Hair Care Tips for Curly Hair

Many people who have curly hair struggle to keep it looking its best. Curly hair is often naturally prone to becoming dry and, if not kept in good condition, can become bushy, frizzy and unmanageable. There are a number of things a person can do to keep curly hair looking shiny and healthy without sacrificing any of the natural bounce or condition of the curls.

The Tips:

Shampoo
Curly hair requires less frequent washing than straight hair. The twists of curly hair mean that natural oils take longer to travel down to the tips. African American hair, in particular, produces less of these natural oils called "sebum." Frequent washing with shampoo can strip the hair of these natural oils, so only wash hair as it begins to become oily to keep it in good condition. Avoid shampoos with sulfates (typically seen as "sodium lauryl sulfate" or "ammonium lauryl sulfate" on the label), as these can dry the hair and strip the sebum from it causing the hair to become dry and frizzy.

Conditioning
Curly hair can be conditioned more often than it is shampooed. Conditioner should be used every time hair is made wet. After shampooing or rinsing hair, condition and then use a wide-tooth wooden comb to separate the hair to work out any tangles. Be gentle when doing so as wet hair is weaker and can be damaged when combed aggressively. After washing, use a spray-on detangling conditioning spray prior to styling. An intensive conditioner, designed for curly hair, should be used once a week to give curly hair the nourishment it needs.
Regular Styling

Straightening irons can burn or dry out the hair.
Heat is every hair's natural enemy. While the temptation to straighten unruly, frizzy, curly hair can be strong, constant straightening can damage hair and leave it in worse condition in the long run. If you absolutely must style the hair using a flat iron, use a heat-protecting spray-in conditioner to offset any damage caused. Try to let curly hair air-dry as often as possible, as hair dryers often promote frizz. Never use a hairbrush on curly hair. Use a wide-toothed comb or an Afro comb to style hair. Alternatively, you can use fingers to separate the hair. Use light-weight, alcohol-free hair products that let the hair fall into its natural shape and style without scrunching.
Hair Cuts
Curly hair requires a different kind of cut than straight hair. Try to find a salon that specializes in curly hair or employs a stylist who does. Ask the hairdresser to cut into the hair and layer it to take some of the bulk from the hair, as the lighter your hair is, the springier the curls will be. Get hair cut every four to six weeks to keep it conditioned and manageable.