9 Fixable Mistakes People with Curly Hair Make

I came out of the womb with a crazy, curly head of dark brown hair. So basically, I was never destined to have the stick-straight locks I always strived for growing up — the grass is always greener, am I right? Eventually, I got wise to the mistakes that people with curly hair make and how to fix them. I embraced my voluminous locks, tamed the twists, learned how to make my life with curly hair much easier (and more manageable). If you're also rocking curls: it's time to embrace the head of hair that your momma gave you.

If you've always dreaded blow-drying your hair (becomes it can leave your hair looking like frizzy mess), you could see curl-defining, frizz-free results when drying your hair with a professional diffuser attachment. Or if you're dealing with an oily scalp midway through your day, you might want to switch to styling with a curl-enhancing mousse that keeps ringlets full and voluminous all day.

After you finally learn the tricks of the trade, you can forget the "grass is greener" days of the past. Remember that you share a hairstyle with major curl inspirations like Lorde and Tori Kelly, and you might just start sporting those curls with a new kind of confidence.

If You Overstyle Your Hair, Take A Break & Apply A Frizz-Free Mask

Sexy Hair Smooth Extender Nourishing Masque, $15, Amazon

When humidity attacks, you might be tempted to use hot tools to flatten your hair. Instead, treat your curls to a nourishing hair mask with coconut oil, which strengthens your locks while fighting back against frustrating frizz. One user said they left this mask on dye-damaged hair for five minutes and saw amazing results. Bonus: This mask is sulfate-, gluten- and paraben-free. The quick fix of a straightener is tempting (I get it!), but taking a few days off from your heat-styling routine will do wonders for the natural state of your curls.

If You Touch Up With Fingers, Get Lasting Bounce With Coconut Oil & Hibiscus

Shea Moisture Frizz-Free Mousse , $11, Amazon

If you constantly touch strands throughout the day, you might be tracking unwanted dirt and oil into your hair. This will weigh down your 'do and make your roots look greasy by lunchtime. In the morning, give curls long-lasting definition with coconut oil and hibiscus to prevent yourself from constantly scrunching. This formula uses a silk protein mix (free of crunch!) that works with your natural texture for all-day-long control and hold.

If You're Making Your Hair Greasy, Touch Up Oily Hair At The Source With Nettle Extract

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle , $17, Amazon

On the days you skip the shower, keep your hair fresh and revived with an absorbent dry shampoo that contains nettle extract, which regulates your scalp's sebum secretion. After you rid your scalp of sweat, dirt, and oils that can throw off your look, you'll instantly notice more life and body in your curls. Pro tip: Section off your hair and lightly spray dry shampoo at your roots, gently rubbing it into your scalp.

If You Shampoo Daily With Sulfates, Calm Curls With A Vegan Conditioner

Original Sprout Curl Calmer , $11, Amazon

It's no secret that shampooing too often can strip curls of the essential moisture they need to stay healthy and frizz-free. If you need to revive your hair, try applying an all-natural, curl-taming conditioner while focusing on your ends. This product has an all-natural blend of herbs and vegan ingredients that will make your hair more manageable and easier to style post-shower. When your hair gets the oils and vitamins it needs, you'll find that it will be less knotty and tangled.

If You Blow Dry Your Hair On High-Heat, Dry Gently With Curl-Defining Diffuser

C ollapsible Hair Diffuser by The Curly Co., $15, Amazon

Using a diffuser to spread air flow over a larger area is the best way to enhance your curls without causing frizz from heat styling. For the best results, let this professional diffuser lightly scrunch the ends of your hair as it dries your locks. One user said it helped her hair dry quickly, reduced the amount of product she used, and stayed "bouncy and beautiful." Bonus: This diffuser is collapsible, so it folds down for easy storaage.

If You're Not Protecting Your Hair, Prep Strands With Argan Oil

Ultra Curl Defining Cream With Argan Oil , $19, Amazon

This vitamin E enhanced cream creates long-lasting curls, which are activated when applying your hot tools. Not only will this nourishing formula give you richer curls, but its Argan oil will replenish moisture lost from the damaging effects of flat ironing, curling, or blow drying. Work in this cream from roots to ends, and let it set quickly before blow-drying with a diffuser.

If You Brush Out Your Curls, Stick To Detangling With A Wet Comb

Swissco Tortoise Wet Comb Wide Tooth , $11, Amazon

Brushing your hair (whether it's while blow drying, straightening, or stepping out of the shower) puts serious tension on your hair, which can result in some ouch-worthy breakage. For anyone with thick or coarse hair texture, it's best to detangle with a wet-friendly wide tooth comb. This one is shaped and polished to glide smoothly through your hair without causing split ends or damaging your scalp. One user recommends it for longer hair because it's so smooth that "it doesn't catch on hair at all."

If You're Creating Frizz, Add Smoothness & Shine With Leave-In Serum

Global Keratin GK Anti-Frizz Smoothing Serum , $36, Amazon

Silky serum isn't just for people with straight manes. This lightweight, smoothing frizz control serum enhances your curls' shine and vibrancy. Its keratin formula won't weigh your hair down, and for best results, apply it to damp or dry hair with a particular focus on your ends. One user said she turns to this serum whether she's wearing her hair curly or straight, saying, "GK serum adds shine and manageability to your hair, and it is worth every penny."

If You Rinse Out Conditioner Daily, Mango Extract Restores Hair

Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner/Detangler, $13, Amazon

If rinsing out your conditioner all the way is a habit you've always had, try a leave-in option full of organic mango fruit extract, marshmallow root, and lemongrass. This formula was made specifically for curly hair, so it removes the peskiest of knots, and it smoothes cuticles for shiny, silky-smooth hair. Pro tip: If you sleep in braids for added waves, the brand recommends using this detangler as a helpful part of the de-braiding process.

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Images: Pixabay (1); Amazon (9)