Curly hair informations .

Introduction:

Curly hair is a unique hair type that requires special care and attention. People with curly hair often face challenges in maintaining their hair's health, appearance, and texture. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about curly hair, including its characteristics, types, care routine, styling tips, and products.

Characteristics of Curly Hair:

Curly hair is characterized by its distinct pattern of curls or waves. The shape and size of these curls can vary from loose to tight, depending on the individual's hair type. Curly hair is more fragile and prone to breakage than straight hair due to its spiral shape, which makes it harder for natural oils to travel from the scalp to the ends of the hair.

Types of Curly Hair:

Curly hair can be classified into different types based on the shape and size of the curls. The most commonly used classification system is the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, which categorizes curly hair into four main types (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, and 4C), based on the curl pattern, texture, and volume.

2A: This type of curly hair has a slight wave pattern and is relatively easy to straighten.

2B: This type of curly hair has a more defined S-shaped wave pattern and is thicker and coarser than type 2A.

3A: This type of curly hair has loose, well-defined curls with a diameter similar to a sidewalk chalk.

3B: This type of curly hair has tighter, springy curls with a diameter similar to a pencil.

3C: This type of curly hair has tightly coiled curls with a diameter similar to a straw.

4A: This type of curly hair has tightly coiled curls with a diameter similar to a crochet needle.

4B: This type of curly hair has a zigzag pattern with a diameter similar to a bobby pin.

4C: This type of curly hair has a tightly coiled zigzag pattern with a diameter smaller than a bobby pin.

Curly Hair Care Routine:

Maintaining curly hair requires a consistent and gentle hair care routine. Here are some tips to keep your curls healthy, shiny, and bouncy:

Shampoo: Use a sulfate-free shampoo designed for curly hair to avoid stripping the hair of its natural oils. It is recommended to shampoo curly hair no more than twice a week to prevent dryness and frizz.

Conditioner: Always use a conditioner after shampooing to add moisture and detangle the hair. Apply the conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends of the hair. , avoiding the scalp.

Deep Conditioning: Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to provide extra moisture and nourishment to your hair. Apply the treatment to your hair. and leave it on for 15-30 minutes before rinsing.

Detangling: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair gently while it's wet and coated with conditioner. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid breakage and tangles.

Drying: Avoid using a towel to dry your hair, as it can cause frizz and breakage. Instead, use a microfiber towel or a T-shirt to gently squeeze out the excess water from your hair.

Styling: Apply a leave-in conditioner or a curl cream to your damp hair to define your curls and prevent frizz. Scrunch your hair upward to encourage curl formation and let it air dry or diffuse it with a blow dryer on a low heat setting.

Protection: Protect your hair from the sun, wind, and heat styling tools by wearing a hat or a scarf, and use a heat

Curly hair has been a topic of fascination and intrigue throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, curly hair has been celebrated, reviled, and even mythologized. In this article, we will explore the story of curly hair. , tracing its evolution from ancient times to the present day.

The Ancient World:

In ancient Egypt, curly hair was highly prized and considered a sign of beauty and wealth. Women would use a mixture of honey and plant extracts to enhance their curls and protect them from the harsh desert climate. Egyptian art from this time period depicts men and women with elaborate hairstyles, often adorned with intricate gold and silver jewelry.

In ancient Greece, curly hair was associated with the god Dionysus, who was depicted with wild, curly locks. However, in Greek society, straight hair was considered the ideal, and many women would use hot irons or chemical treatments to straighten their hair. Only slaves and courtesans were allowed to wear their hair in its natural curly state.

During the Roman Empire, curly hair was once again highly prized, with many women using curling irons made from heated metal rods to achieve the desired look. Roman women would also use a mixture of eggs and oil to add shine and manageability to their curls.

The Renaissance:

During the Renaissance, curly hair fell out of favor, with many women wearing their hair in elaborate updos or straightened with hot hair. . This trend continued through the Baroque and Rococo periods, with women striving for a smooth, sleek look.

The Victorian Era:

In the Victorian era, curly hair once again came into fashion, with women using rag curls or hot irons to achieve the desired look. However, curly hair was often associated with youth and innocence, and women were expected to straighten their hair as they grew older.

The 20th Century:

In the early 20th century, the flapper style became popular, with women wearing their hair in short, curly bobs. This look was a rebellion against the traditional Victorian values and was seen as a symbol of independence and freedom.

