My youngest sister has the tendrils of a mermaid goddess and I love them. She’s been caring for her locks in a very specific way for about three years now.
She follows the Curly Girl Method and it’s done amazing things for her hair. I’ve applied several of these tips to my own curls and have seen so much improvement!
If you have curly hair and want to improve its definition, or wavy hair that needs some life, here are a few tips to help you get your best head of hair!
Tips For Your Best Curls
Dry hair with a cotton t-shirt.
Kelsey explained that normal towels cause frizz. T-shirts reduce this and add more definition.
Don’t use products with silicones, sulfates, or parabens.
These nasty little chemicals are too harsh for hair and cause damage. Over time they will leave your locks dry and frizzy. Opt for a safer alternative like DevaCurl or Cantu. These are Kelsey’s favorite options! But recently she’s been using a cheaper alternative from Sally’s
Don’t brush out those curly Q’s. But if you must, brush in the shower with conditioner.
Normal brushing of dry hair damages the hair’s cuticle and ruins the definition you worked so hard for! No one wants split ends! Brushing wet hair with a conditioner that has good “slip” to it guarantees you gently remove tangles from hair.
Invest in a Tangle Teezer or Denman brush.
Speaking of brushes! These are Kelsey’s favorite Curly Girl Method approved brushes! They safely remove tangles. The Tangle Teezer almost magically removes tangles without pulling on hair. (They also help with definition!)
When you go to sleep, put your curls up in a “Pineapple”.
Kelsey said that this is just a high pony on the very top of your head that protects the coveted definition.
Avoid heat
Heat=bad.
It’s the enemy of natural curls! Just don’t. Kelsey hasn’t used heat in FOUR FLIPPING YEARS! I was shocked. I use to curl mine 2 times a week. I’m trying to cut back. It’s been about a month!
If you need to dry your hair, use a diffuser on low heat!
Use a gel styling product straight out of the shower on soaked hair
When styling, scrunch product into soaked hair. (Kelsey adds her product while still in the shower!) It reduces frizz and- wait for it- improves definition! (Seeing a trend?) The gel is great for finer hair because it doesn’t weigh it down. She uses a lot of product, and volume is necessary, so a light weight product keeps her curls bouncy. I’m currently using Totally Twisted Curl Scrunching Gel.
Extra tip: Don’t wash hair often. Kelsey and I both only wash our hair about once or twice a week.
Refresh curls with a water/conditioner mix for everyday styling
In a spray bottle full of water add a tad bit of conditioner. Spay on next day(s) curls to refresh and add moisture. Add a tad bit more styling product if necessary.
This styling tip didn’t work for our sister with coarser hair. It has been effective on fine hair like mine!
My second day curls after refreshing with my conditioner water spray.
Use scrunchies when wearing your hair up in ponytails or messy buns
This will prevent breaking! It also prevents lines or indentions.
Use proteins treatments every couple of weeks
If your hair is lacking life or definition, but you’ve been doing everything right, it may be time for a protein treatment.
They are inexpensive and add extra moisture and protect hair.
Sleep on a silk pillowcase or scarf
This is the newest step Kelsey has added to her long list of “high maintenance” hair care. Sleep on a silk pillow case to prevent breaking and frizz.
I know what you’re thinking, It seems like a lot. At first, I was overwhelmed too. But the end result is healthier hair! And that is forever worth the effort. Let me know if you follow the “Curly Girl Method” and have any tips!
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