You might skip over this post on how to wash your hair, thinking this is too basic for you and that you are far more advanced with your hair care, but you may be making some simple mistakes.
Like riding a bike (something I only learnt last year!) I found most of my friends couldn’t explain how to start and stop. It’s easy to forget the correct way to do something when you are so used to it and have developed bad habits.
Everybody’s hair is different, but here are a few easy-to-follow tips to take better care of our tresses.
How to wash your hair – 10 tips for great hair
1. Don’t over-wash your hair. Most people don’t need to wash their hair every day. If you do, it could be because you are using the wrong products for your hair and scalp type.
2. Only apply shampoo to your scalp and massage gently. Don’t pile your hair on top and scrub it, as this will only create knots. Work the shampoo gently down to the ends of your hair and rinse thoroughly.
3. Forget about lather, rinse and repeat. It’s just a brilliant marketing idea to make you use more shampoo. You only need to shampoo once.
4. But you really like that “clean” feeling when you wash your hair twice, right? If you use a lot of silicone or wax products, try washing with a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month instead of your normal shampoo.
5. Curly-haired girls, you may want to consider skipping the shampoo entirely. Sounds strange I know but curly hair is often very dry, and washing with conditioner alone will freshen your hair without drying it out. I cut out shampoo for 4 months and it definitely works. Unfortunately I colour my hair, use too much product and swim in the sea too often to maintain the cycle.
6. Ever have an itchy scalp after washing your hair? Stop applying conditioner to your roots. Start from the mid-lengths and really condition the ends of your hair. Gently comb through and allow it to work for at least a minute, the longer the better.
7. Rinse your hair in cold water. Make sure you remove all your conditioner and finish with cold water. This is a bitch in winter, so don’t go freezing yourself in icewater, but a cool rinse of water will close the cuticle and seal in the moisture to each strand. It’s ok to shampoo your hair in hot water but finish it with a cold rinse.
8. Never brush your hair when it’s wet. Instead use a wide comb to gently smooth your hair.
9. Ease off with the towel drying. Don’t rub your hair with a towel, you’ll only cause damage and make your hair look dull. Instead gently squeeze out the excess moisture and allow to air dry. In saying that, I only do this on the rare occasion I wash my hair on a weekday night or have nothing to do on a Sunday. Parlux is my best friend and dries my hair in no time at all.
10. Treatments – hair masks are essential if you use heat stylers or colour your hair. Even if you don’t you will still appreciate the moisture a mask brings. Normally this is applied between shampoo and conditioner, so I either get out of the shower, have a cup of tea and catch up on blogs while I let it work, or get some chores done.
Once your have great hair, you’ll want to have more fun with your hair! Start with some of my hairstyle tutorials or my 30 Hairstyles in 30 Days ebook.
Do you use hair treatments? What type of hair do you have and what’s your favourite shampoo and conditioner?
Hi,
Thanks for this post. It’s nearly 5am here in London and I just can’t sleep cos of this problem. I’ve recently gone natural and I’m loving it. I co-wash a couple of times a week and wash with shampoo once every 2 weeks followed by a deep condition with my leave in. The problem is my scalp gets very itchy when I do these shampoo washes. MEGA itch! I never make it all the way through the preferred 8 hours or overnight length of the deep condition cos the itch gets so crazy. This is a problem I experienced when my hair was relaxed, I also notice that it happens to my baby boys hair when I wash it so I’m always rushing to put some oil on it to soothe it. I know you said about making sure shampoo isn’t on the scalp but any other advice cos I’m rocking a TWA (teeny weeny afro). It’s gonna be so hard to switch products cos here in the UK our product range is so limited for natural hair as it’s a fairly new trend. All help/advice is welcome. Thank you
Hi Denise, it sounds like you might have an allergy to one of the ingredients. Often sodium lauryl sulphate can cause irritations to the scalp. Look for a shampoo that is sulphate free. If it’s still causing you a problem, see your doctor to check for allergies. Good luck x
Thanks for this hun. Will try this ASAP. Here’s to hoping it works xx
Great tips:)
I have very straight hair but my 2 year old daughter has very curly hair Tht is different lengths so it’s driving me crazy!
