Are you tired of the daily struggle with your long, curly hair? You’re not alone. For many men, managing long, curly locks can feel like an impossible task. But what if we told you that with the right tips and techniques, you can transform your curly mane from wild and unruly to sleek and stylish? In this blog post, we’ll reveal 14 essential tips and tricks to help you take care of your long curly hair effortlessly. Get ready to embrace your curls and turn heads with your stunning hair!
Contents
1. Shampooing
How often do you shampoo? It’s recommended to shampoo every 2-3 days depending on your scalp type, whether oily or dry. Shampooing every day is not advised because the natural oils from your scalp are still needed to maintain moisture. Another sign that you’re shampooing too often is if your hair feels dry and frizzy.
2. Use the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
Besides regulating the frequency of shampooing, make sure you choose the right hair products. Use sulfate- and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner, applying it evenly to the ends of your hair. Choose a moisturizing formula if your hair is dry, or go for a formula that prevents hair loss if you’re experiencing shedding. Natural oils from the scalp sometimes don’t reach the ends of long hair, so also use a moisturizer suited to your hair type.
3. Avoid Rubbing Your Hair When Drying
Rubbing your hair too hard will make it more tangled and prone to falling out when combed. On the other hand, using a hair dryer is also not recommended as it can make your hair dry and frizzy. Simply pat your hair with a soft towel until all the water is absorbed and no longer dripping. Then let it dry naturally (air dry).
For a more natural drying method, you can try plopping. Plopping involves wrapping your hair in a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel and letting it dry for about 20-30 minutes. This method helps to define your curls while reducing frizz.
Quick Tips:
- Towel Drying: Dab, don’t rub.
- Leave-in Conditioner: Use it for hydration.
- Plopping: Try it for defined curls.
Being gentle and using the right products and tools will help you maintain healthy and well-defined curls.
4. Use Hair Tonic to Prevent Hair Loss
If you are experiencing hair loss, try regularly using hair tonic. Tonic works to nourish and strengthen the roots of your hair so that it doesn’t fall out easily. Pour a sufficient amount onto your scalp, then gently massage it in to help the tonic absorb fully.
Hair tonic also adds shine, reduces frizz, keeps your scalp moisturized. Using hair tonic can be an important part of maintaining your long curly hair. Choose a tonic that suits your hair type. Look for ingredients like witch hazel, castor oil, or menthol. Avoid tonics with too many chemicals.
Recommended Usage: Use hair tonic 2-3 times a week. Too much can make your hair oily. Consistency is key for best results.
5. Use Curl Cream
Of course, you want to highlight your curls without making them look dry and stiff. You can try applying curl cream. This cream helps to detangle your curly hair. Leave-in creams are great for adding moisture. They keep your curls soft and manageable. After washing your hair, apply a small amount to damp hair. Focus on the ends and work your way up.
Tips for Choosing a Serum
- Look for Natural Ingredients: Opt for serums with argan oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil.
- Avoid Heavy Formulas: Pick lightweight serums to avoid weighing your hair down.
- Consider Your Hair Type: Some serums are made specifically for curly hair.
Using hair serum can simplify your hair care routine. It helps in keeping your curls looking healthy and shiny. If you take care in choosing and applying the right serum, your curly hair will thank you.
6. Use Hair Serum
Hair serum serves a different purpose from hair tonic. Hair serum is usually formulated to soften hair, detangle knots, and protect it from heat, dust, and pollution. Hair serum can be an instant and short-term solution to various hair problems, so you can use it before going out.
7. Use Pomade
Want to look more stylish? Use pomade or clay that suits your hair styling needs. Besides adding style, make sure the pomade you use contains nutrients and offers extra protection for your curly hair. They can help you style your hair and keep it in place. Warm a bit of pomade in your hands and apply it to dry hair. Use your fingers to shape your curls as desired.
Tips
- Use sparingly: Too much product can weigh your hair down.
- Consistency: Find a brand that works for you and stick with it.
- Combine products: Sometimes using a bit of both can give the best results.
Products will vary based on your hair type and needs. Experiment to see what works best for your curls.
8. Use Proper Tools and Accessories
If you’re still tying your hair with a regular elastic band, it’s better to head to the nearest supermarket and buy a hair tie designed for hair, especially one made of soft material. Using a regular elastic band will only pull and tangle your hair. Also, to take care of long curly hair, it’s important to use the right brush for curly hair. Not just any brush will do. You need one that can handle your curls without causing damage.
9. Don’t Wear Hat / Cap Too Often, Too Long
Headgear accessories like hats, caps, or beanies can indeed make you look cooler and are lifesavers on bad hair days. But wearing hats or headgear for too long can cause traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by damage to the hair roots. If you like wearing hats or headgear, it’s better not to wear them too tightly or try to take them off occasionally and let your hair breathe.
Related article : Top 10 Brush for Your Curly Hair
10. Regular Creambath
Who says creambaths are only for women? Don’t hesitate or feel embarrassed to go for a creambath now and then because your long hair also needs extra nutrition and care. A creambath can make your hair healthier and stronger, so it doesn’t fall out easily. As a bonus, you also get to relax since it usually comes with a head-to-shoulder massage.
If you have hair problems, you can regularly creambath every two to three weeks, but once a month is enough if you just want to maintain it. Nowadays, many barber shops offer creambath services. If your regular barbershop doesn’t offer it, just invite your mom, sibling, or partner to go to a salon and have a creambath together.
11. Trim the Ends
Having long curly hair sometimes means that nutrients don’t reach the ends. For various reasons, the ends of your hair can easily become dry and split. If you start to notice your hair ends are dry and split, it’s a good idea to trim them a bit. Do this every one to two months or as needed.
12. Tie Your Hair When Active
For comfort and safety, it’s best to tie your long hair when you’re active. For those still using regular elastic bands, it’s better to buy special hair ties or soft fabric hairbands. Don’t tie your hair too tightly and avoid tying it when wet to prevent damage.
13. Shower with Cold Water
Showering with hot water feels very comfortable and provides a relaxing effect. But on the other hand, hot water will make your scalp and hair dry. Hot water easily strips the natural oils found on your skin’s surface, including your scalp. These natural oils are needed to maintain moisture, making your hair shiny and healthy.
Tips:
Try to use cold water every time you wash your hair. If you can’t handle a fully cold shower, try switching to cold water just for the final rinse.
14. Healthy Lifestyle
Hair care products used externally can indeed solve your hair problems, but not for the long term if your lifestyle isn’t healthy. Stress, an unhealthy diet, smoking, lack of sleep, and lack of exercise can be factors that make your body and hair unhealthy. So don’t forget to take care of your overall health and drink plenty of water!
Writer: Agnes Octaviani