The Natural (Curly) Hair Movement

Natural trends are in full force in 2020. This trend while on the rise for a few years,  is making a bigger comeback with celebrities, models, and artists choosing natural make-ups and hairstyles. Today we are focusing on hair and why many men and women are choosing natural locks over the wigs, perms, straighteners and other previously-preferred styling methods. Curly hair, after-all is what many ethnic women are born with.

Video Overview

While straightening and wigs have been the trend for many years, women are often choosing to return to natural when it comes to their hair. Ethnic women are not the only ones making the change. Celebrities such as Lorde, Taylor Swift, Troian Bellisario (Pretty Little Liars), Kerri Russell, Beyonce and even Shakira are all known to flaunt their curls.

If you have natural waves, curls or even coils your hair will be much healthier and happy when using the “curly girl method” as touted by thousands of curly hair supporters across the globe. Become a member of the Facebook group “The Curly Girl Method” to learn more.

What is the “curly girl method?” It is a way to get your hair back to its natural curly, vivacious state by ditching most common shampoos. Instead of shampoo, “the curly girl method” teaches focus on natural conditioners and cleansing solutions.

The following are steps you can take to help reverse the damage already done to your curly, wavy or coily hair type.

Hair Types and Treatments of Them

First, you must recognize that all hair types should be treated differently.  Curly hair is differently than wavy and it is also different than hair with tight coils. To learn more about how to treat different hair types, keep reading or visit Naturally Curly for additional education.

Cleansing Your Hair Type

Because all hair types should be treated differently, each hair texture has a slightly different cleansing method. For wavy hair, use normal shampoo, but only once a week.  Ensure a good conditioning after. Whether using leave-in, or rinse out conditioner is left up to preferences.  Curly hair requires a wash even less often. Once a week or every ten days is the frequency with which curly hair should be cleansed. Women with coils should wash as little as possible. Instead, wet the hair down when it becomes matted or frizzy and apply conditioner.

 What is Co-Washing and How do I Do It?

A co-wash is the next step  for curly and coily hair. Co-wash is actually the process of cleaning the hair with conditioner. Conditioner should be applied generously to your hair after soaking your curls completely in the shower. Co-wash is helpful for keeping your hair clean and moisturized by eliminating the drying silicone that come in traditional shampoos. Silicone is the ingredient that creates foam the foaming effect in shampoo.  The truth is that hair, when regularly shampooed is being dried out with each use. Using a co-wash that does not contain silicone or sulfates will help protect your hair from the drying/breakage effects of shampoo.  Note: *Not all hair responds equally to co-washing. If hair is extra oily or dermatitis or dandruff is present, hair and scalp may actually react negatively to a co-wash on its own. Try it out and if it doesn’t work, try something else.

Conditioning Treatments for Your Hair

Conditioning is a step that is for wavy and curly hair, but should be left out with coily or kinky textured hair. Here is a list of some of the top natural conditioners and how they can help hair be properly cared for.

• Darcy’s Botanical Daily Cleansing Conditioner Cream is a super concentrated cream great for moisturizing, softening, conditioning, and gently cleansing coils without stripping.
• Ouidad Curl Co-Wash is a rich, low-lathering, sulfate-free cleansing conditioner that leaves hair moisturized, soft & frizz-free while gently clearing hair of buildup.
• Pantene Pro-V Truly Natural Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner instantly cleanses, conditions, and de-tangles hair in one easy step without stripping the hair’s natural moisture. This low-lathering formula refreshes unmanageable curls and helps control frizz, leaving hair soft and shiny after use.
• Daily Fix Cleansing Hair Conditioner allows you to clean your hair without harsh Sulfates or drying detergents and is able to remove all but the heaviest silicone and oils/waxes as well as removing most mineral deposits (if you have “hard” water).
• SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser is one of the few cleansing conditioners that has cleansing ingredient or gentle detergent.
• Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea product line is a favorite product line.  Both Coconut Oil and Shea Butter are nourishing and hydrating for any hair type. This co-wash is a Sulfate-free, no suds gentle cleansing conditioner cream made for removing residue and build up between regular washings to promote a healthy hair environment for growth.

Try one or two of them for yourself and see how your hair handles it.  Remember that hair reacts differently, so don’t be surprised if results differ from what was said about the above products. Speak with a hairstylist for additional tips on curl washes.

Drying your Hair

Rinse coily/kinky hair thoroughly, to remove any excess residue.  Wrap in a towel or hair wrap and leave for 15 minutes. This will help it stay moisturized until ready to style. Many times leaving the house with still wet hair and allowing it to dry naturally may be the best solution.

For wavy hair scrunch or pin until dry. For curly hair, allow it to dry naturally and then flip your head over and fluff.

Styling your Hair

When it comes to styling, there really isn’t a whole lot to do.  Pin it back or leave it natural.  Apply gel to give it that extra texture and boost, but many women and men are going without  any extras to really let their hair breathe.

In the end it is all about what works for each individual person. Find the best method for you and go with it. Your hair and scalp will thank you.