Best Way to Brush Curly Hair

It sounds like you’ve been on quite the journey with your hair! Discovering that your hair might actually be wavy or curly is exciting, but I totally understand the struggle of keeping those curls intact, especially when you need to tie your hair back for work.

Here are some tips to help you maintain your curl pattern while keeping your hair neat and tied back:

1. Wet Brushing Technique

Brush Only When Wet: Curly and wavy hair should be brushed when it’s wet to avoid disrupting the curl pattern. Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for curly hair. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots to minimize breakage and frizz.
Apply a Leave-In Conditioner: Before brushing, apply a leave-in conditioner or a detangling product to add slip and reduce friction. This will help preserve your curls.

2. Drying and Preserving Your Curls

Plopping and Bonnet: Your current method of plopping your hair and sleeping with a silk bonnet is great for curl definition. Just make sure your hair is completely dry before going to bed to avoid any flattening.
Avoid Touching Your Hair: Once your hair is dry, try not to touch it too much, as this can lead to frizz and disrupt the curl pattern.

3. Styling for Work

Gentle Updos: When you need to tie your hair back, opt for loose and gentle styles like a low ponytail, a bun, or a pineapple (a high, loose ponytail on the top of your head). Use silk scrunchies or soft hair ties to minimize tension and avoid breakage.
Leave Some Curls Out: If possible, leave a few curls out around your face to keep some of that curl definition. You can also create a small twist or braid to add some texture.

4. Refresh Your Curls

Use a Water Spray: If your curls have fallen flat or become frizzy during the day, lightly spritz them with water or a curl refreshing spray. You can scrunch your hair gently to reactivate the curls.
Curl Cream or Gel: Consider using a small amount of curl cream or gel to redefine any curls that have lost their shape. Apply it with your fingers, scrunching as you go.

5. Avoid Over-Brushing

Brush Sparingly: Only brush your hair on wash days or when necessary. Over-brushing can lead to frizz and disrupt your curl pattern.

6. Experiment with Techniques

Try Different Methods: Every curly head is different, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different brushing and styling techniques until you find what works best for your hair type. Some people find success with finger detangling, while others prefer specific detangling brushes or combs.

It’s not that your hair isn’t curly enough; it just takes some trial and error to find the right routine that works for you. Keep experimenting, and don’t hesitate to try new methods or products. With a little patience and the right technique, you can rock those beautiful waves or curls both in and out of the lab!