How to Care for Spiral Curly Hair: Tips and Tricks

It’s no wonder spiral curly hair has become increasingly popular. It has a certain charm and flair about it that other hairstyles can’t quite match. Recently, some of the most beautiful and glamorous Hollywood A-listers - Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncè - have rocked the look. 

While spiral curly certainly looks incredible, there’s a reason it’s not as mainstream as many other hairstyles. After all, looking after spiral curly hair can be quite a challenge. From finding the right products to managing frizz and maintaining curls, curly hair requires a lot of effort and patience. 

If you're struggling to take care of your spiral curly hair, don't worry. We've got you covered. In this post, we'll provide you with some tips and tricks to help you care for your spiral curly hair. 

Just follow these tips and you’ll be the Queen of spiral curls in no time! And you won’t need a fancy hairstylist either ;)  

1. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo: Sulfates are harsh detergents commonly found in shampoos that can strip your hair of its natural oils, causing it to become dry and frizzy. This makes your hair prone to breakage. Using a gentle shampoo is essential for keeping your spiral curly hair healthy. Going with a sulfate-free shampoo will help maintain the natural oils in your hair and keep it moisturized. 

Look for shampoos with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil. They help retain natural oils, keeping your spiral curly hair happy and healthy! 

1. Condition your hair regularly: Using a sulfate-free shampoo isn’t enough. You will need to condition your hair after a wash. Conditioning is crucial for maintaining the health and hydration of your spiral curly hair. Look for conditioners that are specifically designed for curly hair, as they will provide the moisture your hair needs to stay healthy. Leave-in conditioners are also an excellent option for adding extra hydration to your hair.

You can also consider deep conditioning treatments once a week. This helps to provide moisture and nourishment to your hair, keeping it soft and healthy. Hydrated hair prevents breakage, and that’s what we want! 

1. Detangle frequently and gently: Tangles are tough. And whether your hair is curly or not, detangling your hair can be quite a pain. But, it doesn’t always have to be! There are a few things that can make this painful process a bit simpler. 

Always detangle your spiral curly hair when it is wet, and use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush. Start at the ends and work your way up, being gentle and patient as you go. For those really stubborn tangles, use a detangling hair spray. 

Detangling can be boring. Chatting on the phone or watching your favorite Netflix drama are the best times to get on it! Detangling is essential to prevent breakage and damage, so don’t skip it! 

1. Use a diffuser when blow-drying: A diffuser is a tool that attaches to your blow-dryer and distributes air evenly over your hair. It helps to dry your curls without disrupting them. Blow-drying your spiral curly hair without a diffuser can cause frizz and damage. Attach a diffuser to your blow dryer and use a low heat setting. 

Start by placing your wet spiral curly hair on the diffuser. With a soft motion, move upwards with the hair. Be gentle, moving the diffuser around. If you want to have more defined curls, you can scrunch your hair while drying. 

1. Avoid heat styling tools: Now, part of the charm of having spiral curly hair is styling it for different occasions and looks. Usually, we use heat tools like straighteners and curling irons to give our hair a unique look. But heat styling tools pull out moisture from your hair, making it dry and brittle. And brittle hair is prone to breakage. 

If you must use heat styling tools, be sure to use a heat protectant spray first. Keep the temperature low to minimize damage. Oh, and this applies to using blow dryers too! 

1. Use a microfiber towel: Regular towels can be harsh on your spiral curly hair. They cause friction and damage to your hair, causing it to become frizzy and prone to breakage. Instead, use a microfiber towel to gently squeeze out excess water from your hair. 

Microfiber towels are made of nylon and polyester. The fibers are split over 100 times smaller than your spiral curly hair. This makes the towel more absorbent than regular towels. 

If you don’t have a microfiber towel, you can use a T-shirt to dry your hair. Avoid rubbing your hair with the towel (or t-shirt) as the friction can damage your hair. 

1. Brush your hair the right way: It may sound stupid, but a lot of us don’t brush our hair the way we should. And if you have spiral curly hair, you need to be even more careful. 

First up, don’t use a brush. A wide tooth comb is a much better option. If you do use a brush, go with a paddle brush that has soft bristles. Anything hard or firm can cause breakage and disrupt your curls. It goes without saying, be gentle when brushing or combing your hair. No tugging or pulling as all you’ll do is break your spiral curly hair.

1. Use a hair mask: ​​Hair masks, also known as deep conditioning treatments can help keep your hair healthy. Made from plant extracts, natural butter, and oils, hair masks are applied directly on your scalp. They add moisture and nutrients which make their way to the hair follicles and into your hair. This helps keep your hair soft and healthy. It also reduces frizz - important for spiral curly hair - and keeps your hair strong. 

Using a hair mask once a week to provide your hair with the nourishment it needs, preventing breakage and damage. Don’t overdo it though. Too much usage can have the opposite effect. It can make your spiral curly hair greasy and lead to product buildup. 

1. Use a soft pillowcase: This may come as a surprise to some of you, but using the right sheets and pillowcases can go a long way in keeping spiral curly hair healthy. Sleeping on a regular pillowcase can cause friction. Friction causes hair to become dry. Dry hair is prone to breakage. 

Switch to a satin or silk pillowcase which is a lot softer and smoother. They help reduce friction and will keep your spiral curly hair looking healthy and shiny. Plus, they feel incredible! 

Conclusion

Taking care of spiral curly hair can be a challenge, but with the right tips and tricks, you can keep your hair looking healthy and beautiful. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner, detangle carefully, and avoid heat styling whenever possible. Use a diffuser when blow-drying, and avoid over-brushing your hair. Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction and keep your curls looking healthy and shiny. With these tips and tricks, you can maintain your spiral curly hair and enjoy its beauty and style for years to come.