Ditching the Straighteners and Embracing Your Wavy/Curly Hair

Are you still using straighteners every day? It might be time to reconsider! As the trend of embracing natural hair textures continues to rise, more people are discovering the beauty and benefits of their wavy and curly hair.

Straightening can cause significant damage and it might be worth exploring how to enhance and appreciate your natural curls, if you have them.

This blog will guide you through understanding your hair type, the advantages of ditching the straighteners and how to transition to a hair care routine that celebrates your natural waves and curls – because trust us, hair care for straight and curly hair looks VERY different.

If you’re unsure on any of the terminology used, it may be useful for you to also check out our ‘Curl Care Got your Head in a Spin?’ blog first, which is a simple guide to the most common curly terms you’re likely to encounter!

Understanding Your Hair Type

It may be confusing to know what your hair type is, or whether you have a natural wave or curl pattern. But luckily, we have a few tips below on how you can begin to understand your hair type.

Signs Your Straight Hair Might Be Wavy

Many people are unaware that their seemingly straight hair might actually be wavy or curly. Hair types are categorised from 1A (straight) to 4C (Super Kinky), 2A-2C represents various wavy textures, 3A-3C represents curly textures and 4A-4C represents kinky textures. Here are some signs that your hair might have a natural wave:

• Persistent frizz despite using anti-frizz products: if you find yourself wondering ‘why is my hair so frizzy?’ it is possible that you actually have wavy or curly hair and the ‘frizz’ is just your natural curl pattern trying to break out.
• Volume that cannot be tamed, even with straightening – sound a lot like you? It’s all starting to make sense now, right?
• Hair that does not stay completely straight even after using straighteners: This is one of the most annoying things, however, if your hair just cannot stay straight, perhaps it’s time to accept your natural wavy/curly hair in all its glory.

If you notice some of these signs, your hair might well have a natural wave or curl pattern.

The Benefits of Ditching the Straighteners

There are plenty of benefits that come with ditching the straighteners, but here’s just a few to give you an idea of what life’s like on the curly side of town.

Healthier Hair

Straighteners can cause significant heat damage, leading to dryness, split ends and breakage. This gets worse the more regularly you use them.

By reducing the use of heat-styling tools, you can improve your hair’s overall health, strength and elasticity. Healthier hair is more manageable and looks more vibrant and shiny.

Hair Compliments

There’s no better feeling than getting complimented on your natural wavy/curly hair. Trust us.

Time and Money Savings

Embracing your natural texture can save you both time and money. No more spending hours trying to achieve a sleek look with straighteners. And once you know what you’re doing, you can cut down on the number of products and tools you need, which can also save you money in the long run.

Embracing Your Natural Texture

To start your journey to embracing your natural texture, there are a few things you must do. The first thing is to identify what kind of curl pattern you have, then comes the process of learning what works best for your curl type.

If all this sounds a little daunting, let us talk you through it.

How to Identify Curly Hair

To understand your hair’s natural pattern, try washing it and letting it air dry without using any styling products.

To help your hair along, you could also try gently scrunch-drying your hair with a microfibre cloth or t-shirt – not too hard though, you do not want to damage your strands – and you may begin to see a curl pattern form.

Pay attention to how your hair dries naturally. You might notice waves or curls forming, indicating that your hair has more texture than you previously thought.

What Curl Pattern am I?

So, congratulations, you have taken the first step in discovering your natural hair texture. Next up, it’s time to figure out which curl pattern you are. This is important as it will impact which hair care routine works best for you.

To make it easy for you, we have created a guide, this will help you better understand where you stand on the curl spectrum.

Transitioning to Natural Hair

Hopefully, you have now discovered your curl type, now it’s time for the real stuff – your transition from straighteners to rocking your natural hair texture.

Detoxing from Heat Styling

If you’re accustomed to relying on straighteners, transitioning to a natural hair care routine will require some adjustment. Start by gradually reducing the frequency of heat styling and incorporating heat protectants when you do use heated tools.

