For too long, those of us rocking kinks and waves have been forced to take our hair care to the back burner. Working with styles that don’t always fit the mold of “normal” can be a tedious and frustrating journey. But we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be like that anymore! We’ve got the hook up on hair care wisdom for all the in-betweens, so join us in celebrating our waves, kinks, and everything in between!
1. Unlocking a New World of Haircare: Exploring the Possibilities Beyond Straight
Today, there’s a growing trend of hairstyling that goes beyond straight and simply “pretty” hair. These unique styles allow people to express themselves and make a bold statement no matter their natural texture or curl type.
Whether it’s slick Mohawks, unkempt curls, coiled buns, puffy and wild styles, or anything in between, there’s a world of new options that extend past straight and bone straight. Spicing up a look with some creative braids, clippings, colour, texture, and curls are some of the ways to express yourself that go beyond straight.
But not every one of these more extravagant styles has to be a huge change in the way you look. Even subtle adjustments can open the door to a new kind of style, and the same goes for the products and items you use on your hair.
Changing up the products you use, such as switching from a standard shampoo to a sulfate free shampoo or using a different styling spray, can be the seemingly small alterations that have a big effect in unlocking a range of options for you.
Start Exploring:
- Try out a new hairstyle. Consider a creative take on an existing style to mix things up.
- Explore different products that best suit your hair needs.
- Pay attention to your scalp health and the overall health and care of your strands.
- Do research on styling your specific curl or natural texture.
The possibilities of making a statement with your hair are endless when you start exploring a new world of haircare beyond straight.
2. Embracing Your Natural Look: How to Manage Unruly Waves and Kinks
Figure Out Your Hair Texture
Having a better understanding of your hair texture will help you manage your unruly waves and kinks better. Ask your hairstylist or investigate yourself to determine whether you have thick, medium, or fine hair. Knowing what type of hair you have and its porosity will help you choose the right products and styling techniques.
Find the Right Products
It is important to invest in the right products that will nurture and help you embrace your natural look. Look for products with natural ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E which aid in keeping your hair hydrated, stimulate hair growth, and repair your strands. When selecting products, be sure to choose those that are tailored to your specific hair type and texture.
Don’t Overwork Your Hair
Excessive brushing, heat-styling, and washing can do more harm than good. Too much styling can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and damaged. To tame and define your kinks and waves, air dry as much of your hair as possible. Use a t-shirt or a microfiber towel to gently scrunch. If you must use heat, stick with lower settings and never leave the appliance on your hair for too long.
Try These Styling Tips
To manage unruly waves and kinks effectively, try these styling tips:
- Focus on keeping your hair healthy – using deep conditioners and a moisturizing spray will help keep your hair hydrated while reducing frizz.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner to enhance curls and locks.
- Tame frizz using a curl defining cream.
- Avoid using heat as much as possible.
- Try different products to find the ones that work well with your hair type.
Be Patient
It is important to be patient and enjoy the journey of learning more about your hair. Take your time to experiment and find a routine that works for you and your texture. Make sure to continuously give your hair the love and attention it deserves and always keep it healthy and hydrated.
3. Taking Care of Your Hair: Tips for Healthy Curls and Wavy Textures
Deep Condition, often! Deep conditioning your hair once a week is a must to keep your coils and waves looking soft, hydrated, and healthy. Get a deep conditioner that’s specifically tailored to wavy and curly hair. This will help nourish curls and provide extra hydration to prevent early signs of breakage and split ends.
Cleanse Properly. When washing, use gentle cleansers that don’t contain sulfates because sulfates tend to dry out curly and wavy hair. Sulfates strip the hair of natural oils and moisture. Make sure you get shampoo made for curly and wavy hair, or opt for a co-wash.
Choose the Right Products. Avoid products that make tall claims because oftentimes, they have harsh ingredients which can ruin your texture’s natural curl pattern. Choose natural ingredients such as fatty alcohols, glycerin and oils, that can keep your hair hydrated and healthy without compromising its texture.
Be Gentle. Use a wide-toothed comb when de-tangling instead of a regular brush. Comb the ends upward to avoid breakage. When drying your hair, don’t rub it with a towel. This will rough up the cuticle and make your hair look frizzy. Instead, wrap a t-shirt or microfiber towel around your curls to blot out excess water.
Protect Your Hair. Use a silk scarf or cap to keep your curls in place. A silk or satin headscarf can help lock in moisture and protect your curls from the hot temperatures of blow-dryers. Avoid using gels or waxes as they can dry-out your curls and make them look dull and lifeless.
- Deep condition regularly
- Avoid sulfates
- Pick the right products
- Be gentle when styling
- Protect your curls
4. Make It Last: Prolonging Your Perfect ‘Do with the Right Products
- Pick the Right Products. Now that you’ve got the wildest, most wonderful ‘do of your lifetime, how do you prolong its perfection? You need good quality products that conform to your hair type. Start with a shampoo and conditioner that caters to your particular hair type and texture, and look for products with fewer chemicals to reduce drying and damage. Color-treated hair calls for special formulations and protection.
- Maintain Regular haircuts. Even if you’re looking for long-term versions of whatever style you’ve chosen, keep up with regular trimming. Routed maintenance trims will keep split ends at bay, allowing your locks to flow as luxuriously as ever.
- Protect your Hair from Damage. Typical heat styling tools such as blow dryers and flat irons work best when they’re used at lower temperatures and for shorter times. Whenever possible, let your hair air-dry, and avoid heat-based styling as much as possible, as heat-based styling can not only damage the hair, but also weaken the hold of your chosen style.
- Style Right. Now this depends on the look you’re going for, but know that you don’t have to settle for the same look every day. Invest in styling tools and product that offer flexible hold and endless possibilities. Having the right styling products can make all the difference when it comes to maintaining hairstyles.
- Revitalize Your Hair. Sometimes the best solution for hair maintenance is a much needed break from daily styling. Try treating your hair to regular deep conditioners and hair masks that can help give your locks the nourishment they need, and make sure you get plenty of sleep. A healthy diet and proper supplements can also help length and strength of the hair.
Having the correct products, wearing the perfect ‘do, and the correct maintenance – it all goes hand in hand. Invest in the right quality products and styling tools, take care of your hair regimen, and you’ll enjoy your perfect ‘do for a long time to come.
Thank you for joining us as we dive into the world beyond straight! From learning about kink-positive language to recognizing how often the beauty industry falls short for those with textured hair, we hope this article has inspired a newfound appreciation for kinky, coily and wavy hair. Remember, no matter the texture, every hair type needs love and care – so give yourself, and your hair, some today!
