Curvy and wavy hair is comparatively incredibly difficult to deal with, and can often be uncooperative; add thickness to the mix, and you might just have a nightmare on your hands (and your head). Curly hair is considered by many as both a blessing and a curse. While curly hair can be voluminous, bouncy and beautiful, it can often be unruly, dry and very difficult to manage and style.
There are many hair care products in the market to smooth and soften frizzy curls. Such products will give you immediate results but, in the long run, they will do more harm to your hair than good. A preferable solution is some simple, natural home remedies that will help tame your curls and make your hair more manageable.
NATURAL REMEDIES
ALOE VERA
Aloe vera smoothes the hair cuticle and promotes shine and moisture in hair. Plus, it has a high water and is loaded with 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids and several other nutrients, so it is also good for your hair’s overall health.
How to use: prepare a paste with four tablespoons of aloe vera gel, two tablespoons of coconut oil and three tablespoons of plain yogurt. Apply this paste on your hair. Leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
EGGS
Eggs are another very popular home remedy for curly hair. The high protein and fat content in eggs helps add moisture and restore the health of your hair.
How to use: Whisk one egg and mix in two teaspoons of olive oil and one tablespoon of mayonnaise. Apply it on your hair and leave it on for about 30 minutes. Then wash your hair thoroughly with cold water.
AVOCADO+BANANA
Avocado and banana are effective remedy for curly hair. The moisturizing properties will leave your curls hydrated, shiny and easier to manage.
How to use: make a paste of equal amounts of ripe banana and avocado. You can add one-half tablespoon of almond oil too. Massage it into your hair. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash your hair with your regular shampoo.
CARBONATED WATER
Another very simple remedy to define your curls and reduce frizz is carbonated or sparkling water, thanks to its low pH level. It also helps clarify your hair and makes it extra soft and shiny.
How to use: Dilute some non-flavoured carbonated water with an equal amount of plain water and set it aside. Shampoo your hair and rinse with plain water. Use the diluted carbonated water as a final rinse. Let your hair air dry. Follow this remedy a few times a week.
TIPS FOR MAINTAINING HEALTHY CURLS AND WAVES
BRUSH V/S COMB
Avoid paddle brushes as well as any with stiff bristles. Vented brushes are usually fine for waves, as long as you’re gentle and only using it when your hair is wet. Alternatively, you can avoid brushes altogether and stick with a wide-toothed comb. These will work nicely when your hair is damp, but you may even be able to get away with delicately using it on dry hair as well without causing it to poof.
WASHING WITH COLD WATER
Cold water helps making hair shinier, locks in moisture, and reduces frizz! I have wavy hair (like, not wavy kind of wavy but they tend to get wavy as I always tie a bun!) and I always wash my hair with cold water. Hot water makes them frizzy and dry whereas cold water keeps them shiny and I swear by this- no fizziness at all!
USE LESS HEAT
We all know how damaging heat is for hair. Heat doesn’t spare straight hair, no question about curly-wavy hair! They already are prone to damage and heat will do just that! Let your hair air dry after a shower and give your blow drier a miss.
DETOXIFY HAIR ONCE A MONTH
Your hair is one of the most absorbent and dirtiest parts of your body. Think of the smog, pollution, germs from sneezes and coughs, smoke, etc. that you encounter every day. All of this can get trapped in your hair. If you smoke or someone around you does, your hair will trap and smell like smoke. So even if you choose to live with the frizz and not use anything in your hair, please use a detoxifier once in a while. It will help your hair.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- When trying out products, start with lighter ones first. Naturally curly hair is usually fragile, with fine strands, and heavy gels will weigh it down.
- Try untangling your hair while you’re still in the shower with the conditioner on.
- Oil your hair whenever possible. Tie it properly when you go to bed. Olive oil keeps dry and damaged hair healthy, silky, and shiny. Just apply it to your hair. You should apply it twice a week. The best part is that it’s inexpensive and there are no chemicals that you have to look out for.
- Eat fruits and vegetables. Also, drink 7 to 8 glasses of water per day.