Let’s be honest: caring for textured hair can feel like a relationship—sometimes you’re besties, other times it’s like, “Why are you doing this to me?” But with a few expert tips and a little humor, it’s totally possible to bring out the best in your strands without the fuss and frizz.
This post is here to help you avoid some of the most common mistakes in textured hair care, whether your hair is wavy, curly, or full-on kinky. Let’s talk about those hair pitfalls—and, of course, how to dodge them like a pro!
Mistake #1: Over-Washing Your Hair
If you’re shampooing every day (or even every other day), please, step away from the bottle! Textured hair, especially curly and kinky textures, naturally tends to be drier, and washing too often can strip away the natural oils that keep it moisturized.
What to Do Instead:
Aim for a wash day once a week, or even every two weeks, depending on your hair’s needs. On non-wash days, use a hydrating spray or leave-in conditioner to refresh your curls or waves. And when you do wash, try a sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses without stripping.
Quick Tip: Co-washing (washing with conditioner only) can be a game-changer for curly and kinky textures. It cleans lightly without drying out your curls!
Mistake #2: Skipping the Deep Conditioner
Raise your hand if you’re guilty of rushing through wash day without deep conditioning. 🙋🏽♀️ Trust me, it happens, but your hair can tell. Lately, as of the past two years - I have been deep conditioning once a month or sometimes every 5 weeks (don't judge me lol I'm a busy girl) and i notice a big difference on styling days! Textured hair ALWAYS needs that extra moisture, especially in curly and kinky types where moisture doesn’t always reach the ends as easily.
What to Do Instead:
Make deep conditioning non-negotiable. Once a week, treat yourself (and your hair!) to a rich, creamy deep conditioner. Look for ones with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, honey, or avocado oil. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes to soak in, and cover your hair with a plastic cap or towel to trap the heat. Your curls will drink it up!
Pro Tip: Got a steamy shower going? Stand in it! The heat helps open up your hair cuticles, letting that moisture sink in even more.
Mistake #3: Detangling with the Wrong Tools
Trying to detangle textured hair with a fine-tooth comb? Shudder. That’s a recipe for breakage, frustration, and possibly a broken comb. Textured hair, especially tighter curl types, requires a gentler touch.
What to Do Instead:
First, make sure your hair is damp or conditioned when detangling—never go in dry. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush, starting from the ends and working your way up to avoid tugging and tearing. And remember, patience is key! Detangle in sections, adding a little leave-in conditioner or detangling spray if needed.
Girl Talk: Put on your favorite playlist, take your time, and make detangling a mini self-care ritual. Trust me, your curls will appreciate the TLC!
Mistake #4: Using Too Much Heat (Or the Wrong Kind of Heat)
Textured hair and heat can be friends, but only if it’s the right kind of heat and in moderation. Constant flat-ironing, blow-drying, or curling without protection is like begging for frizz, dryness, and breakage.
What to Do Instead:
Limit the use of heat, and when you do use it, go for tools with adjustable temperatures and ceramic or tourmaline plates, which distribute heat more evenly. Always apply a heat protectant spray first! It’s like armor for your curls. And if you can, use a diffuser on low heat for a more curl-friendly blow-dry.
Cautionary Tale: You may love that silky blowout, but your curls may not bounce back the same way. If you must use heat, think of it as a “once in a while” treat, not a lifestyle.
Mistake #5: Forgetting to Trim
Textured hair can be deceptive—sometimes you don’t see those split ends until it’s too late. And if you’ve been avoiding trims, know that those split ends can travel up the hair shaft, causing more breakage.
What to Do Instead:
Regular trims every 8-12 weeks can keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends from getting out of control. And don’t worry, you don’t have to chop off inches. Just a little dusting can make a big difference. If you’re maintaining length, ask your stylist for a “micro trim” to keep your curls thriving.
Pro Tip: If you’re scared of the scissors, try “search-and-destroy” trimming, where you only snip split ends. This method can help you maintain your length without needing a full trim.
Mistake #6: Skipping the Satin (Or Silk)
If you’re using a regular cotton pillowcase or tying up your hair with cotton scarves, it’s time to rethink. Cotton absorbs moisture, leaving your hair dry and prone to frizz and breakage.
What to Do Instead:
Go for satin or silk pillowcases, and wrap your hair in a satin scarf or bonnet before bed. These smooth materials help prevent friction, which means less breakage and frizz. Plus, you’ll wake up looking a little more put together (hello, low-maintenance morning routine!).
Curly Girl Confession: Satin bonnets may not be the cutest, but they work like magic! Find one in your favorite color to add a little glam to bedtime.
Mistake #7: Ignoring Your Scalp
If you’re only paying attention to your strands, you’re missing out! A healthy scalp is the foundation of beautiful, healthy hair, no matter your texture.
What to Do Instead:
Treat your scalp like the VIP it is. Use a scalp oil or serum with ingredients like tea tree oil, peppermint, or rosemary to keep it balanced and stimulate growth. Massage it in gently to increase blood flow (which can boost hair health) and make it part of your self-care routine.
Bonus Tip: When shampooing, take a little extra time to massage your scalp. Think of it as a mini spa moment that’s secretly helping your hair grow stronger.
Mistake #8: Not Embracing Protective Styles (Properly!)
Protective styles are your BFF in textured hair care, but they have to be done right. Too-tight braids, long periods without washing, or styles that pull at the hairline can do more harm than good.
What to Do Instead:
Choose protective styles that aren’t too tight and let your scalp breathe. If you’re rocking braids, twists, or wigs, make sure to keep your scalp clean and moisturized. And don’t skip the break between styles to let your hair recover. Protective styles are meant to nurture, not stress your curls out!
Real Talk: Protective styles are just that—protective. If you feel any discomfort or see breakage, it’s time to make a change.
Final Thoughts: Loving Your Textured Hair Right!
Caring for textured hair doesn’t have to be a battle. It’s about understanding what your hair needs and avoiding these common mistakes. Give your hair love, patience, and the right products, and it will show up for you with all the curl, bounce, and beauty it was meant to have.
So, next wash day, skip the mistakes, pamper those curls, and enjoy the process! Here’s to good hair days, always.
- Authorized by: Z'YELLE Amor