Curl Guide: Everything You Must Know About Kinky Curly Hair

If you're fortunate to have kinky curly hair, then you should know how great it is. Your hair gets second looks from beautiful women everywhere.

There are many celebrities who have openly started wearing their natural hair for their celebrity roles or for public appearances. They have led the way for many young women to do the same.

All curly hair is unique - and the best way to deal with it is to identify your hair type and the specific needs of your hair. From curl type to daily routine, we will take you through the ins and outs of all things curly to see how you can keep those tresses vibrant, healthy and happy!

There are primarily four types of hair textures. Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Kinky-Curly.

Kinky curly hair is characterized by its tight, dense texture and natural volume. It is the most coily and has the maximum shrinkage. If looked closely the coils form a z-shaped pattern.

While Kinky curly hair or type 4 hair may appear to be strong, they are not. They are the most fragile of all hair types and the most difficult to maintain. The hair has a zig-zag wiry pattern or no pattern at all.

Type 4 hair is further divided into 3 sub-categories:4a, 4b, and 4c hair. They may look similar but they are not and require special products and a routine to keep the hair thick and lustrous.

Type 4A hair has medium-sized, loose curls with an S-shaped curve. These curls are about the size of a crochet needle and each strand curls away from neighboring strands. Because of its springy, controlled curls, this hair type doesn't have any natural breakage issues.

Type 4b hair has tightly coiled curls that are usually narrower than other type 4 hair. 4b hair often has a very defined wave pattern to it, so when you pick out the curl and pull it gently downward, you’ll find that the hair is going to fall down in an almost wave-like pattern. This hair type is more prone to breakage because of its tighter curls.

Natural 4c hair or kinky hair is the tightest curl pattern of all the curly hair types. It has a spiral-like pattern caused by the shrinking of each strand. The strands tend to clump side by side, but they can also tangle together like a thick mane which only adds to the difficulty associated with managing and styling it.

Individual strands can shrink up to 75% of their length depending on how dry your climate is but will return to normal if moisture is added back in. 4c hair looks like a thick afro, but if you look closely, you’ll notice very tight, small springs or coils on each strand.

If your curls seem inseparable and you experience a lot of shrinkage, it means you might be wearing glorious kinky 4c hair!

Kinky curly human hair is versatile, but usually behaves like a toddler who does exactly the opposite of what they have been told to do. You can’t bet on it to turn out the way you would want it to. Take note that there are ways and hacks that can make your hair journey more enjoyable and manageable.

The level of curl tightness in Kinky curly hair requires more effort to keep it hydrated. Hair is meant to be moisturized by the natural oils produced from the scalp and hair care products need to have ingredients that will help this happen.

The natural oils can't make it down a kinky strand so you'll have to make sure that this is done with a generous lathering of hair care products at each wash. Want to know how to add moisture to your kinky curly hair? Following these steps will help your hair remain moisturized. So give it a try!

Pre-Poo is short for Pre-Shampoo. Pre-Pooing is the process where you prepare your hair with conditioner, oil or hair masks before you shampoo your hair. It is kind of like a protective shield that locks in all the moisture before the shampoo strips all the natural moisture out.

The process helps the hair by protecting it from the rigorous shampooing. It makes the hair more manageable by making it softer and restores the moisture and shine while making the detangling process a breeze. You can let the pre-poo sit for 20-30 min before you wash your hair.

When you want to detangle your thick natural afro, always use your fingers. Detangling your hair with your fingers is better than a comb because you are able to feel knots while using your fingers which makes it easier to find them.

When you detangle with a comb, it causes friction which can lead to split ends throughout your hair and more breakage.

To detangle, first divide your hair in sections and gently detangle with your fingers. Run your fingers from the bottom and work your way up. Repeat the process, until you can easily run your fingers through your hair.

The secret to washing kinky hair is to start with a hydrating cleanse. Kinky hair generally does best with fewer shampoos and more co-washing, but when you need to remove product buildup, grease, and grime, a sulfate-free shampoo will be one of the best products for kinky hair.

These formulas have the right surfactants to break down the excess buildup without stripping hair of the natural oils that it needs.

