5 Styling Mistakes Curly-Haired Women Must Steer Clear Of
Most women obsess over their hair as the perfect style can make or break the overall appearance. According to Statista, the average annual spending of Americans on hair care products is $85.53. The expenditure has been quite consistent over the last decade, indicating how conscious Americans are.
You may need to go the extra mile with hair care and styling if you have a problem with texture like curls or waves. You need to follow specific care and styling techniques to maintain these textures. However, many women end up making some basic errors that can cause frizz, dryness, and breakage.
In this article, we will share a few styling mistakes to avoid when it comes to dealing with their unruly locks.
#1. Over-Washing Your Hair
A WebMD article lists the recommendations for hair washing. Ideally, hair washing should be done twice a week. Some people may need to do it more often or even daily. You should do it if you have very fine hair. Those living in humid areas or exercising may also follow a daily routine.
Overwashing can do more harm than good, so you should steer clear of this mistake. Curly hair is drier and frizzier than straight hair due to its natural structure. Washing your curls too often can strip their natural oils and cause frizz and dryness.
Besides washing your locks 2-3 times a week, use a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain moisture levels. You can use a cleansing conditioner on non-shampoo days. Consider your scalp’s needs and create a washing routine. Wash if it feels oily, but avoid doing it just for the sake of it.
#2. Skipping Conditioner
The Curly Girl hair care method is a must-try for women struggling with this texture. It involves skipping shampoo and using conditioner to nourish your locks. Curly Girl–approved conditioners are free of silicones, sulfates, drying alcohols, non-natural oils, and waxes. If you are ditching conditioners, it could be a big mistake that makes your curls dull and lifeless.
Opt for hydrating products with natural ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter. A good conditioner gives essential moisture and nourishment to keep your locks healthy, strong, and manageable. Application is equally important. Apply it from mid-lengths to ends, focusing on the driest areas.
#3. Using Chemical Straighteners
Using a chemical hair straightener sounds like a great way to achieve smooth and silky tresses. All you have to do is opt for this styling method, and you can have slick styles for months. However, convenience comes at a high price in this case. Chemical hair relaxers can have a dire impact on your health.
An NIH study establishes a link between the use of hair relaxers and the risk of uterine cancer. The study also notes that Black women face bigger risks because of more frequent use of these products. TorHoerman Law notes that formaldehyde, a key ingredient in these products, can be carcinogenic. It can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin during application.
Many women have filed a hair straightener lawsuit against brands selling hair straighteners without proper warning. They are seeking compensation for medical treatment, pain, and suffering caused due to these harmful products.
#4. Improper Blow-Drying Technique
Besides chemical hair straighteners, many curly-haired women use heat to style their curls. While the method is less dangerous, doing it wrong can be detrimental in the long run. Using high heat without a diffuser is a blunder. It can cause frizz, weaken your hair, and disrupt curl patterns.
Instead, use a diffuser attachment for gentle drying that enhances your curls while minimizing damage. Also, stick with a low heat setting and do not apply heat for too long. Experts recommend air drying, so you must let your curls dry naturally whenever possible.
#5. Waiting Too Long to Apply Styling Products
Just choosing your haircare products mindfully is not enough. Timing matters the most when it comes to styling curly hair. Applying your daily styling products while the hair is still damp ensures even distribution and helps lock in moisture before frizz sets in. Waiting too long can rough up the cuticle.
Besides timing, also pay attention to the right technique. Don’t be too rough when handling your curls. Use gentle techniques like the “praying hands” method or scrunching to define your locks without disrupting their natural pattern.
Frequently Asked Question
Can I use regular towels on my curly hair?
Before applying curl styling products, you must dry your hair gently. Avoid regular towels as they can create friction and lead to frizz. Instead, use a microfiber towel to gently scrunch excess water from your curls. Detangle your curls gently with your fingers and let them air dry.
What precautions should I take for my curls while sleeping?
An optimal nighttime routine can keep your curly hair beautiful, strong, and healthy. Avoid sleeping on cotton pillowcases as they can create friction that leads to frizz. Use silk or satin pillowcases instead. Wrapping your hair in a silk scarf at night is another good option.
Why should you use leave-in conditioners for curl care?
Leave-in conditioners are ideal for nourishing unruly hair textures like curls. A leave-in product gives your curls ongoing moisture throughout the day and night as it stays on your hair. It also offers protection against environmental factors that can cause frizz and breakage.
Curly-haired women often struggle with styling and maintenance due to the texture of their hair. It may be tempting to go for shortcuts like relaxing and heat styling, but these are mistakes you may regret later. Go for natural products, give your curls the care they deserve, and do not overdo washing and styling.
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