Curly hair is beautiful and unique but can also be challenging to style and maintain. Curly hair tends to lose shape and definition, become frizzy and dry, or look limp and flat. That’s why curly hair needs a special styling tool to enhance and hold its natural curl pattern while providing volume, lift, and protection. That’s where a hair pick comes in.
A hair pick is a comb with wide and long teeth and a handle that can be used to lift and fluff the hair. A hair pick is specially designed for curly hair, as it helps to define and shape the curls without breaking or disrupting them. It can also be used on dry hair to refresh and revive your curls between washes.
How to Choose the Best Hair Pick for Your Curly Hair Type and Needs
Curly hair, classified as type 3 or 4, exhibits a spiral or coiled shape when dries. This hair type can be further divided into four subtypes: 3A, 3B, 3C, and 4A, based on the size and definition of the curls. To enhance and manage the unique characteristics of wavy hair, individuals often turn to specialized products like curly hair cream, which helps nourish and define curls, providing the desired texture and style.
- Type 3A curly hair has loose and large curls about the size of sidewalk chalk. Type 3A curly hair can easily lose shape and become frizzy or flat.
- Type 3B curly hair has more defined and springy curls about the size of a marker. Type 3B curly hair can be more prone to dryness and breakage than 3A hair.
- Type 3C curly hair has the tightest and most defined curls of all the type 3 hair types. Type 3C curly hair is about the size of a pencil or a straw. Type 3C curly hair can be more resistant to styling and frizzy than 3A or 3B hair.
- Type 4A curly hair has coiled and dense curls about the size. Type 4A curly hair can be more fragile and prone to shrinkage than type 3 hair.
The best hair pick for your curly hair type should match your curl pattern and texture and address your specific hair concerns and goals. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best hair pick for your curly hair:
- The material: The material of the hair pick can affect how it glides through your hair and interacts with your hair products and the environment. Different materials have different benefits and drawbacks and may suit different curly hair types and needs. For example, if you have metal hair picks, they are more durable and sturdy than plastic or wooden hair picks, and they can also help to distribute heat evenly if you use a hair dryer. However, metal hair picks can also cause more friction and static in your hair, and they can also react with some hair products and cause discolouration or damage. If you have plastic hair picks, they are more lightweight and affordable than metal or wooden hair picks, and they can also help to reduce frizz and flyaways in your hair.
- The size: The size of the hair pick can affect how it fits in your hand and covers your hair surface. Different sizes have advantages and disadvantages and may suit different curly hair types and needs. For example, if you have a large hair pick, it can help you lift and fluff your hair more quickly and easily and create more volume and height in your hair. However, a large hair pick can also be bulkier and heavier to hold, and it can also cause more tangles and knots in your hair if not used carefully. If you have a small hair pick, it can help you target and define specific areas or sections of your hair and create more precision and detail in your hair.
- The shape: The shape of the hair pick can affect how it conforms to your scalp and hair curvature and creates your desired style. Different shapes have different functions and effects and may suit different curly hair types and needs. For example, if you have a round hair pick, it can help you create more rounded and natural-looking curls and adapt to your scalp and hair shape more easily. However, a round hair pick can also create less definition and separation in your curls and cause more frizz and flyaways in your hair if not used gently. If you have a flat hair pick, it can help you create more flat and sleek-looking curls and create more definition and separation in your curls.
How to Use a Hair Pick for the Best Results
Once you have chosen the best hair pick for your curly hair type and needs, here are some tips on how to use it for the best results:
- Wash and condition your hair as usual, using products suitable for your curly hair type and needs. Rinse your hair well, and gently squeeze the excess water with a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt to avoid frizz and breakage.
- Use your fingers, a wide-tooth comb, or a curl brush to distribute the product evenly throughout your hair and to detangle any knots or snags. Curling cream is a styling cream that helps define and shape your natural curls without weighing them down or making them crunchy. The type 2 curly hair products also help to smooth and seal the cuticle, lock in moisture, and reduce frizz and flyaways. It can also be used on dry hair to refresh and revive your curls between washes.
- Depending on your curl type and preference, you can use different techniques to apply the curling cream and shape your curls, such as raking, scrunching, or twisting. Raking involves running your fingers through your hair, from the roots to the ends, to separate and define your curls. Scrunching involves squeezing your hair in your palms, from the ends to the roots, to create more volume and bounce.
- Once you have applied the curling cream and shaped your curls. If you use a diffuser, use a low heat and speed setting and move the diffuser gently around your head without touching or disturbing your curls.
- You can also use a hair pick to lift your roots and create more height and fullness. Avoid using a brush or a fine-tooth comb, as they may disrupt your curl pattern and cause frizz and breakage.
- To use a hair pick, start by flipping your hair upside down and gently inserting the teeth of the hair pick into your roots, about an inch away from your scalp. Do not comb or drag the hair pick through your hair, as this will cause frizz and damage. Instead, gently lift the hair pick up and away from your scalp, creating a slight tension in your roots. Repeat this process all over your head until you achieve your desired volume and height.
- To finish your style, use a shine spray or hair oil to add gloss and smoothness to your curls, seal the moisture and prevent frizz. You can also use a hairspray or a gel to add some hold and definition to your curls and to protect them from humidity, wind, or heat.
Conclusion
To choose the best hair pick for your curly hair type and needs, you need to consider the material, size, and shape of the hair pick and look for a hair pick that suits them. To use a hair pick for the best results, apply it to dry hair after washing, conditioning, and styling your hair with curling cream and a diffuser. You must also use it gently and carefully, without combing or dragging it through your hair, and only lifting your roots and creating tension. You can also use a shine spray, hair oil, hairspray, or a gel to finish your style and add some gloss, smoothness, hold, and definition to your curls. By following these tips, you can master the art of using a hair pick for curly hair.