Start by applying the shampoo to your scalp and massaging it evenly and gently. Remember kinky hair is prone to more breakage when it is wet. So you will have to handle it with extra care. In case the hair is dirty from product build-up and grease, repeat the process a second time.

After you have washed your hair with shampoo, wring out excess water from the hair and apply the conditioner to the strands. Let the hair soak in the conditioner for 5-10 minutes before you rinse it off. Use cold water to rinse your hair, doing so locks in all the moisture from the conditioner and makes your hair soft and supple. At this stage you can also opt for a leave-in conditioner. Think of this as the last stage to get all the goodness of the moisturizer into your hair.

After washing your hair, let your hair air-dry. For healthier looking curls stop using hair dryers to dry and style your hair. Use a microfiber towel or a T-shirt to dry your hair, this will cause less frizz. Don’t let your hair completely dry out. You can style your hair while it is still a little wet as the curling mousse and gel will hold more and you can style your hair accordingly.

As you sleep, the weight of your head bends down its natural curl pattern which over time can cause irreparable damage to your hairline. This is why it's so important to wear a silk or satin scarf as pillowcases made from cotton or polyester generate friction that will tug on fragile strands of hair.

Scarves that have a smooth fabric and won’t cause friction are perfect to slip over the hairline. A headband or cap will also work all throughout the night. If you use a satin scarf, it helps provide luster and also keeps curls less frizzy. You not only protect your hair against breakage but also preserve their style and ensure smooth edges without using much product.

To protect your afro hair from the many daily challenges it faces and to maintain its lusciousness and softness, you can wear protective styles such as wigs, weaves, buns, braids or twists. Protective hairstyles for Kinky Curly Hair will help protect against breakage, shedding, split ends and other damage done to the hair.

By wearing hair styles in braids, bantu knots, twists etc, you stay one step ahead of daily hassles and reduce tension on your scalp caused by over-styling, heat treatments and chemical processes. It is essential to continue conditioning your hair and scalp with regular oiling even with the protective styles on to keep the hair follicles healthy.

An important step in helping to keep your hair healthy is making sure the ends aren't frayed or split. Hair that has been repeatedly torn over time may become brittle and snap far more easily. When left alone and allowed to grow long enough, it could eventually get tangled, matted down or break off completely resulting in an unsightly appearance.

While it can be tempting to use heat styling tools like blow dryers and hot irons, they can cause serious damage to your Kinky Curly Hair. If used too often, heat styling tools will thin out the hair, which makes it fragile and prone to breakage.

When choosing a heat-free alternative for your hair style of choice, consider options such as twist outs, bantu knots or braids which will bring out curls and add volume for beautiful hair that won't be prone to breakage.

Avoid products like greasy ones which can weigh down your hair, making it appear dull and lifeless. Heavy products like these can also make your hair more prone to breakage and frizziness even after a thorough wash. If this happens, try using a clarifying shampoo along with a lightweight conditioning product for repair.

More often than not we find ourselves gazing in front of the mirror cluelessly and wondering what to do with our hair. Styling your kinky curly hair can be a task but that doesn’t mean that we shy away from it. Every now and then try to switch up your hairstyle.

We have rounded up some of the simple low maintenance hairstyles for your Kinky curly hair.

These are the most beautiful braids to have, because if you have enough experience you can do them on your own. You will likely leave this style in for days or even weeks, so it is important to start with clean and healthy hair first.

To ensure that no tangles arise it's best to start with hair that is completely clean. Shampoo your strands using our INDIQUE HAIR CARE ESSENTIALS MOISTURIZING SHAMPOO and then condition with our INDIQUE HAIR CARE ESSENTIALS MOISTURIZING CONDITIONER.

Once your hair is ready for styling, divide it into 8-10 sections and then braid each section before securing with an elastic.

Here is a great look that is actually two different styles in one because you can wear it in so many ways with the same products! You will need to section off your hair into tiny little pieces.

