The curly fade haircut has become a popular choice for men who want to showcase their natural hair texture while maintaining a fresh, stylish look. This combination of sharp, tapered sides and voluminous, textured curls on top can create a striking appearance that stands out in a crowd. However, achieving and maintaining this hairstyle involves more than just a visit to the barber. To keep your curly fade looking its best, there are some common pitfalls to avoid. Here’s a breakdown of expert advice on how to steer clear of these mistakes and maintain a perfect curly fade.
1. Choosing the Wrong Barber
One of the most significant mistakes you can make is choosing a barber who isn’t experienced with curly hair and fades. Not every barber has the expertise required to handle the unique needs of curly hair, which can be prone to frizz, dryness, and uneven cutting if not handled properly.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Do your research: Look for barbers with a reputation for cutting curly hair and executing fade styles. Check online reviews and ask friends or acquaintances for recommendations.
- Consult before committing: Visit the barber for a consultation before your haircut. Discuss your hair type, preferred style, and maintenance routine to ensure they understand your vision.
2. Overwashing Your Hair
Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair due to its structure, which makes it difficult for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. Overwashing can strip away these essential oils, leading to frizzy, brittle hair that lacks definition.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Limit shampooing: Wash your hair no more than two to three times a week using a sulfate-free shampoo.
- Co-wash: On non-shampoo days, use a conditioner to cleanse your hair without removing moisture.
- Hydrate regularly: Always follow up with a good conditioner and use a leave-in product to maintain moisture levels.
3. Neglecting Regular Barber Visits
The fade portion of your haircut can lose its sharp appearance relatively quickly as your hair grows out. A common mistake is waiting too long between barber visits, which can make your haircut look unkempt.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Schedule routine trims: Visit your barber every two to three weeks to keep your fade looking fresh.
- DIY touch-ups: If you’re comfortable doing minor touch-ups at home, invest in a quality trimmer to maintain clean lines between barber visits. Just be sure not to cut too high into the fade.
4. Using the Wrong Products
Product selection is crucial for curly hair, but using the wrong products can weigh your curls down, make them look greasy, or lead to build-up on the scalp. Heavy gels and pomades can flatten curls, while products with harsh chemicals can dry them out.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Choose lightweight, curl-friendly products: Opt for curl creams, mousses, and leave-in conditioners that are designed specifically for curly hair.
- Avoid alcohol-based products: Alcohol can dry out your hair, making your curls frizzy and unmanageable. Always check the ingredients before buying styling products.
5. Skipping Heat Protection
If you use heat tools to style or diffuse your hair, not using a heat protectant can be a significant oversight. High heat can damage the hair cuticle, leading to breakage and a lack of curl definition.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Always apply a heat protectant: Before using a blow dryer or diffuser, apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
- Use low heat settings: When using a blow dryer, always choose the lowest heat setting to protect your curls’ integrity.
6. Incorrect Styling Techniques
Styling your curls properly is essential to maintain the shape and texture of your haircut. Many people make the mistake of roughly towel-drying their hair or using the wrong techniques that disrupt their curl pattern.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Pat dry with a microfiber towel: Instead of rubbing your hair with a regular towel, gently pat it dry with a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to minimize frizz and prevent breakage.
- Scrunch while applying products: Apply curl-defining products by scrunching your hair upward. This helps to enhance your natural curl shape and adds volume.
7. Not Protecting Your Hair at Night
Nighttime care is often overlooked, but sleeping without proper protection can cause curls to flatten, frizz, or lose their shape.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Use a silk or satin pillowcase: Unlike cotton, silk and satin reduce friction and help your curls maintain their shape.
- Wrap your hair: For extra protection, use a silk or satin headscarf to keep your curls in place while you sleep.
8. Ignoring Scalp Health
Maintaining a healthy scalp is crucial for healthy hair growth and appearance. Failing to care for your scalp can lead to dryness, itchiness, and even dandruff, which can affect the look of your fade and curls.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Exfoliate your scalp: Use a gentle scalp scrub or a soft brush to remove product build-up and dead skin.
- Moisturize: Apply a light, non-greasy oil to your scalp to keep it hydrated.
