General
How to Properly Care for and Style Curly Hair
Curly hair is beautiful unique and full of character but it also comes with its own set of challenges. From dryness to frizz to managing defined curls without weighing them down many people with curly hair struggle to find the right balance. With the right approach and consistent care curls can transform into a crown of confidence showcasing their natural bounce and shine.
Understanding Curly Hair
The first step in caring for curls is understanding that curly hair is structurally different from straight hair. Because of its twists and turns natural oils from the scalp have a harder time traveling down the strand. This makes curls more prone to dryness breakage and frizz. Knowing this explains why extra hydration gentle handling and specialized products are essential to maintaining healthy curls.
The Importance of Hydration
Moisture is the foundation of curl care. Without it curls can look dull and feel brittle. Hydrating shampoos and conditioners formulated specifically for curls are key. These products cleanse without stripping away natural oils and replenish the moisture curls desperately need. Deep conditioning once a week can also make a big difference by infusing strands with hydration and nutrients.
Leave in conditioners and curl creams are also excellent for locking in moisture throughout the day. Unlike regular conditioners these products remain in the hair providing long lasting softness and helping curls maintain their shape.
Managing Frizz
Frizz is one of the biggest challenges curly haired individuals face. It often occurs when the hair cuticle is raised and moisture from the environment penetrates the strand. To minimize frizz use products that smooth and seal the cuticle. Oils and serums can help create a protective layer while lightweight gels or mousses can define curls without making them stiff.
It is also important to consider how hair is dried. Rubbing with a towel creates friction and leads to frizz. Instead opt for blotting with a microfiber towel or even a cotton T shirt. Air drying is ideal but if you prefer to use a blow dryer attach a diffuser to minimize disruption to the curl pattern.
Gentle Styling Techniques
Styling curly hair requires patience and the right tools. Wide tooth combs or fingers are better than brushes which can cause breakage and frizz. Detangle hair while it is still wet and coated with conditioner to reduce stress on the strands.
Protective hairstyles like braids twists or buns can help prevent damage and preserve moisture. These styles also keep curls defined and manageable between washes. For those who enjoy heat styling it is essential to use a heat protectant to avoid weakening the hair structure.
Nighttime Care for Curls
Caring for curls does not stop when you go to bed. Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase can lead to friction and dryness. Switching to a satin or silk pillowcase allows curls to glide smoothly reducing breakage and frizz. Another effective method is loosely tying curls in a pineapple bun at the top of the head. This keeps curls intact and prevents flattening overnight.
The Role of Regular Trims
Curly hair tends to hide split ends but that does not mean they are not there. Regular trims every 8 to 12 weeks keep curls looking healthy and prevent damage from traveling up the hair shaft. Well maintained ends also give curls better definition and shape.
Embracing Your Natural Texture
One of the most important aspects of curly hair care is learning to embrace and celebrate natural texture. Trying to force curls into styles that do not suit them often leads to damage and frustration. Instead experiment with products and techniques that enhance rather than fight against your natural pattern. When cared for properly curls can be versatile ranging from soft waves to bold coils.
Final Thoughts
Caring for curly hair may require more effort but the results are worth it. With a focus on hydration gentle handling and consistent maintenance curls can thrive and look their best. The right products and techniques not only improve hair health but also make styling easier and more enjoyable. Curly hair is not just a type of hair it is a statement of individuality and beauty that deserves to be nurtured and embraced.
By building a thoughtful routine that prioritizes moisture and care anyone with curls can enjoy the full potential of their natural texture and feel confident in their unique style.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says it recorded a 30 per cent reduction in gas imbalance on the country’s Western Network following the conclusion of its first-half 2026 Nigerian Gas Network Reconciliation (NGNR) Workshop.
The workshop brought together gas transporters, suppliers, shippers and off-takers to reconcile gas volumes traded between January and June 2026, while introducing a Network Entry/Exit Point Measurement Infrastructure Audit Template aimed at improving metering accuracy and accountability across the gas transmission network.
In a communiqué issued after the workshop, the authority said participants also reviewed the performance of the Nigerian Gas Transmission Network, assessed progress on major pipeline infrastructure projects, and received updates on the ELPS Gas Shrinkage Factor and Hydraulic Modelling Project.
Discussions focused on addressing metering gaps, improving network visibility through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) integration, and enhancing system reliability ahead of the commissioning of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Pipeline System.
The workshop adopted key resolutions, including the execution of outstanding Network Exit Agreements, mandatory submission of measurement audit templates and closer collaboration among industry stakeholders to improve network pressure management.
Speaking at the closing session on behalf of the authority’s chief executive, Mr Rabiu A. Umar, the Director of Transportation Systems and Networks, Mr Joseph G. Musa, said the biannual reconciliation exercise had become critical to promoting equitable gas transactions, transparency, investor confidence and efficient network operations.
