curly hair 101
hii :))
since "curls" is literally in my username, its only natural that I post about something for the curly girls :D
so why not start with a beginner's guide to curly hair :)
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in this guide
hair types/ curl patterns
wash day routine + products
regular hair care
hair styles + cuts
hair types
soo first of all i think its helpful if you get a gist of what hair type you have, e.g 2c, 3b, 4b etc...
its not mandatory and doesn't really mean anything but like it definitely aids when you're looking for haircair & inspo with hairstyles and haircuts and all that jazz 🤗 [ <- jazz hands :) ]
here's a chart to help you
obviously do some of your own research if you're unsure- this isn't very in-depth and doesn't use irl examples
also keep in mind that you can have multiple, and a wide range of types on one head LOLL like mine ranges from 2C -> 3C 🫣
(PS: this guide will be tailored to type 2 -> 3 hair just because that's what I have experience with and don't want to potentially ruin anyone's type 4 hair 😭 but if aspects of this apply then feel free to apply them 😇)
wash day routine + products
alrighty so i see some overcomplication/people being scared of curly hair washing- like looking at porosity and whatnot but IMO its really not that difficult
the only thing you really need to worry about for the washing aspect is getting moisturising (curly recommended) shampoo & conditioner, just cause if you don't it could dry out your hair and have a pretty dodgy finished product 😬 (I use Umberto Giannini for this)
washing is pretty standard:
wet your hair thoroughly, so that no part is dry
shampoo round 1, make sure to scrub thoroughly to get rid of any dirt and grime 🙈
rinse
shampoo round 2, this should turn your hair into its own bubble bath 🫧
rinse
condition, rake through your hair and make sure it is everywhere
let sit for a little bit, ~2 mins maybe
rinse
and thats it :))
don't use a regular towel, use a microfiber towel if you're using one at all so that all the moisture isn't drained from your hair before the rest of the products
now for the curly hair routine:
start with leave-in conditioner and run it through the entirety of your hair - I use Garnier leave-in, like the big tub
then run some curl cream through your hair and scrunch it in, make sure there is an even application throughout all the hair - I use the Shea Moisture curl cream
~ this next bit is optional because its a gel cast + styling but honestly id totally recommend going the extra mile for it cause it holds your curls for longer and makes ur hair softer ~
apply curly gel to your hair and scrunch it in, I use Aussie curl gel
for styling, I take the middle -> top sections of my hair, take some extra gel and finger coil the curls
let your hair air dry or diffuse
once completely dry, take some hair oil and scrunch it through your hair and separate any coils, I use argan oil
then you're done :))
regular hair care
there isnt really much to say here tbh
only that
if you need to refresh your curls, you should be able to do it just by finger-coiling with water
DON'T brush your hair while dry, it causes breakage
if you sweat, your hair will most likely get frizzy
to tie your hair use a scrunchie
sleeping with a bonnet helps reduce frizz but icl I don't 🫣
hair styles + cuts
okay let me preface this section by saying PLEASE PLEASE PLEASEEEE do some research about curly stylists in your area, I promise it will be worth it because curly hair cutting requires special training (despite the fact we've probably all cut our hair ourselves at some point 🙈)
now here are some things I usually ask for in a haircut:
a trim off the edges to keep my hair healthy (I have hair down past my shoulders)
2 or 3 layers to keep volume around my head so it doesn't look like a flat landslide...
some long bangs at the front to frame my face
obviously thats just me so do some extra research and see what you'd like
not much, but here are some hairstyles i usually do for everyday wear:
hair down (obviously 🤗)
high ponytail/bun with a few curls at the front
half up half down with a few curls at the front
thats basically all the basics 🙃
i know its hard to start on a curly hair journey especially if you don't know what you're doing, so if you are (or aren't) i hope this was able to help you in some shape or form 🫶🤗
- li 🌘