My questions are:
Any advice to make it grow faster?
And the curls look fine but becos she young she keeps messing it and never looks good but the main problem is when she sleeps. Next morning her hair is a mess. It’s like it’s electrified! Wht shud I do abt Tht? Wash it every morning?
Thanks
Hi Sarah, curly hair grows a bit slower than straight hair, plus the curl always makes it look shorter. Don;t worry, it will grow but it’s always slow when kids are young. I was practically bald until I was 2 1/2 years old but I more than make up for that now 🙂 You can make up a conditioner spray to help keep her hair tidy. In a water spray bottle mix 1 part conditioner to 5-10 parts water (try it and see what works best). Spray it on the ends of her hair when you want to comb it with a wode tooth comb or to tame it in the mornings. Hope this helps xx
Hello Hair Romance,
Your discussion on daily hair maintenance is lovely and thank you for all the positive energy!
I am Asian and ethically Chinese, in my early thirties and have thin, fine hair, which is slightly wavy, and an oily scalp. I have had a history of hair loss due to sunbathing, stress, hormones and chemical treatments like excessive dyeing. I live in a tropical country with high humidity and genetically perspire easily. As such, to feel clean, I shampoo and condition my hair twice a day. I have tried clarifying shampoos once a month and have used hair masks. I tried alternating one of them with dry shampoo but a hairstylist said it was contributing to hair fall. I don’t like how I look with my hair up as I have a broad face and am plus sized. Any advice on daily hair maintainance, hair growth and how long between dyeing hair?
my hair falls out a lot ! when I shower, after I shower, when Im doing my hair, when im just sitting down strands come out… I shower everyday since I go to the gym and my scalp gets sweaty. what do you recommend I can use to stop my hair from falling out so much. Id really appreciate the help!
Hi Lizbeth, there are so many reasons why your hair can fall out so it’s not a simple solution. It’s normal to lose around 100 hairs every day. If you’re losing significantly more than this I would chat to your doctor to try and work out the cause. Things like stress, medication, hormones and your immune system all play a part in healthy hair growth. Christina
My hair turned curly only a few years ago and I’m only now learning how to take care of it, comb it out, etc. Your blog is very useful to me. Very good information!
Thanks Lorna 🙂
I have super frizzy, curly hair that I usually straighten…but I have a wedding coming up in September, and I’m wanting my hair to look healthier. I’m thinking about trying the whole “no shampoo” thing…but my one problem is that I have dandruff. If I just use dandruff conditioner, I’m going to have to apply it to my scalp. Will I still for the most part get the same effect? Or will applying to my scalp not help any?
Hi Amanda, it depends on the cause of your dandruff and what products your using. I would continue to use the products that work for you as directed and see how it goes. You might need to test a few product combinations to find one that works for you
I wash my hair everyday. I know that’s supposed to be bad. I started using the Shielo Hydrate Shampoo, my hair looks and feels so healthy. I barely need to use any shampoo, a quarter-size only, and I have a ton of hair. Typically I’ve had to rinse and repeat , but with Shielo – I use just the quarter-size and its perfect. Feels soooo good and its super hydrating.
I would recommend this to any gal with thick hair prone to getting dry.
