Is that your natural hair? Do you curl your hair every day? What products do you use? How do you style your hair? The amount of hair questions I’ve received in my life are ENDLESS! Both of my parents have curly hair so, naturally, I do too! I took after my Dad’s hair which is more of a softer curl. Although people seem to be fascinated with my hair, I’ve had more of a love/hate relationship with it. I often times think about how much easier my life would be if I had straight hair. We all want what we don’t have right?
This has taken TONS of trial and error and the testing of a myriad of hair products throughout the course of my curly haired life but, this routine has proven to be simple, cost effective and fool proof. Nothing ground breaking here – just a routine that my hair has come to love! I should start by saying that I wash my hair only twice a week. I know you’re probably cringing at the thought of that but, the truth is, the more I wash my hair, the more I am stripping away the natural oils that my curls so desperately need to stay nice and hydrated. I also NEVER comb my hair. I know, so weird right? If I were to comb my hair it would be ‘fro city! Instead, I finger comb my hair when I’m washing it in the shower and THAT’S IT. Now, the fun part. What gives my curls life? Read on to find out!
Step 1:
After washing my hair with, typically, a coconut-based shampoo and conditioner (I find this hydrates my hair really well and, of course, smells amazing!) I towel dry my tresses and apply a good dollop of Lush’s R&B Hair Moisturizer. Dude, this smells SOOO good. Like REALLY good. It’s a thick formula that can be used as a leave-in conditioner or overall hair style cream, but I like it best as a leave in conditioner. I then allow my hair to air dry. I’m not a fan of hair diffusers as I find it does more damage than good – hello ‘fro city again!
Step 2:
Prep work. I usually like to style my hair the day AFTER I wash it. I find if I style it on the same day it’s washed, it just doesn’t work out. My hair just goes limp and the curls just don’t look the same! So, I sleep with my hair in a bun and let it rest for next day styling!
Step 3:
Time to style. Now that my hair has had a day to rest, it’s ready for product! I use a spray bottle and mist water all over to dampen the curls. I use a towel to gently pat away excess water if I’ve been over zealous with the spray bottle! I part my hair to the left and then work in 3 sections – back, and sides. I take a styling gel and apply a generous amount to each section of my hair. I then finish each section of hair with an extra-hold hairspray (no aerosol though!).
Simple right? I told you. Everyone’s curls are different so it’s about finding what works best for you! I’ve used so many products in the best but have since, kept things simple as I find this to be the most effective. Leave-in conditioner is a MUST for me and I literally notice the difference in my hair if I don’t use it. It provides the curls with the moisture they need. I also love a styling gel that doesn’t leave any gross residue behind or dry out my hair. It provides the perfect amount of hold too. There are also great hairsprays out there with a clean formula that provide an awesome hold. Notice how there’s more hold in the hairspray then the gel? That’s on purpose! I like this combo because it’s not a crazy amount of hold which can leave my curls feeling ‘crunchy’. My curls are left happy and healthy!
Have any of your own curly hair stories? Let me know in the comments below!
