Q&A for How to Care for Naturally Curly or Wavy Thick Hair

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  • Question
    What causes straight hair to become curly?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Any hormonal change can affect the texture of your hair. Puberty and menopause are common times of change for women. Medications and major changes in diet and lifestyle can also impact hair texture.
  • Question
    How often should you wash your hair if you have curly hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    If you have tight curls, you should wash your hair infrequently (no more than once a week). If you have wavy hair or looser curls, you may want to wash more frequently (every 2-3 days), especially if you have fine hair.
  • Question
    What products should I use for naturally wavy hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    If you have naturally wavy hair and you want to enhance that texture, you should use products designed for curly hair. If you wear it straight, use smoothing or straightening products.
  • Question
    Is wavy hair curly?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Wavy hair is hair that has a loose curl pattern. Wavy hair tends to form "S" shapes instead of coils.
  • Question
    How do you reduce knots in long, curly hair?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    If you have several knots, you're probably overdue for a trim. You should get one every 6-8 weeks. Other than that, comb your hair everyday to prevent knots and tangles, and wear hairstyles that don't require you to manipulate your hair everyday.
  • Question
    I cut my wavy hair, and now it has a triangular effect. What can I do to make my hair go back to normal?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    What do you mean by triangular effect? Are you saying that your hair falls in a "V" shape? If that's the case, there isn't anything you can do to get your hair out of the "V" shape besides wait for it to grow, and then cut it into a blunt, straight cut.
  • Question
    Would all of this still work if I wash my hair at night? And what would you recommend for me to do with my hair at night because if I just keep it down, it turns into this knotted mess in the morning.
    Community Answer
    Yes, everything will work regardless of when you wash your hair. When you do wash your hair at night, I recommend dabbing some coconut oil on it before bed because it makes it shinier, softer and silkier. It can also make your hair grow faster overnight! You could consider putting your hair in a braid or bun overnight to keep it from getting tangled. Using a silk pillowcase could also help.
  • Question
    How quickly does extremely curly hair grow?
    Community Answer
    Curly hair appears to grow slower than straight hair because rather than growing straight down, it grows in a curl. The curlier your hair, the slower it will appear to grow Even though hair grows an average of three inches every six months, curly hair can have a shrink rate of up to 75 percent, which makes it seem as if it's not growing at all.
  • Question
    I have very long, thick, frizzy hair that curls at the bottom but only gets wavy at the top. I have tried several products and styles, but I am so frustrated I've considered cutting it short. What can I do?
    Crystal Flores
    Community Answer
    Do a coconut oil mask every week, and massage your scalp for 10 - 15 minutes. Buy a lot of hair masks, they are key to having healthier hair. Stop using heat, use a micro fiber towel and let it air-dry if you have time. Leave-in conditioners are very important, especially if you have curly/wavy hair. Silk pillow cases do help a lot with frizz and keeping your hair soft.
  • Question
    What products will help this style of hair?
    Community Answer
    Your stylist can provide guidance right for you, but products by DevaCurl work just fine.
  • Question
    What if I brush my hair and it gets frizzy, but my parents make me? They don't have the same hair as me, so they don't really understand.
    Community Answer
    Try telling them them that your hair is different and that it's curly. If that doesn't work, you can always show them this article!
  • Question
    What is the best shampoo to use on thick, wavy, curly hair?
    Community Answer
    You should definitely use something with natural ingredients. There are so many companies, such as Natura Siberica, Apivita and Korres.
  • Question
    What should I do if my curly hair has suddenly become frizzy?
    Community Answer
    Sometimes changing certain products or shampoo can cause hair to become frizzy. Try switching out your hair products to add more moisture, and be sure to avoid products containing alcohol. As we get older the texture of our hair changes; finding new products that work with your hair will help tame the frizz.
  • Question
    When I'm washing my hair, should I leave the conditioner on the hair, or is it better to wash it off?
    Community Answer
    Leaving a little bit of conditioner can help keep hair moisturized during the day. The amount you leave in depends on the thickness of your hair.
  • Question
    What is a detoxifier?