Mr Musa noted that since the NGNR process was introduced in 2023, it had significantly improved gas measurement, strengthened regulatory compliance through consequence management, reduced operational imbalances and contributed to a more reliable domestic gas supply.
The workshop concluded with participants adopting the reconciled H1 2026 gas volumes, reaffirming the authority’s commitment to a transparent, efficient and reliable domestic gas market.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
An investment that supports growing food and agriculture companies across Africa that strengthen agricultural value chains has been made by Swedfund.
The organisation is putting down about $12 million to strengthen climate resilience in African food systems through the Acumen Resilient Agriculture Fund II (ARAF II).
By improving access to markets, finance and essential services, these companies help smallholder farmers become more resilient to climate and economic shocks.
Over 30 million smallholder farmers operate across Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 80 per cent of all farms and producing 70 per cent of the region’s food (IFAD). Yet many face limited access to finance, quality inputs, reliable buyers and market information. At the same time, they are among those most exposed to climate change and weather-related shocks, which threaten harvests, incomes and food security.
The investment has an ambition to reach around four million smallholder farmers through ARAF II’s portfolio companies. It also aims to meet the criteria of the 2X Challenge, which promotes investments that support women’s economic empowerment.
ARAF II invests in businesses that address key gaps in agricultural value chains, from improving market access and reducing post-harvest losses to expanding financial and digital services for farmers. By helping these businesses grow, the investment aims to improve productivity, strengthen local value chains and increase the resilience of food systems.
Swedfund invests alongside other development finance institutions and investors to help mobilise long-term capital for businesses that often struggle to access financing despite their potential to strengthen food security, climate resilience and economic development across Africa.
“Climate change is already affecting the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers across Africa. Investing in businesses that improve access to markets, finance and agricultural services helps farmers strengthen their resilience, increase productivity and build more stable incomes. That is essential for more resilient food systems,” the Investment Director of Food Systems and Strategic Investments at Swedfund, Ms Helen Hagos, said.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to order a probe into the alleged diversion, disappearance and misapplication of more than N6.79 billion in public funds within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
The grave allegations are documented in the latest Annual Report of the Auditor-General of the Federation published on September 9, 2025.
SERAP said, “Anyone suspected to be responsible—including contractors, companies and public officials implicated in the report—should be promptly prosecuted, while all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition should be fully recovered, secured and properly accounted for.”
In the letter dated August 1, 2026, and signed by SERAP deputy director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The Auditor-General’s findings suggest a grave betrayal of the public trust and raise serious concerns about corruption and the management of public funds, police exhibits, firearms and ammunition.”
SERAP said: “The report also raises serious concerns over missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, creating significant risks to public safety and national security.”
According to the group, “The diversion of funds meant for policing, abandoned security projects, missing firearms and ammunition, and the misuse of police exhibits undermine the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force, weaken public confidence and may contribute to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.”
The letter, read in part: “The report documented numerous alleged financial irregularities within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, and irregular procurement.”
“The report also documented unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims, payments for services allegedly not rendered, and other suspected diversion and misapplication of public funds amounting to over ₦6.79 billion.”
“The allegations also include missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for recovered firearms and other exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, posing serious risks to public safety and national security.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal action to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
Some of the others include: N499,875,500.00 for the construction of Police College Phase II, Bashar, Plateau State; N12,931,000.00 for the rehabilitation of Block B, Department of Logistics and Supply (Works) building, Garki; N111,635,864.64 for the construction of 12 one-bedroom transit camp units and rehabilitation of the administration block at the NPF Pre-retirement Skills Acquisition Centre, Kudana, Kaduna State; N4,011,627.89 inserted as taxes to inflate a contract; N1,938,299,452.00 for 14 ongoing projects that were abandoned; N5,050,000.00 in monetary exhibits released without proper authorisation; N112,026,424.00 for outstanding allowances paid to officers to cover 2020 liabilities; and N6,000,000.00 as annual payment to the Inspector General of Police’s Senior Special Assistant on Revenue and Tax Matters.
Others include N10,080,000.00 as cash advances for the provision of office equipment and accessories for the NPF Database Management Centre; N438,066,845.73 for the supply of bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets and procurement of a Styr Punch Vistar troop carrier; N18,000,000.00 for the training of women in cosmetology and provision of empowerment kits in Ondo Central Senatorial District, Ondo State; N258,989,999.75 for the procurement of 10 JAC patrol vehicles for NPF outpost stations in Kano State; N30,853,250.00 as security allowances for personnel attached to the Ministry of Police Affairs; N681,406,593.18 for the settlement of insurance claims through insurance brokers; N1,628,108,434.18 for outstanding insurance policy liabilities for 2020/2021; N57,484,515.30 for the procurement of video cameras, customised umbrellas, gift bags and customised towels for the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Office; N7,760,409.56 in withholding tax and value added tax that was not deducted from contracts awarded.
