Clean Curls: Accepting My Need For Shampoo

Question of the week: How do you know your hair is clean?

Great question. I think many of us assume our hair is clean because we go through the motions of wash day, thinking we’re doing the right things. Sadly if we aren’t using the right products, our curls are not clean. Learning this fact was essential for me and accepting my need for shampoo.

 Knowing what clean hair looks and feels like is essential to understanding your curls. With clean hair, I was better able to appreciate the unique characteristics of my hair and see the true potential of my curls. Beyond that working with a clean canvas, my curls were more defined, my styles lasted longer, and I didn’t have to work hard to achieve the look I desired.

Dirty curls

My initial experience with natural hair was not built on the foundation of routine shampooing. Like many, I believed that shampoo was damaging to my hair, and I relied on co-washing and rich creams to provide what I thought was moisture.

My hair was not clean; the additional build-up made curl definition nonexistent, and it cost me hours. I was refreshing my hair daily. Trying to create curls that wouldn’t or couldn’t show up because they were buried under layers of product.

What changed

First of all, my hair was a hot mess! I started my natural journey with very healthy hair. Having been relaxed for a long time, I was getting my hair cared for weekly. Transitioning to caring for my hair myself,  I soon realized that what I thought I knew about natural hair and how you care for it was all wrong. My constant co-washing and frequent use of heavy products were slowly making my once healthy curls a damaged mess. My hair was becoming frizzier and less defined, and it seemed the harder I worked, the worse my hair got.

I soon learned that if I wanted my hair to thrive, I needed to ditch the co-wash only routine and focus on cleansing my scalp and hair. Now clean curls are one of my favorite parts of natural hair care. One of the most rewarding aspects of clean, healthy coils is seeing my hair come to life both in and out of the shower.

Wash day essentials

If you’re struggling to create the look you desire and you don’t use shampoo routinely, chances are you need to grab a shampoo. If you’re ready to bring your hair to life, consider some of my fave shampoos to get your curls poppin!

Trepadora Curl therapy Gojiberry Mint Reviving Hair Rinse – this shampoo is a little more on the cleansing side but can be used bi-weekly for clean, healthy curls that pop.

AG Balance Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo – If you were using apple cider vinegar to clean your scalp, this shampoo might be right for you. This sulfate=free apple cider vinegar-based shampoo is a great option to clean your curls.

Tre’Lux Curl Renew & Restore – this gentle cleanser is amazing. The perfect balance of cleansing and moisturizing this shampoo is an excellent option for routine and frequent cleansing.

The Doux Sucka Free Moisturizing Shampoo – This moisturizing shampoo will gently cleanse the hair and scalp while helping to remove build-up. At the same time, it creates a popper environment for your hair to receive moisture.

Incorporating shampoo into your wash day routine will make a significant difference in your hair’s performance. If you’ve been hesitant to grab a shampoo, you don’t have to worry. Bold Kulture Beauty has the tools you need to keep your curls clean, healthy, and poppin.  Need help navigating wash day? Join Wash Day 101 and get the tools you need for a successful wash day from start to style