Best Step-by-Step Moisturizing Routine for Afro Curly Hair
I understand that finding the right product for your curls can be a bit of a challenge, right? Brands are changing formulas faster than we can keep up, and suddenly our beloved leave-in conditioner isn't what it used to be. But don't worry, I have a simple and affordable natural care routine for your curly hair, right here for you!
Day 1 - Wash Day Routine:
Start your hair care routine with a hydrating shampoo. You can choose between sulfate-free shampoos or shampoos approved for the "Curly Girl" method, which are free of silicone and drying alcohol.
1. Sulfate-free shampoo
We recommend:
Mielle Organics Pomogranate and Honey Detangling Shampoo , very hydrating and nourishing.
Other recommendations: Creme of Nature Argan Oil Sulfate-Free Moisture & Shine Shampoo is an affordable option and always highly recommended in the natural hair community.
2. Balm
We recommend:
You can follow up with the conditioner from the same line, which is ultra-hydrating, or you can opt for Shea Moisture Daily Hydration Conditioner , another great choice .
3. Masks
Depending on the condition of your curls, you can choose to use a hair mask or a leave-in conditioner. A deep conditioning treatment once a month is recommended to keep your curls healthy.
Recommended masks:
4 Leave-In Conditioner
Depending on how your hair feels after conditioning, you can skip adding a leave-in conditioner and move on to styling. You can leave the conditioner in for a week when you need to revive your curls.
Our favorites are:
5. Stylers for Curls
Let's get to the fun part: styling. Here's a list of styling creams for curly hair.
Our top picks are:
Curl Gel
6.Oils
Jamaican black castor oil is a great carrier oil; it's a bit thick, so you can use it with other moisturizing oils, such as sweet almond oil or coconut oil. Rosemary oil from Mielle or Sunny Isle is great for stimulating hair growth and minimizing hair loss.
Scalp oil for dry or itchy scalp or to promote hair growth is Eden BodyWorks Papaya Castor Scalp Massaging Serum
7. Brushes
You can use a curly hair brush like the Tangle Teezer for detangling or the Denman D7 (this is for styling).
Styling methods:
Denman Brush.
Plopping.
Raking.
Hair diffuser.
Day 2 - Silk Pillowcase or Hair Cap if you don't want dry, frizzy hair!
You can use a silk pillowcase, a silk shawl, or a silk bonnet. For those with longer curls, you can use the pineapple method. While letting your hair down, you can apply a light oil or just a little water from a spray bottle to reduce frizz and begin to shape your curls. Try not to manipulate the hair too much or break the curls, as this can cause frizz.
Day 3 - Refresh and Reset Your Curls
Many people manage to get up to five days after washing, which means their hair stays hydrated and doesn't need any more product. However, for most people, on day 3-4, they'll try to refresh their curls, which can be done by simply flipping the curls, leaving some product on, or using a little water from a spray bottle.
After wash day, the best way to keep your hair hydrated is to use a leave-in conditioner.
Day 4 - Repeat Day 2:
For your nighttime routine, use a silk pillowcase. Some people wash their hair after four days, so in that case, just repeat all the steps we've covered so far or use a co-wash! As I Am, co-wash is definitely an all-time favorite...
Day 5 - Co wash
If you've reached day five without needing any additional products, your hair care routine is under control! But at this point, your hair tends to get a little greasy and itchy due to dirt, sebum, and buildup, so you might consider using a co-wash or simply washing your hair. You can revive your curls with a light leave-in conditioner, and anyway, it's getting closer to wash day...
Day 6 - Start Detangling Your Hair
You can put your hair in a bun because it's a little messy, or you can start the detangling process. Use a wide-toothed comb, a detangling brush, or detangle with your fingers.
Day 7 - Oh Yes, It's Wash Day!
Now, repeat! If you have several hair products, it's a good idea to rotate them, so for this wash day, you can choose to use other products you might have in your stash. Oh, and one more thing.