During the 1960s and 70s, the Afro became a symbol of black pride and resistance to racism and oppression. This style, characterized by tight, coiled curls, was a rejection of the Eurocentric beauty standards that had dominated the fashion industry for centuries.

In the 1980s and 90s, curly hair once again fell out of favor, with women striving for a sleek, straight look. Chemical relaxers, which permanently straightened the hair, became popular, leading to widespread damage and hair loss.

The Present Day:

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in curly hair, with many women embracing their natural curls and waves. The natural hair movement, which began in the African American community, has spread to women of all ethnicities, encouraging them to embrace their natural texture and reject harmful chemical treatments.

Today, there are a variety of products and styling techniques designed specifically for curly hair, from co-washing to the curly girl method. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube have also played a significant role in promoting curly hair and providing a platform for curly-haired individuals to share their experiences and tips.

Conclusion:

The story of curly hair is a rich and complex one, reflecting the changing attitudes and values of different cultures throughout history. While curly hair has often been associated with beauty and wealth, it has also been stigmatized and even outlawed in certain societies. However, in recent years, there has been a growing acceptance and celebration of curly hair, as people recognize the beauty and diversity of natural hair textures.

Curly hair is a beautiful and unique hair type that can come in many different textures and styles. For women with curly hair, there are a variety of tips, tricks, and products that can help you embrace and enhance your natural curls. In this article, we will explore the world of women's curly hair, including the science behind curls, the challenges and benefits of curly hair, and tips for caring for and styling your curls.

The Science of Curly Hair:

Curly hair is different from straight hair in several ways. First, curly hair is more porous than straight hair, which means it can absorb and lose moisture more easily. This is why curly hair is often prone to frizz and can become dry and brittle if not properly moisturized.

Second, curly hair has a unique structure, with twists and turns that create curl patterns. The shape and size of the curls are determined by the shape of the hair follicle and the angle at which the hair emerges from the scalp. This is why curly hair can come in a variety of textures, from loose waves to tight coils.

Finally, curly hair is often more delicate than straight hair, as the twists and turns can create weak points in the hair strand. This is why it is important to use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed specifically for curly hair.

The Challenges and Benefits of Curly Hair:

While curly hair can be beautiful and unique, it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest challenges for women with curly hair is managing frizz. Curly hair is prone to frizz due to its high porosity and tendency to absorb moisture from the air. This can be exacerbated by harsh styling products, heat styling, and environmental factors like humidity.

Another challenge of curly hair is tangles and knots. Because curly hair is prone to dryness and breakage, it is important to detangle your hair gently and regularly. This can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially for those with very tight or coiled curls.

Despite these challenges, there are many benefits to having curly hair. Curly hair is often associated with youthfulness, playfulness, and individuality. Curly hair can also be very versatile, with a variety of styling options from loose waves to defined coils. Curly hair can also be a symbol of cultural identity, with many women embracing their natural curls as a way of celebrating their heritage.

Tips for Caring for and Styling Curly Hair:

If you have curly hair, there are several tips and tricks you can use to keep your curls looking their best. Here are some tips for caring for and styling curly hair:

Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for curly hair. Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.

Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to detangle your hair gently while it is wet. Avoid using a brush on dry curls, as this can cause frizz and breakage.

Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl defining cream to damp hair to enhance your curls and add moisture.

Avoid heat styling your curls, as this can cause damage and breakage. Instead, try air-drying or diffusing your hair on a low heat setting.

Experiment with different styling techniques to find what works best for your curls. This could include plopping, scrunching, or finger coiling.

Protect your curls at night by sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase or using a satin hair wrap or bonnet.

Regularly trim your hair to prevent split ends and breakage. Aim for a trim every 8-12 weeks.

Conclusion:

Women with curly hair have a unique and beautiful hair type that requires specific care and attention. By understanding

S T O P F I G H T I N G Y O U R C U R L S : A G U I D E T O

E M B R A C I N G Y O U R N A T U R A L H A I R T E X T U R E

Straight hair has dominated the beauty scene for far too long. Ladies, follow this guide to unlock

the potential of your lovely, textured hair. You will likely be surprised with the results.

D E C E M B E R 2, 20 20 • B Y T R A C Y E Z E L L • E Z E L L T @E T SU . E D U

Some of us are all too familiar with the

scene: a young person, typically female, is

urged to simply “brush that messy, frizzy

hair.” And the outcome? Think Hermione

from the Harry Potter novels, or perhaps

Anne Hathaway in The Princess Diaries.

