To treat and style curly and thick hair, keep it moisturized and keep it from tangling. Wash your hair at least twice a week with a sulfate-free conditioner and shampoo. Apply moisturizer to keep it soft, and use styling tools that protect (rather than damage) thick, wavy strands. Once you know how to best care for your hair, you can turn wild curls into manageable ones.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Washing Hair
Step 1. Wash your hair every two or three days
If you wash your hair too often, your hair's natural oils will be eroded from your scalp. Choose two or three days a week to wash your hair. On a non-washing day, slightly dampen your hair and massage the roots with a leave-in conditioner.
Step 2. Use a sulfate-free shampoo
Sulfate detergents are usually too harsh for curly hair. The accumulation of sulfate residue on the scalp can cause dryness and irritation. For washing your hair, choose natural alternatives (such as coconut or olive oil-based products).
- Sulfate-based shampoos are usually more foamy than sulfate-free alternatives. So, use less sulfate-free shampoo than you think is necessary.
- Sulfate-free shampoos will reduce the incidence of “lion hair” compared to shampoos that contain sulfates.
Step 3. Separate the hair into sections so that they can be washed thoroughly
Usually, thick and curly hair can't be cleaned evenly. So, divide the hair into 4 to 6 sections. Roll or pinch the section. Remove the rolls one by one and wash them thoroughly. Pinch again when you're done, and continue with the next section.
This method may take longer, but your hair will not tangle easily and can be cleaned thoroughly
Step 4. Wash hair only with conditioner once a week
This technique is specially made for curly or curly hair. Use less shampoo, and only use conditioner to hydrate your hair. Reducing the use of shampoo can make your hair softer, smoother, and less frizzy like a lion's hair.
- This method is usually very good for dry hair because the hair can retain its natural oils.
- Don't avoid shampoo altogether. Use shampoo and conditioner alternately so that your hair is not greasy. Remember that conditioner doesn't clean your hair the way shampoo does.
Step 5. Do deep conditioning at least twice a month
Curly hair tends to be drier and requires a lot of hydration to stay healthy and thick. Wash your hair with a deep conditioning product every two weeks and let it sit for 10–30 minutes before washing it off. You don't need to wash your hair during the week of deep conditioning.
Method 2 of 3: Styling Curly or Curly Hair
Step 1. Comb the hair while it is still wet
If you wait for it to dry, your hair will likely tangle. Take the comb to the bathroom, and smooth out the curls when the conditioner hasn't been rinsed off. You can comb your hair again after a shower or while styling your hair, but this initial brushing keeps your hair tangle free.
Step 2. Use a special comb to untangle the tangles
For example, a wide-toothed comb can maintain curls and prevent split ends. You can also use your fingers to comb and untangle your hair while showering. Don't use any kind of brush, as the brush will add volume and make your hair grow wildly.
Step 3. Dry hair naturally, or with a diffuser
Heat can damage thick or curly hair. Use a soft towel or T-shirt to dry your hair. If you need to dry your hair quickly, turn your hairdryer on a cool setting and attach a diffuser to the ends. The diffuser will distribute the heat evenly and will not damage the pattern of the curls.
Step 4. Avoid straightening and curling
Hot tools that come into direct contact with the hair can cause split ends. Stay away from hot tools and use natural alternatives, such as hair bands or rollers. If you must use a heat tool, buy a high-quality tool and use a heat protectant before styling your hair.
Step 5. Apply moisturizer when hair is fluffy
Lion hair is usually caused by the heat and humidity of the air so that the hair becomes dry. Moisturizers such as coconut oil or cream can restore curls to their original pattern.
Choose natural oils, not synthetic alternatives. Natural products will absorb into the hair, while synthetic products only on the surface
Step 6. Use as much product as recommended on the package
The build-up of hair products can cause dryness and breakage. Don't use too much moisturizer. Read and follow the instructions. On days you use multiple products, wash your hair at night.
Method 3 of 3: Cutting Hair
Step 1. Trim the ends of your hair every month or two for healthy growth
Thick hair usually has split ends so that it becomes limp. Go to the salon every 6–8 weeks (or when hair looks stringy). Cutting thick and curly hair requires special techniques. So, if you're not a stylist, visit an expert familiar with curly hair.
Trimming the ends of the hair is important to reduce split ends. Otherwise, the split ends will cause the strands to break
Step 2. Ask the hair stylist to make your hair thinner
Thick hair, especially curly hair, can make your head feel heavy. Instead of cutting only 2–5 cm, ask the hairdresser to reduce the volume. If you can't control it anymore, say that you want lighter, bouncy hair.
Step 3. Choose a layered hairstyle
Long layer styles are great for giving thick hair a natural look and reducing weight. In addition, a layer that is added properly can beautify curls or curls. Ask if the stylist can add texture to the back when your hair is thinned.
Step 4. Avoid bangs
Short and curly bangs don't seem sweet and old-fashioned. Don't ask your stylist to give you bangs unless you really want to. Ask for a haircut that frames your face for a similar effect and a prettier look.
Step 5. Cut short to make hair easier to manage
Long curly hair sometimes can't be tamed. If you can't find a way to control it, ask your stylist for a short cut. The volume of short hair is more controllable, especially with styles that are longer in the front than the back.
Tips
- Don't rush when styling your hair. It takes patience to manage thick and curly hair.
- Study all hair products before using them to make sure they are suitable for curly hair. Some products can make curly hair more fluffy and dry.
- You will need to dabble in several styling before finding one that works for curly hair. The right hairstyle depends on its thickness and texture. Feel free to experiment until you find the one that suits you best.
Warning
- Alcohol-based products can dry out curly hair, making it more bouncy. Check if the product you are using contains alcohol. Usually, salon-quality products have minimal or no alcohol content. Meanwhile, supermarket brands have a larger content.
- Avoid cotton pillowcases as they can tangle your hair. Use a satin pillowcase or wrap your hair in a satin scarf.
