Mythbusters: Curly Hair Is High Maintenance?

Hair, just like our skin, needs its TLC too. Just like how different skin types need certain products and ingredients, we also need to cater to the specific needs of our hair. And just like skincare routines, haircare routines can be equally expensive and confusing.

If you are a curly head, you understand the struggle of making sure your curls are defined. But sometimes, this can seem off as 'high-maintenance', because you might need so much more than a straight-haired person does.

But is it fair to deem it that way? In today's Mythbusters article, we'll find out if it's true that curly hair is high maintenance!

Curly hair is high maintenance?

Even people who are knowledgeable about curly hair maintenance still struggle with keeping their curls defined.

First of all, there are so many things you need to note about your curly hair, right from the start.

Not only do you need to have a full-on routine which includes product application and air drying, but you also need to adjust your routine from time to time!

In addition to this, before you can even begin purchasing products for your hair care routine, you need to understand your hair first. You probably don’t know yet what curl pattern you have. Are you a 2A or a 3C? You probably don’t have a clue on what your hair needs or what it lacks. Does it lack moisture? Does it lack protein? Who knows?

It can be overwhelming to start, but luckily there’s a routine specifically made with curly heads in mind.

Understanding your hair

Lorraine Massey’s book “Curly Girl: The Handbook” presents a routine that was specifically made for curly girls.

The routine removes damaging activities and products like heat styling and even shampoo (yes, shampoo!). The routine emphasizes the importance of moisture for the hair since frizz is the number one thing that most curlies experience.

However, if you find yourself uncomfortable with the idea of not using shampoo, feel free to modify the routine to suit your hair. Just remember to add those deep conditioners!

The routine also puts importance on what ingredients you need to avoid and which ones to look out for. Listed down below are some of the most important ingredients to keep in mind. Bring out your notepads and take this down, curlies!

Things to avoid

1. Sulfates – Most shampoos in the market use sulfates because they are harsh detergents used to clean the hair. They clean our hair so well that they also end up removing some of our natural oils and moisture. Examples: Sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate
2. Silicones – Most conditioners in the market include silicones. Silicones create a film in our hair strands which make them slippery and shiny. However, moisture cannot penetrate through this film unless removed by a harsh detergent first. Examples: Dimethicone, Amodimethicone, Phenyl trimethicone
3. Combs and brushes
4. Alcohols
5. Fragrance
6. Head styling

Things to include

1. Deep conditioners
2. Humectants
3. Moisturizers
4. Protein
5. Emollients

Some things to keep in mind

Like what was mentioned earlier, you have to be aware of your hair type and what your hair needs before diving into a full-on curly girl method routine.

Even if you follow all the steps, avoid the bad ingredients, and purchase all of the products mentioned in the Top 10 Best Products for Curly Hair, your curls will not be defined right away. It will take some time before your curl definition starts showing and even then, it will not be the same perfect curls every single day.

Some hair types are drier and more dehydrated than other hair types, therefore, needing a heavy and rich product to provide their hair that moisture. However, these heavy products won’t do well for those with light and wavy curls. It might add moisture but due to the heaviness of the production vehicle, it might weigh down their hair.

Understanding what your hair is and what it needs should be the first thing before getting into this routine.

Is curly hair high maintenance?

The truth is, keeping your curl definition comes at a price – literally.

Those who are on a measly budget struggle with their basic needs. Some buy sachets and small packets of shampoo just to save their money for other things. But if you’re curly-haired, expect to splurge more on your hair essentials.

When it comes to skincare, it’s really disappointing when something you saved up for ends up not being suitable for your skin type. The same thing can happen to hair. Products for curly hair are already expensive, sometimes twice as traditional products. It can be such a waste to purchase a full range of curly-haired products that are not suitable for your hair type.

But, is curly hair really high-maintenance?

Sure, some may view it as excessive or extra. Others may appreciate it without understanding it. But one thing's for sure: your curly hair is a big part of who you are and you are more than willing to spend half of your monthly salary just to improve your curls.

Being high maintenance is subjective and some people may look at it as a waste of money and effort. But if it makes you happy and improves your self-esteem, then who cares what anybody thinks? Go rock that curly hair, girl!

And for more hair articles, don't forget to check out our ZALA blog!