Very nice article, thank you for sharing this information. I have had problems with dry hair my entire life. My hair is very thick and sort of wavy, sort of curly (it’s a weird combination). I always thought my hair was not pretty and it was very, very difficult for me to style it, so I generally would end up with a ponytail. I recently discovered an awesome natural shampoo that has worked miracles for me. A friend of mine recommended it to me a few months back, and I am completely in love with it. It is super natural, it is not heavy and it leaves my hair super hydrated, soft and silky. In fact it is not even called shampoo, it is a cleanser, since it does not lather. I really recommend it. It is called OLEIM Hair cleansing and conditioning cream. It can be found on Amazon or at their website. The friend who recommended it has very thin hair and it works for her, so I think it would work on all hair types, since it works for both of us, and we have opposite hair types. Thought I would share this information, since it took me so long to finally find a product that cleanses my hair and leaves it feeling amazing!
just use black sunsilk shampoo and if u want a great oil to grow your hairs taller and smoother if u live in hyderabad go to first lancer near masab tank there is a shop in which we get that oil it is great i love it it really works…..try it
I’m 14 &&’ I Straightened My Hair Everyday For About 4 Months . I’m Mixed – Black &&’ White – &&’ My Hair Used To Be SUPER Curly &&’ Now It’s Like Some Of My Hair Is Naturally Going Straight . I Got A Hair Cut &&’ Its Still Not Going Back ! Any Suggestions ?
Hi Jessica, it sounds like it may be damage from too much hair straightening. Give your hair a rest and it may come back but it will take some time. Good luck x
Hi,I am having curly hair.. i am having lot of gray hai so i used colour my hair… Now a days Hair loss is very high for me..While taking head bath, while brushing, while applying oil on scalpe all these times hair is lossing like anything.. Per day atleast 150-200 hair is falling.. Kinldy assist me on this problem.. What should i do to stop hair fall…
Tell me some homeremadies.. Thanks in advance
I have natural curly hair and I use a lot of mouse (crunchy curly hair) because i can’t find a a product that will leave my hair curly and NOT frizzy. I also have to wash my hair everyday because of the product in my hair. If i don’t wash it then it’s more frizzy and it’s gummed up.
Any Suggestions?
Hi Stephanie, I know a few things that will help but it’s not easier and will take a bit of time to transition your hair. Washing your hair every day is creating more frizz and so you are using more product on your hair. Mousse contains alcohol which is drying so every time you use product you’re creating more frizz. It’s a vicious cycle. You probably need to change shampoo and conditioner to a more gentle and moisturising range and use an oil or cream to moisturise your hair. It won’t look as perfect for the first week or two but will improve. I’d recommend talking to your hairdresser to get them to recommend a product to suit your hair. I’ll be posting more curly hair product reviews soon but everyone’s hair is different so you need to find what works for you. Good luck x
Hi my hair used to be a little long and then I cut it, it’s getting long again but it is quite wavey and a little bit dry. It is thick, which I hate, and I can’t get it more thin. If it is dry and I brush it, it goes fluffy! It is the same with my mum! Pleassssssse help? I have been trying to use more conditioner than shampoo but anymore tips? Xx
Have you tried a conditioning treatment? Check your shampoo and switch to a sulphate free shampoo too which can help if you have dry hair. Also the type of brush you use make a difference. If I brush my hair it goes crazy! If I want to smooth it I love my Mason Pearson bristle brush. Good luck! x PS. Remember that it’s a lot of work to deal with thick hair, but it’s better than dealing with superfine straight hair x
I wash my hair every other day and yet 3 hours later I have really greasy hair. How do I fix this?
Are you using the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair? Try a different brand and try to avoid touching your hair which can make it oilier too.
Hi….I am indian n I have wavy hair. its very dry. Few years back I had this hair fall after which it became really thin. Even after numerous treatments the density of my hair never thickened. At present I m undergoing a high frequency treatment under a beautician and she has given me a herbal oil to use every time before I shampoo my hair n a loreal professional shampoo for hair fall. But the oil is extremely sticky n the shampoo is too mild to wash off the oil. It leaves my hair greasy and after one day of washing it my hair becomes very frizzy. Please tell me what shampoo and conditioner to use which would wash off the oil as well as make my hair soft and help me get rid of the frizz.
