How to Moisturize Curly Hair

Oh, how we’ve longed for these days of summer lovin’, beach bumming and floppy sun hats. It’s the time of year we all like to embrace that carefree holiday feeling, surround ourselves with friends and loved ones, explore new places and, most importantly – let our hair down!
And while it’s perfectly OK to get a little laxer about your usual routine – be it household chores or beauty regime – there are two things we simply cannot get careless about: our skin and hair care.
Parents, magazines and celebrities are always quick to preach about the importance of skincare during the scorching hot summer months. How vital it is for us to wear sunscreen, moisturize and otherwise protect ourselves from the harsh rays.
They warn us of sunburn, our skin becoming leathery and ageing quicker, not to mention the dreaded C-word. Yet, no one ever seems to warn us about the effects of the sun and the intense heat it produces, on our hair. Why is that?
It’s bizarre given that our hair is prone to just as much sun damage as our skin, only it might not be immediately evident. We know when our skin has had too much sun when it turns prawn pink or lobster red – what are the warning signs for sun damage to your hair?
How the Sun Can Damage Your Hair
While our hair is also prone to discolour under the heat of the sun, one of the most obvious – and usually the first – telling signs of damage, is dryness and brittleness. This is because the heat tends to suck all the moisture out of our hair and this is especially true for curls.
Add to the sun, a mixture of salty sea water, sand and other natural elements, and your curls – which are naturally dry and sensitive – are going to suffer if you don’t tend to them during the summer months.
Of course, it’s not only the summer months us curly heads need to worry about – moisturizing is an all-year round commitment, one that will make all the difference between a head of frizzy, brittle locks and a healthy, voluminous and glowing mane of defined tresses.
So, rain or shine, do your curls a favour and keep them happy with moisturizing ingredients, treatments and a few golden tricks – here’s how!
How to Moisturize Curly Hair: It’s All About Deep Conditioning….
Literally! You can’t expect your curls to be living their best lives without contributing anything to better their circumstance. You need to give them optimal conditions to thrive in and that means, yes – treating them to regular deep and leave-in conditioner treatments.
Here are some of our favourite, deeply hydrating products for fully moisturized hair:
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Faith in Nature Natural Lavender and Geranium Conditioner
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Faith In Nature Natural Lavender & Geranium Conditioner, Soothing, Vegan & Cruelty Free, No SLS... | Check Price on Amazon |
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sometimes you’ve just got to have a little Faith in Nature. Just a few washes with this blend of all natural lavender and geranium essential oils and you’ll see, trusting in Pachamama to work her magic really does pay off.
This 99% natural origin conditioner from the Faith in Nature brand is made with anthocyanin which is found in grape skin and acts as a powerful antioxidant breathing fresh life into your hair. It is extremely nourishing and revives dry hair with its quality, conditioning ingredients providing amazing moisture levels.
Completely free from SLS and parabens, this vegan shampoo is an excellent choice for your weekly hair care routine. Simply apply this conditioner to damp hair, let it absorb for five minutes and enjoy the fabulously moisturizing results.
DevaCurl Melt Into Moisture Matcha Butter Conditioning Mask
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The price tag on this this Melt Into Moisture Matcha Butter Conditioning Mask may make you gasp at first, and we can’t blame you. This is definitely not one you’re going to be using on a weekly basis, that’s for sure.
However, every now and then – say once or twice monthly, for instance – there’s nothing wrong with catering to the diva in you, and if you were ever going to splurge on a haircare product, this is it.
The DevaCurl brand is famous for its top quality range of sulphate, paraben and silicone free products for all curl types, and they really do work a treat. This ultra-moisturizing mask will leave your hair feeling silky smooth, super easy to detangle and with a wonderful shine and healthier hair follicles.
Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Conditioner
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SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner no silicones or sulphates for thick,... | Check Price on Amazon |
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Coconut is one of the most commonly used natural ingredients in haircare products designed for curls, and for good reason. Its oils penetrate deep into the strands, thus creating a nourishing experience on the quick – no need to wait weeks to see results.
It’s no wonder then that, Shea Moisture, one of the oldest and most trusted brands for curls uses coconut in many of its products. In the case of the Curl and Shine Conditioner, it is paired with hibiscus, which coats your curls in the goodness needed to keep them shiny and healthy.
