Be Kind to Your Curls
POV: It’s 2011. You throw on your chevron top, leggings and knee-high boots. You top off the outfit with a chunky necklace and wouldn’t dare leave the house without your infinity scarf. But, the real showstopper: a tightly wound, perfectly spherical, ballerina bun. This hairstyle was a fashion staple (despite the repercussion of a receding hairline from making it just a little too tight). But as time goes on, fashion evolves, and the ballerina bun era has come to a close. For those of us who wore that style every day, it was a tragic loss and a major realization: how the hell do we wear our hair now? For all the curly-haired girls out there, this one’s for you. Below are some tips and tricks on how to manage your curls from a curly-girly herself!
Cool It Down
Once the ballerina bun era ended, flat irons were calling our names. The easy fix was to make it as pin-straight as possible, hiding any sign of a curl. This consistent usage of heat on curly hair is an absolute NO. Overusing hot tools like straighteners can ruin the curl pattern and texture. This is not to say that we can never use heat, it’s just about finding the right ways to do so without damaging your hair and not doing it every single day. Using heat protectants on your hair before applying any tools helps to keep your hair smooth, combat frizz and avoid damage to your hair.
Learn What Works & What Doesn’t
As previously mentioned, the ballerina bun worked for quite some time, until it didn’t… but that’s okay! Curly hair is all about experimentation; this includes products, styles, coloring, you name it! One thing to know is that curly hair thrives when there are layers in it. Layers help with dimension, as well as framing the face. Each curl type is different, so it’s important to discuss with a stylist to see which style is right for you.
Finding the right products based on your curl pattern will help to structure and maintain your curls day and night. If you’re first starting to experiment with your curls, a strong recommendation is to comb the “It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-in Product” through after washing your hair. After, take the “Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie” and scrunch it through your hair to lock in your curls and give some extra hold. Shea Moisture shampoo and conditioner are also great products if you’re looking to try something new!
Last of all, a microfiber towel for drying your hair is essential. Microfiber towels are gentler on hair and reduce frizz. Normal towels generally absorb too much water when drying, causing breakage and dryness. DevaCurl is a great option if you’re looking to invest in a microfiber towel; we highly recommend it!
Let ‘Em Go!
In the end, it all comes down to one thing: let them go. The more you touch your curls, the frizzier they’ll get, so just let them be. This may be an uncomfortable feeling at first, but once you get acclimated to the style, it gets much easier.
Finding confidence in our natural hair can be incredibly difficult, as it takes some time to figure out what works for you. We hope these snippets of advice can help you learn to love your curls!
Curious to find your curl pattern? Learn more from Allure’s curly hair type chart!