This article was co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang. Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.
There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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To keep thick, curly hair healthy and styled, you'll need to keep it hydrated and untangled. Wash your hair at least twice weekly with conditioner and an optional sulfate-free shampoo. Use moisturizers to keep it soft, and use hairstyling tools that protect (instead of damage) your thick, wavy locks. Once you know how to best manage your hair, you can transform frizzy curls into a well-controlled hairdo.
Steps
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Wash your hair every two to three days. Get your hair wet any more often, and you'll strip your scalp of natural oils. Pick two or three days a week to wash your hair in the shower. On days you do not wash your hair, get your hair slightly damp and massage leave-in conditioner into your roots.[1]
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Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfate detergents are usually harsh on curly hair. Accumulated sulfate residue on the scalp can cause dryness and irritation. When shampooing your hair, go for natural alternatives (like coconut or olive oil-based products).[2]
- Sulfate-based shampoo usually lathers more than sulfate-free alternatives. Use less shampoo than you think you'll need when using sulfate-free alternatives.[3]
- Sulfate-free shampoos will reduce frizz more than shampoos that contain sulfates.
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Part your hair into sections to wash it thoroughly. It's easy to wash thick, curly hair unevenly. Separate your hair into 4-6 sections. Twist or pin up your hair to separate it. Remove one twist at a time and wash it thoroughly. Pin it back up as you finish, and move onto the next section until you're finished.[4]
- Washing your hair in sections takes a longer time, but your hair will tangle less and you'll reach a greater area.
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Co-wash your hair once per week. Co-washing is a technique made especially for curly or wavy hair. Reduce how often you use shampoo, and use solely conditioner to hydrate your hair. Laying off shampoo every so often can make wavy hair smoother, softer, and less prone to frizziness.[5]
- Dry hair especially benefits from co-washing because your hair maintains more natural oils.
- Don't cut out shampoo completely. Alternate between co-washing and using shampoo to keep your hair from getting greasy. Remember that conditioner cannot clean your hair like shampoo can.
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Deep condition your hair at least twice a month. Curly hair tends to be naturally dryer, and it needs lots of hydration to remain healthy and lush.[6] Once every two weeks, wash your hair with a deep conditioning product and leave it in for between 10-30 minutes before washing it out. Replace one of hair washes for the week with a deep conditioning session.[7]
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Comb your hair while it's still wet. If you wait until thick hair is dry, you're more likely to deal with tangles. Bring a comb with you in the shower, and smooth out your curls while the conditioner's still in. You can re-comb your hair after the shower or while styling your hair, but this initial combing can keep your hair knot-free.[8]
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Use a detangling tool to comb. A wide-toothed comb, for example, can preserve your waves and prevent split ends. You can also use your fingers as a makeshift comb to work through tangles in the shower.[9] Avoid using brushes of any kind, as they add too much volume and contribute to frizzy hair.[10]
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Air dry your hair, or blow dry it with a diffuser. Heat can damage thick or curly hair. Use a towel or soft t-shirt to dry off your hair. If you need to dry your hair quickly, turn your blow dryer to a cool setting and attach a hair diffuser. Diffusers distribute the dryer heat evenly and disturb your curl pattern less.[11]
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Avoid using straighteners or curling irons. Regularly using thermal tools on curly hair can lead to damage and split ends.[12] Wean yourself off of hot tools and look for natural alternatives, like using hair bands or rollers. If you must use thermal tools, invest in high-quality products and apply a heat protection product before you style.[13]Jen Atkin, Celebrity Hairstylist
Use heat protectants and other nourishing products. "Make sure that you’re protecting the hair and not creating more damage with extreme heat. "
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Moisturize your hair when frizzy. Frizziness is often caused by heat and humidity, which causes proteins in your hair to dry out. Moisturizers like coconut oil or frizz creams can restore your curls to their natural pattern.[14]
- Choose natural oils above synthetic alternatives: natural products absorb into your hair, but synthetics sit on top.
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Apply the amount of product suggested on the package. Product buildup can lead to dryness and even hair breakage. Avoid over-saturating your hair with too much moisturizer or hair butter. Read the product directions and only apply the directed amount. On days where you use multiple products, wash your hair in the evening.[15]
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Trim your hair monthly or every two months for healthy hair. Thick hair often suffers from split ends, which can make full hair go limp. Every 6-8 weeks (or when your hair seems stringy), visit your stylist for a quick trim. Cutting wavy, thick hair can be difficult, so unless you are a professional, visit a stylist familiar with curly hair.[16]
- Trims are important to reduce split ends. If you do not get your hair trimmed, the split end may eventually cause your hair strand to break off.
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Ask your stylist to take the bulk out of your hair. Thick hair, especially when paired with curls, can easily weigh down your head. Instead of asking your stylist to remove one or two inches (2-5 cm), ask them to remove extra weight. Tell your stylist that you want a looser and flowing feel if your hair constantly feels unmanageable.
