Caring for Coarse Curly Hair

When you're at the supermarket, walking down the hair care aisle, there are hundreds of products that claim to work best for your hair. But how do you know which of these products will help you tame your very, very curly hair? Let's see if we can help you solve this mystery.

A shampoo's primary job is to remove residues from hair, including excess oil and pollution. Certain shampoos sold in supermarkets have sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, which are base surfactants (foaming agents).

They lather when you wash your hair with it. However, in time these surfactants make your hair extremely dry and can break down the hair shaft. Selecting the right shampoo for your hair type makes a world of difference.

A mild shampoo formulated with Shea butter, protects and restructures hair by restoring the natural pH, leaving hair fresh and shiny. Hair fibers get smooth and the scalp's natural oil balance is protected. Use of shea butter for hair is recommended to protect it from pollution and the ever-changing weather.

Use creamy shampoos instead of clarifying or clear shampoos. It keeps hair healthy and strong. Creamy shampoos have more moisturizing agents than clear shampoos, which is needed for this type of hair. Clear shampoos have the disposition to make your hair dry.

Organic shampoos leave very little residue in your hair and maintains their natural softness. These shampoos repair the damage done to your hair with years of straightening, coloring, and blow drying. Organic shampoos have ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, jojoba oil, organic shea butter, etc.

Take a cent-sized drop of coconut oil on your hand, rub it and massage it thoroughly in your hair. This will prevent the hair from getting dry and frizzy after shampoo.

Never use styling products that contain alcohol. This will make your hair weigh down. While styling, blow dryers should be used only when it's absolutely necessary, as the heat will steal the moisture from your hair.

• Style your hair when it's wet and then leave your hair to air dry; try not to scrunch or retouch it.
• Wear your hair with a side parting, middle parting, or angle parting. This will change the way you style your hair everyday and give new dimensions to your face.
• To get a smooth texture for your hair, use a flat-iron once in a while. But don't overdo it.

One of the easiest ways of protecting hair from damage and reducing frizz, is moisturizing. Using a simple at-home tip to moisture and condition curly locks. Combine 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of almond oil, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and half a cup of mayonnaise. Blend the ingredients together, apply to your hair, and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.

Remember to wash your hair properly as the smell of mayonnaise and eggs can be very strong. If this recipe works for you, follow the procedure twice a month.

To get the best cut possible, keep the length from medium to long, with layers cut in, to lessen some of the fullness. Avoid blunt cuts as it would appear heavy at the bottom. For better results, ask your stylist to make layers starting at your upper lip, and gradually following the length.

Some stylists insist that anyone can cut curly hair. But stylists who themselves have such hair, or have clients with dry coarse hair, become experts at managing it. Ask your friends or co-workers about their choice of products, or if they follow certain hair care regimes. This will prevent you from using bad products, and can guide you towards good ones.