    Community Answer
    Use bentonite clay mixed with apple cider vinegar. Leave for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse. Dont use anything metal to mix this with. The bentonite clay is very strong and attracts heavy metals. Stick with plastic or ceramic.
  • Question
    How do I get silky hair in a month?
    Community Answer
    Stop putting chemicals in it. Wash your hair using warm water only, and brush it gently regularly. Your natural oils will coat the hair, leaving it shiny and manageable.
  • Question
    My hair has been growing thicker, curlier, and faster to the point where I need to bathe to clean it. My dad always says to use hot water, but I feel like it dries my hair out. Should I rinse with cold?
    Mhoke
    Community Answer
    Cool water rinses are best for thick, curly hair. Hot water can cause it to dry out and make it hard to manage.
  • Question
    How do I manage my unruly and thick curly hair?
    Community Answer
    Try using hot oil treatments. All you need is some sort of oil, I recommend coconut oil for curly hair. Heat the oil and massage the oil onto your scalp and the rest of your hair.
  • Question
    What do I do if my hair gets too dry?
    Community Answer
    Sometimes you can leave in the conditioner to rehydrate your hair. A good brand is Infusium 23. You can buy it almost anywhere.
  • Question
    How do I get naturally curly hair?
    Community Answer
    You get naturally curly hair by being born with it. You can't change whether your hair naturally grows curly or straight; that's encoded in your genes. You can only curl it temporarily, or get a perm if you want more lasting results.
  • Question
    Do I need a hairstylist to take care of my hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, because they will know what is best for your hair in the long run. You should make an appointment with them several times per year.
  • Question
    The top layer of my hair is straight, but the bottom layer is curly. How do I even them out?
    Community Answer
    You could either straighten or curl the opposing layer if you have a specific look you're going for, or you could use the differences in appearance to your advantage. For example, pin the straightened hair up for volume and leave the curly hair down.
  • Question
    I have frizzy wavy hair on the outer layer of my hair and straight in the inner part. I love my locks but hate the frizz. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Try not to brush your hair when it's dry, because you could break it. Instead, just brush your hair when it's damp, or just comb through it with your fingers.
  • Question
    How can I treat my wavy, straight hair?
    Community Answer
    Use argon oil then spray salt spay, it helps shape the waves so they aren't as flat.
  • Question
    How can I use this method for my oily hair?
    Community Answer
    Since oily hair requires different products and routines, this method is not recommended. Wavy and curly hair is generally dry and needs a lot of moisture. Try finding an oily hair routine.
  • Question
    If I am using a sulfate-free shampoo, how long should I leave it in? My hair recently started getting oily at the scalp, which might be because of the shampoo.
    Community Answer
    If you just are transitioning from sulfate to sulfate-free shampoo, then there will be an "awkward stage". Your hair will get greasy as it adjusts, but it will go away in a matter of a couple weeks.
  • Question
    The top layer of my hair is curly, but the bottom layer isn't. What should I do to make the bottom layer curly, too?
    Nour Elmaataoui
    Community Answer
    Coconut oil masks are really good at helping that. You can do this twice a week. Don't do it too much, as too much isn't good for your hair. Try to stay away from curling irons or straighteners, because the heat won't make it any better.
  • Question
    It suggested in the article that I don't have to wash everyday, but my hair becomes too oily when I don't wash within 24 hours. Is there a way to fix this?
    Community Answer
    You might try co-washing. Instead of washing with shampoo every night, use conditioner only at least once or twice a week. The danger behind washing your hair too often is stripping your hair of natural oils, so if you have oily hair, washing it more often will not likely damage it.
  • Question
    Will braiding my hair at night make my curls go away? I am a teen and I don't want to lose my curls.
    Community Answer
    No. The braid will make your hair wavy, and won't straighten your existing curls in any way. However, depending on how wet your hair is (if you shower at night), it might not fully dry overnight, and it will be damp and frizz up during the day.
  • Question
    How do I make my hair naturally straight?
    Community Answer
    You can't change the nature of your hair. That's determined by your genes. You can only straighten it. If you want long-lasting results, chemical straightening is an option.
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