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Choose a layered hairstyle. Styles with long layers are great for giving thick hair a natural look and removing some heaviness. Also, tastefully added layers can enhance natural curls or waves. Ask your stylist if they can add texture in the back as they thin your hair.[17]
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Shy away from bangs. Short, curly bangs can look uneven or outdated. Unless you're set on bangs, avoid asking your stylist to cut you any. Ask your stylist for a cut that frames your face instead, for a similar and more flattering look.
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Go shorter for more manageable hair. Long, curly hair can sometimes defy taming attempts. If you can't find a way to manage your mane, ask your stylist for a shorter style. Cropped hair can keep volume in check, especially styles that are longer in the front than the back.[18]
Quiz Pack: We’ve handpicked these quizzes just for you.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat causes straight hair to become curly?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
Licensed CosmetologistAny hormonal change can affect the texture of your hair. Puberty and menopause are common times of change for women. Medications and major changes in diet and lifestyle can also impact hair texture. -
QuestionHow often should you wash your hair if you have curly hair?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
Licensed CosmetologistIf you have tight curls, you should wash your hair infrequently (no more than once a week). If you have wavy hair or looser curls, you may want to wash more frequently (every 2-3 days), especially if you have fine hair. -
QuestionWhat products should I use for naturally wavy hair?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
Licensed CosmetologistIf you have naturally wavy hair and you want to enhance that texture, you should use products designed for curly hair. If you wear it straight, use smoothing or straightening products.
Video
Tips
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Styling curly hair is often trial and error. Depending on your hair's thickness and texture, some things might work better than others. Experiment with your hair routines until you find the what works for you.[19]Thanks
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Research hair products before you use them to make sure they are wave-friendly. Some products can dry out or frizz curly hair.Thanks
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Take your time when styling your hair. Managing thick, curly hair can take patience.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- Once a month, try mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with a palm of shampoo and clean your hair with it to get the hard water and chemical buildup off. But remember to condition afterwards! This is something I do as a professional hair dresser.
- Keep in mind that tight hairstyles, like buns or ponytails, can alter your curl pattern or cause kinks. That said, you can always "reset" your curls with a cowash!
Warnings
- Alcohol-based products can set curly hair up for frizz because they dry the hair out. Check your hair product labels for alcohol. Usually, salon-quality products contain less or no alcohol. Supermarket brands often contain larger amounts.Thanks
- Avoid cotton pillowcases, which can tangle your curls. Instead, use satin pillowcases or wrap your hair in a satin scarf.[20]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/no-poo/4-tips-for-washing-curly-hair/
- ↑ https://www.allure.com/gallery/the-ten-commandments-of-curly-hair
- ↑ http://www.hairromance.com/2015/07/how-to-use-sulfate-free-shampoo-properly.html
- ↑ https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/home/the-best-way-to-wash-curly-hair-si/
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/hair-care/co-wash-natural-hair
- ↑ Ndeye Anta Niang. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/celiashatzman/2015/01/20/the-7-biggest-curly-hair-mistakes/2/#7e8285e45b0b
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/celiashatzman/2015/01/20/the-7-biggest-curly-hair-mistakes/2/#7e8285e45b0b
- ↑ http://beautymunsta.com/why-is-a-wide-tooth-comb-good-for-hair/
- ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-manage-wavy-hair-like-september-cover-star-adam-driver
- ↑ https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/styling-transitioning/how-to-use-a-diffuser/
- ↑ Ndeye Anta Niang. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.
- ↑ https://www.matrix.com/blog/11-hair-care-tips-for-all-types-of-naturally-curly-hair
- ↑ Ndeye Anta Niang. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.
- ↑ https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/home/the-biggest-mistake-women-with-thick-hair-make/
- ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/10-tips-to-tame-thick-hair/
- ↑ https://www.hercampus.com/school/new-paltz/7-tips-people-thick-hair
- ↑ https://www.popxo.com/2015/03/tips-to-manage-thick-hair/
- ↑ https://alphamom.com/parenting/hair-care-101-for-curly-haired-tots/
- ↑ https://www.matrix.com/blog/11-hair-care-tips-for-all-types-of-naturally-curly-hair
About This Article
To care for naturally curly or wavy, thick hair, start by washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo every 2-3 days to avoid stripping your scalp of its natural oils. On the days you don’t wash your hair, dampen your hair and massage a leave-in conditioner into your roots. Then, comb through your strands with a wide-tooth comb to keep them free of knots. Additionally, use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment, since heat can damage thick or curly hair. For more tips from our Beauty co-author, like how to get the right haircut for curly hair, read on!
Reader Success Stories
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"What helped me most were the tips on how to maintain my fine, wavy hair with deep conditioner: Wash in cold (not shockingly cold), and condition/detangle while doing so. The above-mentioned pointers are very useful and will apply promptly."..." more