Coily hair is a beauty that is adorned with a head of curls which shows how skilled nature is. For some though, there is a lot to be discovered about themselves in this process.
Spinning dreadlocks are inscrutable and we are going to plunge into the coily texture class.
The Curly Revolution: Embracing Your Coils
For decades, straight hair has been exalted above all else in beauty standards, making natural coily hairs feel out of place.
But now things are changing the movement for natural hair has brought a new era.
Liberating Coiled Manes from Complements of Straight Locks
Do you recall when permanent waves and hot combs were used to manage coiled locks? Those days are gone and forgotten.
People are jettisoning the relaxers and heat sources in favor of flaunting their God given coils.
“I have spent years trying so hard to blend in by damaging my hair with constant straightening.”
Now, I love my coils.“Part of me” is their motto.’ (Zendaya)
The Ascent of the Wild Hair Crusade
This is not just a case of hair, but rather identity, love for oneself and opposing beauty standards.
With the use of hashtags like #CoilyHair and #NaturalHairJourney through social platforms, millions have come together around this issue.
Do you know? In the early 2010s, the natural hair movement gained speed, and in between 2011 to 2013, there was a 34% increase in natural hair product sales.
What Makes Hair Coily?
- In order to genuinely value the coily hair, it’s essential to understand the inner workings. For now, let’s be scientific for a second.Hair Structure 101: Follicles, Shafts, and CuticlesYour hair is more intricate than you may expect. Here’s a quick summary:Follicle: The minute organ in your dermis from which a strand of hair arises Shaft: The visible part of the hair
- Cuticle: The outer layer of the hair shaft, made up of overlapping scales
The Science Behind the Spiral: Why Some Hair Coils Tightly
Coily hair gets its shape from the follicle. While straight hair grows from round follicles, coily hair sprouts from oval or asymmetrical ones.
This causes the hair to curve as it grows, creating those beautiful spirals.
The protein structure of the hair also plays a role. Coily hair has an uneven distribution of a protein called keratin, which contributes to its unique texture.
Coily Hair Types: Not Every Curl is the Same
In case you have coily hair, you may be familiar with expressions like 4A or 4C. But what do they imply?
The Hair Type Chart: The Place For Coily Hair
Generally, hair types are sorted from 1 (straight) to 4 (coily). Coily hair belongs to Type 4, which features tight curls and has a bouncy feel.
The Subtypes of Coily Hair 4A, 4B and 4C
Let’s break down the coily hair types:
Type | Description | Typical Characteristics |
4A | S shaped coils | Defined curl pattern, springy |
4B | Z shaped coils | Less defined pattern, fluffy texture |
4C | Tight zigzag pattern | Very tight coils, prone to shrinkage |
Remember, these categories are just guidelines. Many people have a mix of textures on their heads!
Caring for Your Coils: A Love Story
Coily hair needs special attention. But with the right care, your coils can thrive.
Coily hair has a tendency of being drier than the other types of hairs.
Moisture is Your BFF: Why Coily Hair Needs Extra TLC
Coily hair tends to be drier than other hair types.
Why?
The natural oils are very difficult to go down hair strands due to its tightly wound curls. Therefore, providing your hair with additional moisture is necessary.
For the record: You should deep condition every week in order for those coils to remain moisturized and satisfied.
The LOC Method: Your New Hair Care Mantra
LOC stands for Liquid, Oil, Cream. This method is a game changer for coily hair:
- Liquid: Apply water or a water based leave in conditioner
- Oil: Seal in the moisture with a natural oil like jojoba or coconut
- Cream: Lock it all in with a thicker cream or butter
Keeping Protective Styles on your Hair
There are hairdo’s that make the hair less susceptible to manipulation and thus reduce breakage.
Some popular options include:
- Braids
- Twists
- Bantu knots
- Updos
However, do not forget to let your hair breathe once in a while.
Curls Hair Problems (Strategies to Overcome Them)
It isn’t all that fun and games having coily hair.
But every challenge has a solution.
Shrinkage: The Visual Deceit of Length
Shrinkage is the perceived reduction in hair length. Although this phenomenon indicates that one has healthy elastic hair, it can be very frustrating.
Solution: Try stretch techniques like banding or twist outs to show off your true length.
Detangling Drama: Patience is a Virtue
Coily hair is prone to tangling. But don’t reach for that brush just yet!
