Health & Fitness
Learn To Love Your Curly Hair
To keep your hair healthy and hydrated this summer (and all year round), you need to take these few simple steps to keep your curls soft and manageable.
During the summer months, hair can become dehydrated from exposure to the sun, chlorine and salt water. To keep your hair healthy and hydrated this summer (and all year round), you need to take these few simple steps to keep your curls soft and manageable.
First: Apply a deep condition mask two to three times a week
This may sound excessive but hydrating hair by using a deep conditioning treatment two to three times a week is an important step in summer hair maintenance. A deep conditioning masque is normally left on your hair for 15-30 minutes (maximum of 60) to penetrate the hair strands. Apply the deep conditioning mask to the ends and mid-shaft of your hair and then work into the root area. Partially rinse, keeping 50% of the conditioner in to coat and protect hair from all of the drying elements that summer can bring. Be sure to look for products that contain moisture-enhancing ingredients like olive, sesame or sunflower oils, and Glycerin. Products like Orbie Signature Beautiful Color Masque and Matrix Biolage Aqua-Immersion Crème Masque contain some of these ingredients and are generally good choices.
Second: Use a moisturizing shampoo
Some shampoos can strip hair of its natural oils and moisture. To rejuvenate and hydrate summer hair, be sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo that is specifically designed for dry, curly hair. Just be sure to purchase a moisturizing shampoo that does not contain sulfates in the list of ingredients. As a general rule I always recommend that my curly girls shampoo only when their scalp feels like it needs it. Normally, I only shampoo my hair once a month when my scalp starts to feel dirty. My hair stays clean, soft and beautiful following the moisturizing treatment I outlined in the first step.
Third: Never rub your hair vigorously with a towel as this can cause tangles and break your hair, particularly if it's already dehydrated. I often use a pillowcase to dry my curly locks. It’s a great way to gently and lightly remove excess moisture.
Follow these three simple steps and you will be well on your way to beautiful, summer hair.
