Caring for curly hair

Having curly hair takes time and patience, you know, but with the right knowledge and our advice it will be really easy to take care of your hair and you too will be able to say I Love Curly

We have already talked about the various types of hair ( What type is your hair? ) and we know that they are classified according to their characteristics: type 1 hair is straight; type 2 hair is wavy; type 3 hair is curly and 4 is afro curly. In this article we will cover curly hair comprehensively.

How to wash curly hair

Have you ever stopped to think about this? The way you wash your hair can have a significant impact on its health.

Curls are hair that is drier and frizzier than others. This happens because the sebum produced in the scalp has a harder time traveling up the hair shaft, which can cause oily buildup at the roots and dryness at the ends of the hair.

Wash less to wash better

Better not to overdo the washing. It is sufficient to wash them 2-3 times a week, limiting yourself to 1-2 weekly washes if extremely dry/arid. The risk is that they lose their natural shape and elasticity.

It’s an individual decision that depends on the type of curl, however if you notice problems with dryness at the ends, you can consider adopting a co-washing practice. This method involves washing your hair without using shampoo, using only the Conditioner. This approach allows you to preserve the hair’s natural oils to achieve greater hydration, shine and health, while reducing frizz and skin irritation. Our recommendation is Maria Nila Coils & Curls Co-Wash

You wash your hair, not the shampoo

The products are not all the same. Choose the shampoo, conditioner and mask specific to your hair, hydrating and preferably of natural origin and free of sulphates. An aggressive shampoo dries out the hair and makes all our efforts useless.

Wet your hair with warm water (never hot), apply shampoo and give a nice massage with your fingers to activate circulation. This will help the hydrating ingredients in the shampoo reach the roots of your hair.

Do not use excessive amounts of shampoo. Avoid exaggerating with friction and rubbing: it is important to be delicate.

For rinsing, it is advisable to use a generous quantity of fresh water, in order to help the cuticles close and increase their shine.

Here are our favorites for skin and hair care:

• Maria Nila Coils & Curls Co-Wash – Shea butter, jojoba, aloe vera and vitamin E make this conditioner hydrating, detangling and nourishing for all curly hair types.
• Maria Nila True Soft – For naturally dry hair. With Argan oil with a strong smoothing power, antioxidants and fatty acids that preserve hydration.
• Maria Nila Structure Repair – The ideal solution for damaged, dry and chemically treated hair. Delicate formula that hydrates and strengthens the structure and regenerates without the use of sulfates and parabens.
• Maria Nila Soothing Dry Shampoo – Combines styling and scalp care. It instantly refreshes your hair and provides a soothing and refreshing sensation.
• OLAPLEX Nº 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo – Repairs and protects hair from the effects of daily stress, including damaged hair, split ends and frizz, by reuniting broken bonds.
• OLAPLEX Nº 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo – Highly concentrated, anti-yellow, cleanses and gives a cooler tone. Perfect for turning off warm post-highlight tones.

How to care for and treat curly hair

You need a careful curly routine, which counteracts frizz and the disheveled and messy appearance. It is important to add an extra step after shampooing to deeply nourish both the scalp and the ends and make the hair healthier. Curly hair needs strength and nourishment to appear strong and vital.

Let’s find out together how they differ and when to use conditioner and mask; the two products act in a complementary manner and with different effects on the hair.

Conditioner

The conditioner acts on the surface of the hair, strengthening it and protecting it from external agents. Its goal is to discipline the hair, make it softer and easier to comb; Furthermore, it reduces friction between the strands and fights frizz, providing shine and improving the overall appearance.

To evenly distribute the conditioner on the lengths, you can help yourself with your fingers or with a wide-toothed comb, preferably made of wood or bamboo.

Do you know the STC method?
To apply conditioner there is a technique known as Squish to Condish or “STC”. What is it about? The hair must be completely soaked; you tilt your head downwards. In this position, you apply the conditioner to all your hair, distributing it carefully. Subsequently, you take the water with your hands and begin to squeeze the hair several times, to ensure a good mixing between the water and the conditioner: this allows the product to penetrate deeper into the hair. After repeating this procedure, you can rinse with plenty of warm or cool water.

• OLAPLEX Nº 3 Hair Perfector – Before shampooing. Repairs and prevents damage for visibly healthier and stronger hair after the first application.
• Maria Nila Coils & Curls Oil In Cream – Rich leave-in cream that defines, nourishes and detangles all types of waves. A small amount on wet hair after your wash routine.
• Maria Nila True Soft Conditioner – Detangler for naturally dry hair.
• Maria Nila Structure Repair Conditioner – For damaged, dry and chemically treated hair.
• OLAPLEX Nº 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner – Specially formulated to repair damage caused by heat styling, frequent coloring, mechanical damage, UV rays and environmental pollution.

Mask

The hair mask has hydrating, repairing and nourishing properties; manages to restore humidity inside the hair, making it stronger and restoring hydration, elasticity and shine.

