking frizzy and untidy. Instead, brush it in the shower or after applying conditioner to your hair while it's wet, as this helps detangle easily without causing breakage.

2- Do not wash your hair too often with shampoo.

Shampooing curly hair daily, or even every other day, can dry it out, as scalp oils take longer to reach the ends of curly hair than straight hair. Therefore, it's best to shampoo, condition, and style your hair only every 3-4 days to maintain its natural moisture. On other days, you can revive your curls with styling products like leave-in curls without the need for frequent washing.

3- Do not use a hair dryer without a diffuser.

Using a regular hair dryer without a diffuser can cause frizz and flyaways, and can also cause waves to lose their natural shape. Instead, use a diffuser, which helps distribute air and heat evenly, maintaining curls and giving them natural volume. It's best to set your dryer on a low to medium heat setting or use cool air to minimize heat damage.

4- Don't sleep with wet hair.

Sleeping with wet hair can cause curls to lose their shape and increase frizz due to friction during sleep. It can also lead to health issues like fungal growth on the scalp due to humidity. Therefore, be sure to dry your hair completely before bed using a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt instead of rough cotton towels, which can cause hair breakage. You can let your hair dry naturally or use a diffuser to speed up the process.

Correct habits for curly hair care

Moisturize your hair after every wash.

Curly hair needs deep hydration to maintain its softness and health, so don't skip the conditioning step after shampooing. Use a nutrient-rich conditioner to help detangle and deeply moisturize your hair. For best results, detangle while conditioning to reduce breakage and keep your curls healthy.

Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle.

To prevent split ends and breakage, use a wide-toothed comb instead of a brush when brushing your hair. Start at the ends and gradually work your way up. To facilitate styling and reduce tangling, you can use a leave-in conditioner before brushing. This helps condition your hair and facilitate styling without damaging the curls.

Choose a sulfate-free shampoo.

Many regular shampoos contain harsh ingredients like sulfates, which can strip curly hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and increased frizz. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain moisture and prevent dryness, helping keep your curls soft and healthy.

Gently dry your hair using a microfiber towel.

After washing your hair, avoid rubbing it vigorously with a rough cotton towel, as this can cause the curls to lose and increase frizz. Instead, gently press your hair with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt to absorb excess water without damaging your hair.

Use a diffuser to dry your hair.

If you need to dry your hair quickly, don't use a regular dryer directly. Instead, use a diffuser to ensure even air distribution and reduce frizz. Before drying, apply a leave-in conditioner for curly hair to moisturize curls and give them a smooth, frizz-free look.

Curly hair care requires a little effort, but it results in healthy, shiny curls. By following these simple tips, you can maintain your hair's health and enjoy perfect curls every time!