8 Ways to Tame Your Kinky-Curly ...

1. Deep Condition Once (Maybe Even Twice) a Week

When I first went natural two years ago, my hair was super easy to manage because it was only an inch in length. As it grew, however, it became increasingly hard to manage, and it got tangled often. One trick I know of is to deep condition your hair at least once a week. This help to soften the cuticles of your hair and prevent damaged ends. Some people are able to deep condition twice a week, but I say it all depends on your hair’s texture and coarseness.

2. Never Fine Comb Your Hair Dry

One of the benefits of having kinky-curly is the texture. However, that is also one of the downfalls. Because the curls and kinks are so tightly wound, it can be super hard to comb through, especially when the hair is dry. You should never attempt to fine comb your hair when it is dry. This could result in lots of damage and breakage. Instead, comb your hair from tip to root in small strokes using a wide-tooth comb. This is less painful and more effective too.

3. Shampoo Only when Necessary

The one thing about African-American hair is that it cannot be maintained in the same way as hair from people of a different ethnic background. Therefore, please do not shampoo you hair too often. It is recommended that you shampoo your hair every two weeks or as necessary. Over shampooing can lead to dry and brittle hair because it will strip the hair of your natural oils and “Umpf.”

4. Co-Wash Often

If you absolutely must wash your hair every other day or daily, I recommend that you co-wash. That is you use conditioner to wash your hair without the use of shampoo (hence the term “co-wash”). This protective treatment allows a cleaning of your hair that will add in much needed moisture. It helps prevent build-up from your hair products. This technique really comes in hand for anyone who exercises daily.

5. Use Essential Oils Often

Kinky-curly hair loves essentials oils. They help keep it soft and malleable. In fact, oils are what is keeping the scalp from flaking. Take time to rub in oils like Jojoba and coconut from your scalp to your hair tips. Your ends will thank you.

6. Protective Hair Styles

There are so many protective hairstyles out there for you to rock. From braids to buns, anything goes. Protective hairstyles do just what their name suggests: they protect your hair from all sorts of elements. It is pretty easy to just wash and go. However, frequently doing so can really damage your naturally kink-curly hair. Be sure to pick a protective style and rock it. These styles can last anywhere from a few days to a few months, saving you both time and money.

7. Silky Pillows and Head Wraps

Silky, Silky! Another way to protect your hair is to use silk pillows for your bedding and a silk head wrap or bonnet when you go to sleep. The bonnets and wraps will work to trap your hair’s moisture and oils in while keeping knots and tangles out. They can even preserve your protective hair style.

8. The Right Products

There are too many people who use products that do not work with their hair texture. Consult with your local hairdresser to find the proper name for your hair texture and curl pattern. Then you will be set. Many up and coming companies have started hair care lines that are dedicated to producing products that will make your mane easier to maintain. They are even custom fit to your particular curl pattern and budget.

Now you have a few tools of your own to get your hair looking right. Naturally kinky-curly hair may have been a hassle in the past, but now you a ready to tackle it. How will these tips help you?