Kinky hair is curly hair to the extreme.
It’s often used to describe hair that grows in a helix shape—aka, a corkscrew or a spiral.
Kinky hair types are most common in black guys.
However, other ethnicities can have tightly-coiled locks as well.
Regardless of your ethnicity, a few things remain the same when caring for kinky hair—namely, the need for moisture, moisture and more moisture.
Kinky hair requires extra care and attention because it’s more prone to breakage and frizz.
To keep strands moisturized and hydrated, use deep-conditioning hair products and stay far away from sulfates, which can exacerbate dryness.
Always use a diffuser attachment for your blow dryer to reduce frizz and never comb your curls.
If you comb your perfectly tight coils, they’ll become a frizzy mess.
If you have kinky and/or coily hair (hair types 4a - 4c), then you’re in luck: this guide includes a step-by-step routine that you can easily adapt to your unique needs to keep your hair healthy and thriving. Kinky/coily hair is the tightest of all curly hair types, and it’s especially prone to dryness because the shape of the strands makes it difficult for the scalp’s natural oils to lubricate the entire length of the hair. With that being said, kinky hair often needs extra moisture to keep it looking and feeling its best. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the perfect routine and product combos for your hair.
Kinky/coily hair’s biggest challenge is often moisture retention, so it’s important to use products that are made with hydrating ingredients that will nourish your strands. Dry hair is more prone to breakage, so keeping your hair moisturized is the foundation of a healthy hair routine. Keeping your hair clean and moisturized also facilitates hair growth for naturally curly/afro hair.
How often you wash your hair is a personal decision that depends on your schedule, how quickly you experience build-up, and how physically active you are, among other factors. But in general, many people find that washing type 4 hair once a week is sufficient. If you find that washing your hair once a week isn’t enough, try washing twice a week or co washing mid-week: co washing involves using a cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo for a more gentle, moisturizing cleanser.
Many shampoos contain harsh sulfates, which are detergents that strip your hair in the process of cleaning it. Luckily, there are several great sulfate-free shampoos that will thoroughly cleanse kinky hair without drying it out, like The Wild Curl’s Gently Cleansing Curly Shampoo.