Care for curly hair. Masks, mousses, creams, home procedures

Caring for curly hair is a painstaking and difficult job, especially if it is done at home. However, achieving strong, shiny and obedient curls is a completely doable task if you know how to competently carry out caring procedures and what cosmetics should you opt for.

Home care procedures

Curly hair requires special care as it differs in many ways from other types. Curls of the hair shaft are the result of uneven growth. The fact is that the shape and location of hair follicles are not the same for each type of hair.

If in straight lines they are rounded and grow straight (strictly perpendicular to the surface of the skin), then in curly ones they are slightly flattened and located at an angle or almost parallel to the skin.

Because of this, cells in the growth zone divide unevenly, growing first from one side and then from the other. In cross-section, the hair takes the shape of a bob under the influence of internal tension. She twists the strands. However, the features of the follicle determine not only the shape of the hair, but also its structure.

Due to the "incorrect" growth of the scales, in some places they do not adhere tightly to each other, which is why the hair becomes porous. As a result, moisture cannot stay in it for a long time, which leads to its dryness and fragility. Such strands need not only additional care, but also the correct conduct of classic procedures.

the washing up

Due to the many curves, curly hair does not adhere to the scalp as tightly as straight or curly hair. Their salting occurs at a lower intensity, and they fatten less quickly. In this regard, shampooing can be carried out even less than 2 times a week.

However, with frequent use of conditioners, oils, and other dry hair care cosmetics, you should wash your hair more often. The fact is that some silicones and oils are not washed out immediately, but gradually accumulate on the surface of the hair. As a result, the curls become dirty and dull faster.

Drying

After washing, curly hair must be gently wrung out without twisting it, and then wrapped in a towel for 5-10 minutes. Microfiber towels work best.

They absorb moisture better than terry ones, and their soft bristles are more delicate on brittle and damaged hair. When exposed to high temperatures, already dry hair will lose moisture and become even more brittle and lifeless.

The following drying methods are suitable for this type of hair:

• natural... On wet or slightly dried strands, apply a styling agent (oil, gel, or serum), evenly distribute along the length. Curls should be formed either with the help of "cuddling" movements, or by winding individual curls on the finger. This method can take from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the length and condition of the hair;

• a hairdryer through the palm... The strands nested in a half-closed palm are blown with warm air. The hair dryer is constantly and quickly moved to avoid overheating the hair. When the strand has dried, the palm is slowly lowered down, gently freeing the hair from it. To dry the roots, you need to slightly lift the curls at the base and hold;
• with a hair dryer with a diffuser... This method is considered one of the best. Strands of hair are alternately inserted into the diffuser nozzle, pressing the nozzle to the head as much as possible during drying. As a result, the hair does not frizz, is not injured and gathers in neat curls.
  The effect is enhanced by the use of styling products immediately before drying.

It is best to blow dry your hair with a cold blower. This will increase the time of the procedure, but will significantly reduce the traumatic effect on the curls.

Combing

Frequent brushing of curls will cause them to frizz, lose their shape and become electrified. To avoid this, you must use a special comb with rare teeth. It is better if it is made of natural materials, which, among other things, have an antistatic effect.

Combing starts at the ends. Then they gradually move upward, gradually capturing an ever greater length. The procedure is best performed on moist hair, helping, if necessary, to unravel overly tangled strands with your fingers.

Head massage

A head massage stimulates blood circulation, which increases blood flow to the dermis cells. Together with it, the supply of nutrients increases, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the glands, hair follicles, as well as hair growth. The procedure can be carried out daily, with an average of 5-10 minutes.

It is a few simple manipulations:

• preheating. With progressive movements of the fingers, gently tap the skin for 1-2 minutes;
• pressing the pads tightly to the head, they carry out circular movements in different parts of the head;
• tingling of the scalp (1-2 min). Should not be painful.

Caring for curly hair at home should be done carefully so as not to damage the follicles. When deciding on the time of the procedure, it must be borne in mind that massage stimulates the production of subcutaneous sebum, which can last several more hours.

