Curly hair is not only a hairstyle, it’s an accessory. Once you lock in your curly hair routine, there’s truly no going back. There is no better time to be a curly-head than now! With the endless array of products now on the market and the extensive knowledge in curly care, the game has been changed. Gone are the days of our mothers sitting us down on the floor as they pick at our locks. Gone are the days of straightening products and relaxants.
CURL PATTERNS
Often, people are intimidated by the quest of figuring out their curly hair. It seems like a complex endeavor, one that they can’t envision tackling, but the first step is as simple as figuring out your curl pattern. Curl patterns vary from types 3A to 4C, starting with the classic curls at 3A til the super kinky curls at 4C.
Depending on your curl pattern, you can figure out how much product you require and what curling method to follow. For example, with type 3A hair you might require a bit more assistance getting your curls to hold their shape. Some people finger coil, which is a practice you would absolutely not need to do with 3C curls.
Bottom line, figure your hair out!
DOES IT FLOAT?
Hair porosity is simply your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. In turn, this affects how well the products you use pass in and out of the outermost layer of your hair. Generally, hair porosity varies from high to low. Depending on the porosity of your hair, you can determine which products to use.
HIGH POROSITY OR LOW POROSITY?
You’ve probably heard of the porosity test online by now. Grab a clear glass of water, wash your hair, and take a strand of your clean, shampooed locks. Place the strand of hair in the glass, if the strand floats at the top before sinking, you likely have low porosity hair. If the strand quickly sinks to the bottom of the glass, you likely have high porosity hair. Pretty simple!
WHICH PRODUCTS FOR WHICH POROSITY?
High porosity hair needs more moisture than low porosity hair, for that reason, when dealing with high porosity hair it is important to focus on keeping your hair moisturized. Oils are one of the best methods to locking moisture into your hair. As high porosity hair is more prone to breakage, incorporating protein into your product roaster is a good way to strengthen it.
Low porosity hair, on the other hand, is more likely to retain moisture for longer periods of time. Look for products with emollients, or softening ingredients, such as aloe, avocado, jojoba oil, argan oil, and shea butter as they form a barrier and trap water.
YOUR CURLY HAIR ROUTINE IS SPECIAL TO YOU
All that said, everyone’s hair is different. Even if two people fall under the same “category” of curls, their routines may vary. The most important thing is figuring out a routine that’s unique to you. It takes a lot of trial and error, but once you have it down, it is so worth it!
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