It’s June, Curlies and Summer is in full swing!
Before you soak up the sun and suds, we've gathered some important curl ques to follow that will make your curls happy and save you time in managing your summer curls!
June is also when we honor and celebrate Juneteenth and we are doing it all week long with sharing important facts, giveaways and sales!
Summer is the time of year where we let our curls down and show them off! No more hiding under itchy hats, or curl-snagging umbrellas! But, before you take to the beach or the streets, make sure you are protecting your curls from the harshness of mother nature. Here are just a few things to keep in mind when it comes to protecting your curls, while enjoying the sun.
UV Damage
It’s critically important that you protect your curls and scalp from UV ray damage brought on by direct and/or extensive exposure to the sun. Too much UV exposure can weaken your curls and reduce their elasticity. Which leads to split ends, breakage, and frizz. It is easier to maintain healthier curls, than it is to manage unhealthy curls.
Physical protection - Wear an airy sun hat or scarf to protect your curls and scalp from the sun when spending long periods of time in the sun
Apply a UV Protection Product -Use sunscreen on your scalp to avoid it getting sunburned There are also many different hair products out there that contain ingredients that help protect your curls from the sun outside. Like our Hi! Definition Curl Enhancing Styling Gel, which is formulated with color safe, UV protection ingredients, such as soybean oil.
Chlorine
Summertime often means cooling off in the pool. But, for our curls, this could mean exposure to curl damaging chemicals that's exasperated by the sun. The result? major curl discoloration and weakened hair proteins.
Harmful Effects of Chlorine:
- Discoloration of both natural and colored hair
- Stripping natural oils from your curls
- Stringy and weak strands
Before you head into the pool, saturate your curls with water and apply a leave-in conditioner. Our Untie the Knot Nourishing Leave-in Conditioner is an excellent source for curl protection! Formulated with avocado oil, olive squalene, and broccoli seed oil to protect and close cuticles, preventing further damage. Untie the Knot Leave-in acts as a protective barrier in minimizing the chance of your waves from soaking up too much chlorine.
If you want even more protection for your curls/waves, reach for a snug swim cap.
Now, when it's time to shed the bathing suit, don’t delay in washing the chlorine or any other impurities out of your hair. Use a gentle cleanser that allows for less manipulation, reducing the chances of frizz and breakage; as your curls are most vulnerable when wet. Our Curl Renew & Restore Gentle Cleansing Rinse, is the go-to option for leaving your waves/curls detangled, moisturized, clean, and defined.
Moisture Balance
Do you smell that? It smells like something is burning… It smells like hair! Have you ever had this experience while out and about in the sun? If not, thank your lucky stars!
Our hair can burn when not properly moisturized. Make sure your curls/waves are getting the moisture they need, especially if you’re constantly in the sun and heat by adding products that provide a extra moisture.
When it comes to moisture, protection, and strengthening, our Curl Supreme 4-in-1 Hydrating Creme serves up all three! Apply the crème to wet hair for maximum coverage and penetration.
You may be one of those curlies who say, “ I hear you on all these fronts, but too much moisture is my problem, in the humid climate I live in”. To address this our Hi! Definition Curl Enhancer Styling Gel, followed by our ReFlex Curl Styling Serum are a dynamic duo in maintaining moisture balance while minimizing the curl bloom.
Wet Hair
Curls are already naturally fragile; as each bend, twist, or turn, is a weak point ( thinner in diameter) making that area a stress point and more prone to splitting or breaking. Add to that wetness and lifted cuticles, you can consider your curls a fine porcelain! Being delicate is key. Avoid towels, hats, or styling tools that can cause snagging. Minimize how much you touch your curls and if you have to touch them, wet your hands to minimize friction.
Hydration
We’re not just talking about products - drink your water! Hydration is essential for healthy curls. Yes, there are so many good and refreshing summer drinks, but water is what you really need. Make sure you’re drinking enough of it. Your curls will thank you!
Celebrating & Honoring Juneteenth!
As of 2021, June 19th became an official federal and national holiday, in the United States!
We celebrate this day as “Juneteenth”. This date is critically important because even after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, there were still slaves in different southern states that were not able to execute or exercise their freedom.
It wasn’t until 1865, that the final confederate state at that time, Texas employed and honored the Emancipation of Proclamation.
While legal freedom was given through the Proclamation, the freedom of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness was not- this fight for freedom continues today.
All week long we will celebrate, honor and educate this historical moment on our Instagram Page!
Be sure to stay connected for important facts, giveaways, and sales!