How to Really Wash and Style Curly Hair

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By sarahmabel
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Really Wash and Style Curly Hair

Curly hair is a living thing. It has a personality and in order to coexist peacefully you need to understand your hair, not just fight it!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Leave in conditioner
Light gel (optional)
Shirt or paper towel (No bathroom towels!!!)
Nice, thick conditioner (eg. pantene for culs is great)

Step 1

Washing your hair will always be a process with curly hair. The most important step is to stop trying to treat it like straight hair. The quicker the washing/styling process, the longer the frustration of frizzy, dry, unruly hair. Tke a deep breath and get over it.
Step 2

It is important when you have thick hair, curly hair, or just a lot of hair to never wash it too much. It may feel weird in the beginning. Your hair might even go through a few days of temper tandrums, but it's worth it. Try to shampoo your hair once or twice a week. When you do, massage the scalp with your fingers, not your nails. Shampoo and condition your hair with your head upside down or to the side. This loosens curls and does not fight them. Use a shampoo that is not simply for "normal hair". Treat yourself.
Step 3

When you decide to skip a shampoo you can still condition your hair. When your hair is soaking wet put the conditioner in, massage your scalp to rid it of excess oils and product. If you feel the need to ever comb your hair, this is the time to do it! NEVER brush it. Use a wide-toothed comb and start from the ends. This way you never yank through and break hair.
Step 4

While conditioner is set in your hair, take the time to do anything else, such as washing, shaving, singing. The important stuff! Let the conditioner work. When it's time to wash out, set the water to warm, not hot. Hot water leaves follicles open and frizzes hair. After about 70% of conditioner is out, set it to a cold (does not have to be freezing)and run it over your hair for about 20 seconds. This closes the follicles completely. And don't fret about getting every last bit of conditioner out - a little left in does wonders.
Step 5

When you're finished, try a spray leave-in conditioner. They are light and keep your hair ready for any light product you want to use. Strictly curls is a great leave-in. If using gel, never use anything that says "super maximum forever hold!". That is harsh and will leave hair unhappy. Try curl-up and only use a dime/nickel size. Spread it around your palms and scrunch through hair. Don't put too much in the roots.
Step 6

Drying!! The mst important part. Do not use towels - they pull evey bit of moisture out. Use a shirt or paper towels. Before you "shirt dry", curl some pieces with your finger if you like. Then the hard part -no touching! No fiddling, no scrunching, no twirling - until hair is 2/3 dry or more. The process sounds long, and it can be. But your hair will thank you :)