That’s right, what was once a little frizzy is

now downright bushy and out of control as

the hair’s cuticles, or outer layer, reach to

the heavens for moisture wherever they can

find it. Is this you?

Why does this happen to so many women and

girls, those who are simply trying to fit in and

look more presentable? It’s quite simple, really – these ladies have wavy, curly, or otherwise textured

hair. It is estimated that as much as 65 percent of the population in the U.S. alone has hair that falls into

one of these categories.

1 These women feel societal pressure to adhere to a beauty standard that is

actually doing them a disservice in the healthy hair department. Often the sentiment that “straight hair

is better” is passed down through families, who see curly or wavy hair as messy and unmanageable, and

this notion has historically even been used to actively discriminate against African-American women in

the workplace and beyond. Stores have typically segregated products by ethnicity, and many feel that

new attempts to “Break the Walls,” by encouraging mainstream brands that haven’t historically catered

to textured hair to start producing and marketing curly hair products, will allow for a more inclusive

shopping experience.1

Breyer, M. (2019, March 13). Curl Disconnect: Are Retailers Meeting the Need of the Textured Hair Consumers?

Retrieved from https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curls/curl-disconnect-are-retailers-meeting-theneed-of-the-textured-hair-consumers

T H E A U T H O R , B E F O R E H E R H A I R J O U R N E Y, A N D

T O D A Y , A F T E R 5 Y E A R S O F P R A C T I C I N G T H I S G U I D E

In this modern era, why not turn the tables on these sentiments, on the idea that straight hair is

somehow superior? This guide will give you, wavy, curly, or coily haired reader, the tools you need to

embrace the full potential of your textured hair. Because we are programmed not to value curly hair, we

try to beat it into submission to look like straight hair. But if you are willing to put in a little effort and

stop trying to make your hair something it is not (straight), you might be surprised with the results.

BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING…

Before you dive right in for your first wash day, it is important to take care of a couple of preliminary

steps to make sure your hair has a proper foundation for your regular haircare routine. These are steps

that you will only need to follow once, before doing anything else:

• ASSESS YOUR HAIR: THE BIG 3 •

1. CURL TYPE

The first thing you will need to do as you begin your hair journey is to assess some of your hair’s

properties in order to determine how to treat it. Start by looking at a small section of hair that you have

not straightened with heat styling tools. Take a look at the images below and compare your hair to find

your curl type. Does your hair match the wavy, curly, or coily/kinky sample? This is the first step in

determining what sort of ingredients, products, and techniques will make your hair thrive. For example,

my hair, as seen in the introductory photograph, is in the curly category (though it can often appear

wavy after days in a ponytail).

W A V Y, C U R L Y, & C O I L Y/ K I N K Y H A I R E X A M P L E S

Psst: What’s Your Number? If you research curly hair tips online, you will find that some

people like to label their curl pattern using a system of numbers and letters, i.e. 2a, 3b,

4c, etc. Trying to narrow your curl type down this way is tempting, but it might

overcomplicate the process. You’ll find that such a specific description of your curls may

not actually be very useful when it comes to choosing your hair care method.

2. DENSITY

Next, take a single strand of your hair and examine its thickness. Roll it around in your fingers. Does it

feel like nothing is there? You, my friend, have fine hair. If you can feel the hair between your fingers,

you likely have medium density hair. If you can feel it and it feels quite strong and thick, you have

coarse hair. Determining the density of your hair in this way will help you narrow down products that

will work for you. You don’t want to put heavy products on fine hair, for example, as this can weigh it

down and make it fall quite flat. And curls are all about embracing that volume!

3. POROSITY

The other important property that makes up the Big 3 is your hair’s porosity. This is determined by how

porous your hair’s cuticle is, and there are a couple of ways to figure this out.

One way is to do what’s called a float test. Take a few strands of clean hair and put them in a bowl of

water. If your hair floats on the surface, this is a good sign you have low porosity hair. If it sinks about

halfway down, or eventually to the bottom, you likely have normal porosity hair. If it sinks down rather

quickly, you have high porosity hair.