Best practices for detangling:
- Always detangle when your hair is wet and coated with conditioner
- Use your fingers or a wide tooth comb
- Start from the ends and work your way up
- Be gentle and take your time
Product Buildup: When Too Much Love Backfires
Using too many products can lead to buildup, leaving your hair feeling heavy and looking dull.
How to avoid buildup:
- Use clarifying shampoo once a month
- Don’t overload on products
- Pay attention to how your hair responds to different products
Rocking Your Coils: Styles That Slay
Your coily hair is versatile. Let’s explore some styles that’ll make heads turn.
Wash and Go: Embracing Your Natural Texture
The wash and go is all about letting your coils do their thing. Here’s a simple routine:
- Cleanse your coily hair thoroughly
- Apply leave in conditioner
- Seal with oil or cream
- Let air dry or use a diffuser
Twist Outs and Braid Outs: Defined Coils on Demand
Want more defined curls? Try a twist out or braid out:
- Section damp hair
- Apply styling product
- Twist or braid each section
- Let dry completely (overnight works best)
- Unravel and fluff
Bantu Knots: From Bedtime to Showstopper
Bantu knots aren’t just a protective style they can create gorgeous, defined curls:
- Section hair and apply styling product
- Twist each section and wrap into a knot
- Secure with a bobby pin
- Sleep on it or let dry
- Unravel for bouncy, defined curls
Coily Hair Products: Your Arsenal for Amazing Hair
All of these products can significantly impact the koily hair type.
Leave in Conditioners: The Unacknowledged Heroes
Leave in conditioners keep your hair moist for a long time during the day. In fact, some of the ingredients you should look out for include:
Aloe vera
- Glycerin
- Shea butter
To seal in moisture and create a sheen that looks good, natural oils and butters are the best because they provide good care.
Some favorites include:
- Coconut oil
- Jojoba oil
- Shea butter
- Mango butter
A swirl of curls ignited through the right product which can add definition and hold to these curls.
Experiment to find what works for you:
- Gels for wash and gos
- Creams for twist outs
- Mousses for volume
It has been learned from the past till October 2023.
Coily Hair Myths: Busting Misconceptions
Resting the case on certain coiling hair fabrications.
And some other tall tales of “coily hair doesn’t grow”.
Myth: Coily hair doesn’t grow.
Reality: Coily hair grows just as fast as other hair types. The tight coils can make length less noticeable, and breakage might slow apparent growth.
Myth: Coily hair is unprofessional.
Reality: All hair textures are professional when well maintained.
Such misconceptions derive from beauty ideals that are obsolete and often founded on race.
The Truth Beyond Heat Styling & Chemical Treatments
Although heat styling and chemical treatments may affect curly hair’s texture, there are risks involved:
Heat damage can alter your curl pattern
- Chemical treatments can lead to breakage and scalp irritation
On the off chance that you opt to make use of the procedures, do it with a measure of caution and protect always with heat protectants.
Accepting Your Coils: A Self Discovery Quest
It is a long process before you appreciate your coily hair but it’s the best journey ever.
Building Confidence in Your Natural Texture
Here are some tips for embracing your coils:
- Educate yourself about your hair type
- Experiment with different styles
- Follow coily hair influencers for inspiration
- Celebrate your hair’s uniqueness
Finding Your Coily Hair Community
You’re not alone in your hair journey. Connect with others:
- Join online forums and social media groups
- Attend natural hair meetups and events
- Support businesses that cater to coily hair
The Future of Coily Hair: Trends and Innovations
The domain of caring for curly tresses keeps changing rapidly. Here’s what we’re expecting.
Bespoke Hair Care: When Technology Meets Texture
Companies are beginning to provide customized haircare products based on one’s unique hairstyle and demands.Some even use AI to formulate products just for you!
Representation in Media and Beauty Industries
We’re seeing more coily hair representation in:
- Movies and TV shows
- Fashion magazines
- Beauty campaigns
This increased visibility is helping to normalize and celebrate coily hair in mainstream culture.
A Final Word: Your Coily Hair Journey
Your coily hair is an amazing adventure in self awareness and self acceptance.
Your coils are your own so embrace them !With the right care, knowledge, and attitude, you can rock your natural texture with confidence.
So go ahead, let those coils spring free.
Your locks are more than just strands of a protein called keratin; they are a symbol used by rulers in the past in order to indicate authority and represent the cultures where they belonged.
Be proud of it!