Just like the ladies, some men have the privilege of showing off curly or wavy hair. Yes, you read that right – a privilege. If you've thought until now that the way your hair curls on your head, or even uncontrollably twists into afro spirals, is a disaster, we have good news for you. There is a way to turn a bird's nest into healthy and good-looking hair.
All it takes is proper care and suitable cosmetics for men's curly hair. Interested to know more?
Knowing your hair type is important. Are yours wavy, curly, or afro?
Whether it's men's or women's curls, before you dive into reading tips on how to handle them, there is one important intermediate step. How well do you know your hair type? This is what not only the care method but also the suitable hair cosmetics depend on.
Basic division according to hair type
Textured hair is divided into 3 basic types. While perfectly straight hair is designated with the number 1, the rule is that the more your hair strands curl, the higher the number you earn.
- Type number 2 – wavy hair
- Type number 3 – curly hair
- Type number 4 – afro hair
These individual types have further subdivisions assigning them the letters "a, b, c". From slightly wavy hair to coils resembling a tight spring, there is an exact designation for every hair type, thanks to which the wearer can more easily navigate the curly world. We wrote in more detail about hair types and the differences between them in a recent blog article, you will definitely find yours there too. However, besides the type of curly hair, its structure is also important.
Hair porosity reveals how permeable your hair is
Are you using cosmetics designed for your hair type, but the promised miracle from the commercial or product packaging isn't happening? Well, besides knowing your hair is curly, there is another factor you should consider. It's the porosity of your hair. In translation, this means how much the tiny scales (hair cuticles) on the surface of the hair fiber stand away from it or, conversely, lie flat against it. According to this, we distinguish hair with low, medium, and high porosity.
Low porosity hair has fine cuticles almost flush with the hair fiber. This means the hair hardly absorbs not only water but also the products you try to nourish it with. High porosity hair, on the other hand, absorbs everything very easily thanks to the raised scales, but just as easily lets it escape, meaning it cannot retain it.
You can read more about your hair's structure and how to easily figure it out in the article Hair Porosity. What is it and how does it affect the choice of hair cosmetics?
How to care for men's curls? Get to know CGM – the Curly Guy Method
In general, it can be said that men nowadays care about their appearance significantly more than a few decades ago. The trend is set clearly. Healthy and naturally beautiful hair. However, for many of them, the rule still applies that caring for their mane shouldn't take hours spent in the bathroom or a whole line of hair cosmetic products. Fortunately, it can be done simply.
While the revolutionary Curly Girl Method is shaking the world of curly women, men's curls also have hope for light at the end of the tunnel. Under the name Curly Guy Method hides several very effective tips on how to properly care for men's curly hair.
The rules of the CGM - Curly Guy Method for curly men are simple and undemanding
Although they are based on the same principles, we can find minor differences between the method of caring for men's and women's curls. While in the women's version there are several variants of the individual steps of the method, the men's part is, on the contrary, somewhat simpler. Here are its basic rules:
Discover the magic of natural cosmetics without harmful substances
In cosmetics designed for men's curly hair, you won't find any harmful substances, such as sulfates, parabens, water-insoluble silicones or unnatural oils, harmful alcohols, and artificial perfumes. Your hair will appreciate the power of natural substances after just a few uses; you just need to choose the right products.
Forget about classic shampoo and try products designed for men's curls
An example is washing with a cleansing conditioner, which is much gentler. Co-wash doesn't strip the hair fibers of the natural protection gained from natural oils, leaving the hair beautifully shiny and protected. However, from time to time it's appropriate to use a shampoo and deeply cleanse the scalp and the hair itself of buildup. An alternative that combines a simple solution, even for the whole body, is a 3-in-1 product, for example from the popular Cantu Men line. A shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel in one package saves time associated with hair care and also space in the bathroom.
Washing your hair less often will benefit you
Many men wash their hair automatically during their daily shower. However, they don't realize that their hair loses natural oils that not only nourish it but also protect it from drying out. Washing hair in the case of standard dirtiness is sufficient about twice a week.
Throw away the classic terry towel and recycle an old t-shirt
You guessed right that the material will be the problem. If you replace the classic terry towel with an older cotton t-shirt that you wanted to get rid of anyway, you will kill two birds with one stone. An alternative is special towels that won't leave your hair unpleasantly frizzy and quickly rid it of excess water. Careful, don't rub your hair rough!
Say goodbye to the agonizing brushing of dry hair
Brushing dry hair causes not only unsightly frizz (hair flying around the head as if statically charged) but in many cases also brings tears to your eyes. Because... ouch, it often hurts a lot! The solution is simple. Just detangle the hair using a suitable wide-tooth comb or untangle it with your fingers. In both cases, while it is still wet.
Choose a styling according to your taste
There are quite a few styling products for men's curly hair. It's up to you whether you revive your look with a refresher, activator, or oil, or reach for more effective gels and waxes. In the latter case, don't forget to free your hair from the crust after the product dries (the hard shell that remains after using gels simply needs to be removed by scrunching the hair from roots to ends and gently shaking it out).
And... voilá! Naturally healthy hair without much effort and even with styling that is worth it, is here. Actually, right on your head.
Let's summarize it once again step by step:
- Wash your hair a maximum of 2-3 times a week.
- Replace shampoo with products designed for men's curls.
- Instead of a towel, use a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel.
- Comb your hair while it is still wet.
- Find the right styling product.
We believe that you will treat your curls or waves to the great effects of the CGM method, which you can share with us on our fan page and inspire other curly men to simple yet effective care for curly hair.
