No matter what your hair's texture or how long you want it to grow, it’s pretty clear that we all share a common goal: rocking a head full of seriously healthy hair. And when it comes to natural hair, things can get a bit tricky. See, as the natural oils from our scalp don't always journey all the way down our hair, it's up to us to be all about that moisture game. Why? 'Cause when we nail it, our hair isn't just silky soft – it's also got that extra oomph of strength and resilience.
So, let's dig in. Here are six things that you can – and definitely should – do to give your hair that extra kick of softness and strength. That way, your hair will be on its A-game, from your scalp to your ends.
1. Get Sassy with the Shampoo!
You might not know it, but your everyday shampoo could act like a party crasher, wreaking havoc on your beautiful curls. Look for sulphate-free shampoos. These gentle formulas don't strip your hair of natural oils, keeping your curls softer and bouncier. This is how a sulphate-free shampoo like ours with manuka honey can moisturise and gently cleanse your curls, leaving them soft and manageable. Manuka honey also loves your scalp due to its anti-inflammatory qualities meaning less irritation and healthier hair growth.
2. Condition Like a Boss
If shampoo is the appetizer, then conditioner is the main course. Find a conditioner like ours with manuka honey and avocado that can soften your curls and help you detangle on your wash day, and you're onto a winner. Slather it on and let it sit for a few minutes before washing it off. The result? Luscious, touchable curls.
After you've given your hair a good condition, apply some leave-in conditioner for that extra love. Our Leave-In Conditioner With Manuka Honey And Avocado Oil is packed with natural ingredients that are awesome for softening your hair and keeping it shiny and moisturised. Just apply a bit (about the size of a quarter) onto your hands and run it through your hair, from the roots all the way down, to maintain a moisturised feeling for longer.
3. Ditch That Towel
Do you know that towel you've been using to dry your hair? It might be time to break up with it. Regular towels can rough up the cuticle of your hair, leading to more frizz. Use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to squeeze out the water gently. It's like giving your curls a nice, soft hug rather than a rough pat on the back.
If you don’t have time to air-dry or use a microfibre towel, consider using a diffuser to gently dry your curls evenly without turning them into a frizzy mess. Plopping can also help you to dry your curls without turning them into a frizzy mess. Just wrap your wet, styled hair in a soft tee or a microfiber towel, and chill until it's mostly dry. Super simple!
4. Sleep Like a Curly-Haired Queen (or King)
You wouldn't sleep on a bed of nails, so why let your curls suffer on a rough pillowcase? Satin or silk pillowcases should become part of your nighttime routine as they allow your hair to glide smoothly as you toss and turn, minimising breakage and frizz. It's like putting your hair to bed in a luxury hotel every night. Sweet dreams, dear curls!
5. Embrace the Hair Mask
Give your curls a spa day without breaking the bank! Once a week, treat yourself to a deep-conditioning hair mask. Leave it on for a good 30 minutes, then rinse. Your curls will thank you later!
Hair masks are like a deep treat for your hair, so there is no need to use them every wash day. If you want less frizz, leave the hair mask a bit longer. And hey, if you've got a hair steamer, use it! It'll help the mask get right into your hair for that deep penetration.
6. Less is More: Lay Off the Heat
Now, we all love to style our hair, but using hot tools every day is like having a dance-off in a pair of tight shoes – it might look good for a while, but it hurts in the long run. Embrace your natural curls; keep it on the lowest setting if you must use heat, and remember to apply a heat protectant.
Wanna style those curls without heat? Ditch those crunchy hair products that mess with your soft curls. Try this instead: grab some of our Curl Elongating Gel With Flaxseed Oil and Rosewater, apply it on your hands, and then use your fingers to run this mixture from roots to tips. It'll stretch out those curls naturally and keep 'em smooth, soft, and moisturised for ages.
And there you have it, loves! Six surefire tips to get those curls soft, shiny, and ready to steal the show. Remember, the journey to softer curls is a marathon, not a sprint, so be patient with yourself and your curly hair. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, so experiment with these tips and find what works best.