Curing hair can be quite difficult sometimes, especially if it gets dry or damaged. Luckily, regular use of conditioners, natural oils, and deep-moisturizing conditioners can help restore healthy curls and protect them from damage.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Regular Conditioner
Step 1. Choose the conditioner you like
Make sure to use the shampoo and conditioner you like. Look at the label and make sure that both products are formulated for curly hair.
- The lightweight formula with gentle moisture is suitable for loose and oily curly hair. Meanwhile, the more concentrated formula is more suitable for tight and dry curly hair.
- Tight curly hair usually requires a cream conditioner.
- Dry curly hair needs a conditioner with a strong moisturizer or oil.
- For damaged curly hair, buy a special conditioner for damaged hair.
Step 2. Use conditioner
Curly hair tends to be dry and damaged at the ends because this is the oldest part of the hair. Prioritize the use of conditioner on the ends of the hair then gently smooth it upwards. Apply more conditioner at the ends of your hair and then smooth it towards the roots. That way, your natural hair shape will be maintained because the oil does not accumulate at the hair roots.
Step 3. Let the conditioner sit on your hair for 5-20 minutes
Leave the conditioner on your hair for at least 5 minutes. You can extend the conditioner time to 15 or 20 minutes if your hair is badly damaged or completely dry.
Step 4. Rinse hair with cold water
Rinse hair thoroughly with cold water to lock in hair's natural oils while smoothing it by closing the cuticle. Comb your hair with your fingers or use a wide-toothed comb to untangle your hair while rinsing.
A wide-toothed comb will be very useful to help straighten curly hair tightly
Step 5. Use a no-rinse product (optional)
There are many companies that make leave-in conditioners or hair masks, especially for curly hair. This product can provide additional protection and make it easier for you to style curly hair. Use this product as directed on the package, leave it on, and style your hair as usual.
Step 6. Let the hair dry by itself
Allowing your hair to dry on its own is the best way to prevent frizz and frizz. If you usually rely on a blow dryer to style your hair, try other methods of curling or straightening your hair.
Step 7. Use the hairdressing equipment with the lowest temperature option
Too high a temperature can damage curly hair! If you use curling irons, straighteners, or hot combs, set them to the lowest temperature option. If you use a curling iron, choose a wide diameter roller to avoid excessive heat exposure.
Method 2 of 3: Using Oil
Step 1. Choose the right oil for your hair
Oil is a natural hair treatment option without the chemicals or risk of product build-up. However, which oil is right for you is determined by the texture of your hair and your own taste.
- Jojoba oil is very light so it's less sticky than other options. This oil is suitable for all types of curly hair, but is best for loose curls.
- Coconut oil can seep into the hair to restore its strength, and is great for frizzy hair. Unfortunately, some people may not like the smell of this oil.
- Olive oil and grapeseed oil are medium-viscosity oils that are suitable for medium to dense curls. Besides being able to make your hair smooth and shiny, olive oil can also help overcome itching and dandruff on the scalp. Just keep in mind that olive oil has a strong aroma so it may not be liked by everyone.
Step 2. Heat the oil with warm water
Warm oils are easier to apply to hair because they are usually liquid. However, don't heat the oil in the microwave or on the stove as it can cause burns! Simply put the oil in a container then soak it in a bowl of warm water until it feels warm enough.
You have to warm the coconut oil until it melts as it is a solid at room temperature. However, if the temperature is warm enough, this oil may melt on its own
Step 3. Protect your clothes
Oil can leave permanent stains on clothes. So, make sure to wear a protective coat, apron, or raincoat over clothes before starting.
Step 4. Apply the oil to the hair starting from the ends
Use about 30 ml of oil to start, and add more if necessary. Start using the oil from the ends of your hair and then spread it upwards. Rub the oil into your hair while combing your hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to untangle the tangles. Be careful not to touch the oil directly on your scalp as it can clog the pores!
Step 5. Let the oil sit on your hair for 5-20 minutes
Allowing your hair to absorb the oil will help it retain its nutrients as well as repair the damage. Leave the oil for about 5 minutes. However, if the damage to your hair is severe, you can leave the oil on for a maximum of 20 minutes.
Step 6. Rinse hair with cold water
Cold water can help lock in the oil treatment. Removing the oil from your hair may take significantly longer than rinsing your regular conditioner. Make sure to wash off all the oil on your hair! Otherwise, your hair will look limp. After that, let your hair dry on its own.
Method 3 of 3: Using a Deep Conditioning Treatment
Step 1. Choose a conditioner that is able to deeply moisturize
A deep moisturizing conditioner can help tame very frizzy or frizzy hair. This option is great for treating damaged hair! Be sure to choose a deep conditioner formulated for curly hair. The best deep conditioners for your hair contain ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, keratin, argan oil, coconut oil. You can also purchase a deep conditioner that contains protein to treat heavily damaged hair. Look for ingredients such as collagen hydrolyzate, Panthenol, soy protein, or glycoprotein.
Step 2. Use the product according to the instructions for use
Use the product from the tips to the roots of the hair like a regular conditioner.
Step 3. Use heat (optional)
This step is not mandatory, but the heat will open the hair cuticles, allowing the conditioner to penetrate deeper. However, using a blow dryer can actually damage curly hair. So, soak 3-4 small towels in cold water, wring them out, then heat them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. Wrap a towel around your head and leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4. Rinse hair with cold water
Rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water to remove any remaining conditioner. You can untangle your hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb.
Step 5. Shampoo
Wash as usual with shampoo for curly hair. Be sure to wash your hair in a downward motion before rinsing (to prevent tangling). You can use your regular conditioner afterwards to help lock the conditioner deep in your hair, but this step isn't absolutely necessary.
Step 6. Part the hair
If you have long hair, part it into 6-8 sections so it's easier to manage. Untangle the hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb if necessary. However, be careful because hair that is still wet is usually more prone to breakage.
Step 7. Use another product
If you want to use rollers, styling products, or hair masks without a rinse, you can do so now before letting your hair dry on its own.
Step 8. Repeat regularly
Deep conditioners are not intended for daily use. However, you should use this product regularly. If your hair is heavily damaged, do this treatment every day. Otherwise, once a month is pretty good too!
Tips
- Sulfates (such as ammonium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate) are present in most shampoos, but they can dry out and damage curls. Consider buying a sulfate-free shampoo, stop using shampoo or just shampoo with conditioner, which are techniques that are quite popular with frizzy-haired women.
- Consider braiding or twisting your hair to protect it. You can leave this hairstyle for 1 or 2 months to reduce hair damage from environmental exposure. However, don't let this hairstyle last more than 2 months or your hair may get very frizzy.
- The need for curly hair may vary in different seasons. In the rainy season, use more liquid products and/or less leave-in products to prevent creases and emphasize texture. Meanwhile, in the dry season, switch to a more concentrated cream product and use more conditioner to deal with dry and hot weather.
- It is very important to use conditioner after swimming either in the sea or in a chlorinated pool.
Warning
- Sunlight can damage hair. Look for a conditioner that contains sunscreen, or wear a wide hat or scarf while spending time in the sun.
- Don't brush curly hair as this can break it and ruin its natural shape.
- If you are using an essential oil, dilute it first with a thinner oil (not water) before applying it to any part of the body, be it hair or skin.