Protective Styles and Maintenance

Low-manipulation hairstyles, such as braids, twists, or loose buns, can help protect your hair from damage and breakage. Additionally, adopting a nighttime routine, like using a satin pillowcase or a hair bonnet, can help preserve your curls and reduce frizz.

Tailored Routines for Every Curl

Did you know the tighter your curls, the more hydration they crave? For those with looser waves, lighter products are your best friend. Heavy formulas can weigh down your hair and lead to unwanted buildup. On the flip side, tighter curls and kinky hair thrive on intense moisture and hydration to keep frizz in check and maintain their luscious bounce.

Building a Hair Care Routine

At Naturtint, we’ve taken the guesswork out of creating the perfect hair care routine. Our experts have tailored specific approaches for every hair type, so you can find your ideal match with ease.

Type 2: Wavy Hair Care Routine

For hair types 2A-2C, we recommend a two-week alternating routine. For the first week, it is recommended to use a low-poo – this is a shampoo specifically formulated for the cleansing and care of curly hair, for example, the Naturtint Curl-Definer Shampoo. Post washing your hair, we recommend following with a leave-in conditioner, our Naturtint Curl Defining Leave-In Conditioner enhances and restores your natural curls, whilst making combing hair easier and reducing frizz.

For the second week, we recommend using a co-wash balm, this is a balm that cleanses the hair without the need for shampoo, providing extra nourishment and care for curly hair. It not only cleanses, but it also conditions and detangles hair. Once you have dried your hair, we recommend using an oil to scrunch out any ‘crunch’ in your hair (crunch is the “cast” some products can leave on your curls after your hair is completely dry, it may leave your hair feeling stiff). The Naturtint Curl Definer Oil Repair is a repair oil formulated with a selection of 9 natural oils. It intensely nourishes and repairs curls for radiant, shiny hair.

Then begin the process again from Week 1.

Type 3: Curly Hair Care Routine

For 3A-3C Hair we recommend following a three-week alternating routine. For the first week, we recommend using a low-poo shampoo, followed by a leave-in conditioner and then, once your hair is dried, using a hair oil to lock in all that moisture.

On week two, we recommend using a co-wash balm (a balm that cleanses the hair without the need for shampoo. It is more moisturising than a shampoo but still effectively cleanses) to wash your hair, followed by an oil once your hair is dry.

On week three, we recommend using a low-poo shampoo, followed by a nourishing hair mask for deep, intense hydration. Our Curl Definer Hair Mask contains Shea Butter, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Oil and Pracaxi Seed Oil to intensely nourish and condition, resulting in softer, more defined natural curls.

Then begin the process again from Week 1.

Type 4: Kinky Hair Care Routine

For 4A-4C Hair we recommend following a three-week alternating routine. For the first week, we suggest using a low-poo shampoo, followed by a co-wash balm. Then, using a leave-in conditioner and once hair is dry, smoothing over a hair oil.

On week two, we recommend using a co-wash balm, followed by a deep conditioning hair mask. Next, we suggest applying a leave-in conditioner and once hair is dry, a hair oil again to lock in all that moisture.

#On your third week, we suggest a more stripped back routine, of just using a co-wash balm followed by a hair oil.

Then begin the process again from Week 1.

Recap of Key Points

Embracing your natural hair texture offers numerous benefits, from healthier hair to time and money savings. By understanding your curl pattern and adopting a hair care routine that focuses on moisture and protection, you can enhance your natural waves and curls and enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance look.

Are you ready to ditch the straighteners and embrace your natural hair? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Join us in celebrating the beauty of wavy and curly hair by starting your journey today!

Further Reading

• CURL CARE GOT YOUR HEAD IN A SPIN?
• OUR FIRST CURLY REVIEW IS IN!
• NEW PRODUCTS! Embrace your curls & let Naturtint provide the unique care they need!

Browse the Naturtint Curly range here.

Browse all After Care here.