7 Tricks & Tips That Have Taken My Curls From Basic to Poppin
It took a while for me to find a hair routine that really made sense for my curls
Photo: Unsplash/@von_co
It took a while for me to find a hair routine that really made sense for my curls. Once I found the right cleansing conditioner, hair mask, leave-in conditioner, and styling gel, I noticed a massive difference in how my curls looked and felt. But just like your skincare routine, sometimes you need a few extra tips and tricks to really take things to the next level. Incorporating small changes like switching to a satin pillowcase, for instance, might seem like an unnecessary nuance but you’ll soon discover that it’s actually SO worth it in the end. Here are a few different changes I’ve made along with the products that have kept my 3B curls on point — check them out and thank me later!
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I use heat when I’m hair masking.
If you have naturally curly hair, you probably know by now the importance of doing regular — at least weekly — deep conditioning treatments. While constantly styling hair with hot tools could absolutely lead to heat-damage, using heat to warm your deep conditioning treatments is actually really good for your curls. But the truth is, not all of us have the time, the space, or the storage for hooded hair dryers and hair steamers. When I want to add some heat to my hair masks, I use the Hot Head Thermal Hair Care Microwavable Deep Conditioning Heat Cap. The cap is filled with flax seeds that helps it maintain it’s warmth. All you have to do is apply your favorite deep conditioning treatment to damp, washed hair, cover with a plastic disposable shower cap, throw the hot cap in the microwave for a few seconds and then put it on. The heat helps to open the hair cuticle so that the treatment really penetrates. I’m telling you, it’s a total game changer!
Hot Head Thermal Hair Care Microwavable Deep Conditioning Heat Cap, $30, Available at Thermalhaircare.com
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I sleep with a satin pillowcase
Switching out my cotton pillowcase for a satin one has made more of a difference than I anticipated it would. I wake up in the morning with fewer knots and tangles and my curls are significantly softer and less frizzy.
Morning Glamour Solid Satin Pillowcase, $13, Target.com
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I shower with a shower cap.
Because I’ve spent most of my life wearing both my hair curly and getting it blown out straight, I am very familiar with the shower cap life. While I never thought it was necessary before to use a shower cap when my hair is its naturally curly state, I have learned that showering with a top knot often times leaves my curls frizzy and shapeless. I usually opt for a light-weight plastic shower cap because they don’t leave my curls with static or frizz but I plan on eventually upgraded to the Shhhowercap because it’s made with nano-fabric technology that keeps hair completely dry, defies humidity, and keeps hair just as smooth and soft as it was before you jumped in the shower.
Shhhowercap, $43, Available at Shhhowercap.com
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I sleep with deep conditioning treatments.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrgIB0OB-NH/
For the days I really don’t have 30 minutes or an hour to spare hair masking, I’ll sleep with the treatment on instead. I’ll apply a plastic disposable shower cap first and then cover it with a microfiber towel turban to keep everything in place while I sleep.
Turbie Twist Cotton Hair Towel, $12, Target.com
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I scrunch with a microfiber towel.
While I’m sure diffusing would make a world of difference, air-drying fits my busy lifestyle better. To speed drying up, I make sure to scrunch styled curls using a microfiber towel to remove access water without causing frizz or friction. It works like a charm every time.
DevaCurl DevaTowel, $20, Available at Devacurl.com
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I do deep scalp cleanses a few times a month.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoDEEmplxum/
Everyone knows by now that the trick to healthy curls is NOT washing your hair every day. We also know by now to wash our curls with cleansing conditioners rather than with lather-filled shampoos. With that said, you still want to make sure you give your hair and scalp a nice deep cleaning at least once a month with a clarifying shampoo that’s going to help remove buildup from products or environmental stressors from your scalp.
DevaCurl Buildup Buster Micellar Water Cleansing Serum, $28, Available at Devacurl.com
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I wear my hair up a lot more now.
My hair doesn’t respond well to brutally cold weather, often leaving it dry and frizzy. So on the days, I don’t want my hair to endure the cold and in efforts to protect my ends, I gently pull it up into a pony or top knot— baby hairs laid and all.
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I’m less afraid of haircuts now.
I got my first official curl cut in September and I’m mad I took that long to finally do it. Not only did it give my hair a lot more volume but cutting out a majority of the dead wavy ends, left my curls a lot more defined. I’m already trying to make an appointment for my next curl trim. I highly recommend getting your hair cut or trimmed by a stylist who specializes in curl cuts at least once a year.
