How to Love Your Curly Hair and Encourage Natural Ringlets

Got curls but clueless about how to love them? Forget "taming" them or working against their natural impulse to curl and coil. Try embracing your twists and swirls. With a little help from some pampering and conditioning, you can sport a head full of shiny ringlets with hardly any fuss. Natural ringlets rock and all they really need is a little encouragement. Read on to learn how to love your curly hair and encourage natural ringlets.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shampoo for curly hair
• Conditioner for curly hair or for dry hair
• Plastic shower cap
• Leave-in conditioner
• A wide-toothed comb or hair pick
• A presentable hair clip to hold your hair back while it is drying
• Deep conditioning treatment or hot oil treatment for once-a-week

1. Shampoo your hair with curly hair shampoo, applying the majority of the shampoo at roots and merely working it lightly to ends. Do not dump shampoo on the ends--this is where your curly hair is driest and needs the most love.

2. Condition your hair with either curly hair conditioner or conditioner made for dry hair. Slather it on generously, putting the most on the ends and the least toward the roots. Cover your hair with a shower cap (yes, these are ugly, but they get the job done) while you finish the rest of your shower or bath, giving the conditioner time to soak into your thirsty hair.

3. Remove the shower cap and rinse your hair. If you have gloss, now is the time to use it--gloss also works wonders for natural ringlets. If not, step out of the tub or shower and squeeze to remove excess water. Do not towel dry as this dries the hair.

4. Apply leave-in conditioner--generously--paying special attention to the ends and avoiding the roots. For long hair, use around a tbsp.--this sounds like a lot, but curly hair will absorb the moisture gladly and will not look oily.

5. Use the wide-toothed comb or pick to comb out the hair, being very gentle and working first on the ends, and then gradually working your way up toward the roots, until you can run the comb through the entire length of the hair with no resistance.

6. Pull you hair back and secure it with a hair clip. Use one that is good enough to be seen in public in as you will be wearing it for a few hours. Do not use a rubber band or other band as it will not allow enough air to reach all the hair.

7. Allow your hair to dry naturally. I repeat, allow your curly locks to air dry. This is crucial to encouraging the ringlets to form. This means air, and no blow-drying, and no application of harsh and drying products. Be at peace with your curls, and encourage them--however shy they might be because of previous damage done--to come out and play. Resist the urge to take the clip out of your hair and mess with it. Just clip it back and go about your duties. After a few hours (or less if your hair is shorter), release the hounds. Again, do not brush (never use a brush on curly hair), and resist the urge to comb or run your fingers through your hair. Just let it be. You should have ringlets blossoming like glorious vines around your head.

8. The last step is important too. Be prepared to pamper your curls with a weekly deep-conditioning treatment, a hair mask or a hot oil treatment to continue to nurture your curls.

Tips & Warnings

• Never brush curly hair. You will risk damaging it and will only frustrate the natural curl. You will also encourage the dreaded frizz factor.
• Always air dry your hair. The only exception is when you are planning to straighten it for a different look. But if you do straighten it temporarily, be extra kind to your hair afterward to reestablish the moisture balance. Remember: love your curls and they will do you proud.

[JMKnudson]

on 2/21/2009 The shower cap/conditioner idea while you shower is a good idea!

[Susancnw]

on 3/6/2008 www.naturallycurly.com DROP the shampoo!