5 Key Points About Tightly Coiled Curls

Curls come in many different shapes and sizes. The diameter of your curls (or how large/small) your curl, kink, coil, or wave is can determine how tight your curls are. Tighter coils will have structural characteristics, beyond sized, that will make them slightly different than looser coils or straighter hair.

The basic principles of hair care can be applied to all degrees of waves, kinks, coils, and curls. When applying these principles to tightly coiled curls, it is important to remember that theses curls tend to be the most fragile; requiring special attention when caring for and manipulating the strands. Today, we’re taking a closer look at some key points to consider about tightly coiled curls and ways to help your hair thrive.

Tightly coiled hair can lack moisture

Our scalp produces its own oil called sebum. The sebum produced by your scalp is designed to travel down the hair strands to keep it moisturized. Tightly coiled strands, with all of their waves, kinks and bends, will not allow that oil to travel the complete length of the hair strand. Couple that with environment, lifestyles, and other external stressors and the end result could be dry and brittle hair strands.

The solution: Resist the urge to seek moisture and hydration from products made primarily of heavy oils and butters. These products can give the appearance of hydration, but do not increase the hydration levels of the hair. Instead, focus on routine cleansing to help add moisture to dehydrated strands. Routine cleansing and conditioning of the scalp and hair strand will remove excess oil, debris, and product build-up; allowing the hair to absorb more water and increase the hydration levels of the hair.

Tightly coiled hair can be more fragile

The presence of bends and turns in the hair will create weak points in the hair strand. Because of the excessive curling and twisting, tightly coiled strands are also prone to excess tangling and can knot very easily. Over manipulation of the hair, brushing or detangling on dry hair, failure to remove damaged ends, and hair styles that cause increased friction or pulling of the strands will result in breakage of an already fragile hair strand.

The solution: Special care should always be taken when manipulating hair strands. Tightly coiled coils, require low manipulation and frequent conditioning to help enhance elasticity and reduce breakage. Detangling wet hair, with conditioner in it, while using a detangling tool will also help to reduce breakage and remove knots that can easily be missed with finger detangling alone. Resisting styles that are too tight and routinely assessing for and removing damage will also help to preserve already fragile strands.

Tightly coiled hair may not be shiny

The surface texture of your hair refers to the overall look and feel of the outer cuticle layer of the hair strand. Your hair’s surface texture also determines if your hair will have a shine or sheen. Hair with a more course surfaces texture will not reflect the light in the same manner as hair with a glassy or silky surface texture.

Relaxed hair, regardless of the initial surface texture, will typically have a shine because straight hair better reflects light. Hair in its natural state, especially those with coarser textures and tight coils, tend to absorb the light resulting in a sheen or more of a matte finish.

The solution: It is important to remember that shine is not an indication of the health of your hair. Most products designed to give your hair a shiny appearance may not provide the nourishment your hair requires and could be masking any underlying damage. Instead of focusing on a shiny appearance, seek to promote the actual health of your hair.

Tightly coiled hair tends to shrink more

Shrinkage is a part of curly hair life. Curly hair, because of its nature, has the tendency to draw up or shrink as it progresses from a wet to dry state. When wet, your hair has the ability to stretch up to 50% of its original length, unfortunately for some, as the hair dries it can shrink up to half of that length. Factors such as climate, humidity, products, and the overall health of your hair can affect the level of shrinkage you may experience.

The solution: Stop viewing shrinkage as a negative. In some cases, hair that is healthy and adequately hydrated will shrink. The opposite is true for hair that is damaged. Those strands tend to lack definition, appear frizzy, and have little to no elasticity. Products selection and styling techniques can also influence the amount of “stretch” your hair will have. Layering gels for wash and gos and wearing styles like twist outs can also help to elongate your tresses.

Tightly coiled curls are beautiful

Cultural stigmas would suggest that tighter coiled styles are not beautiful. That they are difficult to manage and lack the aesthetics to make them appealing. I challenge you to ignore those stigmas and boldly embrace the beauty of tightly coiled curls.  

With all new processes there is a bit of a learning curve, but proper education and setting a solid foundation make a large difference when it comes to knowing your hair and setting realistic expectations. The journey to healthy hair care can be a challenge across all curl types and textures. As a tightly coiled curly myself, I have learned how valuable setting a solid foundation can be.

The path to healthy hair care is a process, but not a journey that to have to take all on your own. At Bold Kulture Beauty, it is our mission to empower you with the tools and knowledge needed to be successful on your healthy hair journey.

Visit us today to strike up a curly conversation and to learn more about stress-free healthy hair care and how we can help you on your natural hair journey.