You can also test the porosity of your hair by spraying a

section with water from a spray bottle. If your hair is low

porosity, you will likely see the water bead off a bit, with

the hair not getting saturated. If it becomes saturated

quickly, you likely have high porosity hair. And if the water

absorption is somewhere in the middle, you have normal

porosity hair.

If you know that your hair normally takes forever to dry, that’s another good indicator you might have

low porosity hair, whereas high porosity hair dries rather quickly.

• THE RESET WASH: PREPARE A FOUNDATION WITH A THOROUGH CLEANSE •

Ok, so you have an idea of your textured hair’s general properties. Before you settle in to a regular

routine of cleansing, conditioning, etc., the other preliminary step you need to complete is what’s

known in the curly community as a reset wash. This is a one-time step! This is actually pretty simple –

just wash your hair, using a shampoo containing sulfates. This will likely be the shampoo you already

have in your shower. Sulfates are powerful cleansing agents, and you will often find them listed on an

ingredients label as sodium laurel sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, etc. One shampoo that is popular

for reset washes is Suave’s Daily Clarifying Shampoo. It is inexpensive and sold in most grocery stores.

These cleansing agents are critical for the reset wash because in order to treat your textured hair

properly, we need to make sure there are no occlusive agents hanging around on your hair. Things like

butters, waxes, and silicones – these ingredients effectively coat the outside of your hair strands,

leaving them unable to soak up all of that good moisture you’re going to give them.

After you do that reset wash, your next step…is to throw that shampoo in the trash! Well, if you want to

be eco-friendly, you can give it to a friend. But you are not to use that shampoo on your hair again.

After the one-time reset wash, you may proceed to Step 2: Conditioning in the following instructions.

NOW THAT’S OUT OF THE WAY, LET’S DIVE IN TO YOUR REGULAR

HAIR ROUTINE

With those preliminary steps out of the way, it is now time to begin your new process of maintaining

your textured hair. These are simply the steps you will take each time you wash and style your hair.

These are techniques you’ve likely followed all of your life, but adjusted to ensure that your hair retains

maximum moisture, leading to defined curls and/or waves.

1. SELECTING A CLEANSER

Your process will begin with the same step straight haired people do first: washing. But the way you do

it will be quite different. Based on your hair properties as determined earlier in Step 1 of The Big 3,

select a cleanser that will be appropriate for your hair. This will involve trial and error, so feel free to err

on the side of inexpensive for your products. For example, if your hair is wavy and fine with low

porosity, you will probably experience build-up from using heavier products. A shampoo using minimal

suds, also called a low-poo, might be your best friend as it will thoroughly cleanse your hair without

stripping it.

You probably already have seen these low-poo cleansers in stores – many shampoos that have the

words “sulfate-free” on the label already fit the bill. You will find that fewer suds are produced with

these products, but they contain plenty of gentle detergents to effectively cleanse your hair. One

specific product that works for a lot of women is Giovanni’s Smooth as Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo.

Most any shampoo from the SheaMoisture brand should work as well.

If your hair is thick and coily with high porosity, you might benefit from co-washing, or using

conditioner at your roots to massage your scalp. Yes, conditioner can cleanse your hair just like

shampoo can – it has cleansing agents in it, and the friction you create

with your fingertips on your scalp will ensure excess dirt and product is

removed. But it will leave your hair’s natural oils behind, which will help

protect your hair’s cuticles.

There are also many commercial products on the market nowadays

called co-washes that might provide an even more thorough clean. One

example is As I Am Coconut CoWash, which is a curly community favorite

that can be found in most drugstores.

Since my hair, which you’ll recall can be seen in the introductory photos, is considered curly, I tend to

use a moisturizing shampoo such as Bounce Curl Pure Silk Moisturzing Shampoo or the Giovanni

shampoo mentioned previously. Since I exercise often and shampoo infrequently (as you should also do

– read on), I tend to prefer a sudsy cleanse. Plus, my hair is on the finer side and co-washes can be tricky

as a result.

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

If your hair properties fall somewhere in the middle, you can experiment. The most important thing to

remember when selecting a cleanser, however, is to avoid a couple of ingredients that could lead to

problems down the road. These are sulfates and silicones.

But wait a minute. Didn’t I tell you to use a sulfate shampoo for your reset wash?

I sure did. But here’s the thing: sulfates in shampoos used on a regular basis can be very drying for

wavy, curly, and coily/kinky hair types. They will strip your hair of that precious moisture that it needs to

look its best. We needed to use it at first, to make sure the hair had a clean slate for proper care going

forward, but from here on you will want to avoid it. Unless you like frizzy hair, of course. As for silicones,

well, see Step 2: Conditioning.