Masks

The main property of masks is hydration and nutrition. Due to their deep penetration throughout the hair structure, they act from the inside, which makes them different from other hair care products. You can buy ready-made masks, or prepare yourself.

Among the best store products are:

• Kerastase. Contains smoothing polymers and modified starch to help restore even heavily damaged hair;
• L'Oreal Professionnel Curl Contour. Ceramides and grape seed extract make hair manageable and increase resistance to negative environmental influences;
• Estel otium wave twist. Thanks to the content of silk proteins, macadamia oil and panthenol, it intensely moisturizes and makes the hair soft and silky.

The mask can be prepared at home:

• kefir mask. A glass of kefir (preferably fatty) needs to be slightly warmed up. Add 7 drops of lavender oil and the same amount of sage oil. Stir. Apply evenly to roots and hair. Wind hair into a bun and cover with plastic wrap. Wrap the top with a towel, or put on a hat. Withstand for 1-3 hours;

• egg mask. In a bowl, mix the egg, 1 tsp each. vinegar and glycerin, as well as 2 tbsp. l. castor oil. Apply over the entire length of the hair. Wash off after 50-60 minutes;
• sour cream mask. 2-3 st. l. fat sour cream must be mixed with yolk and 1-2 tbsp. l. any oil of your choice (burdock, rosemary, olive). Apply to hair from roots to ends. Soak for at least 1 hour. Wash off the product using shampoo.

It is advisable to do the mask no more than 1 time a week. However, the frequency largely depends on the condition of the hair and the characteristics of the composition of the product.

Means for moisturizing, nourishing, strengthening curls

In order for the curls to be strong, shiny and hold well in styling, you will need not only basic products, but also cosmetics for additional care.

Shampoos

Curly hair is most often prone to dryness and breakage, so it is better to opt for shampoos of the appropriate direction. They must contain oils and / or silicones. They help to retain moisture inside the hair, creating a protective film on its surface. The best funds are presented in the table:

All specialized shampoos, except those for deep cleansing, can be used every day. However, do not forget that all previously accumulated nutrients are washed out along with the dirt.

Air conditioners

Caring for curly hair is a painstaking task, especially at home. All the more so, when instead of the traditional shampooing the owners of brittle hair prefer “cowshing”. It acts sparingly on the hair without dehydrating it. This method involves the use of balms, or conditioners without the use of shampoo. The most effective air conditioners are presented in the table below:

Using cleansing conditioners is perfect for those with damaged, dry hair and oily scalp.

Serums

These are indispensable products for the daily care of damaged and colored hair. In fact, it is a balm, mask and conditioner in one bottle. The serum protects hair from high temperatures and other side effects after styling. It prevents hair breakage and splitting.

The composition of a truly effective serum necessarily includes:

• oils;
• silicones;
• ceramides;
• keratin;
• glycerin, or hyaluronic acid.

Thanks to their high concentration of nutrients, they help keep hair healthy and strong.

Sprays

Helps create fast styling, giving hair the desired volume. At the same time, sprays do not push the hair, helping to form clear and smooth curls. In addition, the products can have a moisturizing and antistatic effect.

The most popular ones are:

• Dove "Oxygen Lightness"... Helps create root volume while taking care of dry ends;

• TIGI Bed Head Get Twisted. Prevents hair frizz from excessive moisture and maintains styling throughout the day;
• Toni & Guy Sea Salt Texturizing Spray. Contains sea salt to help create a beachy curl effect.

It is usually applied on dry or slightly damp hair.

Oil complexes

Caring for curly hair at home is impossible without oils. They saturate the hair with useful elements and prevent moisture loss. The oil is applied to the ends of the hair, dried after washing, capturing less than half the length.

Complexes that are great for dry hair:

• Sea Buckthorn Complex from Natura Siberica;
• "Protection and Shine" 9 in 1 from Ciel Parfum;
• "Oil Extraordinary" by L'Oreal Elseve;

• Symbio Sun by Phytodess.