Hi Priyanka, I’m not sure what treatment you’re having done so I would discuss this with your beautician. Perhaps she can suggest an alternative shampoo that will be better for your hair. Good luck.
Help I wash my hair everyday because I thought you were supposed to! But now I’m not supposed to? I don’t know whatever. Anyway recently I was sick so I didn’t wash my hair for like 3 days. Ew. Ever since then I went back to my normal hair routine of washing everyday. Now I can’t seem to find my part and get all the shampoo out of my hair!!!!! Ugh I’m so done with ugly greasy hair.
Hi Autumn, have you changed your shampoo? Why do you think your hair has changed in 3 days? Make sure you’re rinsing out all the shampoo and only using conditioner on the ends of your hair.
Is it okay to just rinse your hair every day? I love showers so wanted to know if it would act the same as washing it properly with shampoo and conditioner
It’s fine to rinse it every day x
Okay thank you 🙂 xx
Also I am not able to do hair styles because my hair is thin, can you please tell me if there is a way out to make my hair thicker?
Hi! I wrote about how to make your hair thicker here x
My scalp is too oil. my hair becomes oily without actual oil application. In that condition, I find the need of washing my hair every 3 days. I wanted to know, if this is the right solution.
Everyone’s hair is different but 3 days is a pretty good ratio. Remember there’s no right or wrong, it’s what suits your hair x
Thanks for this post and all the replies to comments. I’ve learned a lot in reading it!
I am starting to think I have naturally curly-ish hair, Type 2A. It’s fine but dense. When I was a kid, I had thin, flat hair but would get wisps everywhere, and it’d curl at the ends. In middle school, I cut it mid-length, and my hair became super poofy and dry looking. It looked like the head of a broom. So I started perming it about 8 years ago, and for the first time in my life, I got compliments on my hair. I’ve been using Catwalk Curls Rock only, with a diffuser, and I’ve been happy with it. But 8 years is a long time with one look. I wanted to look like “everyone else.”
Last week, I got my hair professionally colored (including highlights), and got most of the perm cut off. I started trying to style it and it’s been looking worse each time. Puffy, frizzy, dry looking. I tried a blow dryer brush (curl won’t hold, puffy, dry), curling iron (I’m a klutz, and same problem), and flat iron (curl held better, but still really dry and big). Even trying to blow dry it with special brushes like on YouTube turned it into a huge, puffy mess. So I started researching online.
I would really, really appreciate some advice on the following:
1. Should I abandon getting a sleek look / am I fighting a losing battle?
2. When I was using Curls Rock and a diffuser, I hadn’t yet heard of no-poo or co-washing. My oil control seemed fine and the hair didn’t look dry. Do you think I would still benefit from no-poo or co-washing?
3. Any specific product recommendations?
Thank you!
Hi Melanie, to answer your questions –
1. How much time do you have? Everyone can get a sleek look but it takes a lot of time for certain hair types. Be prepared to practice and put in more time, or embrace the natural wave in your hair.
2. While you were perming your hair, it makes your hair drier and that’s why there wasn’t any oil issues. As you’re still highlighting your hair I’d say you won’t have any problems. You can try it to see if it works for you, or switch to a sulphate free shampoo.
3. 2A type curls work best with mousses and light gels. There are some great suggestions here in the comments, or Toni & Guy spray gel is good.
Hope this helps! Christina
I make a homemade mask of olive oil, coconut oil and honey. Zap it in the microwave for 30 seconds and add to dry hair and leave on for as long as you can. Wash hair as normal. Leaves hair soft, shiny and helps moisturise and therefore define curls. I do this once a week:)
that sounds delicious Sarah! x
AH! No wonder my scalp is so itchy! I later in the conditioner right to my roots! stupid stupid! Thank you for bringing this to my attention!!!
