Curly hair, with its unique curves and vitality, adds infinite variety and flavor to people’s lives. Whether it’s soft big waves or vibrant little curls, each type of curly hair displays its unique charm and personality. So, should I brush curly hair?
Should I brush curly hair?
The answer is yes. According to statistics, about 65 percent of humans have varying degrees of curly hair. In East Asia, the percentage may be slightly lower, but the beauty of curly hair is still impossible to ignore. The uniqueness of curly hair lies in its shape and texture; it can be tight little curls or big waves, and each type has its specific way of caring for and tending to it. The universality of curly hair, on the other hand, is reflected in the fact that they have transcended geography, culture, and race to become a favorite hairstyle across the globe.
Structural characteristics of curly hair
1. Genetic factors of curly hair
The formation of curly hair is often linked to heredity, with genes determining the shape of hair follicles and the direction of growth. Unlike the straight follicles of straight hair, the follicles of curly hair have a spiral shape, which causes the hair to grow out of the follicle in a curved shape.
The secret to curly hair begins with genetics. The genes of the parents determine the shape of one’s hair follicles, and those follicles that are spiral in shape give birth to curly hair. This unique follicle structure allows curly hair to naturally form curves as it grows.
2. Spiral structure of curly hair
The curly hair strands themselves have a spiral structure, which makes them visually voluminous, but also increases friction between the strands.
The curly hair strands are not simply straight but have a spiral structure. This structure makes curly hair look thicker and more bouncy, but it also makes it more prone to static and tangles because of the friction between the strands.
3. Layers and texture
Curly hair often has irregular layers that add texture and volume, but also make combing more difficult.
Curly hair strands are not uniform, they have natural layers that add a unique texture to curly hair. However, these layers also require more skill and patience when combing to avoid disrupting the natural shape of the hair.
4. Vulnerability of hair texture
Due to the structure of curly hair, the strands are subjected to more tension at the bends, making them relatively fragile and more prone to split ends and breakage.
Behind the beauty of curly hair lies fragility. As the hair strands are subjected to more tension at the bends, these sections are more susceptible to damage. Therefore, for curly hair, proper care, and correct combing methods are key to keeping your hair healthy.
Common curly hair combing mistakes
1. Using unsuitable combs
Many people use fine-toothed combs or regular hair brushes to comb through their curly hair. Instead of detangling knots, these tools may exacerbate hair damage.
A common misconception is using a fine-toothed comb or a regular hair brush for curly hair. These tools are not designed for the structure of curly hair, and they can pull and damage strands, especially if they are tangled.
2. Over-combing
Frequent brushing of curly hair can damage the natural protective layer of the hair, causing the strands to lose their oils and become dry and prone to breakage.
3. Brushing hard when wet
Hair is more fragile when wet, so combing too hard can lead to hair damage or even hair loss.
4. Comb from the roots downwards
Brushing down from the roots can cause your curls to become tangled, so start at the ends of your hair and gently brush upwards.
The right way to comb curly hair
- Use specialized tools: It is recommended to use a wide-toothed comb or specialized curling comb to comb through curly hair, avoiding fine-toothed combs or ordinary hair brushes as these tools tend to pull and damage curls.
- Start from the tips and work upwards: The correct order of combing is to start from the tips and gradually move upwards to the roots of the hair, to avoid knots when combing downwards from the roots of the hair.
- Gentle combing: Be gentle during the combing process and avoid excessive force to avoid damage to the hair strands. You can use your fingers to gently untangle the knots and then use a comb to smooth them out.
- Regular use of conditioner: Before combing, apply conditioner to the hair, especially at the ends, to help lubricate the strands and minimize damage when combing.
- Avoid over-combing when wet: Hair is fragile when wet, so avoid over-combing. After shampooing, use a wide-toothed comb to gently comb through, and wait until the hair is half-dry before combing in detail.
Tips for combing different types of curly hair
- Loose curls: For loose curls, use a large, wide-toothed comb and gently comb upwards from the ends to maintain the natural shape and elasticity of the curls.
- Tight curls: For tight curls, use a small, wide-toothed comb or a special comb for curly hair, combing gently to avoid damaging the curl.
- Wavy hair: Wavy hair can be combed with a medium-sized wide-toothed comb from the tips upwards to keep the waves smooth and natural.
- Special curly hair combing:
- Big wave curls: Use a larger diameter curling comb, start from the tip of the hair, and comb gently upwards to keep the big waveform.
- Small curls: Use a small-diameter curling comb and comb gently, taking care not to pull excessively so as not to damage the structure of the small curls.
- Mixed curls: Use different-sized combs according to the different areas of the curls and zone comb the mixed curls to maintain the harmony of the overall shape.
The key to combing different types of curly hair is to choose the right comb for your hair texture and type of curls and to use the correct combing method to minimize damage and maximize the beautiful results of your curls.
Daily care and maintenance
- Choose the right shampoo and conditioner products: Shampoos and conditioners designed for curly hair are recommended, as they provide extra moisturization and repair, helping to maintain the elasticity and shine of curly hair.
- The importance of regular trimming of the ends: Since curly hair tends to split at the ends, regular trimming of the ends is essential to keep your hair looking neat and healthy.
- Avoid damage from heat styling tools: Heat styling tools such as blow dryers and curling irons can damage curly hair and should be used sparingly or with a heat protection spray and at the right temperature.
- Keep hair hydrated and nourished: Curly hair needs more moisture and nourishment, which can be replenished through deep conditioning treatments and, the use of hair masks and essential oils.
- Proper shampooing frequency: The frequency of shampooing should be decided according to the individual’s hair and activity level. Excessive shampooing may strip the hair of its natural oils and dry it out.
- Use a silk pillowcase: A silk pillowcase reduces friction on the hair during sleep, helping to keep curls in shape and reduce breakage.
Frequently asked questions about curly hair combing
1. Why does curly hair get tangled?
Tangles in curly hair are usually caused by hair getting tangled with each other, especially when it is wet. To avoid tangles, use conditioner after shampooing and be gentle when combing.
2. How can I avoid curly hair getting out of shape?
To avoid curly hair getting out of shape, first of all, use the right combing tools and methods. In addition, you can use some styling products, such as hairspray or mousse, to maintain the shape of your curls.
3. Can curly hair be washed every day?
Whether or not to shampoo every day depends on one’s hair type and scalp condition. If you have an oily scalp, you can shampoo every day, but if you have a dry or sensitive scalp, you should shampoo less frequently.
4. Can I use a hair dryer on my curly hair?
You can use a hair dryer on curly hair, but it is recommended that you use a low-temperature setting and a heat protection product before blow-drying. In addition, a diffuser attachment can be used to disperse the heat and reduce direct damage to the hair.
5. How can I make my curls look fuller?
Volume can be added to the hair by using volume-adding shampoos and conditioners, as well as by using dry cleaning sprays. Lightly scrunching the hair from the roots upwards when combing can also add volume to the hair.
6. How do I treat damaged curls?
Damaged curls need extra care. You can repair the damage by using a deep repairing hair mask regularly, reducing chemical treatments, and using gentle shampoo and conditioner products. Also, avoid using heat styling tools to reduce further damage to your hair.
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