The composition is slightly different. In fact, the acidity level of a good conditioner is around 4.5, which allows the product to seal the cuticles, improving the combability and reflection of the hair. The pH of the mask is around 5.5. This allows the product to open the cuticles, deeply nourishing and hydrating the hair structure. If we have the possibility to follow a Luxury Curl routine and decide to use 3 products, the conditioner must always be applied last.

• Maria Nila Coils & Curls Finishing Treatment Masque – Defines curls, deeply nourishes all types of waves, curls and ringlets.
• OLAPLEX Nº 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask – Highly concentrated repairing mask that adds shine, softness and body, while offering intense hydration to treat damaged hair.

Booster

In recent times, hair care companies have launched booster products on the market, with fast and powerful action. Their strong point is represented by the short duration of application and the greater effectiveness in obtaining results.

Caring for naturally curly hair requires a subsequent step after washing, for colored curly hair or curly hair with highlights / balayage the use of conditioner / mask is vital to give shine to the hair and keep hair beautiful and healthy.

When choosing which products are best for your hair and which are the right products for the result you want to achieve, don’t just rely on the label. The words “Shampoo for curly hair” are not enough; prefer quality products and when possible natural products, check the ingredients and the philosophy of the brand.

• OLAPLEX Nº 7 Bonding Oil – With a few precious drops of this oil, the damaged hair fiber will be repaired, giving a luminous, soft and easy to manage appearance.
• K18 molecular repair hair oil – The innovative Biotech that fights frizz in a different way by tackling it immediately and in the long term.
• Maria Nila True Soft Booster Masque
• Maria Nila Structure Repair Masque

How to dry curly hair

Whatever the type of curly hair, remember to dry with delicate movements, without using brushes when they are dry and when the season allows it, leave your hair to dry in the open air!

Upside down with the hairdryer

Ideal method for obtaining voluminous hair. Attach the diffuser to the hairdryer, set the temperature to medium and lower your head forward. Begin drying from the root, working towards the ends, gathering and gently tightening the hair with your hands to add volume. Once almost dry, return your head to an upright position and use cold air to set the roots.

Upside down with the hairdryer

This technique is recommended if you want to obtain hair with less volume. Attach the diffuser, adjust the medium temperature and start drying starting from the roots and proceeding towards the ends.

Plopping

Replace the hairdryer with a microfibre or cotton cloth that allows excess water to be absorbed: it is advisable to use an old t-shirt. Avoid using a terry towel, as it can absorb too much water and risk damaging your hair. Place the cloth on a flat surface, position your head in the center and gradually tilt it allowing the hair to fold in on itself. Wrap the cloth around the back of your neck and then secure it in front to create a turban (without tightening too much). Stay in this position until your hair dries. This drying method is perfect during the summer. When it’s colder, you can finish drying your hair with a hairdryer on low or medium heat, keeping the turban on your head and then leaving your hair loose.

Clipping

If you are struggling with the famous “umbrella” hair due to flat roots, this technique is perfect for you. The clipping method involves lifting the roots one strand at a time with tongs or bobby pins, creating volume before drying the hair. After drying (with a hairdryer or plopping), leave the tongs on your head for a while to fix the volume obtained.

How to style curly hair

Styling curly hair is an art, but with some helpful tips and the right specific products, you can achieve amazing results. When it comes to styling curly hair, it’s important to consider your scalp and hair itself to ensure your curly hair is cared for. Comb only when the hair is still damp and use liquid, cream or hydrating oil products, no sprays or hairspray. Curly hair can be different from other hair types such as straight or fine hair, so it is important to choose the best specially formulated products.

• Maria Nila Salty Mist – To achieve a “Beach Waves” look with a touch of nourishment and light hold.
• Maria Nila Salty Cream – With this texturizing cream, you can achieve both a wet and natural look, depending on your style and preferences.
• Maria Nila Curlicue Cream – Designed to ensure long-lasting definition of curls and waves, helping you achieve a flawless look.
• Maria Nila Coils & Curls WEIGHTLESS CURL DEFINER – Styling gel with a light hold that hydrates and defines.
• Maria Nila Coils & Curls LUSCIOUS CURL DEFINER – A rich styling gel for curly hair that defines, deeply hydrates hair, with medium, buildable hold.

If you want to tie your hair back, be sure to use soft elastics if you have brittle hair that breaks easily. Avoid ones that are too tight or hurt your hair. We recommend trying Invisibobble LOOP+ Be Strong or Invisibobble SPRUNCHIE Extra Hold Pure White

Only for Curly Girls

We conclude our journey into the Curly world with the latest tips and remedies for caring for your curls.

Silk is a friend of hair and in particular curly hair. Only 100% natural silk, synthetic fibers should be avoided. Sleep on a silk pillowcase. Protect yourself from the sun with a silk scarf.

Everything we’ve talked about, advice and products, hair type and various techniques can’t help but start from the cut. Wavy hair or hair with defined curls deserves a nice cut, done by a professional who loves curls at least as much as you do. (a cut is forever)