Natural curly hair care routine

These last years, we can observe that curly hair is making a comeback. With an aim of self-acceptance, many even discover that their hair is actually curly or wavy, after straightening it for years. But curly hair is a type of hair that can be quite difficult to tame, if you don't have the adapted natural curly hair routine, or if you don't know the characteristics of your curly hair. We explain to you.

A type of hair

There are several characteristics to categorize your hair: its texture, its nature, and its type. Each texture, nature and type has different needs, and it is important to know your hair well in order to adapt your natural curly hair routine.

Hair type refers to their shape. They can be straight (type 1), wavy (type 2), curly (type 3) or frizzy (type 4). The more we go up in the types, the more the hair fiber is curly, and the tighter the curl. Type 4 hair has a much tighter curl than type 3 hair for example. We often talk about curly hair for hair types 3 and 4, but wavy hair can totally benefit from the same natural curly hair routine to define the waves.

Each type of hair tends to have a particular texture and nature, and therefore require very specific maintenance. There are two main characteristics of curly hair: the tendency of curly hair for being dry, and the difficulty in defining the curls.

Hair that lack nutrition

Dry hair is characterized by its dull and rough appearance. The ends are very often split, the hair is brittle and difficult to disentangle without causing damage. The touch is not pleasant, because it feels like touching straw... This fragility of the hair is explained by the lack of nutrition, which curly hair needs in large amount. Blocked by the curls, the hair does not benefit enough from the sebum produced at the scalp level, sebum which provides the necessary lipids for the nutrition and the protection of the hair fiber. The main goal of a natural curly hair routine will therefore be to compensate this lack of nutrition.

To be deeply nourished, your curly hair needs ingredients rich in fatty elements to provide the hair with all the nutrition it needs. For this, it is mainly necessary to use plant butters and oils. Avoid therefore: chemical products and ingredients that have an instantaneous and purely aesthetic effect, without real benefits in the long term. Active ingredients of natural origin are to be preferred, because plants, which are naturally full of benefits, will provide deep, long-term care for the hair and bring real nutrition to your natural curly hair routine.

At Rodolphe&Co, these natural active ingredients are certified organic when possible in order to guarantee optimal quality of the active ingredients of the plants. Only a certified organic plant can be guaranteed free of pesticides.

Defining your curls

Curly hair people will all say it: defining your curls is a real job. The second main challenge of a natural curly hair routine is to draw the natural curl of the hair, and maintain it over time.

At first, the use of the most natural products possible will already help the hair to regain its natural state, and therefore its original curls. With protective active ingredients, a natural curly hair routine will protect the hair fiber from external aggressions, and therefore its curly nature.

The products present in a hair routine for curly hair are rich in nourishing and texturizing active ingredients, which will help defining the hair's natural curl. Using the right products regularly will also allow the natural active ingredients to provide their benefits continuously, and therefore to maintain your natural curls over time. Thus, a natural curly hair routine takes time, and requires real punctuality in the maintenance of your hair.

A natural routine for curly hair

In order to maintain curly hair in excellent health and over time, a routine that is perfectly adapted to the needs of your hair is essential. Find out the steps to follow.

The nourishing shampoo

Start your natural curly hair routine with a nourishing shampoo. A good natural shampoo does not contain silicones – which will clog the pores of your scalp and impact the production of sebum, nor sulphates – which will attack the scalp and dry it out even more. Apply your natural shampoo twice: the first application will wash your hair and rid it of impurities, and the second application will allow the nourishing natural active ingredients to penetrate clean hair well, and bring all their benefits.

The hair mask

After rinsing out the shampoo, towel-dry your hair then continue your natural curly hair routine with a hair mask. Moisturizing and nourishing, the mask will deeply nourish your hair, and allow a good natural definition of your curls. Apply the mask for 10 to 15 minutes to give the active ingredients time to take effect, gently detangle your hair, then rinse with cool water to close the hair scales.

Continue your natural curly hair routine with a leave-in treatment, to keep the hair hydrated and prevent the evaporation of water which will dry out the hair.

The gel

The gel is an excellent styling treatment to add to your natural curly hair routine in order to properly define the curls and maintain them over time. Its gel texture has nothing to do with conventional styling gels with a matte finish and cardboard effect. This is a water-based gel texture, very moisturizing to soften the hair and allow curls to form. The gel can very well be applied over the leave-in treatment.

The Botanic Oil

To add a touch of nutrition, you can add a few drops of the Botanic Oil to the Pearly Gel, or finish your natural curly hair routine by applying the Oil directly to your hair lengths, to seal in moisture and protect the hair fiber. Insist on your ends if they tend to be damaged. Good tip: the Botanic Oil has a natural UV filter, protecting your curly hair from drying out due to the sun!

Bonus: dry your hair with a diffuser, with vertical movements, upside down, to give more bounce to the curls.

Additional tips

To maintain beautiful, healthy curly hair, remember to regularly cut damaged ends, to separate split ends and keep only healthy hair (even if it breaks your heart!).

Bring deep care to your natural curly hair routine, about once a month, more or less depending on the need. An oil bath, for example, will deeply nourish the hair, prevent split ends, strengthen the hair fiber, and stimulate healthier and faster growth. The oil bath is a treatment to be done before shampooing.

Sleep on a satin or silk pillow, rather than a cotton one, to keep your curly hair moisturized and nourished. Indeed, cotton tends to be absorbent and accelerates the dehydration of the hair. It is also possible to sleep with a protective satin or silk cap to maintain the curls during the night.

Be patient! A natural curly hair routine does not make miracles overnight. Your hair needs time to get used to your new routine and absorb its benefits effectively. See you in a few months for sublime curls and perfectly healthy hair!