How I Got My Curls to Bounce Back from Damage By Whitney Garcia-Devers

After experiencing some damaging effects to my natural Type 3 hair, I had to change up my curly hair routine. Here is my new routine which my 3C curls really love. Some of the challenges I face

are detangling my hair and dealing with the density of my curls, but with my new routine, I am able to target both of these issues.

A few months ago I went to the hairdresser because I noticed that it was becoming increasingly difficult to detangle my hair, and she noticed that my hair has a lot of volume, but also a ton of product build-up. I learned from this visit that I was using the wrong hair care products and because of the density of my hair, my detangling efforts were in vain. The first challenge was easy to solve; however, to manage the volume of my hair I had to adjust my curly hair care routine.

Step 1: Shampooing

I shampoo my hair once a week now to get rid of the product build-up. I shampoo my hair with warm water since it allows the dirt and product build-up to escape the pores in the scalp and be rinsed away. In the past, I used to shampoo my hair bi-weekly, because I wanted to prevent frizz and breakage. Little did I know that I was damaging my hair, instead of protecting it. By shampooing my hair more frequently, I prevent product build-up and aid in a healthier scalp.

Step 2: (Deep)conditioning

I dyed my hair a few months ago and but my hair still needs protein to recover from the harsh chemicals. Now, I deep condition my hair twice a month with the Keratin 2-Minute reconstructor by Aphogee. Since I started doing this, I noticed that my hair has much more definition and resilience. When I do not apply the 'Keratin 2-Minute Reconstructor', I apply the 'Balsam with Protein' by Salerm. Before I used these products my hair was damaged and brittle, now I notice that the health of my hair is improving.

Before applying the deep-conditioner I divide my hair in four sections. I finger detangle each section while applying the deep-conditioner. Consequently, the deep-conditioner is evenly distributed and reaches all the strands. In the past, I overlooked my roots often when applying the conditioner, but now this problem is solved.

Step 3: Two-step detangling

As mentioned earlier, I finger detangle my hair when applying products. After finger-detangling each section, I comb the section with a styling comb. The hairdresser recommended me detangling my hair with a styling comb because with a wide tooth comb not all strands get detangled.

Step 4: Rinsing with cold water

I then rinse the deep-conditioner out of my hair with cold water only, because the low temperature seals the moisture in the hair. Consequently, the hair is less frizzy.

Hair Tip: Rinsing your hair with cold water closes the cuticles of your hair. Therefore, your curls will appear shinier.

Step 5: Applying leave-in conditioner

Currently, the 'Omega 3, 6, 9 Rescue+Repair Curl Defining Smoothie' by SheaMoisture is my favorite leave-in conditioner. It softens my hair and I notice that my curls are easier to manage. I finger detangle my hair when applying the product to make sure that I reach all strands.

Step 6: Sealing

The last step is sealing the moisture in my hair. I apply the 'Curlmaker' by Camille Rose Naturals, which is a curl defining jelly. The texture of the product also makes it a great sealant. When sealing my hair I do the prayer hands method to boost definition.

And I'm done!

Want more of my curly hair routine? Follow me on ig @whitneyfromtheblog! :)

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Source: naturally curly