As a newcomer to the world of healthy natural hair, wash day can be intimidating if you have a head full of natural hair that is crazy curly or even a little curly. As soon as your hair comes into contact with water, you'll experience shrinkage, tangles, and knots. It's invaluable information to know how to properly wash curly hair.
What is The Right Way to Wash Curly Hair?
Here are my tried-and-true recommendations for washing your curly hair effectively and efficiently.
Applying oil as a Prepoo Treatment
Before shampooing, hair can benefit from a treatment called a "pre-poo," which typically consists of oil or conditioner. Moisturize your hair and get it ready for detangling by using this. Learn everything there is to know about pre-pooing right here! Preparing your hair with a pre-poo before each and every shampoo is highly recommended, but it is especially important to do so before using clarifying shampoos.
Hair can benefit from being coated in any oil from root to tip for about 30 minutes before shampooing. Recently I discovered that applying coconut oil to your hair at least 20 minutes before shampooing can lessen the stress caused by Hygral Fatigue. In order to give your hair a fighting chance, use coconut oil as a pre-poo before you wash it.
Wash in sections
It may not be ideal to wash your hair loose if it is six inches or longer. Separate your hair into four or six sections and experiment with twisting or braiding each one. Take out and wash just one section of your braids or twists at a time. After washing the section, re-twist it or braid it again. This method is more time-consuming, but it prevents tangles, knots, and breaks.
Apply Sulfate-free shampoo once
When washing your hair, opt for a shampoo without sulfates to keep it from becoming dry. The scalp is the primary target of shampoo, with the length of hair benefiting from the rinsing out of water and suds. With a sufficiently wet scalp and hair, shampoo can be applied directly to the scalp and worked into a rich lather. Just use lukewarm water to thoroughly rinse, and your hair will be clean as new. Use a conditioner wash (co-wash) if you think you need a second shampoo.
Apply conditioner
Remember to use a deep conditioner after every time you poop, and if you're feeling extra good about yourself, jump out of the shower and give your hair a quick, gentle heat treatment. You should use a conditioner that is high in moisture to restore lost moisture and help detangle your hair.
Use a t-shirt or microfiber towel to pat hair dry
Due to their construction, traditional cotton towels can cause serious hair tangling and even breakage. Instead of using a regular towel to pat your hair dry, try a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt. To remove excess moisture from wet hair, gently squeeze and blot instead of rubbing.
Conclusion
Remember that some hair breakage is to be expected whenever washing or otherwise manipulating the hair, but watch out for serious damage. In this case, you should evaluate your diet, give yourself a protein treatment, and maintain a moisture balance in your hair. You should see a doctor if nothing else works. It's true that doctors (sometimes) have all the answers.
ALSO READ: Best Haircare Guide to Maintain Curly Hair
