Hair and beards come in many textures. This is especially the case when we talk about men with curly hair textures, as there are many different curl patterns. Some men will even have multiple curls and find that they for example have 4c at the centre of their head but that the curls loosen as they near the edges.
To ensure you are using the right products for your hair type, it is good for you to have an understanding of which texture your hair belongs to. Here is a handy guide that will help you understand the different curl textures there are.
The things to bear in mind when you have curly hair is how prone your hair is to dryness, the tighter the curls, the more your hair will demand moisture to stop it from breaking.
This is because the naturally produced oil on your scalp struggles to reach the end of the hair trends, causing them to dry out. Most of the issues that comes with having afro hair textures can be attributed to dryness.
If you have curly hair, here are 5 things you can do to make sure your hair remains healthy and strong.
1. Men with Curly Hair Should Hydrate Lots and Often
Start by moisturizing daily using a water based moisturiser if possible and be liberal with it. When choosing a moisturiser look for nutrition rich ingredients and natural oils like Blackseed Oil, Argan Oil and Coconut Oil. You will want a product that can add extra moisture into the hair but also locks in all that moisture for longer.
2. Avoid Shampoos with Harsh Oil-Stripping Chemicals
Cleansing your hair and beard is essential for general upkeep and to avoid product build up that leads to clogged pores and irritation. However, using the wrong shampoo to wash your afro hair will cause it to dry out even more, ingredients like SLS and Sulphates strip the hair of it’s natural oils and should be avoided at all cost by men who have curly hair. Look for natural Shampoos that are free from parabens and sulphates.
3. Use Products That Lock-in Moisture Like Conditioners
A good hair and beard conditioner is a must have for any Black man who has afro textured hair and/or beard. Conditioners nourish the hair with much needed nutrients but also locks in all that moisture you will have gotten into the hair from wetting it. Both washout and leave-in conditioners are great for moisture retention.
4. Avoid Using Heat on Afro Textured Hair.
Heat is damaging to curly and afro hair, why? Because it has a drying effect and dryness is the very thing we want to avoid at all cost. Try to avoid blow-dryers and hot combs where possible. If you do want to use heat on your hair, make sure you protect your hair first by using a heat protector and try to limit the length of time your hair is exposed to the heat.
5. Avoid dry-combing your hair or beard
Because of the curly and coily nature of your hair, you will want to comb or brush your hair or beard when it is damp so there is plenty of slip and the curls do not get caught. Men with curly hair should also apply a moisturiser before combing or brushing the hair so that you reduce friction and increase elasticity in the hair.
The entire Aaron Wallace range of natural hair and beard care products has been formulated for Black men with curly hair hair, which is why they all have a water base to ensure maximum hydration. Our 3-step Hair Care System is the perfect hair and beard care set for men with curly hair