Curly hair, with its natural bounce and texture, is a beautiful crown that many individuals proudly wear. However, managing and caring for curls requires a unique approach compared to straight or wavy hair. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the reasons why curly hair demands special treatment, and why brushing can be a grave mistake. Also listed is a detailed hair care guide including Kérastase’s curl cream from the famed Curl Manifesto range, tailored for those blessed with curls.
Why Curly Hair Needs to be Treated and Managed Differently?
Curls, by their very nature, are more prone to dryness and frizz compared to straight hair. The structure of curly hair makes it challenging for natural oils produced by the scalp to travel down the hair shaft, leaving the ends vulnerable to dryness. Consequently, standard hair care practices can exacerbate these challenges, leading to dullness and breakage.
Curly hair also tends to be more delicate and prone to breakage due to its unique spiral structure. The bends and twists in each strand make it susceptible to damage during detangling and styling. Therefore, employing traditional hair care habits, such as vigorous brushing, can be detrimental to the health of curly hair.
Why Brushing Curly Hair is a Mistake: 5 Things That Can Go Wrong
If you’re someone who’s just begun their curly hair care journey, this is an important aspect of your routine. Brushing your curls can do more harm than you thought possible.
1. Breakage and Split Ends: Brushing curly hair, especially when it’s dry, can lead to breakage and split ends. The bristles of a brush can snag on tangles, causing hair fibres to tear and split. Over time, this can result in frizzy, uneven ends, and compromised overall hair health.
2. Loss of Curl Definition: Curly hair thrives on its natural curl pattern, and brushing disrupts this pattern by separating and stretching curls. This leads to a loss of definition, leaving the hair looking unruly and undefined.
3. Increased Frizz: Brushing curly hair can create friction and disturb the cuticle layer, leading to increased frizz. The disrupted cuticles allow moisture to escape, making the hair more susceptible to environmental humidity and causing the dreaded frizz halo.
4. Weakened Hair Structure: The unique structure of curly hair, with twists and turns, already makes it more fragile. Brushing can weaken the hair structure further, making it more prone to damage and reducing its overall strength and resilience.
5. Pain and Discomfort: Curly hair can be prone to tangling, and brushing through knots can be a painful experience. The force required to detangle curls with a brush can lead to discomfort, and in some cases, it may result in unnecessary hair breakage.
The Proper Hair Care Guide for Curly Hair
Curly hair requires a specialised care routine to maintain its health and vibrancy. Here are five essential practices for effective curly hair care:
1. Curly hair thrives on hydration and moisture. Use a sulphate-free shampoo like Kérastase’s Curl Manifesto Bain Hydratation Douceur to cleanse without stripping the scalp of its natural oils. It gently cleanses, hydrates, and nourishes, preserving the natural curl pattern. This shampoo is also enriched with ceramide for added strength.
Follow up your shampoo with the Curl Manifesto Masque Beurre Haute Nutrition Mask for deep hydration and nourishment. Formulated with ceramides and manuka honey to enhance softness and shine, this luxurious mask for curly hair provides intense hydration.
2. Instead of brushing, gently detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle wet hair. Start from the tips and work your way up to prevent breakage. Apply the Curl Manifesto Crème De Jour Fondamentale Leave-in Cream for added moisture and ease of detangling. It is a lightweight leave-in cream that moisturises, defines, and adds shine. This Kérastase curl cream contains glycerin and ceramides for improved elasticity and curl resilience.
3. Opt for suitable hair care products specifically designed for curly hair, like Kérastase’s Curl Manifesto range. The Curl Manifesto Gelée Curl Contour Gel-Cream is ideal for days when you need extra definition. This Kérastase curl cream enhances curls without the stiffness of traditional gels. Formulated with ceramides, shea butter and manuka honey, it protects against heat and humidity, ensuring long-lasting curl enhancement. You can also use a serum for curly hair that suits your hair needs.
4. Excessive heat styling can cause damage to curly hair. Embrace your natural texture and limit the use of heat styling tools. When necessary, use a heat protectant to shield your curls.
5. Schedule regular trims to prevent split ends and promote healthy growth. Trimming helps maintain the shape of your curls and prevents breakage.
In conclusion, maintaining vibrant curls requires understanding and embracing the unique needs of curly hair. Avoiding common pitfalls like brushing and adopting a tailored hair care routine, including the use of quality products like Kérastase’s Curl Manifesto range, can make a significant difference. Let your curls flourish with the right care, and say goodbye to the struggles of managing unruly hair.