Naturally curly girls are prone to hair problems that the average bone straight diva could never begin to imagine. Thanks in part to the structure of the hair shaft, curly hair is a lightning rod for damage and hair care hurdles. To survive the daily challenges that naturally curly hair presents, you must establish a recipe for healthy hair by dedicating yourself to a healthy hair care ritual sprinkled with a dash of imagination.

Let’s take a closer look at five of the most common problems naturally curly girls face and how to solve for each one.

#1 Curly Hair and Dryness

Curly hair is usually dry. This hair type does not grow at the same rate as straight hair, and even the scalp struggles to maintain moisture (1). This quality is due in part to its structure and the inability of your natural oils to navigate the length of the hair shaft to help seal in moisture. Unlike our straight-hair counterparts, whose hair is prone to becoming oily due to the excessive production of oil by the sebaceous glands and capacity of that oil to travel down to the ends and seal in moisture, our curly hair struggles to seal in much of anything. Ever notice how your curly hair swells in the tight, humid air of the summer months? Your hair is responding in desperation to its thirst.

Tip for Moisturizing Naturally Curly Hair.

To give your curls moisture, consider indulging in Ayurvedic practices. Ayurveda will help you to address symptoms of hair and scalp dryness head-on. Ayurveda helps to restore balance to your physical and mental well being –and yes, it can do the same. Herbs like bhringaraj (ruler of hair)  and Gotu Kola can help to nourish and revitalize your hair and scalp, sealing in moisture, reducing the risk for hair loss and for those who would prefer to dodge graying, it can help to slow this process as well (2).

Another action you can take to improve circulation is to regularly massage your scalp using oils such as BhringaraJ and Gotu kola oils. These oils can help to wake up your scalp improve oil production. Do this a minimum of three times per week to start (3, 4).

Do not skip your pre-poo regimen. Pre-poos should always be on the menu for curly girl hair care as this ritual helps to loosen debris on your hair and scalp while laying the foundation for having hair that is moisture-rich. Next, choose shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers that will help you to sustain or improve hair hydration levels.  Kina (Deep) Hydrating Moisturizer is an excellent moisturizer for dry hair. 

#2 Damage

Curly hair is always at risk for damage. This hair is fragile and prone to frizziness and stray fly-away curly strands which leaves it vulnerable to breakage.

Tip for Preventing Damage to Naturally Curly Hair.

Believe it or not, your diet choices may hold the key to reducing the risk of damage. Eat meals and consume drinks that are rich in calcium and iron. Foods like green, leafy vegetables, and lean meats are useful in helping to reinforce the structure of your hair. Drink plenty of water to promote overall hydration in your body. When washing your hair, be purposefully careful, treating each strand like gold. Apply a leave-in conditioner like Charlie Renee’s Ona Leave-In Conditioner to help improve the detangling process following a wash and conditioning to restore the structure of your hair. This action will help to cut down on breakage, frizzies or loss of hair.

#3 Wardrobe Choices and Bath Towels

Sweaters, wool caps without lining, and towels can all prove to be a curly naturalista’s nightmare as any one of these things can snap your hair or trigger further breakage.

Tips to Manage Curly Hair and Wardrobe Choices.

Steer clear of items that can snap your curly tresses. If you should choose to wear wool or knit cap, don one that contains a satin or silk lining. If there isn’t one present, sew it in yourself. Steer clear of using towels that snag your hair to dry those curly locks after shampooing and conditioning. Instead, select microfiber towels that are absorbent and avoid excessively rubbing hair as too much manipulation can also generate unwanted breakage.

#4 Seasonal Changes Bring Curly Hair Nightmares

Our hair senses the change of season. It is up to us to help it cope with the swings in temperature, harsh winds, and fluctuating humidity levels. Believe it or not, the degree to which you have to infuse moisture changes from season to season. The same is true for the frequency of washes.

Tips for Seasonal Curly Hair Care.

Use the season change as an opportunity to trim your ends. Yes, curly hair needs a trim too, and the more diligent you are with this practice, the happier those ends will be. Trim those ends to reduce the risk of shedding or breakage. Keep frizziness under control by sealing in moisture with oils such as Amla oil. Adjust your frequency of washing your hair to match the air outside. Frequent washes are notorious for stripping hair of its natural oils and can worsen an already bad situation that is brewing atop your head.

#5 Poor Hair Care Product Choices

Finally, another problem that curly girls bump into is making the wrong hair care product choices. Naturally curly gals spend a fair amount of time being a reactionary mode than a proactive one. Establishing a curly hair care regimen is essential for achieving good hair. Your goal should be to stay ahead of the curve and plan ahead of any potential problems. What does your curly girl arsenal look like presently? If it has products that are more than 12 months old, chances are you aren’t using the goods that you have on hand, and you are not replenishing your arsenal with the good stuff.

Tips for Making Hair Care Product Choices.

At a minimum, you should keep products on hand that will allow you to manage dryness, frizziness, tangles, and damage. Your Curl Survival Kit will help your locks sustain adequate moisture and nourishment.  Stay on top of those seasonal changes and use the right product for the right time of year. These actions will also help to give your curls definition.

Naturally, curly hair can be problematic, but with a little love, you can prevent unnecessary frizz, breakage while improving hydration.

References

1.      Lewallen, R., Francis, S., Fisher, B., Richards, J., Li, J., Dawson, T., . . . McMichael, A. (2015). Hair care practices and structural evaluation of scalp and hair shaft parameters in african american and caucasian women. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 14(3), 216-223. doi:10.1111/jocd.12157

2.       Parasuraman, S., Thing, G., & Dhanaraj, S. (2014). Polyherbal formulation: Concept of ayurveda. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 8(16), 73-80. doi:http://dx.doi.org.contentproxy.phoenix.edu/10.4103/0973-7847.134229 

3.       Try Ayurveda for hair loss. (2013, ). The Times of India

4.       Sen, D. S. (2013, Jun 30). Ayurveda for your hair beauty]. The Times of India retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.contentproxy.phoenix.edu/docview/1372365212?accountid=35812