Ten mistakes every curly girl (and guy) should avoid

Whether you are a curly-haired veteran or completely new to the world of natural hair, there are so many theories, methods, techniques and schools of thought surrounding how to properly take care of curls. This article aims to condense all of those ideas floating around the internet into one easy read to help your curls be the best they can be.

#10 You wash your hair too often

We wanted to bring this one up as it's so easy to get frustrated with your curls and wash them every time they don't look perfect (or at least, passible in public). I'm the first to admit that I am a victim of over-washing my hair, and it has done nothing but give me dry, brittle curls and an itchy scalp! If your curls aren't looking the way you want, simple re-wet your hair (soak it if you must) and restyle it from there. Shampooing too often is not healthy for curls, as our hair (usually) does not get oily enough to rehydrate on its own.

#9 You're still using a towel to dry your hair

This one sometimes comes as a shock to some people. Yes, towels are very absorbant and is probably the fastest way to get rid of excess water. However, as a wavy or curly girl, it is also the fastest way to ruin your styling routine before you even start. Towels are usually made from what is known as terrycloth (or terry cotton), which describes the fuzzy, looped protrusions made during the weaving process. These loops snag on strands of hair and separate them from their natural clumps, making hair appear frizzy and unkempt.

Using a cotton cloth, microfibre towel or even a cotton t-shirt can help you remove excess water without unnecessarily dishevelling your hair. Personally, I like this 100% cotton towel from Kira the Kat as it is thicker than most t-shirts and doubles as a wrap and a cape using in-built clasps.

#8 You're not detangling your hair correctly

This is a very common mistake by curlies of all maturities. Basically, you may be using the wrong brush (or technique) to rid your hair of those pesky knots and tangles that seem almost unavoidable. Using the wrong detangling method can damage your curls by causing breakage and weakening the hair shaft.

Using the wrong brush

When it comes to detangling you hair, AVOID a brush that has stiff bristles and/or bulbous ends (i.e. there is a little ball at the end of the bristle). A Denman brush, as wonderful as it is for styling and distributing product, should not be used as a detangling brush as it is simply too stiff and will cause breakage en masse. Using your fingers or a brush with very flexible bristles, like this Tangle Teezer from Salon Style, will reduce the risk of damage and ensure your curls receive the best treatment.

Using the wrong technique

Crazy as it sounds, you could be using the right brush, but could still be brushing your hair wrong. Brushing your hair in the shower, while your hair is drenched in water, is a dangerous game. When your hair is soaked, the strands swell and are in their most fragile state. Being rough with your hair in the shower can cause some major damage and you may start noticing your hair is coming out in clumps. You can avoid this by detangling your hair before showering using slippery oils and dampening your hair a little. Do not even think about brushing your hair dry.

#7 You're not cleaning your scalp properly

Some curly hair theories stipulate that shampoo is not an option for cleaning your scalp. While this may work for some people, a lot of people who try this method are left with limp curls, dandruff and disappointment. A scalp that is not cleaned properly will have product buildup (which can block the hair follicle, causing hair loss) and often be flaky. Use low-lathering or gentle shampoos and clarify at least once a month for best results.

#6 You buy hair products blindly

If you're not sure on your hair type and needs, it's quite easy to fall into the trap of thinking what works for others will work for you. Even though an influencer may swear by using a moisturising cream to style their coils, those with looser curls or waves will often find that heavier creams could weigh their hair down and make their beautiful mermaid hair look a bit like a drowned rat kind of vibe. Do your research, find people with similar hair, and buy products for their properties and ingredients to ensure the best results!

#5 You're not using silk (or at least satin)

I know, I know. You want a pillowcase that matches your bedsheet. So do I. But I also want curls and skin that love me back. A silk pillowcase (such as this one from Saint Curl) is much more gentle on your curls and skin as you sleep, and also doesn't harbour the same bacteria that cotton might. This will help your curls, and even skin, appear more radiant, healthy and fresh for the next day. You can also buy a silk bonnet, silk scrunchies and silk scarves to protect your curls at night and keep your curls in tact during the day if you need to tie them up.

#4 You're not deep conditioning

For those who have come from our Instagram, I hope you're sick of us mentioning deep conditioner! Deep conditioner is a thicker consistency than your regular conditioner and penetrates deeper into your hair shaft for that extra boost of nourishment. We recommend deep conditioning once a week for 10-30 minutes (longer if desired) for best results.

#3 You're not getting a curl-friendly haircut

Blunt cuts are all the rage right now. Thankfully, layers and shags are also making a comeback. While you may not be the biggest fan of these cuts for your straight hair, layers can seriously change how your curls looks from all angles. It gives your hair volume and shape in all the right places. Unless your favourite shape is a triangle (some people can rock it!) we seriously can't stress the importance of investing in a hairdresser that understands how to make your hair look great, curly or straight.

#2 You continuously use heat tools

Look, we have nothing against straightening your hair. It's nice to change things up once in a while. But, if you're using heat tools religiously on your hair, you can't expect your curls to be in their best state. Give your curls a break, embrace them as best you can, and nourish them more often than you damage them.

#1 You don't follow The Curl Cast

Haha, we're joking.

What's important is truly embracing your natural hair as a gift, instead of a curse. Yes, curls can be difficult, they can be ugly, they can be demanding and time-consuming and utterly frustrating. But, they can also be wonderful, intriguing, empowering, unique and, most importantly, they are yours.

We created our platform to inspire, empower, embrace and educate those in the curly community, and encourage individuals to do that for one another (have you checked out the forum?) We can't wait to see the amazing things you achieve!

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