7 Simple Tips for Curly Hair Growth and Self Love

As a hairstylist today, I often think back on my curly hair journey. Growing up with curly hair—mine is type 3a—was both good and bad. My classmates admired my pigtail braids because my curls made them look full and neat. But in school plays, I was always picked to play the witch or the mean stepsister because my hair looked “messy” and “wild.” When I became a teenager, I started to feel insecure. Everyone thought the pretty girl was the one with long, straight hair.

I once used shampoo meant for straight hair, hoping it would straighten my curls. Instead, it just made my curls flat and limp. My worst try was when I covered my hair with my brother’s hair gel. My long hair became stiff and hard, and I looked silly. My brother and mom were upset because I wasted his gel. Now, when I think about it, I smile and shake my head. I wish I had loved my curls back then. 

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If you are a young girl or young woman looking to improve your hair, here are some helpful tips. Learning about your hair type can boost your confidence and help you love your curls even more.

How to love your hair?

Determine your hair type

As I got older and began to love my curls, thanks to The Curly Girl Method Handbook, I learned more about my hair. I have type 3a curls. It took time and effort to make them look healthy and full of life. Understanding your hair type helps you choose the right hair care routine and products. This saves you time and money by avoiding products that do not work for your hair.

Find products that work for you

After you figure out your hair type, it becomes easier to find products that suit your hair. However, remember that not every product made for curly hair or type 3a hair will work for you. How a product affects your hair depends on your hair’s unique reaction. A product that helps someone else’s curls might not work the same for you, and the other way around. You may need to try different products and combinations, but with some patience, you will find the right one for your hair.

Realize that your curly hair is unique and so are you

Loving my curly hair inspired me to become a hairdresser. I began learning more about my curls and realized that hair is like a canvas. A new haircut or color can completely change how someone looks and feels. Your curly hair is special and matches your personality. Even if millions of girls have type 3a hair, your journey to loving your hair is one of a kind. 

Get a haircut that fits you

Like I said, hair can change how a person looks and feels. It can improve or ruin your style. Choose a haircut that matches who you are. The good news is hair always grows back, so you can keep trying new styles again and again. 

Work with your hair and not against it

From my own experience, fighting my natural hair only made things worse. My stiff, straightened hair became a joke to others. When I finally accepted my curls, choosing the right hair products felt easy. Taking care of my hair turned into a relaxing, enjoyable routine instead of a chore.   

Daily hair care routine

Wash day hair routine

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Once a week, use a shampoo that contains sulphate. This will give your hair a good reset wash.

After shampoo, pair it with a good conditioner to replenish moisture in your hair.

Use a t-shirt or a microfiber towel to pat dry your hair. Remember to scrunch your hair for full-bodied curls.

Air-dry. I highly recommend air drying your curls instead of using heat. The heat from the blow dryer can dry up your hair so as much as possible, use the natural air to your advantage.

Refresh routine

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Co-wash. In between reset wash, use a conditioning cleanser to wash your hair. You can also use dry shampoo to refresh your curls.

Finger comb your hair or use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your curls.

Use a t-shirt or a microfiber towel to pat dry your hair.

On damp hair, apply your moisturizing and hydrating leave-in conditioner for that extra bounce and volume.

Air dry.

Styling routine

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After washing your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to your hair. 

Using an old t-shirt or towel, plop your hair. Leave it for an hour or until your hair dries. 

After plopping, remove the t-shirt or towel. Scrunch your hair to keep its natural form.

Many times, we don’t appreciate our curls. Sometimes, we even wish our hair was straight. I get how frustrating it can be. But not everyone has thick, bouncy curls. Some people even pay to get their hair permed. So, whenever you feel upset about your curly hair, remember there is someone out there who dreams of having curls like yours.