Curlfriends, let's get in formation. Now, you may be wondering, what's a "Curlfriend"? Curly girls are known to stick together, and share tips and what works for them with those around them. Those are Curlfriends - those whom embrace their naturally beautiful hair as it is. Whether you're a 3a, 3b, 4c or even a 2b, there are some things that are universal in relation to what things work on curly hair.
1. Coconut oil is amazing for the hair, but are you buying the right kind?
This is a huge misconception when it comes to curly hair. People go to the store and just pick up any coconut oil thinking that it will benefit their hair's moisture. In actuality, it is doing quite the opposite. In relation to oils, it is always best to find oils that are unrefined, organic or raw.
2. Ditch brushing. Finger detangling is the way to go.
Before detangling your hair, it is essential to make sure that your hair is damp and conditioned. Brushes and small tooth combs rip your hair from the roots causing damage all over. To prepare to detangle, dampen hair after sectioning off. Apply an oil or conditioner of your choice to aid along the process. A key to this method is to make sure that you start from the tips of your hair and move upwards. Starting from the roots of your head and pulling downwards will only give you lots of tangles and lots of tears. Finger detangling is a great way to successfully detangle your hair without running a brush or a comb through it. Some people use this method as a first step to their detangling process, and then move on to running a wide tooth comb through their hair to ensure all knots are out, as finger detangling has been said to cause smaller knots.
3. Ditch the bath towels.
Many curly girls have no clue about this step, it goes quite unnoticed most of the time. After deep conditioning, using room temperature or colder water to rinse the conditioner out, most people go straight for the bath towels in order to dry off their hair. What they may not be aware of however is that the texture of the towel tampers with the cuticle layer of curly hair, and is the main reason why frizz arises. In replacement of towels, many use microfiber towels or even a cheaper alternative, T-shirts! These fabrics are much easier on the hair, and do not lead to breakage, frizz, and dryness.
4. The LOC Method.
The LOC Method has changed the lives of many curly girls around the world. The mixture of first using a leave in (or others may use a liquid as a base), an oil to define and add shine and a cream to seal the deal, makes this method a go to for those whose hair just needs a bit more moisture in it's life. Moisture is your friend. There are many alterations to this method, and the steps are interchangeable. Different things work for different hair types, which brings me to my next point.
5. What works for big YouTube gurus may not work for you.
This was just about the hardest step in accepting my natural hair. I wanted to find something that worked for me, and I wanted to find it now. Weighing your hair down with tons of products is the last thing you want to do. Find a couple of things that have been recommended to you and try them. The key thing is to finish them before going out and buying something new. The natural hair journey is a pricey road, however, it is so worth it. Your hair will thank you.
That doesn't seem too hard, does it?
Aside from these five staples, learning to love yourself and your hair may take some time. Personally, when I was younger, I begged for straight hair. My mom finally gave in and I got my hair relaxed. I feel now that I should have just learned to love the hair I was blessed with then. Because now, I sure wish I had the hair I had when I was younger. Transitioning to natural hair may be a hard, long process, however the outcome is unbelievably gorgeous. Remember, from one Curlfriend to another, the journey is worth it.