I also believe i have some form of psoriasis too, any tips for people who have scalp psoriasis or sensitive scalps?
and think of all the conditioner you’ll save too Laurel! Psoriasis can be hard to treat as what works for one doesn’t suit another. My friend Nikki of Styling You wrote about psoriasis here http://www.stylingyou.com.au/2013/10/world-psoriasis-day/. I should ask her to post about her hair tips too. Good luck! x
I completely agree with #3. Lathering twice does not make sense. Even daily shampooing is not recommended by hair care experts, so you can only imagine what shampooing twice can do to your hair. It is all about finding the right shampoo that will address the needs of your hair texture and condition.
I have a hair mask, but i’m not sure if i’m using it right. The direction are different then the one your telling me.
Hi Melissa, most masks are used between shampoo and conditioner but follow the directions on the pack if they are different x
THanks for your tips i have never washed my hair in cold water so as you can imagine my hair is very damaged and dry on top i have super thick curly hair. But i will definitely start washing my hair less and in cold water. But how can i manage poofy hair?
Hi Lola, cool water can help but the right shampoo and conditioner will make a huge difference to your hair. Look for a sulphate free shampoo and always condition the ends of your hair. Try these tips for styling curly hair xx
Hi,It’s a great site for all of us (curly haired girls) I’d like to know if shampoo & conditioner are mixed in shampoo only is it right? I use Vatika shampoo but I think I haven’t got the right choice of shampoo and conditioner as after shampoo hair looks dry and frizzy.The problem is products don’t mention in their label whether they are sulphate free or not? Which shampoo and conditioner will be good to my scalp and hair? Please help….!
Waiting for your reply,thanks.
Thank you! I don’t know that brand of shampoo so can’t comment. If you’re not happy with the results try a more moisturising formula or a different brand x
hello,
i wanna know how to apply shampoo in the scalp and not in the tresses?
Hi, you use your fingertips to massage your scalp and concentrate the shampoo there. When you rinse it out it will wash your hair without you needing to apply more shampoo.
Hi, i’ve noticed that i have a problem with acne on my forehead where my hair meets, i’ve had this problem for so long!! i even get them past my hairline! any tips on how to get rid of them and prevent it from happening? and any acne products that are hair friendly if there is any?
Hi Brigid, it’s quite common and fringes/bangs can also cause skin problems. As with most skin issues, it’s hard to recommend a product as every one reacts differently. It will take some trial and error and I would consult your doctor to see if they can specify something for you. It might be a matter of wearing your hair back off your face to let your skin recover too. Good luck x
I come from Kerala.As per our custom ,we wash the hair daily and apply oil on the scalp before bathing.mMy hair is like partly curl as well as straight .I have dandruff and heavy hair fall.Could you please give me a remedy to my hair problem and hair care tips for this climate.Although I use antidandruff shampoo once in a week,i have no effect.
