Mid length curly hair is a versatile and effortlessly chic style that can flatter a variety of face shapes and hair textures. Whether you’re looking to embrace your natural curls or simply add some volume and movement to your hair, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about caring for and styling mid length curly hair.
Understanding Curly Hair
Curly hair is characterized by its S-shaped or spiral-shaped strands, which can range from loose and wavy to tight and coily. The shape of your curls is determined by the shape of your hair follicle, which is genetically determined. Curly hair tends to be drier and more fragile than straight hair, as the natural oils produced by the scalp have difficulty traveling down the length of the hair shaft.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 65% of the world’s population has curly or coily hair. This type of hair is more common in people of African, Asian, and Mediterranean descent.
Benefits of Mid Length Curly Hair
Mid length curly hair offers several benefits, including:
- Versatility: Mid length curly hair can be styled in a variety of ways, from sleek and polished to wild and voluminous.
- Low maintenance: Curly hair requires less frequent washing and styling than straight hair, as it tends to hold its shape better.
- Natural volume: Curly hair has natural volume and body, making it a great choice for people with fine or thin hair.
- Complements various face shapes: Mid length curly hair can flatter a variety of face shapes, as the curls can help to balance out the features.
Challenges of Mid Length Curly Hair
While mid length curly hair has many benefits, there are also some challenges associated with this hair type, including:
- Dryness: Curly hair is prone to dryness, as the natural oils produced by the scalp have difficulty traveling down the length of the hair shaft.
- Frizz: Curly hair can be prone to frizz, especially in humid environments.
- Tangling: Curly hair can be prone to tangling, as the curls can rub against each other and create knots.
- Heat damage: Curly hair is more susceptible to heat damage than straight hair, as the heat can break down the keratin proteins that give the hair its structure.
Caring for Mid Length Curly Hair
To keep your mid length curly hair healthy and looking its best, it’s important to follow a consistent hair care routine that includes:
- Regular cleansing: Wash your hair every 2-3 days with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
- Deep conditioning: Deep condition your hair once a week or every other week with a deep conditioning mask or treatment.
- Moisturizing: Moisturize your hair daily with a curl cream, leave-in conditioner, or hair oil to help keep it hydrated.
- Detangling: Detangle your hair gently with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush while it’s wet and conditioned.
- Protective styling: Wear your hair in protective styles such as braids, buns, or twists to help prevent breakage.
- Avoid heat styling: Minimize heat styling to protect your hair from damage. If you do use heat styling tools, be sure to use a heat protectant spray.
Styling Mid Length Curly Hair
Mid length curly hair can be styled in a variety of ways, depending on your desired look. Some popular styling options include:
- Scrunch: Scrunch your hair with a towel or your hands to define your curls and reduce frizz.
- Diffuse: Diffuse your hair with a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry your hair while preserving your curls.
- Finger coil: Finger coil your hair to create defined curls and coils.
- Curl wand: Use a curl wand to create loose or tight curls.
- Braid: Braid your hair into braids or twists to create a variety of styles.
Products for Mid Length Curly Hair
There are a variety of products available to help you care for and style your mid length curly hair. Some popular products include:
- Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner: Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are gentle on your hair and help to avoid stripping it of its natural oils.
- Deep conditioning mask or treatment: A deep conditioning mask or treatment can help to hydrate and repair dry, damaged hair.
- Curl cream: A curl cream can help to define your curls and reduce frizz.
- Leave-in conditioner: A leave-in conditioner can help to keep your hair hydrated and detangled.
- Hair oil: A hair oil can help to add shine and moisture to your hair.
- Wide-tooth comb or detangling brush: A wide-tooth comb or detangling brush can help to gently detangle your hair without damaging it.
Conclusion
Mid length curly hair is a beautiful and versatile hair type that can be styled in a variety of ways. By following a consistent hair care routine and using the right products, you can keep your mid length curly hair healthy and looking its best.
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to care for mid length curly hair?
A: To care for mid length curly hair, follow a consistent hair care routine that includes regular cleansing, deep conditioning, moisturizing, detangling, protective styling, and avoiding heat styling.
Q: What are some popular styling options for mid length curly hair?
A: Popular styling options for mid length curly hair include scrunching, diffusing, finger coiling, using a curl wand, and braiding.
Q: What are some products that I can use to care for and style my mid length curly hair?
A: Some products that you can use to care for and style your mid length curly hair include sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, deep conditioning mask or treatment, curl cream, leave-in conditioner, hair oil, wide-tooth comb or detangling brush.
Additional Information
- The Science of Curly Hair
- Curly Hair: What You Need to Know
- The 6 Most Important Curly Hair Products