Did you know an estimated 65 percent of women have naturally curly or wavy hair? It’s true, and many are guilty of styling with the wrong set of hair rules. Think your waves are uncontrollable? You might just be making a classic hair-care mistake. Common complaints like frizz, tangles, and texture are easily fixed when you know the proper way to tame your mane.
MYTH: You can brush your curls into submission (Example: straight).
It may seem like you can flatten or smooth your curly hair by brushing it. But the act of brushing or combing your hair actually disturbs the curls’ natural formation and ruffles each strand’s cuticle. This causes the curls to break apart, and the result of these dispersed curls is frizz, frizz, and more frizz. Instead, use your fingers to comb through your curls only when your hair is wet and saturated with conditioner when you’re in the shower.
MYTH: Any shampoo that says it’s for curly hair will do.
Absolutely not! Traditional shampoos have been causing curly girls to hate their hair for decades. That’s because traditional shampoos contain harsh detergents called sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate. Sulfates are foaming agents that strip curly hair of its natural oils, and since curly hair is naturally dry and has little to no natural oil, it needs all the moisture it can retain and absorb to be healthy and frizz-free. (Sulfates are the same foaming agents in dish soap and laundry detergent, and you wouldn’t wash your hair with those products, would you?) Even some shampoos that say they’re for curly hair contain these ingredients, so beware—and ask your stylist what products are right for you! Let us recommend haircare specifically formulated for curly hair. Redken Fresh Curls.
MYTH: Conditioner is optional.
Conditioner is a curly girl’s BEST FRIEND! Once curly hair fibers are sufficiently hydrated with conditioner, they will hold onto the moisture they need and the frizz will go away. Curly hair is porous, but the conditioner fills the holes, a bit like spackle on a wall. It also smooths and fills in the surface so that light can reflect off it. Remember: Frizz is just a curl begging for more moisture—which is conditioner!
MYTH: Curly hair can be cut the same as straight hair.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Curly hair has a mind of its own! Curls are like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Sometimes, curls should only be cut only when they are dry and in their natural place. So know your stylist and be sure they can recommend the proper cutting technique!
