afro curly hair

Table of Contents

• Afro Curly Hair: The Basics
• Types of Afro Curly Hair
• Caring for Afro Curly Hair
• Styling Afro Curly Hair
• Products for Afro Curly Hair

Afro Curly Hair: The Basics

Afro curly hair is a type of natural hair that is characterized by its tight coils and kinks. It is often referred to as “kinky hair” or “coily hair.” According to the Natural Hair Care Council, afro curly hair is the most common hair type in the world, with over 60% of the global population having some form of naturally curly hair.

Afro curly hair is unique in its structure and composition. The hair shaft of afro curly hair is oval-shaped, which gives it its coiled appearance. The cuticle, the outermost layer of the hair shaft, is also thicker than in other hair types, which makes it more resistant to damage.

Types of Afro Curly Hair

There are many different types of afro curly hair, each with its own unique characteristics. The Andre Walker Hair Typing System is a widely used classification system that divides afro curly hair into four main types:

1. Type 3A: Loose curls that are well-defined and have a lot of volume.
2. Type 3B: Medium-sized curls that are more tightly coiled than Type 3A curls.
3. Type 3C: Tightly coiled curls that are often frizzy and difficult to manage.
4. Type 4A: Coily hair that is very tightly coiled and has a wiry texture.
5. Type 4B: Coily hair that is even more tightly coiled than Type 4A hair and has a zigzag pattern.
6. Type 4C: Coily hair that is extremely tightly coiled and has a cotton-like texture.

Caring for Afro Curly Hair

Afro curly hair requires special care to keep it healthy and looking its best. Here are a few tips for caring for afro curly hair:

1. Wash your hair regularly. Afro curly hair should be washed every 7-10 days. Washing your hair more often can strip it of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle.
2. Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip away the natural oils from your hair. Look for a sulfate-free shampoo that is specifically designed for curly hair.
3. Condition your hair regularly. Conditioner helps to moisturize and detangle afro curly hair. Apply conditioner to your hair after every wash and leave it in for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it out.
4. Deep condition your hair regularly. Deep conditioning is a great way to give your afro curly hair an extra boost of moisture. Apply a deep conditioner to your hair once a week or two and leave it in for 30 minutes before rinsing it out.
5. Avoid heat styling. Heat styling can damage afro curly hair. If you must use heat to style your hair, use a low heat setting and apply a heat protectant spray to your hair first.
6. Protect your hair from the elements. The sun, wind, and rain can all damage afro curly hair. Wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair from the sun and wind, and apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair before going out in the rain.

Styling Afro Curly Hair

There are many different ways to style afro curly hair. Here are a few tips for styling afro curly hair:

1. Start with clean, conditioned hair. Afro curly hair is easier to style when it is clean and conditioned. Make sure to wash and condition your hair before you style it.
2. Use a leave-in conditioner. A leave-in conditioner can help to moisturize and detangle afro curly hair, making it easier to style. Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair after every wash and leave it in for the day.
3. Use a curl defining cream or gel. A curl defining cream or gel can help to define your curls and reduce frizz. Apply a curl defining cream or gel to your hair after you have applied your leave-in conditioner.
4. Use a diffuser to dry your hair. A diffuser is a great way to dry your afro curly hair without damaging it. Diffusers distribute heat evenly, which helps to prevent frizz.
5. Use a pick or comb to style your hair. A pick or comb can be used to create volume and shape in your afro curly hair. Be careful not to over-comb your hair, as this can cause breakage.

Products for Afro Curly Hair

There are a wide variety of products available for afro curly hair. Here are a few of the most popular products:

1. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo that is designed to cleanse and moisturize afro curly hair.
2. Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream is a curl defining cream that helps to define and reduce frizz in afro curly hair.
3. Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner is a conditioner that is designed to moisturize and detangle afro curly hair.
4. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask is a deep conditioner that is designed to repair and strengthen damaged afro curly hair.
5. TGIN Honey Miracle Mask Deep Conditioner is a deep conditioner that is made with honey and helps to moisturize and soften afro curly hair.

Conclusion

Afro curly hair is a beautiful and versatile hair type. With the right care and styling, afro curly hair can be healthy, stylish, and full of life.