Lightly spray each section with water and add a styling product like the DESIGN ESSENTIALS® COCONUT & MONOI CURL DEFINING GELÉE and twist into small top knots. You can also use some DESIGN ESSENTIALS® SLEEK EDGE CONTROL around your edges, especially if you're planning to go out all night and need to keep everything under wraps for as long as possible!

This braided style is fit for a queen. Separate the front of your hair horizontally, creating a channel for the braiding to be done and create a single braid that goes across the crown of your head.

You can braid the back of your hair as well but one cute way to wear this style is with the rest of your hair in a twist-out or a wash-and-go style.

Whether it’s fine, crooked hair or tightly-bound coils, the braid-out process serves as an ideal model that can be referenced right this moment!

There are two ways you can wear them - you can part your hair in different directions, add water to your hair along with some products like DESIGN ESSENTIALS® COCONUT & MONOI CURL DEFINING GELÉE for extra moisture and beauty.

These techniques yield a high-definition look that leaves your scalp feeling refreshed and moist. The second option is by creating cornrows instead of big braids. Cornrows work equally as well in this scenario and are essential for protecting from hair breakage.

If you have longer hair, this is a hairstyle that takes practically no time at all to achieve. Simply smooth your hair back using DESIGN ESSENTIALS® SLEEK EDGE CONTROL into a high ponytail and wrap it up with an elastic band. Gently tease the hair at the base of your ponytail to give it some extra volume.

A braid in your hair might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about a hairstyle for shorter and coarser Kinky curly hair but it's worth checking out. We love this stitch braid variation too because it beautifully highlights the horizontal parts as well as the nape.

We love the high volume afro hawk! To achieve this look, separate hair into three identical sections from the top down. Take out any pins or hair bands securing them - then tease each section for a little extra height.

For those with tightly coiled curls and kinky 4C natural Hairstyles, you can leave your natural texture soft but this look would also take well to a braid-out or twist-out as well.

A completely different way of adding a scarf in your everyday look is by wrapping it around the hair so that it can be used as a headband.

Here's how: pull the hair back into a high ponytail on the sides and leave some hair loose towards the front like bangs. Next, place the scarf around the nape of your neck, tie it and with another end of the scarf wrap it around your hair so that it can be used as a band.

Hope this has given you enough inspiration to get you started on different hairstyles for your kinky curly hair. So go ahead and style those curls with Indique’s Design Essential range and get these beautiful hairstyles today.

For most of our lives, many of us curly girls were clueless when it came to dealing with our hair. Fast forward to today, now there is so much information out there, we wonder if it’s actually a good thing or if everything is true! We are here to bring some clarity into this sea of mixed messages and bust some myths while we are it!

Fact: Washing the hair regularly is actually beneficial for kinky hair.

Cleansing the hair helps get rid of product buildup and grime (like dust, oil, gel based products and others). Product residue and grime can cause weak or greasy hair when the scalp isn't completely clean. When the scalp is clean, the sebum production stabilizes, which minimizes the chances of oily, greasy hair.

Fact: This is not true!

If your hair is healthy and moisturized, you should be able to comb or brush it smoothly with minimal shedding. Our Indique Hair Care Essentials Moisturizing Conditioner is designed to help loosen up those knots and tangles with ease.

Start at the bottom of your curls by using a wide-tooth comb and work your way up the strand of hair gently. You can also try tugging lightly on the end of your strands while applying a dab of conditioner at the same time.

The main thing to remember is that your detangling work should ideally be done in the shower where you've used our various products throughout your hair before getting out so that you are only working with clean strands uncontaminated by dirt, sebum and/or products.

Fact: The simple answer is No!

Hair products should be chosen that are made to treat your hair type, especially if you have wavy or curly hair. Chemicals in some shampoos can remove oils from your hair and cause it to become coarse. This might lead to frizz. Look for sulfate-free products, since sulfates remove the oils from your hair and leave it feeling dry.

Fact: The Hair grows, but it is harder to notice due to shrinkage.

Yes, Kinky Hair does require attention and for these textures keeping your hair well moisturized is the key to seeing dramatic hair growth. Since your hair is tightly curled it can have a difficult time retaining the natural healthy oils from your scalp, stopping it from flowing freely down your hair strands. This leads to your hair becoming dry and brittle which eventually leads to breakage. So it's not that your hair can't grow because it's too kinky, it just needs some moisture and love!

