How to take care of natural curly hair?

To take care of your natural curly hair, follow these key tips based on the information from the search results:

1. Avoid overwashing: Don't wash your hair every day; thick curly hair typically needs washing only every 2-3 weeks for optimal scalp and hair health. Wash in sections to reduce tangling and damage.
2. Choose sulfate-free shampoos: Look for shampoos without harsh chemicals like sulfates, silicones, alcohols, and parabens that can irritate your scalp.
3. Condition well: Use a thick and moisturizing conditioner on all your hair, not just the ends.
4. Continue conditioning: After washing, apply an oil or leave-in conditioner for better moisture retention.
5. Water: Use water to aid conditioning after washing and, if possible, finish with a cold water rinse to seal the cuticle and boost hair shine.
6. Be gentle with detangling: Wet your hair thoroughly and apply leave-in conditioner before using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb or brush designed for curly hair to detangle. Detangle gently while washing as well.
7. Ditch the brush while hair is dry: Refrain from brushing curly hair when it's dry to prevent breakage and frizz.
8. Protect your scalp: Use a dandruff shampoo only on the scalp, and apply moisturizing shampoo to the rest of your hair.
9. Heat and sun protection: Wear a wide-brimmed hat and keep your hair moisturized to protect it from heat and UV rays.
10. Nighttime care: Sleep with your hair in a loose pineapple-style ponytail or a loose braid to maintain curl definition and avoid friction from your pillowcase.
11. Natural treatments: Consider using natural hair masks with ingredients like avocado, olive oil, eggs, vinegar, and hibiscus for an extra boost.
12. Avoid cotton pillowcases: Switch to a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction that can cause frizz and promote healthier hair while sleeping.

Remember, experimenting with products and techniques is often necessary to find what works best for your specific curly hair type. Board-certified dermatologists are also available for in-depth guidance.