7 Natural Tips for Healthier Curls

My hair is naturally curly. Like, really curly.  It also used to be incredibly dry.

I am frequently stopped and asked by woman if I perm my hair, umm no! I am also asked what products I use to keep my curls in great condition.

If you like me, have thick, natural curls, you will know that it can be totally amazing or utterly frustrating. I was once frustrated by dryness, frizz and how unmanageable my hair was, I often opted to go for straighter styles, which made the condition of my hair worse. 

Then I finally figured out that to make the most of my curly hair it was time to restore and embrace my natural curls, I have not looked back. Here are my tips:

1. GO WITH WHAT YOU HAVE. 

By this, I mean let your hair do its own thing, some days my curls seem to take on a life of their own and I have no control. Once I would spend hours trying to tame-the-mane. Then I met a stylist who explained to me I would never win the hair battle, I had what everyone wanted, so stop fighting it. What I needed to focus on was the condition of my hair, I threw away my straighteners that day, and I have never looked back!

2. INVEST IN QUALITY SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER.

If you've got curly hair, you probably have naturally dry and damage-prone hair. Look for products that are especially designed for curly hair, the key is to use products that nourish hair in order to establish the proper foundation. It can be quite a journey to find just the right solutions because no two curl patterns are the same

Redken curvaceous shampoo and conditioner work well on taming my tresses. The curvaceous range has been designed for curly hair and works to make the hair-shaft smoother and more manageable.

3. SHAMPOO WITH CONDITIONER

Avoid frequent shampooing as washing your hair to often can strip strands leaving your hair dry and brittle, I shampoo twice each week, but refresh my curls daily by washing with conditioner, to keep them fresh and hydrated. I also only ever comb my hair in the shower with a wide tooth comb, once I have applied conditioner – this keeps curls uniform.

4.  APPLY STYLING PRODUCTS TO WET HAIR.

By applying your styling products to wet hair with your fingers you’ll quickly notice a reduction in frizz and hair breakage. Thirsty dry hair will become smoother and more manageable because your hair is absorbing all of the product into the cuticle as it drys, so your styling products no longer sit on your hair weighing it down

5.  NO HEAT, NO TOOLS.

I do not own a hairdryer, and I gave away my irons. I always air dry my hair, usually in the car on the way to work, using the air conditioning. Why? Because to much heat will damage and further dry your hair. Heat strips moisture. Think of your car as a giant hair diffuser. I have been known to race out of the house and do a few laps around the block to dry my hair if I have dinner plans, just ensure the heat is on the floor and the air-con is ON.

6. VITAL NUTRIENTS IN YOUR DIET = A-LIST HAIR.

Here’s the thing about hair. Most people including stylists associate the condition of your hair and scalp with the topical hair products that you use, but the reality is the condition of your hair and scalp is often a reflection of what is going on inside our bodies. Along with a proper, diet healthy hair needs essential fatty acids, which aids dry and brittle hair and improves the texture.

My hair was craving good fats! Omega 3 has a huge celebrity following…think Gwyneth Paltrow, Katy Perry and Lisa Snowden who all sing the praises of taking omega 3 supplements, all rocking great hair.

One of the biggest game-changes for the condition of my hair has been Xtend-Life’s Omega 3 / QH Premium with Ubiquinol. The benefits I have found include added luster, sheen and elasticity to my curls, less breakage and split ends as well, because my hair is enriched with nutrients and stronger and glossier, thank you Gwyneth Paltrow!

It's important however, if you are taking Omega 3, that you take the right amount as too little will make little difference to your hair.

7. HOW CAN I REPLACE MY LOST COLLAGEN?

Collagen is a major component in hair growth and can affect hair texture, growth and thickness. As we age, collagen production slows down, and our hair gradually becomes more brittle and breakage occurs.

We've all heard of collagen and omega 3 separately, however, what I had not realized was that these ingredients work incredibly well together - one potent ingredient with another, can often significantly increase effectiveness.

I was taking Skin-Support which is packed with Collagen, along with Omega. Three months of taking these two products in combination, daily, resulted in thicker, stronger and hair. My hair is longer than it has been in years because it is less prone to snapping, breakage and frizz.

Lastly. Healthy hair thrives on a healthy body. Your hair, skin and nails are non-essential tissues, which means they are the last things to receive the nutrients they need to look their best. Your vital organs will always have priority of the nutrients. A well balanced diet is a good start however, you may not be getting the proper amount of nutrients needed to create shiny, healthy hair.

DO consider beauty from within supplements, my decision to replace my collagen which was depleting with age, was made to help the fight the aging process, however replenishing my collagen levels has been a pure BONUS for the health of my hair, the tremendous efficacy of collagen combined with Omega 3 / QH Premium Fish Oil is evident not just in the appearance of my hair, but also my skin and nails.

Is the condition of your hair a problem for you? If you are reading this, the answer may be yes. Our qualified team are here to help, feel free to drop them a line at customer.service@xtend-life.com.