CLEANSING TECHNIQUE

Whichever cleanser you use, be sure to concentrate it at your scalp, giving it a good scrub. There is no

reason to cleanse the ends of your hair, as the cleanser from your roots will cleanse the ends of your hair

as it rinses out. Try not to wash your hair very often – shoot for a few times a week at the most. That

might feel difficult at first, if you’re used to daily washings. As your hair adjusts to these new

techniques, it might even feel a bit oily or greasy at first. This is normal. Stick with it the process, and

things will normalize as your hair’s health improves.

Psst: Technique Check. Many people find that they can get good volume and reduce frizz by

flipping their hair upside down in the shower as they wash, condition, and style it. This might help

you really get your scalp clean as well. Give it a try and see if this works for you!

2. CONDITIONING: THE MOST CRUCIAL STEP

This is the most important step of caring for your textured hair. If you learn nothing else from this

guide, I hope you at least hear this. Since textured hair is often crying out for moisture, it is vital to put a

lot of moisture into it when you treat your hair. This will help with frizz and defining your curls. And it

will have a cumulative effect.

To select a conditioner, pay attention to your hair’s attributes from Step 1: Cleansing, especially the

porosity. Again, inspect that product’s label thoroughly. If you have fine, high porosity hair, you will

want something creamy enough to help smooth your hair’s porous cuticle, but you will want to be very

careful not to choose something too heavy that will weigh your hair down. Again, experimentation is

key. Many curlies get good results using GVP Conditioning Balm from Sally Beauty stores.

Your hair is coily and highly porous? You might be able to handle heavier ingredients, like shea butter.

In time, you will recognize what ingredients make your hair feel its best. But regardless of your curl type

and porosity, you will want to continue to avoid silicones. Silicones are conditioning agents that coat

and smooth the hair shaft, helping keep out humidity. That sounds great, right? And you’re right, they

are not inherently bad. But if you use them on your hair, you will need to use a strong shampoo to

remove them, likely containing…you guessed it…sulfates.

You may notice that silicones make your hair feel “good,” but they will lead

to build-up when used with low-poos and co-washes, as those cleansers

won’t remove them from the hair. So you would have to return to sulfate

shampoos, starting the cycle of damage all over again. It’s best to simply

steer clear of them, using conditioners that can be easily washed out.

APPLICATION

When you apply your conditioner, use much more than the label indicates. Use much more than you

were taught. A quarter-sized blob? Ha. That’s for straight-haired folks. Use a shallow palmful to really

coat your strands, focusing on the ends. I know this amount seems a bit crazy, but your hair needsit. Of

course, as your hair’s health improves you might be able to ease up a bit on the amount. But wavy,

curly, and coily/kinky hair needs moisture to really thrive.

This is the only stage during which you may use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair – when it is

coated with conditioner in your shower. Finger-combing is even better. In fact, you won’t use many hair

tools at all as you embrace your natural texture. Read on for Step 3: Styling to learn more.

You can rinse your conditioner out, but if it is not too heavy you might want to leave some in, or use a

separate commercial leave-in conditioner. Some people leave all of their conditioner in early in their

textured hair journey. Experiment! Conditioner will lead to hair hydration when it is married with that

magical element: water. Really squish your conditioner into your hair to get that moisture in there.

Psst: Let’s talk techniques. If you search the internet for curly hair tips, you will likely find many

acronyms and expressions that sound bizarre to you. Squish to condish? SOTC? The Bowl

Method? Plopping? Whaaaat? Do not be overwhelmed. You don’t have to use any of these

methods to get good results. But if you enjoy experimenting, have at it once you’ve mastered the

basics. Well, SOTC might be a basic – more on that later.

3. STYLING: LOCK IN THAT STYLE AND MAKE IT LAST

So you have beautifully hydrated hair. Now what? Now you will want to lock in that curl, giving it hold

to last until your next wash (which should not be the next day, if you’re paying attention). The first thing

you will do for styling is to not dry your hair at all. In fact, you might find it easiest to remain in the

shower and have your styling products in there with you. This is because your hair will look best if you

make sure it’s soaking wet when you apply stylers. All that hydration from the water and conditioner

will cause your hair strands to stay together in their curl families, and then you can lock that curl in place

with a product.