Hi Sherin, if you have a persistent problem you may need to use a medicated shampoo to address the cause of the dandruff. Ask your hairdresser if they can recommend a roduct specifically for your hair
Hi Hair Romance, Thank you for the great tips. I too have curly hair, very long and curly, but only since I moved to California. I have battled with it for years, manly what I considered frizz. Additionally, not all of my hair is curly. The front of my head is ringlet curly, whereas the back of my head boasts waves. My crown is also tight ringlets. What a mess! A couple of months ago a friend mentioned WEN by Chaz ?. What I have experienced in the last couple of months using it is this. My hair is considerably softer. Baby soft! My scalp has stopped itching with dry flakiness. So gross! I also realized, once all the crap on my hair was completely eradicated, my hair is extremely fine. Could that explain why I shed so much? I am beginning to think what I perceived as frizz is indeed fluff. It’s poofy, not frizzy? But in the end I still find myself looking for something to weight it down to create more definition. I don’t brush, wide-tooth combs only. I have also noticed I get those awful ratty tangles much more often. I hate those things! I am very conscious of styling products that contain alcohol. No matter how careful I am, my scalp reacts to the alcohol. On recommendation I am currently using Beyond the Zone- Smooth Criminal (hair primer). Its okay, its a detangling leave-in conditioner that protects the hair during heat styling. I don’t find it to be heavy enough, for me. Wow, that was a mouthful. I so would love it if you would have any advise. When first styled, very much to the same tune as your directions above, it looks great, as long as I don’t move or turn my head. As soon as my mane is disturbed by the slightest breeze, it turns into a cotton ball. A cotton ball that wants to be in my face all the time. I am convinced my hair is evil and continuously plots to annoy me! I know I have pretty hair I just don’t know how to help it be its best and out of my face. Needless to say it spends a lot of time caged to the back of my head in some form. Any thoughts? I would love to hear your thoughts on my evil cotton ball. Thanks for listening. My Best. 🙂
hi! Sounds like you’ve got a great routine for your hair. I’m not sure about the full ingredients list, so you’ll need to check you won’t react to it, but Unite Boing curl cream is great. Unite are a low chemical haircare range. See if their products suit your regime xx
When you take showers without washing your hair, do you let it get wet and restyle or wrap it in a towel?
Hi Maddi, I clip my hair up or wear a shower cap so my hair stays dry on days when I’m not washing it x
Do you have any recommendations for fragrance free hair products? I find that the choices are very limited and have been using Naturelle shampoo and conditioner. I shampoo & condition my hair every couple of days and just condition the rest of the time. I tried Naturelle’s gel (it was the only non-scented styling product I saw), but found that it seemed to weigh my hair down and made my curls string-like, so I found another no-name gel that isn’t as heavy that seems to work. I would like to find lighter products, but they all give a me migraine because of the smell. thanks
That’s a great question Senga. I’m not sure of any brands off the top of my head as I usually go for scented products. Let me look into it and I’ll come back to you with some suggestions x
*my scalp gets oily, itchy & flakey actually.. Ha
Hello, I love your posts! Curly hair really is tough to tame but it can be tame able 🙂 thanks for all the tips! I do have a question though 🙂 my hair tends to get oily, itchy and flakey after a few days of not shampooing it. I either use Suave’s color care shampoo or Selsun Blue’s deep cleansing micro bead scrub. I wash a few times since it tends to still feel gross and oily/greasy and Sometimes I use them one after the other. Is this bad? A lil info: My hair is pretty curly like yours, I am Mexican and tried dying my naturally fuzzy-split dry ended-tons of falling out- black hair to an “auburn” color bout 4-5 months ago. (Did not work haha). I only condition my hair once after all the shampooing and apply from midlength to ends already and let it sit for a few mins before rinsing. I also sometimes use colder water to “seal” it when i feel like it 🙂
Oh Should I stop using the color care shampoo now? Haha 🙂
Thanks in advance!
Hi Crystal! Thanks for your comments. I haven’t tried those brands but check the labels to see if they contain sulphates (sodium lauryl sulphate or ammonium lauryl sulphate etc) as these can be quite harsh on your scalp. Switch to a sulphate free shampoo and see how you go. Sulphate free doesn’t lather as much but you still get clean hair and they are less drying on your scalp. Curly hair loves moisture so look for a moisturising shampoo. Good luck xx
I have extremely curly hair and I wash my hair, strictly, every other day. I use a moisture rich shampoo/conditioner and follow MOST of your procedures above. However, anytime I use
‘curl cream’, ‘mouse’, or anything other than low-holding GEL, my hair is ridiculous. I like to throw my hair over my shoulders though out the day, and anything other than gel makes my curls look like a fro – no defintion, and I hate soft curls with no volume.
Thanks for sharing your curly tips Katy!
I have hair just a tad more curly than yours and I’ve found that if you don’t have time to let your hair air dry it works wonders if instead of using a towel to use a cotton t-shirt.
Thanks Clarissa, glad you’re loving your curls too!
