Seven Changes That Improved My Natural Hair Game
Curly Hair Habits I’ve Retired From
Through the years, I’ve experimented with countless curly hair techniques. As my curl pattern changed over time, new challenges emerged—especially with curl retention.
Some habits that once worked no longer serve me, and letting go of them has improved my hair health. Here’s a look at curly hair practices I’ve retired and why they stopped working for me.
1. Satin Pillowcase vs. Satin Bonnet
For two years, I used a satin pillowcase to prevent frizz and tangles. It worked well by reducing friction between my hair and the fabric.
However, after moving out of my parents’ house, I switched to a satin bonnet—and that’s when the issues started.
Why I Stopped Using a Satin Bonnet:
- My hair felt dry in the morning.
- The bonnet clumped my curls together, forcing me to restyle frequently.
What Works Better? I’m returning to my satin pillowcase, which allows me to leave my hair untouched overnight without excessive dryness.
2. The clipping Technique
The clipping technique is meant to lift the roots and prevent flatness—a method I learned from the Curly Girl Handbook,
Why I Stopped Using It:
- Diffusing my hair with clips led to tangling.
- Removing the clips often pulled out my hair, leading to unnecessary breakage.
My Alternative? Instead of clipping, I now focus on scrunching and diffusing upside down to achieve natural volume without damage.
3. Protective Styles: Twists & Braids
Protective styles like two-strand twists and braids were a lifesaver when I first transitioned. They helped me preserve my hair’s health while dealing with color damage and thinning strands.
Why I No Longer Use Protective Styles:
- Now that my hair is thicker and healthier, braiding causes excessive shedding.
- Even when my mom French-braided my hair with extensions, shedding was unavoidable.
My Alternative? I now embrace my curls in their natural state, allowing them to flow freely.
4. Finger Detangling
Many curl enthusiasts swear by finger detangling, but for me, it caused more harm than good.
Why I Stopped Finger Detangling:
- I was too aggressive, pulling out more hair than necessary.
- My impatience led to rough detangling, causing breakage.
My Alternative? I now use a wide-tooth comb and gently detangle from tips to roots—a method that keeps my hair tangle-free with less shedding.
5. Using Gel
In college, I frequently used Deva Curl Light Defining Gel and Bounce Curl Gel after washing my hair. While they initially worked, over time, my curls became dry and frizzy.
Why I No Longer Use Gel:
- Bounce Curl Gel left my hair dry and prone to frizz.
- Deva Curl Gel didn’t make my curls crunchy, but it left them feeling stiff and unnatural.
My Alternative? I now skip gels altogether. My curls are bouncier and more voluminous without them!
6. No-poo Method
For a while, I followed the no-poo method, using Deva Curl’s No-Poo during the winter. It kept my hair moisturized, but I started noticing issues over time.
Why I Stopped the No-Poo Method:
- Product buildup left my scalp feeling unclean.
- I realized my hair needed different products for winter vs. summer.
My Alternative? I now use a seasonal routine, rotating between hydrating shampoos in winter and lightweight clarifying shampoos in summer.
7. Curling Irons and Flat Iron
I used to curl my hair with an iron to achieve a wavy look. But over time, I noticed my hair was thinning and becoming weaker.
Why I Stopped Using Heat Styling Tools:
- Heat tools caused damage and breakage.
- My curl pattern loosened from repeated styling.
My Alternative? If I want waves, I use rollers and have my mom straighten my roots with a professional titanium flat iron—which requires fewer passes and minimizes damage.
That said, I avoid heat styling as much as possible to preserve my natural curl pattern.
Final Thoughts: Letting Go of Ineffective Hair Habits
The journey to embracing natural hair involves trial and error. Some techniques work for a while but lose effectiveness as your hair evolves.
The Key? Knowing when to retire habits that no longer serve you and adapting to your hair’s changing needs.
What curly hair habits have you retired? Share your experiences in the comments below!
FAQs About Curly Hair Habits
Should I use a satin pillowcase or a satin bonnet?
It depends! A satin pillowcase works better for me because it prevents dryness, but some prefer bonnets for keeping curls intact. Try both and see what works for you.
Is gel bad for curly hair?
Not necessarily! Some gels enhance curl definition, but others cause dryness or stiffness. If you dislike the feeling of gel, try using lightweight creams or mousses instead.
Why did my hair stop responding to the no-poo method?
Over time, product buildup can occur. If you’re noticing an unclean scalp, try using a clarifying shampoo once a month to reset your hair.
How can I add volume without the clipping technique?
Try diffusing upside down, using lightweight styling products, or fluffing your roots with a wide-tooth comb for extra lift.
Can I repair heat-damaged curls without cutting them?
In some cases, protein treatments and deep conditioning can help restore elasticity. However, severe heat damage often requires a trim.
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Protective styles, finger detangling I’ve pretty much stopped doing too. I noticed with twists/braid extensions my hair just reacts negatively to it completely. My scalp gets INCREDIBLY dry by like day 2-3 which leads to a flaky scalp. Finger detangling I feel like just took too long for me, I agree with not having enough patience for it.
Also, I just bought satin pillowcases and excited to see how my hair reacts to it!
I feel like they both lead to shedding it sucks!