WASHDAY 101

When you’re blessed with textured hair, it’s key to know that achieving pristine-looking spirals, corkscrews and afros starts in the shower—not after you get out. Here are some top tips we gathered from texturedhair experts to help your natural hair thrive on washday.

TRY A PRE-’POO TREATMENT

Although it’s an extra step, applying a hot oil or pre-wash treatment on dry hair before your washing process will provide a nourishing protective layer that helps to soften strands. This makes detangling fragile curls a lot easier and lessens breakage.

WASH WITH CARE

Because thick curly hair is drier than other textures, it relies on its natural oils to stay healthy. Steer clear of shampoos that contain sulfates, which will over-strip strands of this good stuff. As for conditioners, formulas that provide an abundance of moisture and good slip to the hair for detangling are vital.

DETANGLE WITH DETAIL

Detangling your spirals, from ends to roots, in the shower with a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush while they’re well coated with a hydrating conditioner is an ideal strategy. For a gentler process, and to help remove all knots, opt for detangling small sections as opposed to tackling your whole head at once.

DEEP CLEANSE PERIODICALLY

Ample curl definition often relies on the layering of different styling products, from gels to curl butters. But over time, this can make it hard for textured hair to hold a style due to being weighed down with pore-clogging product residue that regular shampoo simply can’t tackle. Adding a clarifying shampoo to your routine a couple of times a year to remove this buildup will provide your spirals with a clean slate.