Curly Hair Foundations

Have you watched every tv commercial for curly hair products and then tried them? Didn’t work? Have you spent a ton of money on all sorts of stuff you have seen on Facebook that ended up not working? Maybe you have even been to one of those “We have everything you need stores”, and still no matter how expensive or well marketed, the product just won’t work in your hair?

There was once a time when no consistent information was available to help you identify your curl type and how to care for it. Nowadays, there is way too much!!

The only thing that is a constant is you.

The foundation of your hairstyle consists of how you treat it (on days you are starting fresh) during washing and while styling. If you don’t apply products properly, whether it’s the cheapest product or the most expensive, you will have the same failed results. This foundation is built on how you apply products. Proper application, leads to successful results. It’s not about the specific product, but instead how the product is applied, especially when the hair is wet. Squishing and scrunching your conditioner and your styling product into your hair when it is wet will give you the best results for consistent curl. You can air dry or diffuse your hair to lock in its moisture. Your curl will remain even when you air-dry your hair; after the hair is completely dry make sure to squish and scrunch for a second time. (If you try this with a product that doesn’t hold your curl pattern, your product may have too much alcohol in it.) Most importantly, do not rush the first-day hair foundation process…it will make a strong foundation in your style. It is worth taking your time, figuring out your routine, and keeping it, more than it is to try every new idea that comes out for curly hair.

Hair with texture doesn’t want a traditional cleanser, it wants a sulfate-free product. (sulfates buff up the cuticle layer and make your hair dry, frizzy, and harder to manage.) If your hair isn’t dirty, don’t wash it! Instead, wet your hair, scrub your scalp like you are cleansing it, and rinse rinse rinse. Next, condition as I have described in past posts with the squish and scrunch method. If your hair only feels dirty in certain spots, then use a cleanser in just those areas. Hair with texture wants water and conditioner. Conditioners help to heal the outer cuticle layer of your hair. (What you see and feel.) Tons and tons of conditioner products do not need to be used, it isn’t a detangler. What’s important is that these products are used properly; Sometimes less is more.

Here are some of my tried and true tips and tricks that I personally use and clients of mine have used for over 30 years:

Squish and scrunch water, conditioners, and styling products into your hair. Feed your hair all of the moisture and support it needs to maintain its best shape. Lock in moisture and support by allowing products to form a cast over your hair. (I know, not many people like that hard and crunchy feeling, but that is the cast that your hair needs to lock in the moisture.) If you diffuse your hair, this will help break the cast while locking in the moisture and style.