In early 2020 African Pride made its debut on the emmy-winning talk show The Real. Our unique African Pride curl care guide, otherwise known as the #CoilyGirlMethod was featured in depth and we couldn’t be happier to represent natural hair care, especially for all our Type 4 ladies out there.

We were thrilled to be featured on such a wonderfully diverse show with hosts who are as influential as they are authentic. The diverse co-hosts of The Real strive to be a trusted voice in speaking on topics that are culturally relevant to women of color. 

They have poignant, authentic conversations about beauty standards, the beauty industry, and the best products, while acknowledging that it’s more than just hair. 

We admire The Real’s commitment to talking about natural hair as any conversation about black hair must also consider the culture and politics that surround it. The Real had an awesome segment for Tamera’s first-time wearing her natural curls on the show titled “Don’t Touch My Hair,” and another “Let’s Talk About Natural Hair” featuring Remy Ma. 

The Real not only knows how to talk about natural hair, but they genuinely care about black hair care and how we navigate the political climate that comes with it.

During our segment on The Real (watch it here!) we went into detail about African Pride’s 5-step #CoilyGirlMethod featuring our Moisture Miracle collection

We understand the needs of curly and coily hair and this tried and true natural hair care regimen will ensure your natural hair is healthy, manageable, and beautiful. Read on to see the African Pride curl care steps and get ready to make the most of your next wash day.

African Pride Curl Care Steps: #CoilyGirlMethod

Step 1: Detangle Unwashed Hair

One of the most important steps on wash day is one that you might actually be overlooking or completely forgetting to do. Using a gentle pre-shampoo is an integral first step on wash day. This is the perfect way to detangle strands and prep your curls for washing. 

Incorporating a Pre-Shampoo into your wash day regimen also helps to minimize breakage and defines coils. This lightweight cream moisturizes and detangles hair using the natural benefits of Aloe Vera and Coconut Water. 

It works to condition, protect and remove tangles from natural coils; leaving hair soft and easy to manage during cleansing and styling.

This is an especially important step if you leave lots of time in between washing sessions, are taking your hair out of a protective style, or need an extra boost of hydration.

Step 2: Cleanse and Condition Curls

After you’ve detangled your curls, get rid of all the product buildup in your hair with a gentle shampoo and restorative conditioner. Still skipping shampoo? Studies have shown that this can be damaging to your hair’s overall health. 

Maintain healthy, hydrated coils with our sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner duo that are infused with honey, coconut oil, and chocolate. This moisturizing combination removes dirt and buildup without stripping your strands of their natural oils. 

The easiest way to do this? Divide your hair into sections, shampooing and conditioning each section individually. This ensures every strand gets some love and makes the whole process much easier. Your hair will be left soft, shiny, and smooth.

Step 3: Hydrate and Replenish Hair

The last thing you want to do after all that work is to have your coils dry out again. But, the more you hydrate, the easier your future wash days will become (and the better your hair will look in between). 

Adding a rich Leave-In Conditioner ensures curls are hydrated and manageable. Sure you just conditioned your hair, but including this extra step is highly important to maintaining hair health.

As you most likely know, natural hair is more susceptible to damage and breakage when wet. Similarly, when you wash your hair the process can strip away some of your hair’s natural moisture. 

A liquid leave-in conditioner provides the foundation of moisture that coily styles need and a nourishing blend of coconut milk & honey give hair an extra layer of protection against breakage plus long-lasting moisture.

Step 4: Moisturize and Define Curls

Not only does this step help define each unique coil, it gives strands extra shine, and provides extra moisture (in case that leave-in conditioner wasn’t enough). Whether you’re doing a twist out, braid out, or finger coils, our African Pride curl cream styler will provide tons of moisture and definition without all the frizz and flakes. 

One of the best things you can do after washing, conditioning, and applying leave-in conditioner is to put your hair in a protective style. Here you’ve got lots of options. Slap on a wig and call it a day if you want. If you’ve got the coin or the skills, try some cornrows or box braids. If you want to really show out with the inches you got, go for something like a flat twist-out or two-strand twist out.

Step 5: Seal and Protect Hair

Lastly, either during or after you’ve put your hair into a protective style, lock in all that good moisture and shine. Protect your coil definition with a restorative oil. African Pride’s 5 Essential Oils use a nourishing blend of essential oils, including vitamin E to replenish your hair’s natural nutrients, protect against breakage, and promote natural hair growth. 

Over the next few days (or weeks) your scalp and strands are going to dry out. You can repeat this step as needed between wash days to maintain your curls bounce, shine, and moisture.

Your unique curls are a part of you and elevate your natural beauty. Caring for your curls is just as important as how you take care of the rest of your body. We’ve developed the #CoilyGirlMethod as an expression of self-love. 

Our individuality extends to our coils and we want you to look and feel your best, to celebrate your coils, your uniqueness,and show the world the magic within our tightly-coiled, curly hair.

Wash day is so much more than just a day when you wash and care for your curls and coils. It’s a day when you set out a specific time to care for your hair. Try your best to not see it as work, but use it as a day of self-care, indulgence, and celebration.