PRODUCT TYPES

As far as products go, again look to your particular curl type and properties.

Thicker haired folks might like the extra hydration they get from a cream

product, but these might be too much for finer hair with low porosity. Creams

also do not generally provide strong hold. For a strong hold, look to that 80s

staple: that’s right, gel. I know, I know. But you can avoid that dated, crunchy

look, I promise. Read on. You can also layer a cream under a gel for a soft feel

and a medium to strong hold.

Specific curl creams that work for a lot of curly-haired women are

SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie (best for coily-haired gals) and Cantu

Curl Activator Cream. As for gel, one recommendation that works for many, including the author, is L.A.

Looks Extreme Sport Styling Gel. This blue wonder comes in a huge bottle for very little money, and may

give readers who lived through the 80s some mild PTSD. Again, fear not!

Psst: Can I Still Straighten My Hair? That, reader, is a very personal question. While your hair is

undoubtedly your own and it is understandable you might wish to change up your style, be very

cautious about using heat and styling tools to “occasionally” straighten your hair. Using a blow

dryer with heat can cause frizz, of course, and using a flat iron tool to coax your locks into

submission could cause even more extreme damage. It takes time for a curl pattern to be

nourished to its full potential, and just one flirtation with that iron may undo weeks or even

months of hard work. Try exploring heat-free methods of hair straightening if you just can’t help

yourself!

INGREDIENTS & APPLICATION

Whatever product(s) you choose, make sure it is free of silicones and drying alcohols, and do not be

afraid to use more than you think you need. If your hair is long, a palmful of gel will likely be necessary.

Yes, as you smooth this over your soaking wet hair, it will feel strange. But magic is coming. To help

encourage your curls to form, scrunch upward from the bottom of your hair up toward your scalp. You

should hear a “squishy” sound if you have enough water and product in there. That’s a good thing.

Out of the shower, use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to squeeze any excess moisture out of your

hair. You can use small clips near the roots of your hair to encourage volume, if you like. And then…get

on with your day, and do not touch your hair! Ideally, you will be home for a while and can allow your

hair to air dry. Make a point to do this for all of your wash days near the beginning of your journey. You

might be able to use a diffuser on low heat in the future, but try to avoid it at first.

HANDS OFF

Again, the most important thing to remember while your hair is drying is to not touch it. Don’t rake

your fingers through it, don’t comb or brush it. Actually, you can just go ahead and get rid of that hair

brush now. That’s right, brushing your hair, or combing it when it is dry and not full of conditioner, will

actually destroy that curl pattern you worked so hard to bring out in Steps 2 and 3. Handling your hair at

all during the drying stage will create frizz, as will the use of a regular cotton, terry-cloth towel.

When your hair is completely dry, you will notice that the product you applied has caused a cast to form

around your hair – it should feel hard, almost crunchy. Time for that magic to happen. Take your hands

and gently scrunch your hair from the ends toward the scalp, much like you did when you applied the

product in the shower. This is called Scrunching out the Crunch (SOTC), and it is crucial. Feel free to

fluff it a bit at the roots. As long as you used enough product, your hair will magically feel soft yet have

a nice hold. No 80s crunch here. Just waves, curls, or coils that last until your next wash (weatherpermitting – we can’t control everything can we?).

Psst: But What Happens When I Sleep? You might find that

all of your hard work seems to have been for nothing if you sleep on

your hair the same way you always have. Many curlies like to use

sleep protection techniques to make their style last. The easiest thing

to do is to buy a 100% silk pillowcase. Silk does not absorb moisture

the way cotton does. You could alternatively use a scarf to wrap your

hair (a satin weave of silk or even polyester would work). To make sure your curls aren’t crushed,

you can gather your hair into a loose ponytail on top of your head in what the curl community calls

a pineapple (pictured). Experiment with what’s most comfortable for you.

And that’s it! You may benefit from an occasional deep conditioner or gentle clarifying wash, but if you

simply follow Steps 1-2-3 on a regular basis, over time you should notice that your hair is wavier or

curlier than it once appeared. This is because it is no longer being stripped by harsh shampoos, brushed,

subjected to hot tools…you name it. The things we do to our curls to try to match our straight-haired

friends can be very damaging. Embrace your natural texture and treat your hair with gentle care, and

you might be amazed at the results.