The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Shampoo for Curly Hair

The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Shampoo for Curly Hair

Introduction

On December 5^th, 2019, Sony Pictures Animation released a short film titled “Hair Love.” The film highlights the struggle a dad faces in trying to get a grip (literally) on his little girl’s hair. In as much as the film centers on the value of togetherness, it shows the all-too-common struggle that exists when dealing with naturally curly hair. Shampooing is a great way to maneuver the oft murky waters of curly hair. Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts when using shampoo for curly hair.

The Do’s

Go for Something That’ll Nourish Your Hair

Yes, shampoo’s main job is to get rid of all the muck and oil from the surface of the hair. After shampooing, you’ll notice that the surface of your hair feels smooth, and combing is a lot easier. However, good shampooing should not only cleanse your curly hair but also nourish it. If you are on the lookout for some shampoo, go for something with, say, organic aloe or perhaps wheat protein. An all-rounded shampoo gets the job done and then some.

Pick a Shampoo That Moisturizes

Having curly hair does not guarantee a free pass against a dry scalp. Having dry hair could mean that your scalp doesn’t produce enough oil or that your hair structure allows for moisture to escape. So, the next time you go shampoo shopping, find a product that will also moisturize your hair. Look out for ingredients such as avocado oil, aloe vera, and shea butter.

Choose Shampoo That Repairs Your Hair

Chances are you’ve used a hairdryer a fair amount of times in the recent past. Afterall, hairdryers get the job done ASAP and save you tons of time waiting for your hair to dry. But using hairdryers, especially on a high heat setting, will dry out your scalp. This kind of exposure often leads to heat damage.

For dry and damaged curly hair, opt for a shampoo that reverses heat damage. Virgin coconut oil and avocado oils are two ingredients that help rejuvenate heat-damaged hair.

Opt for Something That Shuts Out UV Rays

Ah yes, the sun, a friend and foe in equal measure. Giver of light and warmth, the sun is also capable of wreaking havoc on your hair. Prolonged exposure to the sun gives UV rays enough time to damage the outer cover of your hair strands.

If you’ve noticed brittle strands, discoloration, or lots of split ends, that could indicate UV damage. Choose a shampoo with at least SPF 30 to shield your curly hair from sun damage.

The Don’ts

Avoid Using a Ton of Shampoo

Sometimes when you’re using shampoo, there’s that little voice inside your head that gently whispers, “More, More.” Well, try as hard as you can to resist that little voice. Overusing shampoo could, in reality, undo the healthy state of your hair. Too much shampoo can potentially remove the much-needed moisture in your hair, creating or even exacerbating an issue with your hair.

Keep Off Products with Sulfates and Parabens

Sulfates attract both water and oil and therefore allow for the removal of dead skin cells and grime. The downside is that sulfates also suck natural oils from your scalp and hair, leaving your hair strands dry and brittle. Parabens, on the other hand, have estrogen-like properties and are known to increase the chances of breast cancer. Look for a shampoo that’s labeled “Sulfate & Paraben-Free.”

Skip Daily Shampooing

You love clean hair, who doesn’t? That beautiful scent of that lingers on your hair after a shampoo session is oh so divine. Again, too much shampooing will leave your hair dry and lead to hair damage.

If you must use shampoo regularly, then at least skip a day or two. That way, your scalp’s natural oil gets a chance to replenish your dry hair—everything in moderation, after all.

Conclusion

Curly hair has a unique set of challenges. Often, curly hair needs different styling techniques and different products. Shampooing curly hair requires an approach that will generate the best results for you and leave your hair looking and feeling healthy. Go ahead and try a few of these tips and give your curly hair the treatment it deserves.

Resources

Byrdie, Matrix, So Cozy, Voice Of Hair, All Things Hair