Conditioning for all Curl types

For most curl types, I suggest leaving some or all your conditioner in your hair. I know this sounds unorthodox, especially since we're so conditioned - ahem! - rinsing thoroughly for fear that product will weigh our hair down. But curly hair needs that extra moisture to stay hydrated and frizz - free, and the word greasy is almost never relevant to a curly girl. Others worry that leaving conditioner in will make your hair crunchy or sticky, but that won't happen with the right product.

In fact, a favourite trick of girls with a high frizz factor and dense, thick curls is to not rinse out any conditioner at all. Why? Because when you squeeze out excess water with a paper towel or micro fibber towel, it's like rinsing - the hair naturally absorbs the conditioner it needs to stay hydrated and releases what it doesn't.

In the conditioning sections for each type of curl, I suggest gliding conditioner downward through your hair with your fingers. 

If you have longer hair, follow this step by scrunching the same section of hair upward toward the scalp. This opposite motion will encourage and reintroduce your intrinsic curl pattern to your hair.

I often use the words "squeeze - quench" to describe the process of squeezing hair with conditioner in an upward motion toward the scalp. It usually releases a milky residue of excess water and conditioner. A squishy sound and hair that feels as viscous as wet seaweed means that "hydration penetration" has been accomplished. A generous palmful of conditioner gives curls frizz-fighting hydration. Next stop, Scrunching!

curly girl. The Handbook by Lorraine Massey