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There is rarely a clear right or wrong when it comes to hair care. What works for one person may not work for another. Add to that the oft-told advice and not-so-factual information, and finding a hair care routine that works for you can be a bit of a minefield, especially if you have curly or coily hair.
So to set you on the right path, I spoke to Shea Moisture’s Afro Textured Hair Specialist Jenny Roberts and top celebrity curly hair stylist Nicola Hallowell about the biggest curl myths they don’t want people to believe. I did. And no, there’s no debate as to whether eating crust will make your hair frizzy.
Keep scrolling to find out what’s fake news and what can actually help you get the keys to your dreams.
Do not wash curly hair – superstition
Sorry to all the die-hard followers of the “Curly Girl Method,” but after years of debate that washing your curls with shampoo is too stripping, there’s a big return to cleansing your curls with a more traditional shampoo. I am doing it. The frequency depends on your hair type, but Roberts says regular cleansing is essential for healthy hair. “This first step is extremely important to moisturize and purify both your scalp and hair. Contrary to popular belief, as long as you use quality products, shampoo frequently. There’s no harm in doing it. For healthy hair and scalp, sulfate- and silicone-free shampoos are my first choice,” she says.
Hallowell echoed that sentiment. “Not shampooing is great for people who live in the rainforest and use aloe vera to style their hair, but for people in polluted cities or who use a lot of products, shampooing is a great option. This can cause oil to build up and reduce its moisturizing properties.”Then, the product will not be able to function properly. Product build-up can also cause your hair to become frizzy and weak. ” To avoid damaging your hair from over-washing, Hallowell washes her hair when she feels it’s dirty at the roots. During hair washing days, she rinses her hair with warm water before using leave-in conditioner.
Introducing a cleansing shampoo once or twice a month will help remove build-up and ensure the product works at its best. Hallowell recommends Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner (£56, Lookfantastic.com) and Roberts recommends SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Shampoo and Conditioner (£22.98, Amazon.co.uk). I’m also a fan of Ouai Detox Shampoo (£28, Lookfantastic.com).
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Olaplex shampoo and conditioner will help your hair look its best (Lookfantastic)
Curls need to be refreshed every day – Myth
I am also guilty of this. If I’m letting my curls down, I can be sure that I’ve wetted my hair with a spray or splash that morning and topped up with product. According to Hallowell, if you set your curls properly and sleep with your bonnet on, you won’t need to freshen up for days. “After your curls are set, you’ll have five wash days off. This means less manipulation and styling, less heat, and ultimately less strain on your curls.” ”
Thankfully, she told us how she did it: “Apply a heat protector, then apply a cream-based moisturizer to set your hair. Then use the foam as a styler before diffusing your hair. I prefer the heat of a hair dryer to air drying. ‘My curls seem to hold up better,’ says Hallowell, who recommends trying the Curlsmith Miracle Shield with Heat Protector (£24, Lookfantastic.com) and Jim + Henry Extra Thick Hair Leave-in Conditioner (£28, Jimandhenry.com). Recommended.
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Beat the heat with Carl Smith’s miracle shield (Lookfantastic)
Oil moisturizes curls – Myth
This is a big dog. The most prevalent hair mistake. Oils do not hydrate or moisturize. “Raw oils are certainly suitable for textured hair care routines, but they shouldn’t be confused with moisture,” explains Roberts. “Raw oils don’t moisturize your hair or scalp. Moisture comes from water and quality hair products.” Tailor to our hair’s needs. Regular use of raw oils can create a barrier that prevents moisture absorption and leads to dryness and breakage, literally making your hair waterproof. ” On the contrary, this waterproof barrier can lock in moisture when applied to hydrated hair, making oil an important part of your hair routine.
You can also try scalp serums instead of scalp oils, as they are less likely to block hair follicles. Roberts says cleansing is essential for balancing hydration. “If you’re using raw oils and find your hair is stuck in a cycle of constant dryness, incorporating a regular cleansing routine with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner can help reduce the problem. Consider using a cleansing shampoo to remove buildup and establish a habit of moisturizing your hair every 7 to 10 days. ”
You might want to try Living Proof’s Clarifying Detox Shampoo (£31, Lookfantastic.com) or Mielle Pomegranate and Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo (£11.99, Amazon.co.uk).
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Cleansing shampoo helps remove hair buildup (Lookfantastic)
All braid styles protect hair – Myth
This can be difficult for many girls with curly or coiled hair to hear. Braids, twists, and locks have become known as “protective styles,” and while they can help protect your hair, they can cause all kinds of damage if they’re too heavy, too tight, or left on for too long. There is.
“We know that braids down to the butt look great, but braiding them too often or leaving them on for too long can cause hair loss and breakage, especially at the bangs (edges),” says Hallowell. he says. She explains how this is also influenced by hair length and texture. “If your hair is already short and thin, adding such a drastic weight change can actually cause some damage.”
She advises not leaving the style for more than a few weeks and taking breaks in between. For a low-impact style, she suggests reducing the amount of hair at your hairline to lighten sensitive areas, or trying shorter styles.
Well, if you already knew that all of these myths aren’t true, kudos to you… Now, what about those skins?
For more hair care essentials, check out our picks for the best anti-frizz hair products.
