A Very Brief Education In Curly Hair

What Determines Hair Texture? 

The texture of someone’s hair—whether straight, wavy, or curly—is determined by several key factors:

1. Hair Follicle Shape: The primary determinant of hair texture is the shape of the hair follicle. Oval or asymmetrical follicles tend to produce curly or wavy hair, while round follicles typically result in straight hair.

2. Hair Growth Pattern: The way hair grows from the follicle affects its curl pattern. Curly hair grows in a spiral or zigzag pattern, while straight hair grows in a smooth, vertical direction.

3. Genetics: Hair texture is largely hereditary. Multiple genes influence hair shape and texture, which means your hair type is often inherited from your parents or grandparents.

4. Protein Structure: The arrangement of keratin (the protein in hair) and the presence of disulfide bonds (chemical bonds between sulfur atoms in the protein) play a role in determining curliness. More disulfide bonds typically result in curlier hair.

5. Environmental Factors: While genetics set the baseline, factors like humidity, temperature, and hair care practices can influence how hair appears. For example, curly hair might loosen or tighten depending on moisture levels in the air.

Overall, the interaction of these factors creates the unique texture of each individual’s hair.

How To Care For Your Curly Hair

Natural curly hair is a beautiful and versatile feature, with textures ranging from loose waves to tight coils. Understanding and caring for curly hair requires a few key practices:

1. Hydrate: Use sulfate-free shampoos and rich conditioners to keep curls moisturized. Regular deep conditioning helps prevent dryness.

2. Detangle Gently: Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to detangle wet, conditioned hair to avoid breakage. This is best done in the shower with conditioner on your hair. 

NO brushing dry hair (unless washing it after. It will disrupt the curl pattern and 'grow'!).

3. Avoid Excessive Heat: Embrace air drying or use a diffuser on low heat to maintain curl integrity.

4. Trim Regularly: Keep ends trimmed to reduce split ends and maintain curl shape. (Some where between 8 - 14 weeks is best, but varies by each individual). 

For styling, curl creams and gels can enhance definition, while diffusers help manage frizz. Embracing your natural curls means celebrating their unique texture and finding a routine that highlights their beauty.

Why Silk? 

Silk is considered better for curly hair due to several key benefits that help maintain the health and appearance of curls:

1. Reduced Friction: Silk has a smooth, slippery surface that minimizes friction between your hair and the pillowcase. This reduces friction-related issues like frizz and breakage, which are common with coarser fabrics.

2. Moisture Retention: Unlike cotton, which can absorb moisture from your hair and scalp, silk helps retain your hair's natural oils and moisture. This is crucial for keeping curls hydrated and reducing dryness.

3. Less Tangle: The smooth texture of silk helps prevent tangling and knotting. This is especially beneficial for curly hair, which is more prone to tangles and knots.

4. Reduced Breakage: By minimizing friction and maintaining moisture, silk helps reduce hair breakage. This is important for preserving the integrity of curls and preventing split ends.

5. Enhanced Shine: Silk's smooth surface can help enhance the natural shine of curly hair, making your curls look healthier and more vibrant.

Using silk pillowcases or silk hair wraps can therefore significantly improve the overall condition of curly hair, making it easier to manage and style while reducing damage and maintaining moisture.

My Must Have Curly Hair Tools

First, this is the new brush that I got for the salon to use on my curly clients.

I am SO happy with this brush.

I have the 'Define' one currently.

 I paid full price (and shipping!) for this and get nothing from this company (or any of the ones I link to). 

This brush is a game changer! 

The Silk Pillow Cases that I love and use. I personally prefer the envelope style closure, so not to potentially damage the silk. 

KIN Apparel has great silk lined hats, hoodies, and other curl friendly items.

This towel is pretty close to the curly towels I often use in the salon (so long as I don't run out that day!). No texture on them, dry super fast, very compact and absorbent!