Styling and caring for curly hair is no easy task. Unlike straight hair, curly hair lacks moisture and dries out quickly. 

Follow these seven tips to add extra bounce and shine to your natural curly hair:   

1. Use the Right Shampoo

Washing is the first step in any hair care routine, regardless of hair type and texture. Water removes dead skin cells, product buildup, and excess oil. However, with curly hair, you need to be extra careful about the ingredients in your shampoo. 

Make sure your shampoo doesn’t contain toxic chemicals, such as sulfates, silicones, and parabens. These can irritate your scalp and lead to breakage. Instead, use a shampoo with natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, aloe vera, and avocado oil. Shea butter, keratin, and provitamins are also beneficial for your hair. 

    2. Avoid Excessive Shampooing

Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, which means excessive shampooing can lessen its natural moisture. Use a mild shampoo with moisturizing and cleansing agents and massage your scalp. 

Depending upon your curl type, shampoo every other day or once every three weeks. After shampooing, use a hydrating conditioner to seal your hair cuticles and prevent frizz. 

    3. Know How to Handle Wet Hair

Once you have shampooed and conditioned your hair, resist the urge to brush it right away. Curly, wet hair is more prone to damage, and brushing can cause frizz and uneven curl definition. Instead, towel dry your hair and squeeze out excess water. 

Run your finger through the curls and apply a gel or cream. Rub the product with two hands along the length of your hair. This will keep your curls together and prevent the strands from drying separately.     

     4. Choose the Right Comb

Curly hair is more prone to breakage when combed or brushed. Use a wide-tooth comb to break up knots. You can also finger-brush your hair when the conditioner is still in for a smooth finish. Invest in a high-quality brush with natural and sturdy bristles. This will help spread natural oils from the scalp to the ends. 

     5. Apply Oils or Serums

Apply oils or serums to damp hair to retain moisture, reduce frizz, and protect it from damage. Oils can lock in moisture and prevent hair from drying out. Meanwhile, serums are lightweight and help manage flyways. Oils and serums can also provide slip, which makes detangling easy. Castor oil, coconut oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil are often recommended. 

     6. Use a Curly Hair Headband

Tight ponytails, high buns, and overly pulled hairstyles can cause significant damage to your delicate curls. Instead, use a dedicated headband for curly hair. Bands keep hair off the face and neck without pulling or stretching. They can also add a pop of color to your everyday look. 

     7. Take Heat Protection Measures

Blow dryers and curlers can damage the natural texture of your hair. Apply a dedicated hair protection spray before styling your hair. Look for a spray with silicone and keratin for added protection. You can also add a diffuser attachment to your blow dryer to limit heat exposure to your natural hair.