By Ceata Lash

Let’s face it, while many of us may believe that naturally curly hair is the best hair - that doesn’t mean it’s always a walk in the park - at least when it comes to maintenance. Whether you recently decided to embrace your curls, transitioned to your natural locks, or just need a few extra hair care tips, we’ve got you covered.

1/ Sleep On Satin— Or Better Yet Silk

Cotton and curly are not friends. Curly hair is more susceptible to breakage, and cotton can be a huge culprit. Cotton causes curly hair to break and snag, so there’s no reason to put your luscious locks through this kind of treatment. Instead, opt for satin or silk. There are endless benefits to sleeping on satin and silk bonnets—not to mention the added benefits that your hair can get from silk because it’s a natural protein, it’s hypoallergenic, and it can help you stay cooler in the summer months and warmer in the winter months. If you’re not ready to switch to silk sheets, just consider purchasing a silk pillowcase or silk bonnet to sleep in. Your hair will thank you for it.

2/ Deep Condition Weekly

Natural curly hair has a tendency to lose moisture quickly. To keep your hair in the best state - aim to do a deep conditioning or hot oil treatment weekly. Natural hair desperately needs protein and moisture; and a deep conditioning treatment is the answer.

3/ Say No To Heat And Yes to Steam

Hopefully, you’re not already using heat regularly to style your hair and if you are stop. While some heat is okay, avoid becoming reliant on it. Why? Because more heat equals more breakage and split ends. Dryness and split ends are inevitable when you’re using too much heat. Do your hair a favor, and say no to heat and say yes to steam. Another advantage of steam is that it gives you the ability to add moisture back into your hair without you having to soak it completely and ruin your style. It also can enhance your curl pattern and promote more strength and elasticity in your curls.

4/ Diffuse Dry, Don’t Blow Dry

Unlike regular hair dryers, a diffuser disperses the heat throughout the hair. Meaning, rather than your curls looking like a hot mess they maintain their natural shape. Diffusers offer a safer way to add heat to your hair while still keeping your hair in its natural state, which in our book is always a win.

5/ PuffCuff & Go

As someone with natural curly hair, you know firsthand just how much of a pain it can be trying to get your hair up. Sure, there are banana clips, elastic headbands, old stockings or shoestrings, but they never seem to hold your hair in place. They are constantly moving, which causes in friction on the hair strand. Friction equals breakage. However, there’s hope. PuffCuff is designed to grasp your hair and hold the style, allowing you to create a painless and fashionable puff in minutes.

6/ Swap Towels For Tees

While you may already know this, it’s too important not to mention again. Towels lead to frizz. While you may love your favorite bath towel, it could be causing that dreaded frizz you’ve been trying to avoid. Instead, consider opting for a clean t-shirt to dry your hair and enjoy the benefits of being frizz-free.

7/ Roller Jaw Clamps and Hair Picks = Extra Lift

Tired of limp hair and no volume? If so, then it’s time to break out those hair clamps. Simply use the clamp to help lift your curls and add volume. While you can use any clamp, Roller Jaw Clamps tend to work best, they’re larger and sturdier than other clamps. Use hair picks to lift curls from the root to get more volume. But wait! Don’t pull through to the ends. You’ll ruin the definition of your natural curl and get FRIZZ!

8/ Say Goodbye To Regular Brushes

It’s time to say no to those fine-tooth combs and brushes that are destroying your hair. Instead, switch to a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush to comb your locks. Regular brushes are not a fro’s friend. Stick to wider combs and larger paddle brushes to keep your hair healthy and happy.

9/ Embrace The Natural

Above all, embrace your natural locks. Ladies with curly-hair rock so flaunt what the good Lord gave you. Love your hair, regardless of texture, type, or length. After all, natural hair is beautiful.

This article was originally published in the 2016 premiere issue of VERGE Lifestyle & Urban Culture magazine courtesy of thepuffcuff.com

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Ceata Lash is the Founder and Inventor of the PuffCuff, a unisex hair clamp designed for women, men, and children with thick, textured curly hair. She is the first African-American woman ever to hold three patents for natural hair accessory products. The PuffCuff Hair Clamp was developed from a simple idea: Create a tool that not only makes it easy to achieve stylish looks without stressing your hair, but one that is sanitary, durable and affordable too. Take The PuffCuff Interactive Hair Quiz  at: www.thepuffcuff.com to discover your hair type and which PuffCuff is ideal for your curls.

Photograph by Oana Oachesu / Shutterstock