The internet lately has been abuzz with new tales of curly hair care regimes and more and more information has been coming to light every day. If you too are looking for good shampoos for curly hair and are exhausted by so many options on social media, we have accumulated a little guide to help you understand your hair to choose the best shampoos for curly hair. With our tips, you can make sure that your hair stays nourished and protected from damage!
What Makes Choosing Shampoos for Curly Hair Different?
Curly hair is of a different structure and biology than straight hair and therefore needs special treatment according to the hair needs. You need a good selection of the right shampoo, conditioner, and styling products that work the best for curly hair to remain healthy and defined.
The natural scalp oil level (sebum) in normal straight hair generally remains balanced but in curly hair, it is hard to get it down into the little follicles leading to dryness and frizz. As a result of it not holding water within the cuticles, curly hair faces dehydration predominantly from humidity and other environmental factors that provoke frizz.
Curls still become puffy and unruly due to moisture getting absorbed into the dry hair from the environment. In curly hair, the layer of the hair on top (cuticle) is raised more than the straight one. Thus, it becomes more porous, loses moisture, and easily breaks.
Curly hair is more difficult to untangle the strands and knots more often than straight hair. Comb out the kinks with manageable sulfate and protein-free conditioning treatment leading to a knot-free detangling experience.
Types of Curly Hair
Curly hair can be broadly distinguished into three categories based on the moisture they can absorb.
- Wavy Hair (2A-2C): This curly hair type (2A-2C) greasiness can be averted by supplying it with the right amount of lightweight moisture. You must choose shampoos for curly hair without sulfates and should also have good hydrating agents.
- Curly Hair (3A- 3C)- It’s important to wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo that has curl-enhancing properties and is not too heavy for your hair to carry.
- Coily Hair (4A- 4C)- Coily hair needs more care than any other type. They are typically drier and need more moisture and care.
Ingredients You Should Save in Your Shampoos for Curly Hair
-
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a star moisturizer, filled with aqua, vitamins, and amino acids that deeply moisturize dry hair. Shampoos for curly hair with aloe vera calm the scalp, reduce dandruff, and improve curl quality and strength. It has a light, non-greasy texture, which is great for all curls; thus, it helps hydration without making them look unnatural while defending against dryness and frizz.
-
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer with a deep penetrating quality that keeps hair from losing its protein and strengthens it from the inside. It also ensures that the hair is hydrated, and not frizzy by sealing the cuticle of the hair. Moreover, it is a source of fatty acids that support the health of brittle and dry hair, and thus, they become shinier and more manageable. Additionally, it is great for thick and coarse hair that is prone to split ends and it helps soften the hair.
-
Shea Butter
Shea butter contains a super-rich softening substance that provides a long-lasting hydrating effect making it proper for dry hair and curly hair types. It can construct a defensive cover around the hair part to obstruct the in-and-out of moisture and to defend it from heat and ultraviolet damage. Its smooth consistency envelops curls, minimizes frizz, and enhances the texture of your hair.
-
Argan oil
Argan oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids that keep curly hair healthy and hydrated. It manages frizz, brings luster, and thickens hair resulting in less split ends and breakage. This non-greasy and nutrient-packed oil is not only suitable for eliminating static but also for curl definition without sacrificing the flexibility of the hair
-
Glycerin
Glycerin is a very good moisturizing agent because it pulls moisture from the air into the hair, which in turn hydrates and forms curls. Glycerin also prevents too much drying, reduces frizz, and increases the elasticity of the curl. Especially helpful under dry conditions, glycerin helps to hold moisture for longer periods, which makes the curls remain soft, plump, and hydrated without feeling greasy.
-
Honey
Honey is not only a natural humectant, but also an antioxidant that gives the hair a new look. It provides the necessary moisture for curls to be hydrated, the scalp to be fed, and the sealing of the hair cuticle that makes the hair less frizzy. Its natural antibacterial properties also enhance the scalp’s health, and at the same time, it prevents dandruff and irritation. Honey is a good remedy for dry, dull, or damaged hair that needs luster, as well as for finding a balance between the coconut and the castor oils. And it doesn’t require shampooing, adding any of the hair strands that are already domiciliated by overactive sebaceous glands.
Ingredients You Must Avoid In Shampoos for Curly Hair
-
Sulfates (SLS & SLES)
Sulfates- strong cleansers mare surfactants that form a thick foam lather that wipes out dirt and oil but also blows away the natural scalp oils which can lead to drastic dryness. Curly-haired people typically struggle with keeping their hair moist in the first place, and sulfate shampoos bring more frizz, make the cuticle rough, and reduce the definition of the curls.
-
Silicones
Silicones are derivatives of plants and are used in hair products to show a smooth, shiny look. Even if the silicones will make the hair shaft slippery and shiny, they can form a coating on the hair, which stops the moisture from sinking in. Along the way, it creates a build-up of extra weight covering the hair strands that can cause the curls to look dry, greasy, and flat. Silicone polymers such as dimethicone are not water-soluble and need harsh sulfates to remove which leads to a destructive cycle of drying and stripping.
-
Drying Alcohols
Short-chain alcohols are usually included in hair products for quick drying and the removal of the oil. Alcohols of this kind can be really dehydrating for the hair and because of this, the hair can get frizzy and brittle and break easily. They also reduce the structural strength of the hair, making your hair feel like a piece of straw. Use shampoos that contain whole fatty alcohols, such as cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, or behenyl alcohol, because these types of alcohols can make the hair shiny and softer.
-
Parabens
Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives to stop bacterial growth in shampoos and hair products. Parabens can provoke an adverse reaction in the scalp, throw off the natural moisture balance, and in some cases may cause hair to thin out over time. Moreover, they have been linked to hormonal imbalances and are therefore a very controversial ingredient in the field of personal care.
-
Mineral Oil & Petroleum
Mineral oil and petroleum products are a product of the crude refining process and are used to provide hair flexibility and sleekness. Despite leaving the hair surface temporarily smooth, they envelop the hair layer, which, in turn, will cause moisture to be blocked and that leads to long-term drying, coating, and dullness. These too require hard sulfates to clean the hair thoroughly and repeat the cycle of drying over and over. The only solution to this is replacing mineral oil and other products of that nature with natural oils such as castor oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and coconut oil. They work effectively without causing dryness or building up.
-
Synthetic Fragrances & Artificial Dyes
To make shampoos appealing, the smell is enhanced and the porn is colored with the help of artificial additives such as fragrances and dyes. Some can result in inflammation and scalp irritations, while some are responsible for allergic reactions and drying. Synthetic dyes can also be as aggressive and cause inflammation or even worse for sensitive skin.
Conclusion
Curly hair problems are resolved by using very gentle and tender ingredients that are free from harsh chemicals. If you are considering sulfates, silicones, drying alcohols, parabens, and other harmful additives, it is essential to know they could damage your hair. It is possible to have healthy, springy, and well-defined waves by staying away from these substances. To begin with, always scan the ingredient list of shampoos for curly hair and decide on the ones with a clean, nourishing formula that is rich in hydration, prevents frizz, and strengthens your natural curls. Right products can make your curls lively, soft, and full of life!
For more information, visit FeedNexus!