Kristina is the founder of Lockenbox & Lockenexpertin. She has been intensively involved with the topic of curly hair care since her youth, when her straight hair suddenly turned into curls.
Whether you're just starting your curl or wave routine , or you're already in the middle of it: the following 4 typical mistakes in the care of textured hair apply to so many of us!
We made these mistakes (and sometimes still make them 😅) and that's why we're looking at them today - so we can avoid them in the future! 🙌
Discover today different sources of error in your curl care or wave care that will help you on your curl journey may hold back.
Let's go!
Why are these errors a problem at all?
Curls are not just a hair texture, but a beautiful expression of individuality . But even the most beautiful curls can quickly lose their shine and, above all, their shape if they are not cared for properly . In this blog post, we'll look at four common mistakes in curl care that we can easily avoid in order to restore our curls to their natural splendor. From using the wrong products to unflattering styling habits, we'll take a closer look at how we can properly understand the needs of our curls, waves and afro hair and lay the foundation for radiant curls. Join us and discover how you can get the most out of your curly hair with simple adjustments to your care routine.
4 typical mistakes in curly hair care
1. You style your curls or waves on semi-dry hair
The reason: Styling products work best on damp/wet hair. If you're struggling with frizz or a lack of definition, styling on hair that's too dry could be the reason. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you dry your hair with a towel before styling?
- Does your hair feel dry at the ends and roots while styling?
- Does your hair make a "squish" sound when you scrunch your hair?
If you answered questions one and two with yes and the last question with no , then you already know that your hair is not wet enough for curling.
Expert tip: Even if you started styling with wet or damp hair, our hair tends to dry out a little during styling. What now?
With the Rainbow Curls mist spray bottle you can easily re-moisten your hair while styling.
It sprays continuously and ensures that the water mist is evenly distributed.
2. You don't protect your hair at night while you sleep
Is your hair frizzy the first day after washing?
Your regular cotton pillowcase could be to blame .
If you're looking for an easy way to reduce frizz and minimize hair breakage, consider a simple trick: switch from a regular pillowcase to one made of silk or satin. The smooth surface of these materials means that there is significantly less friction when tossing and turning at night, which in turn is gentler on your hair. Not only does this reduce the risk of frizz, but also the risk of hair breakage. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase is definitely worth trying! For a royal night's sleep, you could even choose a pillowcase made of 100% real mulberry silk . This type of silk is a real all-rounder and will not only be a blessing for you, but also for your hair.
3. You never switch between products
Do you know this? Your hair no longer responds to styling as usual, sometimes for weeks. The trick is to keep rotating between products . Ideally, develop a " portfolio " of curl products over time to solve every "curly problem".
Now you might be wondering: what types of products should ideally be in this portfolio? The typical basic curl equipment consists of the following products:
- A mild cleansing shampoo (= Low-Poo Shampoo ) to rinse deposits from the scalp
- A conditioner to close the cuticle
- A deep conditioner (= the concentrated form of a conditioner) or a mask for extra smoothness
- A leave-in conditioner or curl cream to detangle the hair, close the cuticle and give definition to the curls
- A curl gel to give hold and shape to the curls over several days
If you want to complete your portfolio to achieve different goals , we also recommend the following products:
- A curling mousse can give you the volume you need. Fine, thin hair in particular can benefit from this to give the hair more grip .
- A hair oil seals the hair and protects it from environmental influences. It is also a great way to break up a gel cast. And let's not forget the beautiful shine that hair oil creates. ✨
- Deep cleansing of curly hair is particularly important because this hair structure is particularly susceptible to product buildup due to the styling products used. Clean your scalp and hair regularly with a suitable shampoo.
With this equipment you are well prepared for any "curly hair crisis".
Expert tip:
The Curly Girl Starter Tool Kit contains the 3 absolute must-haves to start your curly hair journey.
- An absorbent curly towel made of T-shirt fabric.
- A curling brush to gently detangle your curls or waves.
- A mist spray bottle for effortless styling or refreshing.
4. You adhere "strictly" to rules
There should be no rigid rules when caring for curly hair. The exchange of experiences among curly hair wearers is extremely valuable and appreciated. However, it is not very helpful if rigid curl rules are presented as binding. Instead, curly hair care should be intuitive , and if a certain "rule" turns out to be unsuitable for individual needs, there is no pressure to stick to it strictly. Flexible care that is tailored to your own curls is crucial for a positive result and individual well-being.
Summary & Notes
Caring for curls doesn't have to be that difficult. With just a few small changes or "tweaks" in your current wave or curl routine, you can conjure up a completely new result.
We've looked at what we should avoid above and given tips on what we can look out for instead. So let's take a quick look at our little curly hair note so that you're well prepared for your next washing and styling routine:
1. Moisture is key : Make sure your curls are damp or wet when styling. Avoid drying with a cotton towel to minimize frizz and lack of definition. Instead, go for a towel with a smooth surface.
2. Protect your hair at night: Protect your locks while you sleep by switching to a silk or satin pillowcase. This will reduce friction to prevent frizz and breakage.
3. Product rotation: Rotate between curl products regularly to meet the changing needs of your curls. Build a portfolio of shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, leave-in conditioner, curl gel, curl mousse and hair oil to tackle each goal.
4. Must-Have Tools: Don't underestimate helpful curl accessories that are very useful during styling. Our recommendation: the Curly Girl Starter Tool Kit with an absorbent curl towel, a curl brush and a mist spray bottle is perfect for curl styling .
5. Flexible care routine: Avoid strict rules and adapt your curl care flexibly to the needs of your curls. Be inspired by experience, but find your individual care routine that works for you.