November 20, 2022

Mistakes I Made in my Curly Journey + Fall/Winter Routine

If I could go back to 5 years ago when I started truly embracing my curls, there are several things I would tell myself. Looking back, there are many “mistakes” that I made that I wanted to share in hopes that they will help you along your curly hair journey. I’ve learned so much over the years of trial and error, and I’m actually grateful for these mistakes because they taught me so much about curly hair.

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Mistake 1: Thinking my hair would improve overnight

I would tell myself:
Your curls will get better in time. Results will be more consistent as your hair health improves. Refreshing will be easier because your hair will be able to retain moisture and products longer.

Mistake 2: Hanging on to damaged ends way too long

I would tell myself:
Get those highlighted, damaged ends cut off sooner so your hair will be easier to maintain. Curls are so much easier to manage without damage, including fewer tangles, less frizz, dryness, etc.

Mistake 3: Going back and forth from straight to curly

I would tell myself:
Every time you straighten your hair, you’re setting back your progress. Once your hair is healthy, then it can withstand occasional straightening if you want to change up your look. When you’re hair is still damaged, it’s fragile and more susceptible to more damage.

Mistake 4: Damaging the hair by detangling daily

I would tell myself:
Refreshing daily by soaking the hair and detangling is causing damage and hygral fatigue. Skip refreshing whenever possible and wear hairstyles to hide bad hair days. Hair doesn’t have to look perfect every day and having frizz on next-day hair is inevitable.

Mistake 5: Not using a pre-poo oil, causing damage and breakage on wash day

I would tell myself:
Always use a pre-poo oil to protect your hair before detangling and shampooing. Detangle prior to washing to avoid the hair becoming matted during shampooing.

Mistake 6: Not clarifying and mainly using co-washes

I would tell myself:
Clarifying is crucial and resets the hair by removing product and hard water buildup. Even with using silicone-free products, oils, butters, and conditioning ingredients in curly hair products can buildup. A lathering shampoo is necessary for a thorough cleanse. Co-washing is like trying to wash grease off your hands with lotion. Co-washes are fine to use mid-week but should be rotated with stronger shampoos.

Mistake 7: Using too high of heat and improperly diffusing, causing split ends

I would tell myself:
Get a better hair dryer that is designed for curly hair with a low and medium heat setting. Most blow dryers get way too hot for curls. Learn proper, gentle diffusing techniques to avoid damage will diffusing.

Mistake 8: Being too strict with products and ingredients without understanding the full picture.

I would tell myself:
A little silicone won’t kill ya 😉 Silicone can definitely build up when using mild cleansers and co-washes, which is why if you choose to follow the curly girl method you should avoid silicones. However, if you regularly use shampoo and clarifying shampoos it will be fine. Silicones can actually help protect damaged hair. I have been incorporating them more in one or two products, but not every product in my routine and not every wash day.

Other common mistakes I see often when transitioning to curly hair:

Using too heavy products such as butters, “smoothies,” etc. that are designed for very coily hair.
Not “styling” and just scrunching in some product. Styling techniques can help your curls last longer.
Using the traditional CGM styling method that uses too much water or upside-down styling if you have thin, low-density hair
Not being consistent with deep conditioning