Curly Q: I'm always hearing that regular shampoos aren't good for curly hair because the sulfates and detergents dry out our locks. What other things should you avoid if you have naturally curly hair?
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I think the biggest mistake a lot of curly haired women make is treating their hair like it's straight. We complain that our curls are difficult and unmanageable, but if you're towel-drying it, brushing it with a paddle brush, or using shampoo that lathers on it, of course it's not going to cooperate. The trick to gorgeous, healthy rizos is treating them with the utter most care–like your curls are your baby. Here are six things every girl with curly hair should avoid in her routine!
Don't use a regular hair brush: Unless you want a head full of frizz, I suggest you stay away from regular hair brushes. Wide-tooth combs are your best bet. They perfectly detangle hair without the breakage or the poof.
Don't shampoo: Regular shampoos tend to work against curly hair textures. Try co-washing your strands two to three times a week instead using your conditioner. Or just switch to a cleansing conditioner, like DevaCurl No-Poo ($8).
Don't towel-dry: I'd stay away from towel drying if I were you. It absorbs too much water, leaving hair dry and frizzy. To keep curls smooth and defined, try using a micro-fiber one, like Curl-Ease Towel ($20) or an old T-shirt instead.
Don't skip conditioning: The trick to beautiful, healthy-looking curls is constant moisture. Keep hair hydrated by applying a deep conditioning treatments to your strands at least once a week. Try Miss Jessie's Rapid Recovery Treatment ($29).
Don't forget the leave-in: Whether you're styling your hair with curly creams, mousse, or gels, you should still ALWAYS apply an ultra-moisturizing leave-in treatment first to keep curls nourished. I love Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner ($17).
Don't heat-style without protection: Using hot tools on naturally curly hair without protection will only lead to heat-damage and a messed up curl pattern. Makes sure to apply something like the Herbal Essence Set Me Up Heat Protection Spray ($6) always before styling.
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