Your natural kinky curly hair may seem difficult to manage at times, however, there are things you can do to ensure that your curls stay healthy and shiny. One often overlooked aspect that can help make your crown a bit more manageable is to watch what you eat. It is true what they say - you are what you eat. Typically, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and iron rich protein are extremely good for your curly hair. Begin to incorporate some of these foods into your diet, and eat your way to healthy hair.
- Sunflower Seeds – These seeds include most of the nutrients that are necessary for healthy curly hair, such as, vitamin E, biotin, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, and zinc.
- Ginger – Apart from being good for sore throat, ginger is also renowned for increasing the blood circulation to the scalp. Therefore, it aids in healthy hair growth.
- Apples – Using an apple cider vinegar rinse actually helps improve the pH balance of your hair. When you use it, the hair becomes smooth and reflects more light, which in turn makes your hair shinier.
- Seafood – Seafood is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids that has been linked to healthy hair. Zinc and iodine in seafood also improves hair growth and maintenance.
Another thing that you can do to maintain your curly hair is use different types of oil for styling it as well as offering it nourishment. Grapeseed oil is a lighter oil that is best used to moisturize and strengthen your hair as well as make them more manageable. Sweet almond oil is yet another lighter oil that helps lock moisture in your hair and smoothens your hair. Heavier oils like castor oil are known to define the curls, and it does this by retaining the moisture in your curls.
10 Easy to Manage Curly Hairstyles
If you have taken pains to ensure that your curls are healthy and shiny, why should you hide them? Flaunt your curls with these easy to manage kinky hairstyles. These hairstyles can also last a few days when you take proper care of and many are excellent protective styles if your hair is in need or rest and repair.
Braids
Styling your hair into a braid is one of the best hairstyles for natural hair and it is very easy to learn. There are numerous video tutorials online that take you through each and every step of braiding your hair. From cornrows to goddess braids, you get style versatility that can last for up to three months.
Curly Ponytail
Another hairstyle that will ensure that your curls are on display is the curly, pretty ponytail. Pull your hair high to the top of your hair to form a ponytail and use a hair band to tie it in the center. Leave your curls loose and full or define them using a natural hair moisturizer. Not only is this hairstyle very simple and chic, but it is easily achieved in under 10 minutes depending on the size of your kinky curly hair.
Box Braids
If you take proper care of your hair when you have styled it in box braids, the style can be very long lasting. The concept of box braids is very simple, you divide your hair into many parts, and then weave the hair extension into each part of the braid. This is why this hairstyle is also known as braided extensions. It may take you quite a lot of time to achieve this style for your hair this way, but the end result is worth it as it works an excellent protective style.
Goddess Braids
Want to feel like a heavenly being? Then goddess braids are the ideal kinky curly hairstyle for you. In order to style your hair in this manner, you will need to know how to do French braids or even cornrows. In essence, goddess braids are basically two big cornrows that are worn as a headband to created a crown effect and connect at the back of your head.
Half-Up Half-Down Curls
Half-up half-down styles are perhaps the most low-maintenance hairstyle for naturals. Just take the top half of your hair, pull it back, and use a barrette or an elastic band to secure it in place. Leave the bottom half as it is – voila, you have a natural hairstyle that works for just about anywhere you need to be including a day at work or simply out with friends.
Three Braid Updo
When you want a hairstyle that pulls all your kinky curly hair back, the three braid updo is the way to go. Divide your hair into three parts and weave a three-strand braid with each of these parts. Now is the easiest part – hold one of the braids on the side and pull it over the back of your head to the other side, secure with a bobby pin. Do the same thing with the two remaining braids and your updo is done.
Dutch Braids
Before you start to Dutch braid your hair, it is important for you to detangle it. Part your hair down the middle in two sections. Now divide each of these sections into three strands and start braiding your hair at the top of your head, and as you go towards the bottom, keep adding more hair to the braid. Braid both the sections this way and you have Dutch braids or also known as cornrows.
Braided Topknot
If you really love natural hair styles that give you height then the topknot will become your go too. While styling your hair into a topknot, leave a small part of it out. Once you are happy with the topknot, braid this small section and wrap it around the topknot. This hairstyle gives your topknot chic style and texture.
Twisty Updo
When you want others to think that you have spent hours in the salon, just style your hair in a twisty updo. You only have to twist small portions of your hair and pin them up, and that is literally all that is needed for a twisty updo hairstyle. The more hair you gather in the twist the bigger the twist will be. If you want more fullness consider adding natural hair extensions to achieve the volume you desire.
Braided Side Bun
Start braiding your hair from one side of your head and take it to other, all the while adding small parts of the hair to the braid. Once you reach the other side, use an elastic band to secure this braid. Now just twist this braid into a messy side bun oozing with natural curls.
Exploring different hairstyles gives your confidence in your crown and also helps to protect your curls from everyday styling. Keep your natural hair healthy and shiny by making the necessary changes to your diet and haircare routine. Theses 10 kinky curly hairstyles are very manageable, and are likely to last for up to a week with the right care.
