5 Common Curly Hair Mistakes (+Fixes!)

Are your curls not responding to everything you’re doing? Maybe you’re committing some of these common curl faux pas. Fear not! I’m here to guide you through these common mistakes in your curly hair routine and how to correct them for bouncy, hydrated curls.

If you’re already familiar with these, then be sure to check out my lesser-known curly hair routine mistakes guide here.

1. Using the Wrong Products for Your Curl Type

Not all curls are created equal. Some crave moisture, while others thrive on protein. Understanding your curl type and hair porosity is key. Low porosity hair benefits from lightweight, water-based products, whereas high porosity hair needs heavier formulas to lock in moisture. But this can look different because of the thickness of your hair.

For example, coarse color treated hair can actually thrive with protein products too. While fine hair that is bleached can thrive with deep conditioning masks. Tailor your products to your curls’ needs for optimal results. To know exactly what products to use for your hair type, check out my curly hair products guide.

2. Overwashing Your Curls

Curly hair is naturally drier because oils have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft. Overwashing strips these essential oils, leading to dryness and frizz. This is easier said than done because I know when curls just don;t look or feel right we just go ahead and wash it again.

While you’re ok to wash your hair everyday, what you wash with matters. Extend your wash days, at least by a day. This will help your curls Settle down and who knows, your curls might even look better the next day. OR, alternate with for co-washing or opt for SLS-free shampoos to maintain your hair’s natural moisture balance.

3. Applying Products on Dry Hair

I see this with my 1:1 clients all the time. After washing they wrap their hair up in a towel, and apply products after getting out of the shower. Curls need water to absorb moisture-rich products. Applying products to dry hair can lock in dryness, not moisture. The solution? Apply products on soaking wet hair to ensure they seal in hydration for soft, defined curls. You can always plop your hair after to speed up drying time.

4. Not Sectioning Your Hair

Styling all your hair at once can lead to uneven product distribution and missed spots. Section your hair into 4-6 parts to ensure every curl gets the attention it deserves, resulting in a more uniform and frizz-free look.

While this is necessary for thick and dense hair, if you have fine low density hair, then ignore this step. However, try styling in 2 sections? Top half and bottom half. You never know this could just be the thing your curls needed all along. Not new trending products! ha.

5. Using Too Much Heat

Excessive heat can damage your curls, causing frizz and breakage. To avoid this, use a diffuser on low or medium settings and embrace air drying whenever possible. Air drying too much can be damaging too. So there has to be a balance. This approach helps maintain your curl pattern and keeps your hair healthy. Check this write up for expert drying tips.

Conclusion

With these simple adjustments, you can transform your curl routine and achieve the healthy, hydrated curls you desire. It’s all about the right products, techniques, and care. Embrace these tips and watch your curls thrive!

Did you find these tips helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the curl conversation going!

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