In addition to ready-made cosmetics, you can buy pharmacy oils. They are budget-friendly, but no less effective.

Mousses

It is a modeling tool that helps to create volume and shape the curls, permanently fixing the effect. Mousse does not dry hair, but rather conditions it and gives it shine. It is convenient to apply and distribute it evenly over the curls.

Mousses specializing in curly hair:

• Bed Head "Foxy Curls Mousse" from TIGI;
• Enrich Repairing Mousse by Wella;

• "Miami Professional" by Organic Shop;
• "Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier" by

When choosing a mousse, it is important to consider the type of hair, as the styling effect may not meet expectations.

Decoctions

Homemade products based on herbal ingredients are no less effective than finished cosmetic products. However, preparation can take a long time.

However, there are simple decoction recipes that include readily available ingredients:

• decoction of burdock root... Pour 1 part of dry crushed raw materials with 10 parts of hot water. Boil for 10 minutes, then leave to infuse for about 4 hours. After using the product, it is advisable to rinse the hair. Stimulates hair growth;

• decoction of flax seeds. 1 tbsp. l. pour 2 cups of cold water over the seeds. Put on fire and bring to a boil. Strain the broth through cheesecloth, let cool. Apply to the root zone and leave for 10 minutes. Then wash it off. Effective against hair loss;
• complex of herbs. A mixture of 30g bay leaves, 2 tbsp. l. dried parsley and 15 g of rosemary flowers, pour two glasses of boiling water and leave to infuse for 40-60 minutes. The finished infusion must be filtered, the liquid must be mixed with the shampoo, and left on the head for 1-2 minutes.

You can use decoctions 1-2 times a week.

Coloration

Caring for curly hair at home is possible, but dyeing is not always possible. For curly hair, dyeing is more traumatic than for other types.

Therefore, you should give preference to professional coloring, or adhere to several mandatory rules:

• choose paint without ammonia;
• reduce the time of staining, compared to that indicated in the instructions. The dye mixture penetrates into porous and dry hair faster;
• after staining with henna, it must be kept for at least 3 weeks before re-staining.

After dyeing, the curls require special regular care, which must include conditioners and masks.

Styling

The success of the future installation is determined even at the washing stage. For the curls to be smooth and obedient, it is necessary to use a conditioner, taking into account the individual characteristics of the hair. Apply styling agent evenly on washed, slightly towel-dried curls.

The best products from famous brands:

• cream gel Super Fixer from Matrix. Provides extreme hold without sticking hair or making it stiff. Perfect for smoothing out naughty curls;
• Biolage R.A.W. cream from from Matrix. Helps to create neat curls while nourishing hair. Suitable for hair after a perm;

• spray Art Messy Cliche from L'Oreal. Preserves the naturalness of curls without overdrying them;
• Curl Defining foam-wax from Joico. Keeps styling even in excessive moisture conditions.

After applying the product, you need to manually detangle the hair and shape the curls.Then dry them naturally. In extreme cases, a hairdryer with a diffuser nozzle and only by alternating warm and cold airflow.

Care Tips for Curly Hair

A few simple rules will help keep curly hair healthy and strong:

• when choosing cleansers, it is better to give preference to sulfate-free cosmetics;
• minimize the use of irons and hairpins. In extreme cases, it is imperative to apply a thermal protective agent before that;
• for brunettes and brown-haired women, radical lightening can adversely affect the condition of the hair, damaging already dry curls. If the transformation into a blonde cannot be avoided, it is necessary to provide the hair with additional nutrition and moisture in the form of masks, conditioners and other care products;
• split hair is not amenable to restoration, so the damaged ends must be cut off.

Turning dry and brittle hair into healthy and strong curls is a feasible task, even when curly hair is treated at home. There is a huge assortment of cosmetics that can nourish, moisturize and beautifully shape naughty curls. However, they should be used regularly in order to preserve the effect for a long time and prevent the negative impact of the external environment on the strands.

Curly Hair Care Videos

Video review of care methods: