Girls With Curls
What’s one question someone with natural curls may get asked regularly? If your guess was, “May I touch your hair?” Then you are absolutely, 100% correct!
On the one hand, some might love that question, but on the other, it can be a pet peeve. For two reasons! Number one, there’s not a display item with a sign, sticker, or button attached to you that reads, “My hair is here for your touching pleasure.”
Number two, if they knew how hard we worked at getting our hair the way it is now, perhaps they’d appreciate us from afar or more like at least an arm’s length away. People with curly hair climb many mountains, not just the curls themselves, to achieve the look they have only dreamed about.
We don’t declare that our tresses are some Italian fresco painting. However, our inner Michelangelo was born once we finally understood our hair’s behavior, used the best products on ourselves, and have practiced the proper techniques to tune and sculpt our hair finely.
Some of you may still be on the journey, and do not know where to go from here. Well, stick around and follow me down this continued list of tips that not only teach you how to define your curly hair but also how to maintain them.
[/cmsmasters_text][/cmsmasters_column][/cmsmasters_row][cmsmasters_row data_shortcode_id=”8g1578v08t” data_padding_bottom_mobile_v=”0″ data_padding_top_mobile_v=”0″ data_padding_bottom_mobile_h=”0″ data_padding_top_mobile_h=”0″ data_padding_bottom_tablet=”0″ data_padding_top_tablet=”0″ data_padding_bottom_laptop=”0″ data_padding_top_laptop=”0″ data_padding_bottom_large=”0″ data_padding_top_large=”0″ data_padding_bottom=”50″ data_padding_top=”0″ data_bg_parallax_ratio=”0.5″ data_bg_size=”cover” data_bg_attachment=”scroll” data_bg_repeat=”no-repeat” data_bg_position=”top center” data_color=”default” data_bot_style=”default” data_top_style=”default” data_padding_right=”3″ data_padding_left=”3″ data_width=”boxed”][cmsmasters_column data_width=”1/1″ data_shortcode_id=”8dl7p3xsh” data_animation_delay=”0″ data_border_style=”default” data_bg_size=”cover” data_bg_attachment=”scroll” data_bg_repeat=”no-repeat” data_bg_position=”top center”][cmsmasters_text]Tame That Mane… Naturally!
First, begin paying more attention to the fine print on the back of labels. Shy away from any product that includes chemicals and detergents. Some naturally curly people do not shampoo their hair traditionally. Instead, they use apple cider vinegar and baking soda! Drop a pea-sized amount of baking soda in with a half-cup of water, and a half-cup of apple cider vinegar. It works wonders!
Skin too Sensitive for Apple Cider? No worries.
For those of you with sensitive skin, reduce the apple cider vinegar with the help of warm water. And don’t get crazy with the baking soda! After your shampoo, use a cotton t-shirt on your head to dry. This aids and in blocking excessive amounts of frizz. As mentioned previously, wear a satin scarf on your head at night. It also helps reduce frizz and breakage. Changing up your pillowcases won’t hurt at all, especially if you’re not a scarf wearer in your sleep.
Loco for Coco(nut oil)
Coconut oil left on overnight increases softness and keeps your curls hydrated and moisturized.
Style and Maintain Your Curls
Now, let’s talk about styling! One of the cools things about curly hair is that more often than not, it tends to style itself. Some of us have the liberty only to moisturize our hair and go on about our day. But if you see a curly-haired peer of yours with mountainous, infinite ringlets, chances are they put more work into their hair than you did on yours.
Twist and (don’t) Shout
Braid and twists will forever be popular! If you’ve ever worn these styles as a child, you’d always be mesmerized by the perfectly defined ripples in your hair. But when you were little, once those braids and twists were out, it meant the time had come to get some fresh ones in their place. You never really got to wear your hair out and about then, but now…all of that can change!
The outcome of braid and twist outs are spectacular! Apply your twists or braids using a cream or serum, and wear them to bed. In the morning, unravel those strands, and you’ll feel like you just woke up in paradise! Because braids and twists are so pretty, you can wear them for a longer time. That will only deepen the wave and curl to your hair once you decide to untwist them.
If braids or twists throughout your head is not your style, only place them where you want. For example, if you’re going to achieve an updo using braids, section the hair nearest the nape into three quadrants. If you’d like, you can do smaller sections and more braids. But if you’re like me, and are in a hurry a lot of the time, three thick braids toward the back of the head is more than enough.
The far-left braid should be pulled across the middle and right braids, but secured with a bobby pin over the middle one. Naturally, you need to follow these steps with the middle and right braids until all three loop and bobby pin around one another.
Dutch braids are creeping back into the limelight, and are super cute! What’s not to love about a style that is complete after only two braids? Part your hair down the middle and create a three-strand braid down both sections. Tie off the ends with a rubber band.
Tip Top Knot Hair
Like to keep your hair away from your face most of the time? Consider a braided topknot that’s topnotch. Pull your hair up into a high ponytail, leaving some of the hair out to form the knot. Here’s when we braid! Continue this until you’ve reached the ends and wrap the braid around the foundation of your knot. Befriend a bobby pin to secure your braid, and you’re all done!
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