If there is one thing to remember as a curly curl, it’s that “each head of hair is unique.” Sometimes, there are things that shouldn’t work but do and at other times, things that should work never do. Go figure.
” src=”https://diana-cdn.naturallycurly.com/Articles/2L_pjimage-36.jpg”>There’s no single solution or fail-safe when it comes to curly hair care.
Your texture is in charge and you do as it says–or deal with the consequences. Here’s a brief look at some products you really should not use.
1. Heavy oils (like castor oil”>
Who shouldn’t use them?
- Fine-haired naturalistas
Why?
Fine-haired curlies have strands that are easily weighed down. This makes lightweight products a fine haired curly girl’s best friend. Heavy oils such as castor oil will weigh the hair down and cause it to look stringy and greasy.
You don’t have to completely abstain from using castor oil, however, mixing it with light oils, such as sweet almond oil, argan oil or jojoba oil is a great way to get the benefits of castor oil without the weight.
2. Protein packed conditioners
Who shouldn’t use them?
Diligent co-washers
Why?
Using protein-packed conditioners may result in protein overload, causing your texture to feel dry and brittle. Healthy hair has the right protein and moisture balance. If your conditioner uses the terms ‘fortifying’ or ‘strengthening’ in the description, there is a good chance that protein overload will result if you consistently use it as a cowash.
3. Silicones
Who shouldn’t use them?
Infrequent washers and long term protective stylers.
Why?
Silicones are great for many things, including providing slip and adding shine to the hair. Silicones are also great at sealing the hair shaft by coating the strands and creating a pretty impenetrable barrier. Though water soluble silicones allow us to enjoy the benefits of silicones without needing harsh silicones to remove them, they too will result in build-up and prevent hair being moisturised if they are not rinsed away often.
If you go many weeks without washing your hair–or if it requires daily to re-moisturization in order to prevent dryness–using silicones will prevent you from adding moisture to hair and lead to dryness and product build up.
4. Watery leave-in conditioners
Who shouldn’t use them?
Low porosity naturals
Why?
Watery leave-in conditioners make great refreshers for twists or day(s”> old wash and gos, but typically do not pack enough punch to replenish moisture after washing. Low porosity curls thrive when you use products that are rich in moisture and emollients. Humectants are also work well on low porosity hair, since humectants attract and retain moisture to the hair.
If your watery leave-in contains these ingredients, go for it. Otherwise, a more moisturizing leave-in is doctor’s orders.
5. Creamy curl definers
Who shouldn’t use them?
Naturalistas with tight curls, kinks and coils
Why?
If you want to maximize the definition on each one of your tight coils, forget applying those creamy curl definers. Instead, opt for a moisturizing custard with hold.
What types products don’t work on your hair? Sound off below or on NC’s Facebook.
CURLS Pure Curls Clarifying Shampoo is protein-free, silicone-free, sulfate-free and glycerin-free.
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