The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Image via The Eden Center

In a sudden turn of events, the hair care community has finally accepted curly hair in all its variations. The stigma surrounding curly hair has been around for decades, with it being considered “unkempt” or messy and not part of a presentable appearance. It was especially an issue for curly-haired women to go to events such as engagements or weddings with their curls, it was required to be straightened, or else it was seen as a sign of bad taste. 

Since this mindset has shifted, the curly hair business has flourished, with numerous products and salons made available for curly-haired people. It is common knowledge that curly hair requires specific, chemical-free products to remain healthy and shiny, and local brands have started providing curly hair lines to attract consumers. The summer days are hard on our hair and skin, especially for curly hair, as it tends to dry out faster. It takes special attention to protect it during the hot summer days from the salty sea water and the chlorine in pools. Here are a few tips on how to manage.  

Know When to Use Sulfate and Silicone-free Products

As soon as you enter the hair care community, you are told that silicones and sulfates are harmful to the integrity of your hair and the health of your scalp. While that may be true, using a silicone-based conditioner before going to the beach or pool will create a layer on your hair to protect it from water damage. Since the only way to remove silicone from your hair is by using a sulfate-containing shampoo, you should keep these options with you when you travel. 

With the beach being the exception to the rule, silicones and sulfates should be limited in your daily life. Their long-term use can cause build-up on your scalp and damage your hair. Normally, using sulfate-free and silicone-free products is better for hair health and longevity. To still get the needed protection from the sun, it is advised to use a heat-protectant hair spray or serum, and for a more affordable option, try this one.

Deep Condition

Condition your hair as deeply as the ocean during the summer, especially when you have just returned from a beach destination. It is important to keep your hair hydrated and compensate for the loss of hydration and nutrients from exposure to water, whether in the ocean or pool. Deep conditioners tailored to curly hair are now available in affordable local brands like Bobana. They offer a variety of deep conditioning masks with different oils depending on what works for you. 

Sleep in a Satin Bonnet 

Satin is smoother, less abrasive, and less absorbent than cotton and other materials. This means that it can help keep your hair better hydrated by preventing moisture loss, and it can help reduce friction between your hair and the surface it is touching. Many hair care gurus advise using a satin pillowcase for the benefits mentioned above and to keep your curls intact while you sleep. However, some people have reported that while they have reaped the benefits of a satin pillowcase, it causes breakouts for those with acne-prone skin. That is why the alternative is to wear a satin bonnet to get the best of both worlds; keep your hair from getting frizzy overnight and reduce the risk of breakouts from a satin pillowcase. You can find one on Amazon here. 

Dry With a Microfiber Towel 

Staying on the theme of maintaining moisture, using a microfiber towel creates a polished surface that helps reduce abrasion between your hair and the towel, reducing moisture loss and frizz. It also dries your hair faster because it can absorb water more quickly, lowering your need to use a blow dryer or a source of heat that could dry out your hair. Although it absorbs water rapidly, microfiber towels are less likely to strip your hair of its natural oils, helping it retain moisture and prevent dryness or breakage. Get one from The Hair Addict. 

Use a Leave-in Conditioner

Conditioners are usually used in the shower after shampooing and are meant to be rinsed out. On the other hand, leave-in conditioners are designed to be left in the hair after washing to moisturise your hair further. The added hydration from leave-in conditioners during the summer days will help your hair remain shiny and healthy and prevent split ends or dryness. Leave-in conditioners are also used to detangle the hair, making it easier to brush through and style. Some local brands that offer different leave-in conditioners for different hair types are Bless, The Hair Addict, and Bobana.