Textured hair—whether wavy, curly, coily, or kinky—requires special attention due to its unique nature. Unlike straight hair, these types tend to be drier and more prone to breakage. This is due to their spiral structure, which makes it more difficult for sebum and moisture to be distributed evenly along the hair shaft. A customized hair care routine is therefore essential to maintain the health and beauty of textured hair. Here is a comprehensive guide to taking care of your textured hair, tailored to its specific needs.
1. Understanding different types of textured hair
Textured hair is classified according to the shape of the curls. Understanding this classification will help you choose the most suitable care for your needs.
- Type 2 (wavy): These hairs have light waves that do not form full curls. They require light care to avoid weighing them down.
- Type 3 (curly): These hairs form more or less defined curls, which need to be regularly hydrated to prevent frizz.
- Type 4 (coily/kinky): These hairs form tight spirals or "Z" shapes, making them very fragile and dry. They require intense moisturizing and nourishing care.
2. Textured hair requires constant hydration
Textured hair is naturally dry because its spiral shape hinders the circulation of sebum along the length of the hair. The tighter the curls, the more intense the hydration needed. Water and sebum struggle to spread evenly along the hair shaft. This lack of hydration and nutrients makes textured hair particularly vulnerable to external aggressions and breakage.
Why is hydration essential?
Textured hair, especially types 3 and 4, tends to be more porous, which means it loses moisture quickly. The challenge is to seal in hydration to prevent the rapid evaporation of water and maintain supple, shiny hair. This hydration should be complemented by nourishing ingredients to strengthen the hair fiber.
Solutions for properly hydrating textured hair:
- Use leave-in hydrating products like milks or creams.
- Seal in hydration with light oils like jojoba or coconut oil after applying your hydrating product.
- Prefer gentle, sulfate-free products that do not strip the natural oils from the hair.
3. Learn how to identify your hair porosity
Hair porosity is another key factor to know, referring to the ability of the hair fiber to absorb and retain moisture. It can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, the use of chemicals, or exposure to heat. Determining your hair porosity is crucial for choosing the right products and maximizing the benefits of your hair care routine.
The three types of porosity:
- Low porosity: The hair cuticles are tightly closed, preventing moisture from penetrating easily. The hair is often shiny but takes a long time to dry. To improve product absorption, moderate heat (like using a heated cap) is recommended.
- Normal porosity: This hair type allows for a balanced absorption and retention of moisture. It is generally easier to maintain and responds well to most hair products.
- High porosity: The hair is very absorbent but loses moisture quickly. It is often dry and prone to breakage. Using products rich in oils and butters is essential to seal in hydration and protect the hair.
How to determine your hair porosity?
A simple test involves placing a clean hair strand in a glass of water:
- If it floats, your hair has low porosity.
- If it stays in the middle, your hair has normal porosity.
- If it sinks, your hair has high porosity.
4. Choose hair care products suited to your porosity
Once you've identified your hair porosity, it's time to adapt your hair care routine to meet its specific needs.
For low porosity hair:
- Use light creams and oils to avoid weighing down the hair.
- Apply moderate heat to open the cuticles and allow better penetration of treatments, such as nourishing masks or oil baths.
For normal porosity hair:
Mix hydrating and strengthening products. Hair milks and protein-based conditioners are perfect for maintaining hydration and hair structure.
For high porosity hair:
Use rich masks and oils like shea butter to lock in moisture. Avoid chemical treatments and reduce heat exposure to minimize damage.
5. Noireônaturel: Natural products to enhance your textured hair
Noireônaturel has recently joined the Kazidomi catalog, and it’s a perfect match because it’s a pioneering brand in natural hair care for textured hair. They offer products tailored to the specific needs of wavy, curly, coily, and kinky hair. With formulations based on natural ingredients from afro-caribbean biodiversity, like shea butter and coconut oil, Noireônaturel stands out for its products that respect hair health.
The famous Purifying Shampoo Première Mousse and the Divine Gelée are must-haves for cleansing your hair without causing damage. Each treatment is designed to meet the specific needs of textured hair while offering a unique sensory experience.
FAQ: Your questions about textured hair
1. Why is textured hair often dry?
The spiral shape of textured hair prevents natural sebum from spreading along the entire length of the hair, leading to increased dryness.
2. How can I effectively hydrate textured hair?
Use leave-in hydrating products and seal in moisture with oils like coconut or jojoba oil.
3. What is hair porosity?
Hair porosity refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. There are three types of porosity: low, medium, and high.
4. How can I prevent breakage in coily hair?
Regularly hydrate your hair, use nourishing products, and gently detangle with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers.
5. What is the best hair care routine for textured hair?
Adapt your routine to your porosity and focus on hydrating and nourishing treatments. Noireônaturel products are designed to enhance textured hair naturally.
