Let’s be honest, taking care of curly hair isn’t always easy. Our curls, kinks, and coils are unique and beautiful, deserving of all the love and attention we can give them. However, developing habits that may not benefit our hair is easy.
Whether you’re an experienced naturalista or just beginning your curly hair journey, avoiding these common mistakes can elevate your hair care routine. Embrace every twist and turn of your curls—loose waves or tight coils—because they reflect your beauty, strength, and individuality.
Below for some mistakes to avoid when caring for curly hair.
Skipping the Moisture
Curly hair is naturally dry, and skipping hydration is a major no-no. Curls can become brittle, frizzy, and prone to breakage without proper moisture. Hydration is your curl’s best friend. Incorporate a leave-in conditioner and deep condition regularly to lock in moisture. Ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and shea butter are game-changers for the curls. And don’t forget to seal the deal with an oil or cream to keep your hair hydrated for days.
Overwashing Your Hair
We’ve been conditioned (pun intended) to believe that washing our hair daily is a must. But frequent washing can strip your strands of their natural oils for curly hair, leaving them dry and lifeless. Cut back on shampooing once or twice weekly, depending on your hair type and lifestyle. When you do wash, opt for sulfate-free shampoos that cleanse without stripping. On non-wash days, refresh your curls with a water-based spray or co-wash to keep them looking fab.
Using the Wrong Products
Not all hair products work for curly hair girls, and what works for your straight-haired bestie might wreak havoc on your curls. Heavy silicones, sulfates, and alcohol-based products can leave your hair dry and weighed down. Invest in curl-friendly products designed specifically for your hair type. Read the ingredient labels and steer clear of harsh chemicals. Black-owned haircare brands like SheaMoisture, Mielle Organics, Cécred, TGIN, and Pattern Beauty have incredible options that cater to our textures.
Neglecting Your Ends
Your ends are the most delicate part of your hair. Ignoring them can lead to split ends and breakage, stalling your growth journey. Show your ends some TLC by trimming them regularly to prevent splits from traveling up the shaft. Apply extra moisturizer or oil to the tips to keep them soft and healthy. Protective styles like twists or buns can also help shield your ends from damage.
Detangling the Wrong Way
Ripping through your curls with a fine-tooth comb can turn detangling into a nightmare. It’s painful and damaging, leaving your hair a hot mess. Always detangle your hair when it’s wet and saturated with conditioner. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to work through knots from the ends upward gently. Patience is key here—your curls will thank you.
Skipping Satin or Silk at Night
If you go to bed without protecting your hair, you practically invite dryness and frizz to the party. Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture and cause friction, making your curls tired by morning. Upgrade your nighttime routine with a satin or silk bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase. This small change will keep your curls hydrated, defined, and ready to slay every morning.
Heat Overload
We get it—a sleek blowout or perfectly defined curls from a wand is tempting. But too much heat can lead to dryness, breakage, and even heat damage that’s hard to recover from. Limit your heat usage to special occasions, and always use a heat protectant. When styling, opt for low heat settings and embrace heat-free methods like twist-outs, braid-outs, or flexi rods to achieve gorgeous results without the risk.
Ignoring Your Scalp
Healthy curls begin with a healthy scalp. Neglecting your scalp can result in buildup, itchiness, and even hair loss. You can massage it regularly to encourage circulation and promote hair growth. Use clarifying shampoos to eliminate buildup, and follow up with nourishing scalp oils or treatments to soothe the skin. Great options include looking for products that have tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and jojoba oil.
Not Knowing Your Curl Type
Understanding your curl type is essential for selecting the right products and routines for your hair. Cookie-cutter advice won’t cut it—what works for one texture might not work for another. Take the time to understand your curl pattern (from 3A to 4C), porosity, and density.