Kristina is the founder of Lockenbox & Lockenexpertin. She has been passionate about curly hair care since her teenage years, when her straight hair suddenly transformed into curls.
Whether you're just starting your curl or wave routine , or you're already in the middle of it, the following 4 common mistakes in the care of textured hair apply to so many of us!
We've made these mistakes (and sometimes still make them 😅), so we're taking a look 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 in your curl journey may hold back.
Let's go!
Why are these errors a problem at all?
Curls aren't just a hair texture, they're a beautiful expression of individuality . But even the most beautiful curls can quickly lose their shine and, more importantly, their shape if they're not cared for properly . In this blog post, we'll explore four common curl care mistakes that we can easily avoid 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 curly, wavy, 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 lack of definition, styling on overly dry hair could be the culprit. 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 it?
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 curl styling.
Expert tip: Even if you started styling with wet or damp hair, our strands tend to dry out a bit during styling. What now?
With the Rainbow Curls mist spray bottle you can easily rehydrate your hair while styling.
It sprays continuously, ensuring that the water mist is distributed evenly.
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 ensures significantly less friction as you toss and turn at night, which in turn is gentler on your hair. Not only will this reduce the risk of frizz, but also the risk of 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% genuine mulberry silk . This type of silk proves to be a true all-rounder and will be a blessing not only for you but also for your hair.
3. You never switch between products
You know that feeling? Your hair no longer responds to styling as usual, sometimes for weeks. The trick is to rotate between products . Ideally, develop a " portfolio " of curl products over time to solve every curl problem.
Now you might be wondering: what types of products should ideally be included in this portfolio? The typical basic curly hair kit 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 hair, close the cuticle and give definition to curls
- A curl gel to give hold and shape to the curls for several days
If you would like to complete your portfolio to achieve various goals , we also recommend the following products:
- A curl mousse can give you the volume you need. Fine, thin hair in particular can benefit from this, giving it more manageability .
- Hair oil seals the hair, protecting it from environmental influences. It's also a great way to break up a gel cast. And let's not forget the beautiful shine that hair oil creates. ✨
- Deep cleansing curly hair is especially important, as this hair texture is particularly susceptible to product buildup from styling products. Regularly cleanse your scalp and hair 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 strictly adhere to rules
There should be no rigid rules for curly hair care. Sharing experiences among curly hair wearers is extremely valuable and appreciated. However, it's not helpful to present rigid curl rules as binding. Instead, curly hair care should be intuitive , and if a particular "rule" proves unsuitable for individual needs, there's no pressure to adhere strictly to it. Flexible care tailored to your own curls is crucial for positive results and individual well-being.
Summary & Notes
Curly hair care doesn't have to be difficult. Even a few small changes or tweaks to your current curl or wave routine can create a completely new look.
We've already looked at what we should avoid and given tips on what to look for instead. So let's take a quick look at our little curly-hair to-do list to help you prepare 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, use a towel with a smooth surface.
2. Protect your hair at night: Protect your curls while you sleep by switching to a silk or satin pillowcase. This reduces friction and prevents frizz and breakage.
3. Product rotation: Regularly rotate between curl products to meet your curls' changing needs. Build a portfolio of shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, leave-in conditioner, curl gel, curl mousse, and hair oil to tackle every goal.
4. Must-Have Tools: Don't underestimate helpful curl accessories, which 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 routine to your curls' needs. Be inspired by experiences, but find your own individual care routine that works for you.