Thank you SO MUCH. This is a terrific post! No wonder my hair always has knots and is greasy. A( I always lather my hair and B) I put conditioner on my roots. Tonight, when I wag my hair, I’m going to use your tips. Again, thank you very much. I really appreciate it!
Thanks Molly! Xx
I like John Frieda’s Curl Perfecting Spray ( I believe that is what it is called) I really helps random limp curls. The ends of my curls tend to be straight and this spray helps them look more curly. It also makes curls more defined but not totally stiff and crunchy. I also use Kenra curl cream. I have to get it from my hair stylist as it isn’t available to just normal people. 🙂 I bleached the shiz out of my hair and my curls were pissed. Kenra really helped my curls curl.
Thanks for sharing your product tips Beth! X
Dawn dish soap!! Rids hair of “grease” and leaves it feeling ooh so clean!
Hi Alisha, soap isn’t good for your skin or your hair. The detergent is too harsh and drying.
I use Organix macademia oil line…it makes my hair look absolutely great
Thanks for the tip Jennifer!
I just want to say THANK YOU. I’ve enjoyed reading your post on this, everyone’s comments and your always nice replies. I tried the no-poo thing once years ago and am going to give it a try again. I just had to buy a new hair dryer this weekend, and it’ll have a diffuser so I am looking forward to it arriving tomorrow. I normally let my hair air dry and it ends up partly curly, partly straight, and partly wavy with some frizz. It has been so damaged the last few years – split ends that I can’t seem to get rid of no matter how often I get it cut – but only on the top outer layer. I used to live in the city, but now live in the country and have well water so I’m wondering if there could be something in my water causing that top layer to be so damaged???
Hi Camille, thanks so much for your lovely comments. It could be that there is a high mineral content in your well water, often referred to as “hard water”. If this si the case, no-poo may be harder to maintain but it’s worth trying again. Hard water can leave a mineral build up on your hair so you may need to use a clarifying shampoo fortnightly or weekly to really clean your hair. If you notice limescale builds up easily, this is a sign that you live in a hard water area. Regular moisturising treatments will help keep your hair soft despite the hard water. Good luck xx
I have tried for 40 years to tame my crazy curly hair. I am always looking for “THE” product to miraculously change my hair into the beautiful curly mane I KNOW I can have. Unfortunately, no ONE product is good for ANY one head. What’s right for me may not be for someone else. Thus….the quest continues. I have tried every home treatment to every expensive one and have come up with what (for the time being) works for me. I have NO oil in my hair…I could go for weeks without washing my hair and it would never look dirty. The problem for me is product….I can wet my hair and put product in it every day but I will eventually have so much product in my hair that I HAVE to wash it. Plus, in the winter my scalp get’s SO SO dry and gets flaky. I can go about 4 days without washing my hair and I have been through the gammit of shampoos and clarifying shampoos to know which I can use and which are damaging for me. It seems NOTHING inexpensive will work (bummer for me) and the “curly girl” line worked for a while. Now, I use vinegar to clarify my hair – it removes all the product and I don’t need to use the shampoos. Also, shampoos without Sulfates are a MUST…. but it is weird to wash and not have any suds.
I have two thick conditioners I leave in my hair before I bundle it in a towel to dry. I have no combs, brushes or hairdriers (ALL damaging for curly curly hair). Then I use a mixture of Curls Rock and Silk and let it dry naturally. It works for me…. but still looking for the “miracle”
Hi Patty, sounds like you have a lot of experience with curls! I agree sulphate free is a must for curls but you still need to find the routine for your hair x
I have a natural curl, ringlet, frizz, wave thing going myself and have just recently started treating it like I should. I honestly didn’t realize how to curly it was until I had it permed in middle school, I just didn’t know how to take care of it/style it.
