Straight hair will never be the same as curly hair. And this is in no way discriminatory. That is just how biology works. Your curly hair will definitely need more care and attention than your straight-haired peers.
You also have problems they don’t have. You need to accept that your hair type is prone to frizz and drying. These things are not exactly out of your control.
You can care for your hair using a specific routine to target a particular condition like frizz. But first, you have to figure out what type of curly hair you have because that’s what your routine will be based on. The kinds of products you need to use will also depend on your hair type as well.
Curly Hair Types and How to Care for Them
There are 12 types of hair. Type 1 is straight, while Type 2 is naturally wavy. Then, Type 3 is curly, and Type 4 is kinky or very curly. Each type has three sub-types. Caring for Types 2 to 4 can be a bit similar; you just have to swap out a few products depending on some variables.
Type 2: Wavy
This type sits between straight and curly, and the main difference it has with straight hair is its thickness. Wavy hair is thicker than straight hair, and the subcategories depend on the thickness and the kinds of waves.
Type 2A is the thinnest type of wavy hair and forms s-shaped waves. Type 2B tends to be a bit frizzier than Type 2A and has medium-thick strands. Type 2C is the most difficult to manage and style and is the thickest.
How to Style
If you have wavy hair, the key to getting the perfect shine and bounce is to keep it light and easy. Since frizz is the major problem here, you must work in moisture. However, moisture tends to weigh down the hair, and you end up losing the waves and the volume of your hair.
Did you know that massaging your scalp can do wonders for hair volume? As much as a massage chair helps your body reverse the effects of stress and renew your strength, a simple two-minute scalp massage can do the same for your hair. You don’t just focus on the strands; giving your scalp some care will also help hair growth.
Hydrating and moisturizing hair products are your friends. Use a styling mousse on the whole length of your hair while it is still damp to lock in moisture. Applying hair oil from the middle to the tips of your hair will also help control frizz.
Type 3: Curly
If your hair becomes straight when you wet it and goes back to its curl shape once it dries. This is your hair type. Curls of this type are well-defined and easy to manage.
Type 3A slightly leans towards the frizzy side and has a thick texture. Type 3B has tighter curls than the previous type and can have multiple textures. Lastly, Type 3 is the tightest curls for this type. Type 3C can be styled easily.
How to Style
Keeping moisture locked in your hair requires a lot more work for this type than wavy hair. You have to use a styling mousse all over your hair, preferably when it’s still working wet, before you squeeze out all the water. You also have to use a protein-rich hair mask at least once a week. Be careful with overloading your hair with protein, as it can make your curly hair look limp.
Use a diffuser when drying your hair but make sure it’s on cool mode or the lowest heat setting possible. Heat is the last thing you want to add when battling for moisture.
Type 4: Kinky
This is the last type of curly hair, so the tightest, most-coiled hair forms belong here. This type of hair is prone to damage and has a very thick and coarse texture.
Type 4A’s tight curls have a soft texture. This type has more defined curls than Type 2B, but Type 2B can be fragile. The tightest of curls belong to Type 4C.
How to Style
For kinky hair, you have to use a heavily moisturizing conditioner after cleansing with a curl-friendly shampoo. Every tie you use shampoo, you have to follow up with a hair mask to maintain moisture. Use hair oil or mousse for the finishing touch. You can also use pomade for styling. Leave-in conditioners also work like magic.
For this hair type, it’s best to choose air-drying over any tool. Hairdryers can cause your hair to break even with the lowest heat setting.
Final Thoughts
You really need to put in the effort if you have curly hair. Don’t worry because it will be rewarding. Once you have a regular routine for your curls, be ready for questions about how you keep them looking great and party-ready all the time. You will get them a lot.
