1.) Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!!!
Curls LOVE moisture. For maximum moisture, I thoroughly saturate my strands with water and then apply a good leave-in (I reviewed my favorite HERE). Sometimes I add a little more water, so the product doesn’t leave my hair stringy. Adding that extra little bit of water ensures my curls are left shiny and bouncy!
For any needed extra moisture during the week, I use a curl refresher like Jessicurl’s Awe Inspiraling Refresher Spray. Alternatively, I spray a mixture of water and hydrating curl cream starting from the mid-lengths of my hair.
2.) Protect Your Curls at Night
Curly hair influencers have long recommended satin pillowcases and I couldn’t agree more! I recently upgraded from my purple bonnet to this satin pillowcase from Amazon; the bonnet had stretched out from overuse and kept slipping off at night. The smooth material of these pillowcases reduces hair friction AND helps minimize facial wrinkles! If you have extra cash to spend, opt for a silk pillowcase– although it’s more expensive, they generally last longer and are gentler. Satin or silk, either is still a better option compared to the coarser texture of cotton.
3.) Apply Oil to Damaged Ends
To minimize the appearance of frayed ends, I’ve started applying oil on the tips of my hair. I begin using it two days after my weekly wash, and no more than a few drops per section on my thin hair. A lightweight oil can prevent hair from being weighed down and lengthen the time needed between trims.
My favorite lightweight oils include Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair! Strengthening Treatment Oil, Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, and Ouai Hair Oil. I’ve recently purchased the Cecred Nourishing Hair Oil, and will soon share my thoughts on Beyonce’s new haircare brand in an upcoming post!
4.) Trim Split Ends Every 3-6 Months
Speaking of healthy ends… it may be time for a trim! This point was hard for me to finally accept. Since my early 20’s, I’ve gone back and forth between prioritizing hair health and length retention. My hair takes FOREVER to grow and I felt it would be counterintuitive to trim my ends regularly– I feared I would be cutting the same amount of length I grew.
By not trimming the oldest part of my hair, I witnessed the dead ends splinter up my strand and further damage it. This tunnel vision of desiring long hair instead of maintaining my mane sadly hindered my hair growth journey for a few years.
I vow to never make that mistake again. Recently, after a self-administered dry trim–1x every three months–my curls look bouncier and happier. But be warned, no oil, styling lotion, or reconstructor can bring your dead ends back to life. They can only improve the appearance of healthy ends, but cannot reverse damage.
5.) Use a Hair Mask or Protein Treatment Weekly
Many women with curly hair underestimate the power of a good deep conditioner and protein treatment. I recommend using a hair mask every other week after shampooing for hair prone to dryness and split ends. Remember, consistency is key to achieving vibrant and healthier curls.
Over the years I’ve gone back and forth between Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask, Jessicurl’s Deep Conditioning Treatment, and SheaMoisture’s Manuka Honey and Yogurt Hydrate & Repair Protein Power Treatment. For those with thicker hair, I’d recommend this treatment I found on Amazon. Add heat for some extra TLC!