Currently I am using and loving Aveeno Pure Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner, both are sulfate free. I only shampoo every 2-3 days but will use conditioner every day, especially the ends. And I only use Bumble and Bumble Sea Spray for product, I’ve found it’s the best at helping define my curls without being crunchy. And I honestly don’t think my hair looks better then when I’m at the beach and getting the actual spray from the sea. Drying with a diffuser as really recently (think last 2 weeks) become my friend, I’ve always just let it air dry however that’s hard to do when it’s winter and super cold.
Thanks for the tips! I think my next change in hair care will be to switch from “drying” with a towel to an old t-shirt or microfiber.
Thanks Shan and thanks for sharing your routine. Diffusers are a must on cold winter mornings, and see how you go with a tshirt or microfibre towel. I find it makes a difference to my hair x
Hi! I’m a curly girl, think Merida from Brave down to the color. I’ve done my trials and found some brands that work for me, I love Jessicurl and Miss Jessie as well as just good normal coconut oil. With hair like mine I’ve been through every bottle on the shelf…..and then some hahaha.
My question is I can always get the sides of my hair to curl like they should, and half of the back (maybe the left one day maybe the right) but never the whole back of my hair. I flip over when I use the defuser, a microfiber towel and the “plopping” method…..I don’t over product. So is it just a case of a curls gonna do what a curls gonna do? Or is there anything I can do?
Hi Jenn! Your hair sounds gorgeous. It’s really common to have different curl patterns around your head. I have some weird straight sections at the back and some super ringlets at the front. You can encourage the curls but I often grab a small curling iron and just fix the bits that aren’t curling right!
Hi
I do karate, so I sweat a lot, aspecially around my face, so I usually have to either wear a headband at karate (which I rarely do because I’m almost always running late), or I wash
my hair almost every day, besides Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. I’ll definitely try this method and let you know later.
Thanks, let me know how you go!
hey m having curly hairs and hairfall…. how to stop it?? please tell me and which conditner is best for me???
It’s normal to lose around 100 hairs each day. The best conditioner for curly hair is one that is moisturising and hydrating and curly hair tends to be dry.
All but 7 are true. Rinsing with cool water does nothing but ruin a perfectly warm shower. The temperature of the water has no effect on the cuticle of the hair. It is the pH that matters. Cool water and warm water both have a pH of 7, which will lift the cuticle. The key is using products that have a low pH especially after your final rinse. Using a leave in conditioner with a low pH (3.0) will help lay the cuticle down and eliminate frizz creating soft, shiny hair! Try Z.One Concept Milk_Shake Leave in Conditioner or Milk_Shake whipped cream leave in foam.
Thanks Abigail, I’ve never heard that before. That’s so interesting!
I REALLY like the deep conditioning mask my Macadamia. I found mine at a local Target. A much cheaper option would be the Aussie 3-Minute Miracle. Found it at Target for around $3-$4.
Thanks Lexi! Macadamia oil is great for hair and I agree, Aussie products are great value
These are some great tips! Thank you! I’ve heard a lot of different things about shampooing or not shampooing your hair, people saying it’s bad if I don’t wash it because it will get greasy or hearing that shampooing it every day will dry it out. Can you shed some light on this for me? My scalp is always very dry too, to the point of flaking a bit, so I either hear people telling to to scrub my scalp to get the dry skin off, or condition it. Obviously none of that works, but I’m just really confused. I have very thick, very curly hair that needs conditioning and for me to take good care of it, but I have no idea how to. Any help? Thanks!
Hi Chelsea! Yes, it can be very confusing as there’s not a one size fits all solution. Just like our skin, our scalps react differently. With curly hair, it’s usually drier than other hair types. Shampoos containing sulphates can dry your hair and scalp out even more. Switch to a sulphate free product and use a weekly conditioning treatment on your hair to help add more moisture. I’ve written more tips for how to style curly hair which may also help. It may take a little trial and error but you’ll find an easy routine that will keep your curls looking great in no time x