Cleansing for all Curl Types

Cleansing

There are two parts to the cleansing routine for all curls: cleansing your scalp and hair and then conditioning your hair. How often you cleanse and condition depends on your hair and where you are in the process. If you're weaning yourself off shampoo, you may want to stay on your usual cleansing schedule, just replacing your regular shampoo with a sulfate - free product or a botanical conditioner. You might not like a bubble-free diet, but your hair will love it. 

Once your hair becomes more hydrated and healthy, you will probably cleanse less often and just wet your hair and go right to the conditioning step for your curl type. It's also important to allow the hair to rest at times and not get locked into a scheduled routine of over-cleansing. I know wavy types who only wash their hair every three to four days.

If you are new to this curly girl approach to hair care, the amounts of product you use will change as your hair becomes healthier. For example, early on you may need to use lots of conditioner because your hair is dry and thirsty, then, as your hair gets hydrated, you'll use less. Because your curl' moods are so affected by weather and climate, you may have to adjust the amount of product you use when you travel or as the seasons change.

Generally, the tighter or drier the curl, the more botanical conditioner you need. Hair that's been damaged by blow-frying, coloring, or chemical straightening absorbs conditioner quickly and needs more. Experiment with different amounts to figure out what's best for your hair, but err on the side of more conditioner rather than less. Next time we talk about conditioning… stay tuned:)

curly girl. The Handbook by Lorraine Massey