The tighter your curls, the less frequently your hair may need to be washed. If you do need to wash your hair more frequently, you can use a dry shampoo in between those washes. Don’t “wash, rinse, and repeat”–that style advice may work for people with straighter hair, but it’s no good for those with curly hair. When you wash your hair, only wash it once, but make sure that it’s a thorough wash so that all dirt and oil is removed from your hair. If needed, you can wash your hair with conditioner (called “co-washing”) in-between washes. That way you won’t be harming your hair with sulfates, which are found in most shampoos. [1] X Research source Keep in mind that co-washing is great for retaining moisture but only mildly cleanses the hair.
How large each section should be will depend on the density of your hair–the denser it is, the smaller you should make each section. Consider using a shampoo specifically targeted for curly hair; it may be more moisturizing and strip away less of your hair’s natural oil.
You might also consider using additional moisturizing/protective products after or between shampooing. A number of oils and serums are available that will help “seal” your hair cuticle and help protect it from damage. [2] X Research source Apply the conditioner starting from the bottom of your hair. Generally, you won’t need to apply conditioner higher than halfway up the length of your hair unless hair is noticeably dry near your scalp. [3] X Research source
You can also start by running your fingers through your hair and then finish detangling with a wide-toothed comb. You should generally avoid brushing your hair, but particularly avoid brushing it when it’s wet and thus more susceptible to damage.
You can also try replacing a towel with a cotton t-shirt or microfiber cloth to dry your hair. Both are generally softer and less abrasive than towels, so they can be gentler to use on hair.
If you desire to use heat, use a heat protectant product beforehand to minimize the chances of getting heat damage. Although avoiding the blow dryer is optimal, sometimes it isn’t practical. If you do need to blow dry your hair, do so with the dryer on a low setting and use a diffuser. You might also consider using a curl-styling cream before drying.
If you like wearing your hair in a bun or ponytail a lot, just make sure it’s a loose ponytail or bun. If you do wear your hair back, be sure to use non-tangle hair ties. Avoid ties with metal pieces and definitely stay away from raw rubber bands.
If you choose to use a commercial protein treatment, it’s often advisable that you balance it with a conditioning treatment afterward or hair may become stiff or vulnerable to breakage. Natural protein treatments, like using egg or mayonnaise, may work for those whose hair doesn’t respond well to commercial protein treatments. Hair oils come in two major types: sealing and moisturizing. Sealing oils, like jojoba or almond oil, are meant to be used with damp hair to protect it and seal in moisture,[5] X Research source while moisturizing oils, like castor and avocado oil, are heavier and are meant for periodic deep conditioning. [6] X Research source Heating a moisturizing oil and gently massaging it into your scalp for between 5 and 20 minutes can also help moisturize hair and encourage hair growth. [7] X Research source
Alternatively, you can spritz your hair lightly with water and then cover your hair with a shower cap just before bed to create a naturally warm, moist environment that can help keep your hair moisturized and protected. If putting on a hair cap doesn’t appeal to you, you can also try sleeping on a silk or satin pillow, which will reduce friction against your hair. [9] X Research source
Regularly trimming off dry, damaged, and split ends will improve your hair’s overall health, helping it grow in healthier and more resilient. On average, most people’s hair will grow about 1/2 an inch per month. If you’re noticing that your strands are breaking more than 1/2 an inch from the end, it will indeed seem like your hair can’t grow past its current length. [11] X Research source When going to a hair stylist, ask them to trim or cut your hair while it’s dry–if they don’t know to do so already. (Or, even better, before you even get this far, make sure the stylist you’re seeing is experienced working with curly hair. ) Because curly hair texture and length can differ significantly from wet to dry, dry cuts are best.
Try taking up meditation, yoga, or tai chi. All are great ways to reduce the kind of stress that can lead to hair loss and damage.
Eat a generally healthy, well-balanced diet. Be sure you’re getting enough protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are important to hair strength. [13] X Research source Drink lots of water every day. [14] X Expert Source Courtney FosterLicensed Cosmetologist Expert Interview. 9 December 2019. Get regular exercise. You don’t need to become a gym rat, but getting 15-20 minutes of moderate exercise several times a week will improve your body’s overall function, including hair growth.