This conditioner works great on thick, curly hair and restores sun-damaged or stressed hair by infusing it with moisturizing silk protein and neem oil and smoothing out dry hair cuticles for wonderfully moisturized hair.
TIGI Bed Head Ego Boost Leave-in Conditioner
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Bed Head by TIGI - Ego Boost Leave In Hair Conditioner - For Damaged Hair - Repairs Split Ends -... | Check Price on Amazon |
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For the ultimate split-end mender and ego boost for your hair, reach for the funky pink, pyramid-shaped TIGI Bed Head Leave-in Conditioner. Designed to offer a protective and restoring treatment for your curls, it conditions and moisturizes dry, damaged hair.
Used by professionals around the world, the TIGI Bed Head brand is known for its undeniable effectiveness, especially when it comes to frizz-ease. This is especially advantageous considering that frizz only enhances that dry and unhealthy look and feel in our curls.
This leave-in conditioner can be applied to wet or dry hair and will keep all flyaways in check for the remainder of the day. Coating your curls with PVP, your hair will be left with a gorgeously soft and light texture.
It’s Not Just About Day-Time Care: Keep Your Curls Moisturized Throughout the Night
Keeping hair moisturized is not just about using conditioners.
If you’ve never considered wearing your curls in a silk scarf or bonnet at night time, you really should, it can keep your curls hydrated.
There’s nothing outdated about this look, nor should it make you feel like an old hausfrau – in fact, once you’ve tried it, you’ll be laughing at all those who sleep with their curls on the loose, and trust, you’ll be able to tell who wraps those tresses up and who doesn’t.
The reason behind keeping your curls covered in a bonnet or scarf throughout the night is so simple and so extremely beneficial, yet few are actually aware of it. Yes, even those who have been blessed with natural curls from the very get-go.
Not only does it protect our curls from breakage as we toss and turn on our pillows all night, causing friction and tension, it also keeps in the moisture from any of your chosen leave-in conditioners or masks, and even your usual, weekly washing routine.
So you see? There’s no shame, only power in wearing a bonnet or a scarf at night! And if you’re really not into the idea, you can always opt for a silk pillow case instead.
Here are a few great options for you available on Amazon, should you have finally decided to take the leap and treat your curls to some moisturizing, night-time pampering.
Emmet Mulberry Silk Night Sleep Cap Bonnet
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Available in nine different, modern and flattering colours, the Emmet Mulberry Silk Night Sleep Cap Bonnet is multi-functional and very comfortable to wear both in hot and cool weather. It is fitted with a flexible elastic band and cute little ribbons that will keep it in place all night long.
It prevents your hair from drying out due to the friction you would usually experience wearing your hair loose, and helps to retain the moisture needed to wake up to a head full of shiny curls. It also prevents hair loss and makes your curls more manageable in the mornings.
ALASKA BEAR 100% 19 Momme Natural Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
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ALASKA BEAR 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin Health, Hypoallergenic, Standard Size... | Check Price on Amazon |
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you don’t think you’re going to feel comfortable sleeping in a bonnet for whatever reason, but would still like to reap the benefits of sleeping on a silk surface, then you might consider investing in this pillowcase by the ALASKA BEAR brand.
Made out of 100% 19 momme natural mulberry silk, it is a soothingly soft yet insulating fabric that will do the trick all-year round. It is a fantastic option for anyone with sensitive skin or an irritable scalp, and keeps curls incredibly happy, moisturized and, of course, protected.
Dubbed a great “bed head saver and healthy skin helper”, this pillowcase is organic and hypoallergenic and will make for a purchase you’ll never come to regret, guaranteeing a good nights’ sleep and a healthy head of curls.
Zar Fashion Large Satin Silk Square Plain Head Scarf
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satin silk Large Square Plain Nautical Head Neck Scarf Wrap 90 cm X 90 cm (BLACK) | Check Price on Amazon |
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With more than twenty bright and beautiful colours to choose from, you really won’t be able to complain about an old-fashioned look.
These large satin silk, square nautical head scarfs by Zar Fashion are ideal for wrapping your curls with at night, and you can even mix and match them with your pyjamas based on your colour choices!
The super soft, silk fabric is a divine treat for your curls, one that will lock in the moisture from all the fabulous conditioning products you are bound to try now that you’ve learned about all the best brands available out there.
Simply arrange your locks into your chosen protective style, a simple braid or even wear them loose, then arrange the Zar Fashion head scarf on and around them and tie them back to your liking.