Fact: Brushing kinky hair regularly creates more frizz.

Sure, brushing straight hair allows it to lay flat and shiny, but this won’t last for long. Extremely curly hair is prone to damage and can be harmed by the bristles of a brush. If you have tight curls, avoid brushing your hair too often (especially with a metal brush) because that could weaken the follicles. We recommend combing curly hair in the shower or right after rinsing it with conditioner in your hands as fingers are more gentle on tightly coiled locks. Also remember to opt out of blow-drying whenever you can!

Fact: Split ends can’t be repaired by using certain products.

This is a trick question. Products that claim to smooth down split ends might simply mask the problem instead of solving it. The best approach if you have damaged hair with minimal split ends is to visit a salon and get your ends trimmed. This will help eliminate dead knotted ends and reduce dryness which then keeps hair healthy. And finally, making sure your hairstyle is done correctly will also keep the dreaded split end from forming in the first place.

Having Kinky Curly Hair doesn’t mean you have a problem at hand. You need to be comfortable in your own hair first and know how to care for your hair before letting others tell you otherwise.

Kinky hair is beautiful in its own individual way and you need to be proud of your hair! Please rethink those stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding kinky hair. Each one of us is unique and your kinky hair is unique.

If you decide to go natural, that doesn't mean you have to miss out on hair extensions. Hair extensions can be a great way to experiment with length, texture, and color without having to commit.

There are many reasons why people choose to wear extensions, the main one being wanting to experiment with different lengths while still experiencing the benefits of having fuller-looking hair!

Hair extensions can be a good way to pump up your own mane. The extensions can come in the form of clip-ins, bundles, weaves, ponytails, braiding hair that can be styled in any hairstyle of your choice.

When going to buy hair extensions for your Kinky hair it is recommended that you go for Human hair extensions over Synthetic extensions. Human hair extensions give you the freedom to style your hair in many different possibilities. The hair looks more natural and blends well with your own hair.

The extensions usually come pre-styled but you can style, color, perm, or straighten them according to what you feel on a particular day. Also, they will last you for a longer time with some care and maintenance and won’t fade as well.

Hair extensions are the best way to add length and volume to your hair. You want to make sure they're not going to give you a look that is too long, but you still want them long enough that they could effectively blend into your natural hair.

Before purchasing any type of hair extension, take out a measuring tape and measure the full length of your hair from the roots to the ends. Add however many inches you deem necessary to your hair extension as long as it can possibly get without compromising your own natural health with further chemical treatments.

You want to gauge how much custom extensions cost before making a purchase. However, you should be wary of buying too cheaply as you may end up with something that isn't built with high quality standards in mind which will likely lead to the outlay of more cash once the issues start to appear and things get worse.

When selecting your extensions, it's imperative to make sure that you have the correct color tone. A mismatched color can actually look toned-down or subtle, but certainly fake and tacky.

Look closely at a variety of available colors. It's also a good idea to see samples of extensions in person before making an investment or purchase so that you can touch and feel them and make sure they're the right fit for you.

When buying extensions it's important to get a color match and the correct texture. When picking out extensions, make sure that you take into consideration what type of extension is going to fit with your current hairstyle and how you style your hair as well.

It is important to consider the brand and the place that you decide to buy the kinky curly hair extensions. You must make your decision based on all the above factors and also on whether that brand can provide you with the desired look. What you are looking for is versatility from the brand and authenticity in its products. And with all of these requirements, only the best comes to mind - INDIQUE HAIR!

Indique hair gives you a wide range of products from Study perfect 10 organic clip-in curls to Remix organic curl ponytails, to Kinky curl braiding hair to Bounce organic curl bundle and lets you make any hairstyles out of them.

The duration and nature of your extensions will influence what extensions you get. You have to decide how long you want them applied for and each application has different characteristics about it. Applications vary in terms of price, duration of wear, and more.

