Natural hair comes in all different shapes and sizes. There’s straight hair, long hair, short hair, curly hair. It takes on different colors and textures, it can be smooth or rough, light or heavy, thin or thick, fine or full!

There’s one type of hair out there that’s gained popularity for being different - The Kinky Curl.

Kinky curls refer to a type of curly hair pattern that is characterized by tight, coiled curls that have a distinctive zigzag or S-shaped pattern. Kinky curls are commonly found in individuals with African, Caribbean, and Afro-Latinx descent.

Known as type 4 hair kinky curls are known to get dehydrated easily. This soft, curly and sometimes even wavy hair is prone to breakages and even shrinkages. Such hair needs to be looked after carefully as these curls have a zig-zag design or even an uneven look and are tightly coiled. The aim is to make sure it does not look greasy or crunchy and always looks smooth and glossy.

Here's Everything you Need to Know About Kinky Curls:

Hair Texture:

Kinky curls are typically fine in texture and have a dense, tightly coiled pattern. The curls can range from small, tight coils to larger, looser coils, depending on an individual's hair type and genetics. You might have the tight curls that are close together or the looser curls that are further apart.

Hair Porosity:

Kinky curls tend to have low porosity, which means that the hair cuticles are tightly packed and resist moisture absorption. This means that the hair tends to remain dry. This can make it challenging for kinky curls to retain moisture, and it's important to use hair care products that help moisturize and hydrate the hair.

Hair Care:

Caring for kinky curls requires special attention. Here are some key tips:

Moisture:

Because kinky curls naturally have low porosity - they need to be well-moisturized. Moisturizing the kinky curls keeps them healthy and full of life. Using a gentle sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner to prevent dryness and frizz is advised.

Deep Conditioning:

Regular deep conditioning treatments can help replenish moisture in kinky curls. Look for deep conditioners that are specifically formulated for curly or textured hair. These will help bring the shine and the bounce to your hair and keep it feeling healthy and looking beautiful for longer.

Detangling:

Kinky curls can easily tangle, so it's important to be gentle when detangling.

• Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers, and start from the ends and work your way up to prevent breakage. 
• Using a wide toother comb ensures that you don’t damage your hair while you try to make it behave the way you want.

Protective Styling:

If you’ve got kinky curls and want a way to protect your hair - styling it in a ‘protective style’ can really help. Protective styles such as braids, twists, and updos can help protect kinky curls from damage and breakage caused by manipulation and environmental factors.

The very nature of these styles keeps the hair from being damaged and makes it last longer and stay healthier.

Avoid Heat:

Heat styling tools can cause damage to kinky curls, so it's best to limit or avoid their use. The heat from your heat styling tools could singe the hair and damage it permanently. While we advise you to keep the kinky curls away from the heat - if you must use it, use a heat protectant spray and use the lowest heat setting possible.

Styling:

There are many different ways to style kinky curls, depending on personal preference and hair length. If you have kinky curls or are going in for a kinky curls wig then you can really experiment with some of these styles. Some popular styling options for kinky curls include;

Wash and Go:

This involves washing the hair, applying a leave-in conditioner and a styling product, and allowing the curls to air dry without manipulating them. The wash and go is the least fuss, easiest to DIY and best feeling hair do for kinky curls. It gives volume and thickness to the curls that you wouldn’t expect and makes it look and feel nicer.

Outs/Braid Outs:

These styles involve twisting or hair braiding the hair while damp and allowing them to dry, then unraveling the twists or braids to reveal defined curls. Twist outs are very popular when you’re trying to make even waves throughout the hair rather than have tighter curls in one part and looser curls in another.

Bantu Knots:

This style involves sectioning the hair and twisting each section into a small knot, then allowing them to dry and unraveling them to create tight, defined curls. Bantu Knots are originally a style that is followed by the Zulu people of South Africa and has gained popularity because of how manageable it makes the hair.

Pineapple:

This is a nighttime styling technique where the hair is gathered on top of the head in a loose, high ponytail to protect the curls while sleeping. The pineapple is a style that’s essentially used to protect your hair but if you want you can experiment with it during the day as well!

Hair Products:

Using the right hair products is essential for maintaining and styling kinky curls. Look for products that are specifically formulated for curly or textured hair, and avoid products that contain harsh sulfates, drying alcohols, and mineral oil. Some recommended products for kinky curls include:

Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner:

Look for sulfate-free shampoos and moisturizing conditioners that can help replenish moisture and hydrate the hair.

Leave-In Conditioner:

A good leave-in conditioner can help detangle, moisturize, and define curls.

Curl Defining Cream/Gel:

Curl defining creams or gels can help enhance and define the natural curl pattern while providing hold and reducing frizz.

Deep Conditioner:

A deep conditioner can provide a boost of moisture to dry and damaged kinky curls. Look for deep conditioners that are formulated for curly or textured hair.

Oil or Butter:

Natural oils or butters, such as coconut oil, shea butter, or jojoba oil

So now that you know the ins and outs of kinky curls you’re all set to try out these styles on your own hair or go experiment with a kinky curls wig that’ll give you the much sought after look straight from the shop. Head on over to the Hair Factory for a look at some kinky curls that are sure to win you over.