Health, Beauty and Lifestyle with Denise McNamara

If you have curly hair, you already know that caring for it can be a bit of a handful. And most of us with Celtic blood do not have dead straight hair. Wavy and curly hair often comes with its own unique challenges — among them, an increased likelihood of breakage, frizz, and dryness.

And in the west of Ireland add to that the bloody likelihood of rain or misty hair at any every minute and hour of the day. Is there anything truly more annoying that paying a load of money for a blow dry that takes ages and walk outside and have it destroyed in a second.

So how to overcome these concerns in our quest for bouncy, frizz-free, defined curls or waves that shine in the sun.

While everyone obviously has their own unique hair some rules should be followed about how often you should wash your curly hair, how you style naturally curly hair and how to make your curls stay.

Here are eight common mistakes that you should stay clear of:

Mistake 1: Over-Cleansing Your Hair: How often you wash your hair is entirely up to you. It typically depends on several factors, such as your scalp’s moisture level, sebum production, and your workout schedule.

But it’s generally recommended that those with curly hair keep their wash days to a minimum. Refrain from shampooing your hair every day. Textured hair needs its natural oils to stay healthy. If cleansed too frequently, your hair strands may dry out, which can lead to damage and breakage.

Fo for best results, limit your hair-washing frequency to just once or twice a week. Try what’s called a ‘co-wash’ on your wash days by opting instead for cleansing conditioner rather than a shampoo that gently clears away scalp buildup while promoting optimal hydration.

Mistake 2: Skipping Conditioner: Curly and coily hair types often lean toward the dry, dull, and frizzy end of the natural hair spectrum. That’s why you must keep those spirals well-hydrated. In other words: Don’t skip out on conditioner. Conditioner will provide a healthy dose of hydration, nourishment, and protection that your mane isn’t able to get from shampoo alone. Just be sure to look for hair-loving ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, avocado oil, and aloe vera.

If your curls are flat on top, try rinsing your hair upside down as the normal way of rinsing with your head back can flatten your curls, causing them to lose volume and definition.

Mistake 3: Waiting Too Long to Apply Styling Products: The sooner you can set your curls, the better. For that reason, it’s recommended that you apply styling products while your hair is still damp and before the frizz has time to set in. If you wait too long, you may rough up the hair cuticle, causing your swirls to become frizzy and undefined.

When applying product, be sure to work it through with closed hands. Take care not to rake through your fragile curls as this can incite frizz and damage.

Pictured: Creator of CurlyCo Denise Walsh