They are installed only with the help of a professional who has enough knowledge about hair extensions. These kinds of extensions include Keratin bond (hot and cold both), weaves or sew-ins, Tape-ins and Glue-ins.

They can stay on for 3-4 weeks (in some cases longer) before needing a readjustment as the natural hair grows out.

They are the kind of extensions that can be taken off by yourself in the comfort of your home without the help of anyone. These include Clip-ins and Halos.

They don’t require any special tools for installation. You can put them on and off at will and they last for more than a year with good care.

It's important to understand that keeping up with certain aspects of your kinky curly hair extensions will ensure that they stay in good shape for longer periods of time. Hair is a vulnerable structure and it's very easy for it to get damaged through the use of harsh chemicals or simply through natural wear and tear.

If you notice that the curls in your weave no longer look as vibrant or "twisted" as they once did, here are some easy steps you can take to bring their life back.

Just like natural curly hair is prone to dryness and frizz, so are your hair extensions. This is because curly hair extensions do not have the benefit of receiving natural oils from the scalp that keep their conditioning fresh and healthy.

If you want fully-maintained beautiful curls without requiring frequent touch-ups or stylings, it’s important to find a way to restore moisture, softness, and shine right after each styling.

Finding products with ingredients like shea butter that deeply moisturize and nourish hair is vital to keeping curly haired extensions looking great even after they've spent hours in a protective style on your head!

When setting out to choose a shampoo and conditioner, opt for alcohol and sulfate-free products (these ingredients are super drying), and avoid products with proteins. You must check out Indique’s Hair care essentials range to give your extensions nothing but the best.

Although protein-rich products can revive curl definition and restore balance to natural curly hair, these may make your curly hair extensions matted and tangled, so it's best if you avoid using them regularly.

That being said, you don't need to wash your curly hair extensions very often either—every 5 or 7 wears is just fine.

Co-washing is an acronym for "conditioner only washing." The technical definition of co-washing is: the use of a hair conditioner with no other product for cleansing.

When washing your curly hair extensions via this method, it's best to apply a conditioner that helps retain moisture to keep your hair extensions hydrated and soft without drying out the strands.

Getting this process started may require gently mixing some water with the conditioner and then sectioning the hair into manageable pieces before beginning lather and rinse cycles as you normally would when using shampoo on curly or wavy hair extensions .

Heat dries out curly hair extensions and can cause the curls to get frizzy. If you have to use a blow dryer, you'll want to use a diffuser attachment on it and set it to the lowest heat setting.

Allow your kinky curly hair extensions to air-dry naturally or lay them flat overnight with a microfibre towel. If the humidity is not on your side, lightly misting your curls will also help them keep their shape while they dry.

It is most likely that you won’t be straightening your kinky curly hair extensions, but if you have any such ideas running through your mind then we suggest you keep a separate pair of relaxed straight hair extensions like REMIX RELAXED STRAIGHT CLIP-IN HAIR EXTENSIONS from Indique Hair. This way you won’t disturb the curl pattern on the kinky curly hair extensions and they won’t get damaged due to excessive heat.

If you really need a way to curl your kinky hair without tools, we suggest using heatless methods such as flexi rods or perm rods.

Kinky Curly hair extensions are very delicate and they need gentle love and attention in order to keep their curl pattern and shape. If you brush them while they are dry this could cause them frizz or breakage.

They thrive on moisture which is why running your curly hair extensions under the faucet can make all the difference in the world! We also recommend using a wide tooth comb if any knots or tangles happen to develop because brushing these types of hair extensions can cause damage too.

We recommend trying a good leave-in conditioner or serum along with either coconut oil or shea butter - both are excellent moisturizers and will help keep your kinky tresses juiced up and fabulous.

You want to make sure that whatever products you use in your strands are light and aren't going to weigh down or clog up your hair with buildup because if they do then over time you might notice more breakage and more split ends.

If you are using a clip-in extension then never sleep with them on! Before bed it's wise to unclip them from your hair. Carefully store them in the box that they came in or a shoe-box.

Even better - store your extensions in a silk bonnet or silk scarf and put both inside a pillowcase to keep everything together, which will help maintain the silky-ness of your extensions.