Curly Hair Care Tips

Hair is primarily composed of keratin, a protein, which grows from a sac called the follicle. Cells in the hair follicle generate keratin, and various other proteins, which become a part of the hair shaft. These proteins contain sulfur atoms, and when two of these sulfur atoms pair up and bond, they form a disulfide bond. If the two sulfur atoms in the same protein are at a distance, and join to form the disulfide bond, the protein will bend.

The amount of humidity in the air not only makes for what some label a "bad hair day," but alters the degree of curliness or of straightness of hair. This occurs when high humidity forces water back into the hair fiber, acts on its protein structure, and forces the hair shaft to return to its original structure.

People can temporarily alter their hair to force it into a straight state, or a curly state, but only on a temporary, not on a permanent, basis. When a straight-haired person gets a "permanent wave," known as a "perm," he or she is chemically forcing the making of strong disulfide bonds. The wave does not stay permanently, because new hair, which is straight, grows in as the "perm" grows out. People with curly hair may chemically alter their hair to give it a straighter appearance, but this, too, is also a temporary solution to a permanent "problem," with the same end result.

When and how should you brush your curly hair?

Curly hair should never be brushed (or touched) when it is dry, as this will cause damage, frizz, and destroy the curl definition. Curly hair should only be brushed while it is wet, after applying conditioner in the shower, or leave-in conditioner after towel drying. It is best to use a wide-toothed comb for brushing and to start by detangling the ends, working your way up. Make sure not to pull or rip through the knots (this will cause breakage and split ends)!

3 Comments »

April 20, 2008

sarah -

my hair is soo frizzy after i take a shower or something, normally. but i want to straighten it. will it be easier to straighten after i do it many times? i mean, will my hair be, idonno, used to it?

April 19, 2008

crissy -

i have that same problem ive found that after i get out of the shower and use curl defining moose helps. i apply some and scrunch my hair then i defuse it with a defuser

February 27, 2008

Patty -

my hair becomes frizzy when it is dry,do you know what i should do?

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Recommended Curly Hair Care Products:


Jason Damage Control Creme Shampoo	Mason Pearson Sensitive Bristle Brush

HairArt T3 Tourmaline Hair Dryer	KLORANE Pomegranate Conditioner