In comparison to other hair types, those of us with curly hair will generally suffer from dryness, brittleness and frizzies on a grander scale than our straight or coarse hair brothers and sisters.  Like natural Black/African hair, curly hair comes in many different textures. As a result, the way someone with a very loose curl approaches curl definition will be different from someone with a tighter curl pattern. You can find out more about hair textures and types on this site.

Back when I first went natural, it took me a while to understand my hair Texture.  Most of the time I wore my hair in a picked out Afro but unfortunately, a stiff wind could ruin my hair in a matter of milliseconds.  My hair is ultra-soft, but never would I have defined it as "curly"...that is until I discovered alcohol-free gel :-)

In a short time, gel became my friend.  I discovered it quite accidentally mind you.  When I was studying abroad, my host-sister who had a very loose curl had commented that my hair was just like her moms.  Her mom had a short cut and her hair was very curly.  I didn't see the correlation because all I could think to say was "Mes cheveux ne peuvent pas faire cela" - My hair can't do that.  I was caught in nigga hair syndrome:  the idea that a dark-skinned Black didn't have "Good Hair."

When I returned to the United States, I'd already decided I wanted Dreadlocks.  After several months in the islands, after having my Afro repeatedly ruined by a gusts of wind and extreme humidity (humid weather makes my hair ultra-soft and straighter), the only thing I think to do to remain natural and ease my pain was to dreadlock my hair.  So I went to a local salon and was promptly told by a stylist that my hair was "too soft" for dreadlocks.  During the months that followed, I resigned myself to two-strand twists.  It was during one of my twisting sessions that I noticed when I added gel to my hair, it indeed became curlier.  So what if I added more gel?

I had the process down I tell ya.  I had to use a lot of styling gel to get the definition and separation and luckily, I found a product that didn't dry hard or crunchy.  Although I loved my natural hair, I hated that once the gel was applied, I didn't want anyone to touch my hair (I mean dry or wet, it was filled with product).  I'm lock'd now but I've learned a lot about hair over the years and there are things I wish I could do again with my loose natural hair.  Maybe if I'd known then what I know now, I would've waited to dreadlock and enjoyed my natural Black hair journey a lot more?  Granted I'd still be lock'd right now but who knows, maybe I'd have given my natural hair a few more years.

This articles is about curly hair.  It's about giving you tips to maximize your hairs' curl, no matter how varied the texture.  I hope you enjoy these general curly hair tips and there are more to come...

CURLY HAIR TIPS
1. Look for products that are formulated for use on curly hair.  The more natural the product the better.  Chemicals will tend to dry ou
t or over-clean your hair and reduce curl definition.  Keep in mind that curly hair textures vary.  For some, glycerin/water based products will easily lead to curly definition.  For others, for people such as myself, these types of products resulted in a slick Afro, not curls.  For those with 4A-S-curls/coils, you'll need to use more product. You'll most likely need to look for products that alcohol-free and have some "stick" to it.  Styling gels will work best.  For more resistent curly textures, wax-based products that cause hairs to bind together will aid in more definition.  It's a trial and error process and you may have to use a lot or a little to get the look you desire.  So don't give up. 

2.  Shampooing can often be a curls' worst enemy.  The problem with most over the counter shampoos is that they strip hair of natural oils as well as product.  Our hairs' natural oil (Sebum) and the addition of product are often what helps separate and define curls... ultimately reducing frizzies.  The key to great curl definition is limiting shampoos.  Ideally and barring an active lifestyle swimming or other random activities, you should be shampooing your hair no more than twice a week.

For myself, I would layer my gel at the beginning of the week.  The following day, I would "reactivate" the gel by dousing my hair with a bit of water and finger combing it.  The water "reactivated" the gel that was still on my hair.  From time to time I'd need to add more gel but if I layerd properly from the beginning, all was good.

3.  Conditioners not only detangle but they can also aid in curl definition.  The use of a deep conditioner after each shampoo also helps seal in moisturize resulting in a healthier look and feel to your hair.  If you wash your hair more frequently, use a quality deep condition at-least once a month.  The product MUST be a deep conditioner...not a daily conditioner that you decide to leave on for an extended period of time.

A good conditioner will also make finger combing easier, reducing potential breakage. 

A great leave-in conditioner can also be applied to your hair every couple days and will work wonders in terms of smoothing frizzies.

4.  To help with definition, get rid of gels that contain alcohol.  If your gel dries hard or crunchy, if it flakes, it most likely contains alcohol.  These types of products are robbing your hair of moisture and inhibiting your curl definition.

5.  Pick the right tools.  Finger combing your hair is a great alternative to combs.  Avoid using narrow toothed combs and brushes.  During detangling sessions, mist hair lightly with water or a leave-in. 

Gently separate your curls with your fingers. 

When you come to a snag, don't fight it!  Start at the root and gently pull downwards until the tangle gives.  If it doesn't don't force it.  Start at the root again and work your way down.  Repeat until you can pull your fingers through your hair freely.

If you must use a comb, make sure it's of the wide-tooth variety. 

6.  If you're in the shower, avoid rinsing all of the product out of your hair.  It's important to note that only products that are specifically designed as leave-ins should remain on your hair.  Styling gels are a leave-in.  Conditioners, unless designated as a leave-in, are not.

Regular conditioners which are not manufactured as a leave-in can actually rob your hair of moisture. 

7.  Avoid dry detangling.  This will most often lead to an increase in frizzies and breakage.  Athough hair is weaker when it's wet, you should attempt to gently style more tightly coiled curly hair when wet and allow it to air dry if possible.  Reason being, if you can get the look down when it's wet, you'll reduce the number of frizzies when it's dry. 

You should also avoid combing or brushing hair during the drying phase.  This will increase the possibility of frizzies. 

8.  If you're in a rush and need to dry your hair quickly, use a towel.  Blot and pat...don't rub.

9.  Finally, avoid playing with your hair or touching it as much as possible, the more friction that occurs with curly hair, the more likely it is to tangle and/or frizz.